The West Orange Police Department has informed us that a string of home burglaries have occurred in the vicinity of the South Orange/West Orange border. In some instances, access to the home was gained through an unlocked door while the residents were at home sleeping.

We are asking that ALL residents take the following precautions to prevent becoming the next victim.

1. Make sure all entrance doors to your home are locked at all times.
2. If you have an alarm system, turn it on, even if you leave the house for just a few minutes.
3. If you can, install motion detector lights on all home entrance.
4. Do not leave valuables close to a door or window where they can be seen clearly from outside.

The police department is encouraging all residents to continue reporting any suspicious activities in your area.

For emergencies call 911
For non-emergencies call WOPD at 973-325-4000

The Patch created an interactive map with the details of all the burglaries from Millburn to West Orange.
Read more in The Patch

The West Orange Patch covered last night’s Valley Community Watch sponsored Council Candidates Night at Hazel Avenue School. All three candidates for a single township council member seat answered questions provided in advance by area residents. See full coverage here: www.westorange.patch.com

Video courtesy of westorange.patch.com

Thursday, October 6, 2010 at 9am
West Orange Municipal Building

To kick off the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the township of West Orange, along with the North Jersey Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, will tie 8-foot long ribbons on the municipal building on Main Street.

Breast cancer survivor and Valley resident, Laura Sullivan will help Parisi tie the ribbons in a ceremony Thursday at 9 a.m. on the steps of the township’s municipal building.

The Tie a Ribbon™ campaign, held every October in recognition of breast cancer awareness month, was developed to raise awareness and spread the life-saving message of early detection. Ribbons are available (for a suggested donation of $5.00) at:
Komen North Jersey Affiliate Office
785 Springfield Avenue, Summit

Download the township press release
Read the West Orange Patch article

West Orange will hold a special election on Tuesday, November 2 for one council member-at-large.

Anyone interested in running for office should contact the Office of the Essex County Clerk at 973-621-4923 ext. 227.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010
West Orange Health Center, located in the John P. Renna, Jr. House at 10 Gaston St.

The West Orange Health Department, in partnership with UMDNJ through the S.A.V.E. Program, will be offering free breast exams, pap tests, and mammograms for women with no medical insurance.

Women must be residents of West Orange, at least 40 years old and meet program income level eligibility guidelines. Prior application is necessary. Limited spaces are available. For an application, contact the West Orange Health Center at 973-325-4130.

Mayor Parisi is continuing his open office hours in September. Residents are welcome to meet with Mayor Parisi on a first-come, first-serve basis to address any concerns or ideas. No appointments are necessary.

Thursday, September 16, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
6:30-8:30 PM
Township Hall, 66 Main Street

For more information:
Call the Mayor’s office at (973) 325-4100
Contact Jessica Glicker at (973) 325.4133 or jglicker@westorange.org

The day of the West Orange town picnic is Sunday, September 19th, not Friday. Sorry for the error. Get all the details here: http://www.valleycommunitywatch.com/2010/09/13/wo-town-picnic/

The winners of our first annual garden contest were presented with their prizes during out last meeting. They each received  gift certificates for Pleasantdale Nurseries.

Mayor Parisi attended the meeting and said our contest inspired him to try to create one for the township. He said that in general there would be a greater focus on the apprearance of township properties.

Each member of the West Orange Town Council sat down with the West Orange Patch to create a short video of their message to the community for the upcoming year.

View the videos

Patch.org is, “a community-specific news and information platform dedicated to providing comprehensive and trusted local coverage for individual towns and communities.” It was formed in March, 2010 and currently serves communities in nine states. See the current list of West Orange Patch contributors. Scroll to the bottom to read more about the Patch.

West Orange will begin its first property tax revaluation since 1984. “It’s a requirement in New Jersey and West Orange is long overdue” said township Mayor Robert Parisi.

West Orange residents were sent a letter dated May 2010 to inform them of the process. Township officials said homeowners will receive another letter this week informing them that the revaluation has started.

Inspectors from Appraisal Systems, Inc. (ASI) will conduct interior and exterior inspections in the township and will photograph the exterior properties. All inspectors are provided with authorized photo identification. These badges have an inspector number with their first and last name and their picture. A list of inspectors is featured on the ASI website with the streets where they are working.

To verify inspectors, click here and click on “Inspector Locations.” Residents can scroll to see a picture of the inspector and the streets he/she is working.

For more information, contact the township’s tax assessor’s office at (973) 325-4060 or ASI directly at (201) 493-8530.