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Articles by Joseph Fagan
Honoring History: REV 250NJ on Display at the West Orange Public Library
WEST ORANGE, NJ – The West Orange Public Library, located at 10 Rooney Circle, is hosting a traveling exhibit from REV 250NJ that commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The exhibit will be on view through January 22 during regular library hours.
Remembering Richard J. Codey as One of West Orange’s Four Former Governors
WEST ORANGE, NJ – Since the adoption of the New Jersey Constitution in 1844, only fifty-five men and one woman have served as Governor of the State of New Jersey. West Orange holds a unique place in that history, having been home to four former governors, more than any other municipality in the state. All four served after the 1844 Constitution and began their gubernatorial terms after West Orange became an independent township in 1863. The first was George B.
West Orange Comes Together for the Menorah Lighting at Town Hall
WEST ORANGE, NJ – Mayor McCartney along with Council President Joe Krakoviak, Councilwoman Michelle Casalino, Councilwoman Joyce Rudin, Councilwoman Susan Scarpa and Councilwoman Tammy Williams joined the West Orange community on December 15 as they came together for a meaningful Menorah Lighting in front of West Orange Town Hall. The annual event celebrating the Festival of Lights is led each year by Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz from Chabad of West Orange.
Council Member Williams Sworn in at West Orange Township Council Meeting
WEST ORANGE, NJ – The Conference Agenda for the West Orange Township Council Meeting on November 24 featured informative and energetic presentations in raising awareness and showcasing municipal government at work as the community moves into the Thanksgiving holiday season. Mayor McCartney issued a proclamation for World Pancreatic Cancer Day. The day shines a light on one of the deadliest cancers and the urgent need for early detection, research and support.
West Orange Pays Warm Tribute on a Cold Veterans Day to Those Who Served
WEST ORANGE, NJ – The flags at West Orange’s Veterans Plaza symbolized resilience and fluttered proudly against swirling winds and biting cold during the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11. The ceremony is held each year on Main Street in the shadow of Town Hall. Despite the brisk conditions, the warmth of the community was unmistakable as residents gathered in a shared spirit of reverence and gratitude to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.
West Orange Dedicates Ridgeway Park in Honor of Susan O. Borg
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- The Township of West Orange officially rededicated Ridgeway Park as Susan O. Borg Park on Sunday, October 19th. The renaming honors the late township planner who passed away in 2019. Her vision and expertise are credited with helping shape West Orange’s development for over three decades. The dedication ceremony brought together Township officials, community leaders, and residents to celebrate Borg’s legacy of innovation, collaboration, and civic dedication.
West Orange Police & Fire Promotions and Swearing-In Ceremony Held in Council Chambers
WEST ORANGE, NJ – Mayor McCartney presided over a special ceremony on October 8 recognizing promotions within the West Orange Police Department and a swearing-in for the Fire Department. The event took place in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, where proud family members, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the honorees’ achievements and new responsibilities. The Mayor was joined by Police Chief James Abbott and Fire Chief Anthony Vecchio, who assisted in the proceedings.
Township Council Honors West Orange PAL Youth for Recent Achievements
WEST ORANGE, NJ – At the Township Council meeting on September 30, Mayor Susan McCartney and the Township Council proudly recognized the outstanding contributions and recent achievements of the West Orange Police Athletic League (PAL). In the absence of Council President Joe Krakoviak, who was away on vacation, Councilwoman Michelle Casalino was selected by her colleagues to serve as Acting Council President for the evening.
West Orange Mayor Receives Award
WEST ORANGE, NJ – On September 20, Mayor Susan McCartney received the NIA Purpose Partnership Exemplary Award, presented by Reverend Alphonsus Platt, Pastor of NIA Fellowship Baptist Church. The presentation took place during the church’s Consecration Weekend, celebrated this past Saturday and Sunday. NIA Fellowship Baptist Church, located at 174 South Valley Road in West Orange, is in its 11th year of ministry.
