patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Sandyonpatch

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

West Orange Schools Schedule Changed

District now plans half day Wednesday, Nov. 7, full day schedule for Thursday, Nov. 8 and Friday, Nov. 9.

[Updated 3 p.m. Tuesday] West Orange has released the following updated information as of 2 p.m. Tuesday:  Residents who normally vote at Congregation Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob & David (AABJ&D) will now vote at the Wilshire Hotel, 350 Pleasant Valley Way. Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.

Roxy Valle

5:23 pm on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

My prayers are with the rest of my neighbors still in the dark....have experienced your despair and understand your frustratoon...God bless us all.   more ›

Monday, November 5, 2012

Voting Can Be Done by Email, Fax, or at the Following Polling Places

Three polling places change, but the rest remain the same for Tuesday's election.

Most West Orange polling places will be open as usual on Tuesday, however three polling places will remain closed because of the storm, according to township officials The following polling places have moved: Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. in New Jersey. For more information or questions regarding voting, please contact the West Orange Clerk’s Office at (973) 325-4155. Voters can also vote by email or fax on Tuesday. For more information, contact the Essex County Clerk's office at 973-621-5178, or at info@essexclerk.com A ballot and waiver form will be send to the email or fax number requested and must be returned the same day. Voters may request a mail ballot, which must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday.

What's Open in West Orange?

Sandy closed many businesses in the township. Here's a list of some of your favorites.

Here's a list of businesses we know to be open in the West Orange after a quick drive around the township Thursday afternoon. All information is subject to change. Please add more businesses in the comments section and share updates.  WEST ORANGE OPEN: CLOSED:  

Melissa Ferdinando

1:13 pm on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Pie-Zon's Pizza Cafe - We're open but still have no phones or internet as of 11:50 a.m. today. You can call 718-873-4592 for orders until our phones are up.   more ›

Friday, November 2, 2012

Help Your Neighbors Recover From Sandy

If you can help your Essex County neighbors, respond using the hashtag #EssexNeeds.

Want to help folks affected by Hurricane Sandy? Provide a trade or skill or make a connection for someone affected by the storm? People in the Tri-state area are still reeling from the storm. Many remain without power, lights, heat and are struggling to find gasoline for their cars and generators. Patch wants to help. We are providing a forum where residents can donate to others to help them through the aftermath of the storm. Do you have a skill or work in a trade where you would be willing to help out someone who needs a friend or neighbor right about now? If you’ve lost possessions in the storm, this forum may be able to help you. Do you have an item to donate? Is there an item you need? You can use this forum to connect with others who…

Thursday, November 1, 2012

West Orange: Half of Town Without Power, Gas Stations Limited in Hours

Mandatory curfew remains in effect, say town officials.

To cope with long gas lines, West Orange has limited the amount of time gas stations can be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. In a statement released Friday afternoon, township officials said, "This is a temporary mandate that has put into effect for the public's safety. West Orange remains under a limited state of emergency with a mandatory curfew, according to the latest update from Mayor Robert Parisi. “The temporary curfew is a result of the significant power outages in our town and follows discussions and input from our police professionals,” Parisi said in a release. “With no power, no lights on in homes and no street lights, neighborhoods are extremely dark and combined with storm debris and live wires on the ground, there exists a …

Car14

9:31 am on Monday, November 5, 2012

Here's the latest....now pseg says it's up to the pole guys..it's out of our hands???? what??? so..let's get this straight, the tree guy, utility guy and now the pole guy??? come on. Pseg is so unorganized during a crisis. Stop passing the chores or blame FIX OUR DAMN POLE to get us HEAT!!!!! Remember this and change power companies. They are not even nice on the phone. I realize there are so …   more ›

Essex County to President Obama: We Need Fuel

Essex County executive and Gov. Chris Christie have conference call with President Barack Obama post-Sandy.

According to one elected official, one positive development in the aftermath of post-Sandy is the partnership between Republican Gov. Chris Christie and President Barack Obama, a Democrat. On Thursday, two days since Hurricane Sandy tore through the Northeast devastating parts of New Jersey, the two leaders had a conference call. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., said he was part of the call and said the federal government has been receptive to the state's needs. "I was thanking the president and the governor for their leadership," said DiVincenzo, whose county largely remains without power. "The governor's staff has been extraordinary. It's been a great partnership." DiVincenzo said besides pledging help from the Federal …

STEVE DUNCAN

5:16 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012

I don't fault those who have but do not share. It's just bad upbringing. However I went on to Hotels.com to book a room from my brother who lives in Maplewood and is still without power. The Capri Inn was $910/tax included for one night! REALLY! It seems people have no conscience! I hope for the sake of all whom are suffering in Maplewood that power is restored sooner than later! God speed   more ›

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Schools Closed, Mandatory Curfew in West Orange

Township releases post-Sandy update as cleanup continues.

  A mandatory curfew will begin tonight as West Orange continues its cleanup efforts after Hurricane Sandy.  The curfew will stretch from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m Thursday morning, and will be in place until further notice. Township residents are asked to remain indoors during that time.  West Orange Public Schools are also closed Thursday and Friday.   Additional West Orange Updates  • Garbage and bulk trash collection resumes Thursday.  • There is no boil water advisory in town. Residents may however experience low water pressure or discoloration.  • For non-emergencies and downed wires, call the West Orange Police Department at (973) 325-4000.  • Storm-related debris should be on the curb, but it must be separated from leaves. The …

CC Minton

12:08 pm on Friday, November 2, 2012

The mayor provided further clarification in day 4 article. Looking forward to stimulating the WO economy vs. S. Orange. Thanks Mr. Mayor.   more ›

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Day 2: Sandy Updates From West Orange

Township officials say 80 percent of township remains without power following Monday storm.

[UPDATED: 8:15 p.m. Tuesday] Township officials announced the county has imposed a curfew to allow crews to clean up fallen trees and limbs, repair downed wires and make roads accessible to traffic. Officials issued the following information: New Jersey American Water customers in elevated areas of West Orange may have low-water pressure or no water pressure. Crews will be working overnight to restore power and return service to customers by Wednesday morning. The storm relief center at Essex County Codey Arena, located at 560 Northfield Ave., is open for anyone who needs help. Accommodations for pets are available. Also, Halloween will be postponed until further notice. Residents should not under any circumstances trick-or-treat. [UPDATED…

Mom in West Orange

9:10 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012

Folks, Let's all take a deep breath. Down the shore and in Hoboken folks have completely lost homes, lives have been lost, etc. In West Orange, most of us are merely inconvenienced by a lack of heat, electricity and water. The town is responding to the major intersections first and to life threatening conditions. Our mountain ridges and beautiful old trees that make West Orange unique also left …   more ›

Monday, October 29, 2012

President Obama Issues Emergency Declaration for New Jersey

Gov. Chris Christie requested declaration, which allows state to receive federal aid.

President Barack Obama issued an emergency declaration for New Jersey, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make federal aid available to the state before Hurricane Sandy's arrival. On Sunday, Gov. Chris Christie formally requested the president declare a pre-landfall emergency for New Jersey. FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency, according to a press release issued by the agency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding. "This assistance will enhance the State's capability to respond quickly and put assets into place where they are needed to help …

Got a Hot Tip?