Sad News

Former President of the Watsessing Park Conservancy, Jane Myers, passed away on Tuesday, October 16th. She had battled multiple sclerosis for many years.

Jane was passionately dedicated to Watsessing Park and was a driving force in the creation of the Watsessing Park Conservancy. She served as its first president before she had to step down due to health issues. She also worked hand in hand with the county in getting the Watsessing Dog Park built as well as having the historic band stand restored in the park.

Jane was a supporting member of the Watsessing Heights Neighborhood Association from its early inception and made many valuable contributions to our neighborhood and the Township of Bloomfield. She will be sorely missed.

There will be a memorial service for her this Friday, October 19th at O’Boyle’s Funeral Home which is located at 309 Broad Street in Bloomfield, NJ.

You are invited to pay your respects from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. From 3:00 pm-4:00 pm there will be an opportunity to share your remembrances of Jane in an informal setting.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be sent to either the Watsessing Park Conservancy or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Greater North Jersey. Both organizations are tax deductible 501(c)(3) organizations.

No meeting in September

There will be no general meeting during September. So much is going on during the week with kids just back to school, etc., that we've decided to postpone meeting and schedule another type of event for the members to participate in.

More information to follow!

Concert in the Park Tuesday, August 7

The Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the annual concert in Watsessing Park on Tuesday, August 7, at 7 p.m.

This year's Serenade Under the Stars features Lonnie Youngblood. Meet your neighbors at the corner of Watsessing Park bordering Llewellyn Avenue and Cleveland Terrace and have an enjoyable evening. It is also National Night Out!

WHNA Summer Social in the Park - July 28

It's summer again, and time for the annual Summer Social in the Park! It is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 28.

Meet at the "W" garden at the park entrance on Glenwood Avenue at the foot of Maolis Avenue. Bring a blanket and/or chairs, something to drink and lots of food! The more kids the merrier, since we'll be right next to the playground.

Come on down and join your neighbors for some summer festivities.

Trash to Cash June 2nd!

Don't forget! The WHNA is sponsoring its annual "Trash to Cash" neighborhood yard sale on Saturday, June 2nd (rain date June 3rd).

Participants send the WHNA $10 and we will take care of all the advertising and permits and will also provide maps with all of the participating yard sales on them to be given out to those coming to the event.

If you'd like to participate, you can make your check out to WHNA, Inc., and mail it to WHNA, PO Box 1783, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, Attn: T2C. Please include your name and the address where you will be holding your yard sale so we can include you on the map.

If you are interested but would like more information, please call 973-680-WHNA or e-mail us at WHNA@yahoo.com.

Reminder! WHNA/WPC Theatre Night Saturday!

Just a reminder that this Saturday, May 19, is the anniversary gala at 12 Miles West.

If you haven't yet sent in your money, don't despair! There are tickets available, so just call us at 973-680-WHNA and reserve your tickets - you can pay at the door on Saturday night.

Don't forget to be there early - we are starting at 6:30 for a wine and cheese reception, followed at 8 p.m. by the play, Tales of an Urban Burb, which received excellent reviews in both the Star Ledger and the Montclair Times. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for a great park cleanup on May 5th!

The WHNA and WPC would like to thank everyone who participated in Saturday's Watsessing Park Cleanup, particularly Essex County (thanks, Tony & Ralph!), the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, the Essex County Department of Corrections, Coach Carter and his Bengals, and of course, neighbors like you!

It was a beautiful day to be out and about in the park, and not only was litter cleaned up, but volunteers planted the "W" flower garden, the flower barrels, and the Island in the middle of Prospect and Glenwood Avenues. Below are a few scenes from the event.

1) Volunteers gather near the PVSC and County trucks; 2) Volunteers planting the Island while WHNA president Anne Prince calls the Fire Department to ask them to water the plantings for us.

3) Bernard Hamilton and Pat Ritchings lend a hand planting the "W" garden.