David Cassidy Honored with Historical Marker in West Orange
WEST ORANGE, NJ – David Cassidy, the beloved 1970s pop icon best known for his starring role as Keith Partridge in “The Partridge Family” and a series of chart-topping solo hits, spent a meaningful part of his early life in West Orange, New Jersey. Long before he became a teen idol and international sensation, David lived with his maternal grandparents in a home on Elm Street, just steps away from Colgate Field.
Hazel Elementary Third Graders Engaged in West Orange Town Hall Field Trip
WEST ORANGE, NJ – Mayor McCartney once again welcomed a group of elementary school students to town hall for an engaging and interactive field trip. This time, third-graders from Hazel Elementary School visited Council Chambers for a hands-on civics lesson with the Mayor and various department heads.
West Orange Memorial Day Ceremony to Honor 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War’s End
WEST ORANGE, NJ – This year’s Annual West Orange Memorial Day Ceremony holds special meaning as it marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. In recognition of this milestone, the ceremony will pay tribute to the often-overlooked courage, sacrifice, and legacy of Vietnam veterans. The event will take place on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. on the steps of West Orange Town Hall, located at 66 Main Street.
West Orange's Redwood Elementary Third Graders Experience Local Government Firsthand
WEST ORANGE, NJ – Civic education leapt off the pages of textbooks for West Orange's Redwood Elementary School’s third grade class on May 1, 2025, as they took part in an interactive field trip to West Orange Town Hall. The visit provided students with a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how local government functions and serves its citizens.
West Orange Chief of Police James Abbott is Retiring After 45 Years With the Township
WEST ORANGE, NJ – After over 45 years with the Township, West Orange Police Chief James P. Abbott has publicly announced his retirement effective December 1st, 2025. Chief Abbott also served as the Township’s Director of Staff Operations from 2014 until being tapped as the Business Administrator in September 2023. In all, Chief Abbott held a second full-time job with the Township for over 11 years.
West Orange Receives $15,000 Safety Award for Risk Management Excellence
WEST ORANGE, NJ – West Orange is one of 36 municipalities in New Jersey that participates in the Garden State Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (GSMJIF). The GSMJIF manages a property and casualty fund that provides commercial insurance to municipalities, emphasizing long-term, cost-effective risk management strategies. In recognition of its outstanding performance, the Township of West Orange was one of only four municipalities statewide to receive the 2024 GSMJIF No Accidents Award.
West Orange’s Green Parade Stripe on Main Street has Some Frosty Competition
WEST ORANGE, NJ – As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the world transforms into a sea of green. Storefronts become draped in shamrocks, homes are decked out in festive decor, and rivers in major cities are dyed an almost suspiciously neon shade of green. In West Orange, the beloved tradition of painting a bright green stripe down Main Street signals the arrival of the town’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. But this year, something unexpected has thrown a leprechaun-sized snowcap hat into the ring.
Writing a Book…
Joseph Fagan · Follow 3 min read · -- I wanted to share this with my readers here on Medium, that I am writing a book and this book is about surrender and letting go of fear and control. It’s title was given to me in a channeling session. Giving up to Win Big: Letting Go of Fear and Control of Your Life. The title is a bit cheeky, a play on words because of course it's not at all about giving up, but rather allowing through surrender.
The Safe Exchange Zone is a Secure Community Space for Public Transactions
WEST ORANGE, NJ – The lobby of the West Orange Police Headquarters, located at 66 Main Street, is a designated Safe Exchange Zone. It is a secure, public space for any legal in-person transaction. Whether meeting for an online marketplace exchange, a custody swap, or other in-person contact, all transactions can be conducted here with added confidence in a protected environment.
Afternoon Cream Tea Brings Warmth and Joy to Older Adults Outing
SUMMIT, NJ – On a recent February afternoon, older adult residents of West Orange enjoyed a delightful Cream Tea at the quaint DeBary Inn in Summit, NJ, courtesy of West Orange Senior Transportation. The afternoon outing was run by West Orange Senior Services. The cozy gathering featured warm tea, delicious treats and engaging companionship, which was an ideal way to ward off the winter chill.
