Taxes Simmer, Swimmers Make a Splash

It was another warm week for South Orange. The Board of Trustees kept taxes to a simmer, while the Board of Education saw mixed results on a district survey, and mixed signals on classroom differentiation.

We saw a series of three stories about wood versus aluminum bats, and a number of readers talked back on this issue. Local swimmers met Maplewood and triumphed. Your editor looked at local night ball.

Austin Bommer took us backstage, while Above's new chef took us into the kitchen. Our Village Gardener went native, and we welcomed Over the Rainbow, a new column about gay parenting.

The former SHU coach pleaded not guilty, as did two former SHU basketball players.

And, while summer sizzles still, we told you about Metropass, which offers High Holy Days tickets at a number of local synagogues.

In the coming week, we'll visit the Farmers' Market, read about Survival of the Fittest, and cover the events that keep South Orange hopping. And if you have a news tip, story idea, or an opinion, please let us know. We also welcome your photos of summer in South Orange. Email marciaw@patch.com.

Stay cool!