Hello, South Orange. It's good to be back.

As many readers know, Scott Egelberg served as Interim Editor while I was out on an extended medical leave. I am happily back, and Scott, I'm delighted to announce, has been selected as Local Editor of Livingston Patch. I'm grateful for all he did these last months; this is a well-deserved promotion for Scott.

Fortunately, we'll still see him around town. Scott remains committed to the South Orange Rescue Squad and many other volunteer activities.

I am especially happy to be back on duty in time for the late-spring flurry of  activities. Just in the last few days, I've had the privilege of previewing the CHS Shakespeare Festival, seeing the Science Fair up close, and hearing the buzz about Celebrate South Orange. I love this time of year in our community, when the fields are full of kids and adults playing everything from cricket to soccer, and when many of our volunteer activities are on display.

With that in mind, I'd like to note two local groups, in particular, whose work has special resonance for me this year.

SOMAGals will walk and run again in May, fundraising in support of breast cancer research, treatment, and awareness.  At Columbia High School, the Susan G. Komen club does the same work. Their work is inspired by women the volunteers have known.

The Columbia High School Relay for Life team is another group of volunteers who are in my thoughts this spring. To benefit the American Cancer Society, this group of teens, led by Julia DeFranco and Rachel Drucker, will walk all night long at West Orange High School in June. You can learn more about the event here.

Thank you for the well wishes and hot meals. It's good to be back.