The Truth of Oneness…
Joseph Fagan · Follow 4 min read · -- I was in the shower and I began asking aloud questions about oneness and why it is important to know we are one. The answers were so fascinating, when I got out of the shower I began writing them down. If Source values experiencing individuality through us, why is it important for us to know we are more than just physical beings and connected to Source? What is important to you, is important to me.
New West Orange Town Council Members Take Oath of Office & New President is Chosen
WEST ORANGE, NJ – The new West Orange Township Council members were sworn in to start the New Year at their first meeting on January 6. Council Chambers was filled to near capacity as family, friends and supporters witnessed the ceremony. Municipal Judge Harry Starrett administered the Oath of Office to new council member Joe Krakoviak. Maplewood Mayor Nancy Adams administered the oath to new council member Joyce Rudin. Senator John McKeon administered the oath to reelected Michelle Casalino.
Day Pitney Grows Energy Team with Washington, D.C. Partner Mark Williams
Day Pitney LLP is pleased to announce that Mark C. Williams has joined the firm's Energy practice as a Partner in its Washington, D.C. office. Williams brings more than 30 years of experience in the sector to the firm's nationally ranked practice.
Mayor McCartney Delivers Keynote Address at Naturalization Ceremony Held in West Orange
WEST ORANGE, NJ – West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney was the keynote speaker at a Naturalization Ceremonyheld at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park (TENHP) on October 30. Alexander Parody, Chief of Interpretation and Education of TENHP delivered the Opening Remarks. The Administration of the Oath of Allegiance was made by Ceclia Jordon the Field Office Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office (USCIS) in Newark.
A Skewed Perspective:
Joseph Fagan · Follow 4 min read · -- Why Comparing Pain Reduces Empathy and Gratitude When we experience pain, either emotional or physical we experience it in our own unique way. What might seem small to one person could feel overwhelming to another. So why would we seek to suppress or minimize or invalidate anyone else’s suffering? Good intentions, that’s why.
West Orange Police Catch Cyber-Criminal and Warn Residents of On-line Scammers
WEST ORANGE, NJ – In a world increasingly driven by technology, crimes have evolved. No longer are thieves confined to activities in just physical spaces because they lurk in the often-obscure digital shadows of cyberspace. This past June, a West Orange resident fell victim to a complicated computer fraud popularly known as the “Norton Scam”. They received an official looking email with a billing statement from “Symantec Norton Associates”.
Posting in Facebook Groups Doesn’t Substitute for Professional Law Enforcement
WEST ORANGE, NJ – In today’s connected world, social media platforms like Facebook have become go-to places for sharing local news, incidents, and neighborhood concerns. It’s not uncommon to see posts about suspicious activities, minor crimes or even lost pets on local Facebook groups. These posts can help raise awareness and can be useful for keeping the community informed and aware of potential dangers.
Eagle Scout Project Provides Grassroots Solution to Address Hunger
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Mayor McCartney signed the Eagle Scout beneficiary form for Brandon Chen, who installed 3 non-perishable food pantries along the Main Street corridor. Chen, who belongs to West Orange Boy Scout Troop 2, was inspired by food insecurity he witnessed during the pandemic. For Chen, it was his call to action to help his community that transformed into his recently completed Eagle Scout Project. Known as Little Food Pantries, they are modeled after the Little Free Library concept.
Call to Action for Early Detection Brings Message of Hope to West Orange
WEST ORANGE, NJ – October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985. It was created as an annual campaign to educate the public through awareness, honor survivors, and encourage greater action towards research. The PINK Breast Center with 16 Image Care Radiology centers in New Jersey brought their PINK Warriors to the steps of West Orange Town Hall this past Thursday to deliver their message of hope.
West Orange’s Finest Help Distribute Donated Supplies to Kick Start School Year
Photo Credit: Police Officer Karen Mango Photo Credit: Police Officer Karen Mango Photo Credit: Police Officer Karen Mango Photo Credit: Police Officer Karen Mango Police Officer Karen Mango WEST ORANGE, NJ -- The anticipation of each new school year can be both exciting and nerve racking for many students and parents. Starting off with the right school supplies can help ease the burden as it sets the tone for success and organization.
