South Orange|News|
Calendars, Contact Info, and How to Pay for School Lunch
These five stories tell South Orange - Maplewood families what they need to know for school

<i>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.</i>
<br><b>Politics </b><br>How would you describe your political beliefs?<br>Evolving; I like to think I'm open to all sides. <br><br><b>Religion</b>
How religious would you consider yourself? I am fascinated by the power of religion to affect change. I am, however, not very religious.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?<br>Where do you stand on each of these issues?
Our communities are facing economic challenges that seem to touch each of us, even if indirectly, and I am eager to follow efforts of those who have creative ideas. In addition, a growing awareness of environmental concerns informs much public debate right now. Balancing the needs of people and our environment looks like a challenge.
These five stories tell South Orange - Maplewood families what they need to know for school

The United Way reports that one in three New Jersey households are hard-pressed to pay for "housing, child care, food, health care, and transportation."
A new report from United Way calculates the number of struggling working families.
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As every flower lover knows, flowers have a language of their own.
Get-togethers believed to be organized via Twitter and other social networking sites
As every flower lover knows, flowers have a language of their own.
Eyewitnesses report that "hundreds" of teens and young adults converged on the village
The Victorian language of love for Valentine’s Day
How can you tell if your kid has talent? And what do you do if not?
Dessert and wine for the holiday
As every flower lover knows, flowers have a language of their own.
The writer's connections to South Orange last into the present with a found manuscript
The annual fundraiser has grown to 37 parties and some 1000 guests
OLS Boys Rock the Prudential Center at a recent SHU-UConn game
Words hosts James Kaplan and Sarah Partridge
New offerings for spring; early registration rates end Feb. 11.