South Orange Swelters

A second day of triple-digit temperatures took its toll on South Orange. The South Orange Public Library extended its hours, staying open until 9 p.m., to serve as an emergency cooling station. Library Director Melissa Kopecky said that the library was very busy between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., especially, and that she opened the multi-purpose room for ping pong and generally "hanging out."

"The library is an ideal spot for such emergencies," she noted. "We have a knowledgeable, dedicated staff who are here to help." Kopecky excused herself at that point to check the library air condition unit located on the room.

Elsewhere, the pool was open and crowded. Village President Douglas Newman announced earlier in the day that it was open to all residents, even those without a pool pass.

Village Hall, however, suffered from an air conditioner breakdown.

By evening, though the temperature was still approaching 90 degrees F, residents were venturing outdoors to attend the concert at Floods Hill and to watch baseball under the lights in the park.

"I could be in traffic," sighed one parent, still dressed in suit and tie.  "It could be worse."

He laughed at the sight of bumper-to-bumper traffic heat wave style: two ice cream trucks were parked fender to fender on Meadowbrook Rd. offering old-fashioned relief with a twist of Good Humor.