Recent D.C. Circuit Decisions Shed Light on FERC Review of Natural Gas Certificate Applications
Recent decisions from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the Court) address challenges of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or the Commission) decisions to grant certificate applications for the construction and operation of different interstate gas facilities. The Court's recent decisions in Food & Water Watch v. FERC (Food & Water),[1] New Jersey Conservation Foundation et al. v. FERC (NJ Conservation),[2] Healthy Gulf v.
Legal Firms Representing West Orange Named to Best Lawyers in America® List
WOODBRIDGE/LIVINGSTON, NJ -- The Woodbridge firm of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer had 49 attorneys named to the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In addition, the Livingston firm of Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian had eight attorneys named on the list. Both firms represent West Orange Township in various capacities of legal matters. The list highlights specific categories of expertise for each attorney within the firm for both Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®.
West Orange Resident Namie Colace Celebrates 100th Birthday
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Namie Colace was born in Naples, Italy on August 9, 1924, and now resides at Arden Courts in West Orange. Mayor McCartney paid a brief visit this past Friday during a 100th birthday celebration given by her family and friends. The Mayor joined several generations of her descendants to mark the occasion with a photo op before reading a proclamation highlighting her century-long journey.
Japanese Exchange Students Visit West Orange
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney was on hand Friday as members of the West Orange Rotary Club welcomed Japanese Exchange students to West Orange. The Club hosted a brief luncheon ceremony at Turtle Back Zoo following their visit to the Thomas Edison National Historical Park earlier in the day. Mayor McCartney greeted each student, speaking through an interpreter, as she presented them with a neck wallet on a lanyard featuring West Orange’s iconic logo as a gift souvenir.
West Orange Receives $950,000 Funding Allotment for Street Improvements
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- An email from New Jersey State Department of Transportation Commissioner Francis K. O’Conner informed West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney on July 18 that West Orange Township will receive an allotment of $950,000 for street improvements. The email from Commissioner O’Conner stated funding will be provided through the Local Transportation Projects Fund in West Orange for improvements on South Valley Road, Union Street, Nassau Street, and Wheatland Avenue in the Township.
Supreme Court Overturning Chevron Leaves a Wake of Regulatory Uncertainty for Employment and Energy Agency Actions
Summary of Supreme Court opinion in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless v.
Edison Funeral Flag Returns to Edison Library After 93 Years
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- The flag that draped Thomas Edison’s coffin in October 1931 will be on display for a one-day event on Saturday, June 1, 2024. It will be on display during the West Orange Street Fair in the library at the Thomas Edison Historical Park where Edison laid in state. Admission to the site where the flag will be seen will be free for the day. The little known and mostly forgotten story of the flag is well documented in several newspaper articles.
West Orange Rededicates World War II Honor Roll on Memorial Day
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Sunshine peaked through threatening skies as several hundred attendees witnessed the Township’s annual Memorial Day ceremony at West Orange Town Hall on Monday. This year marked the re-dedication of the West Orange Honor Roll on its 80th anniversary. It was originally dedicated at Town Hall on Memorial Day in 1944 with 3,000 people in attendance. The Honor Roll lists 3,680 names of West Orange residents who served in all branches of the military during World War II.
West Orange Dog Park Opens to Barks of Approval
Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan WEST ORANGE, NJ -- The opening ceremony for West Orange’s first dog park was hosted by Mayor McCartney on May 19th. The park is located on Executive Drive adjacent to the Stonehill Apartments behind the West Orange ShopRite.
West Orange Dog Park Opens to Barks of Approval
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- The opening ceremony for West Orange’s first dog park was hosted by Mayor McCartney on May 19th. The park is located on Executive Drive adjacent to the Stonehill Apartments behind the West Orange ShopRite. It is also just a short distance from the West Orange Public Library. The dog park complex features a small area exclusively for dogs under 25 pounds and a larger area for canines of all sizes.
