2020 was, by all accounts the worst year ever.
The Coronavirus was the supervillain destroying everything in its path.
Usually, we can post joyous events from each month, including school plays, sports championships, open space acquisitions, Carnival and Fair photos, successful fundraisers, etc. But this year seemed to be a disaster from the get-go.
January
On Friday, January 10 the Turkey Hill School Drama Club hosted its 10th Anniversary Reunion Concert, and more than 30 alumni actors took the stage singing, dancing, and reminiscing.
Orange Fire Marshal Tim Smith passed away following a motor vehicle accident on January 19. Shocking the entire community.
Smith’s funeral took place at Holy Infant Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 25
February
Severio Dominick Fodero, known by all as “Bob”, died peacefully on February 6 at Hospice holding the hand of his beloved wife of 46 years, Janice Benoit Fodero. Bob was a veteran and one of the prominent members of the Veterans Memorial Walk Committee.
March
James “Jamie” Vincent was sworn in as the new Fire Marshal at the annual Firemen’s Dinner on Tuesday, March 10.
On Friday, March 13, most schools across the state announced that they would go to remote learning due to this new health threat called the Covid-19.
On March 16, the Orange Health Department issued an order regarding safety measures that must be taken to protect the community from the spread of Covid-19.
April
Lions Easter Egg Hunt CANCELED
May
Spring Sports CANCELED
Living Treasure Pasta Festa event CANCELED
On May 13, Health Director Dr.Amir Mohammad issued an order stating that as of May 20, religious services could resume in Town providing social distancing protocols were followed.
On May 15 Our Lady of Sorrows Church filed a lawsuit against him and the town protesting the order which was unsuccessful. It cost the town money in legal fees to fight the suit.
Amity High Spring Musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” CANCELED
Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies CANCELED.
June
On June 13, The Amity Athletic Department hosted a virtual Block A Awards Ceremony. Not quite the same for anyone, of course, but still a nice way to honor the school’s hard-working athletes and coaches.
Elfo “Al” Sante Pol, 94, of Orange, husband of the late Anita De Mio Pol, passed away on June 18. Al was a well-known and beloved member of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department.
July
On Thursday, July 2, the town announced the appointment of fire inspector Tim Borer as the new Deputy Fire Marshal.
July Fourth fireworks and Concert CANCELED
Amity High School hosted social distancing commencement ceremonies for the 2020 graduates.
During its July TPZ meetings, a Group of Woodbridge residents fought to overturn the tri-town referendum approval of a turf field at Amity High School. Although their arguments were without merit, the groundbreaking never took place.
Meri, a seven-year-old female Red Panda died of a cardiac condition at the Beardsley Zoo on Monday, July 27.
August
Even though the 95th annual Orange Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival was CANCELED, the Raffle Ticket drawing took place at the Orange Fairgrounds on Sunday, Aug. 2.
September
Sept. 6-7 St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church found a way to keep its Odyssey Festival Alive without actually having a Festival by offering the Odyssey Express Drive-Thru Takeout event. It worked well for them.
Soon after the school opened, Amity High had its first case of Coronavirus.
Orange Country Fair Committee officially announced that the Orange Country Fair slated to be held on September 18 – 20, 2020 would be postponed to September 17 – 19, 2021.
October
The Orange Recycling Committee postponed its April 25 Shredding Day to Saturday, October 17, 2020, at High Plains Community Center and it was a phenomenal success. Social Distancing was respected and TONS of paper was securely recycled.
The Halloween Trunk or Treat event was CANCELED, but the OVFD hosted an alternative – a pumpkin carving competition that kept the community engaged and was well-received.
November
Democratic Presidential Candidate Joseph Biden defeated Incumbent Donald Trump.
Former Orange Police Officer Leslie “Les” Abrams, 74, passed away on November 23, after contracting the coronavirus.
The Orange Lions had to CANCEL its Thanksgiving Dinner but some less fortunate residents reportedly received a delivered meal, yet, I have no information about it.
December
For the first time in 26 years, the OVFD Auxiliary Santa’s Helper event was CANCELED.
The Holiday Festival was CANCELED.
The Lighted Tractor Parade took place, but it was different this year, the spectators were the ones who paraded around the High Plains Community Center while the lighted tractors were on display around the perimeter.
There was a homicide in Orange on the morning of Dec. 26 at Town Fair Tire.