February 27, 7:30PM

Come join us for a colorful slide talk called “Jon Russo’s Smidges – A Trivial History of Glen Ridge”, showcasing interesting and amusing moments in Glen Ridge history through the lens of the popular “Smidge of Glen Ridge” cartoons. The event, which is open to the public, will take place February 27 at 7:30 P.M. in the LGI Room at Glen Ridge High School.  Refreshments will be served afterwards.

The Smidges were the creation of former Ridger, Jon Russo, and appeared weekly in the Glen Ridge Voice from 2008 to 2014. By turns fascinating, surprising, and funny, the always entertaining Smidges brought to life an event, person, mishap, or even an animal that made news at some point in our Borough’s history. Tracey Melhuish, who grew up in Glen Ridge and recently returned after many years out of state, came across the Smidges in the Local History Collection at the Glen Ridge Public Library, and was both charmed and curious about these tidbits illustrating Glen Ridge history.  She will present a hand-picked selection of Smidges, side by side with news headlines, photos, maps and other contemporaneous sources that document the events. As a special treat, Jon Russo is making the trip from his current home in Paris to be our honored guest for the evening! An exhibition of the Smidges and related photographs will open at the Terry S. Webster Museum immediately after the presentation.