Echoes of Valor: The Legacy of WWII Veterans to be Remembered in West Orange
WEST ORANGE, NJ is widely recognized as New Jersey’s Most Decorated community. This year’s Annual Memorial Day ceremony will demonstrate why with special significance. The West Orange Honor Roll (WOHR) on the First Floor of Town Hall will be rededicated. It lists the names of over 3,600 West Orange residents from all branches of the military that served in WWII. It was originally dedicated on the Town Hall’s front lawn in 1944 before being moved inside a few years later.
Engineering History Made in West Orange
Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Mayor McCartney swore in Zayibeth Carballo as the new West Orange Municipal Engineer and Director of Engineering during the Conference Agenda of the Township Council Meeting on May 7. Business Administrator/Police Chief James Abbott held the bible. The Township Council posed with Carballo after the brief ceremony to mark the historic occasion.
Goodwill Tour Comes to West Orange and Fosters Understanding
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Mayor McCartney welcomed 25 visiting delegates from China to West Orange Town Hall on Thursday. They come from the regions of Beijing, Shanghai and Canton Provinces. They are touring the United States on a good will mission to enhance the relationship between the Chinese and American people. West Orange Public Relations Commissioner Dr. Josie Velez arranged the visit with the American African Asian Chamber of Commerce of Flushing NY.
Mayor Issues Autism Awareness Month Proclamation
Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Council Members Michelle Casalino, Sue Scarpo, Lisa Adams, Mayor Susan McCartney, Pastor Doug Adams, & Council Member Tammy Williams. Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Council Members Michelle Casalino, Sue Scarpo, Lisa Adams, Mayor Susan McCartney, Pastor Doug Adams, & Council Member Tammy Williams.
In a World Where you Can be Anything… Be Kind
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- In a world that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent, kindness is just not a simple act, it is a lifestyle. That was the underlying theme of the message delivered by West Orange Public Relations Commission Chairwoman Josefina Velez at the Conference Agenda at the Township Council Meeting on April 24. She was welcomed to the meeting by Councilwoman Michelle Casalino,, who was voted in by her colleagues as interim Council President.
History Repeats Itself at Re-Opening of Edison’s Black Maria
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- The Thomas Edison National Historical Park (TENHP) in West Orange hosted a brief ceremony on Saturday, April 20 for the re-opening of Thomas Edison’s Black Maria. The building is a replica constructed in 1954 of the world’s first motion picture studio. The original, opened in 1892, once stood near the now familiar landmark of the Edison Water tower and was torn down in about 1903. Re-opening represents the first public access to the building since the mid-1980s.
West Orange Township Council Helps Secure Discount for Neighborhood Project
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Crosswalks are more than just painted lines on the road and are a vital component that provides for the safety of pedestrians and school children. Maintaining their visibility is important, so they alert motorists to yield to pedestrians. Safety is always a high priority for Township officials, who recognize the need to be proactive in project planning.
The Model T Ford Gifted to Edison by Henry Ford is Driving History
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Mayor Susan McCartney, Mayor Janice Kovach Clinton (Hunterdon County) and Mayor Colleen Mahr Fanwood (Union County) pose during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park (TENHP) on Main Street. Several hundred guests were on hand to witness a ceremony for the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s unveiling of a 1913 Model T Ford gifted by Henry Ford to Thomas Edison.
Mayor Welcomes New Business to West Orange
Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Mayor McCartney welcomed Dr. Alexandra Genis and her staff of Rising Stars Pediatric Physical Therapy to West Orange. A brief ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday at the new facility located at 395 Pleasant Valley Way. Dr. Genis is a Board-Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy and specializes in comprehensive pediatric services to support the development of children from infancy through high school.
First Woman to Attain National Title in Women's Wrestling Visits WO Town Hall
Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan Photo Credit: Joseph Fagan WEST ORANGE, NJ -- Mayor Susan McCartney and the West Orange Township Council welcomed former West Orange High School wrestler Sandy Guerrero to Council Chambers at the Conference Agenda on April 9, 2024.
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