House Fire, SOPAC Director Transition and Seton Hall Topped This Week's News

Busy last week and missed some of South Orange's news?

Here's a quick list of last week's top stories:

A three-alarm deck fire caused severe damage to a Hamilton Road home Thursday afternoon.  South Orange Police were the first to arrive on the scene and escorted two children out of the home before the South Orange, Maplewood and Orange Fire Departments responded, according to South Orange Fire Chief Jeff Markey.  No one was hurt in the blaze.  The family purchased the home in April and was in the process of remodeling their kitchen.

.   Seton Hall University's academic year starts in August and goes non-stop until May. Here's a list of important dates, both special events for the South Orange community, and days when there might be more traffic than usual in the area.  Freshman Orientation Weekend – August 24th;  Fall Classes Begin – August 27th; Fall Break – October 8th and 9th; Thanksgiving Break (University Closed) – November 21st to 23rd; Last Day of Class – December 10th; Exams – December 12th to 18th.

.   Columbia, which serves students in both South Orange and Maplewood, has advanced steadily up in the biennial ranking, climbing from #89 in 2008 to #75 in 2010, and now to 47th. The ranking chart is attached as a PDF to this article.“The entire community should be proud of CHS’s movement up the rankings and the accomplishment of our students that the rankings represent,” said Superintendent of Schools Brian G. Osborne in a statement released by the district.  “The steady improvement comes from the commitment and professionalism of SOMSD educators and staff, and the enthusiastic support that the SOMA community gives its public schools.  CHS is a fantastic place to go to high school, and we will work tirelessly to make it even better for all of our students.” 

 His sudden departure comes two years after Bollinger was appointed to the position. Bollinger’s interim replacement is SOPAC director of development Linda Onorevole.  "The board has decided it was time for a change," SOPAC Director of Marketing and Communications Scott Sullivan told Patch today via phone. "As we are getting ready for the 2012-13 season, the board felt a change of leadership was necessary."   “We’re coming off of a record-setting season of attendance and ticket sales," said SOPAC board of directors chairman Anthony Leitner in the release. "Our organization is stronger than ever. Our mission is clear and our membership and reach into the community is growing. SOPAC’s future is bright ... as is Michael’s.”

.  Fourteen homeless kittens need help. Rescued by South Orange resident Melissa Hodgins, nine of the kittens have been treated for fleas and checked by a vet. Another five kittens were born last week. Now all of the kittens need community help to pay for food and medicine. Once they are flea-free and healthy, the kittens and some 18 adult cats will need homes.  "We have a family in our neighborhood who, through their love of cats, has gotten themselves in too deep," explains Hodgins. "It all started from one cat they did not spay."  The cats, who are described as "friendly, not feral" will soon be available for adoption. Most have been spayed; the others will soon undergo neutering. They are available immediately.   The kittens are two litters, one eight weeks old, and another one week old.  All of the cats and kittens were living in and around one home. They are accustomed to people are social, says Hodgins.  To learn more, or to adopt a cat, contact: melissahodgins@yahoo.com