We've all heard the story before. "You wouldn't believe it. It was a monster fish. I tell ya it was a hundred feet long if it was an inch. I fought it for hours, but in the end, it got away." Fishermen are well known for telling tall tales about their legendary catches, but one young Verona angler has something guaranteed to send the doubters packing: photographic evidence. While vacationing with his family on Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Cole Smith, of Verona, had a high seas adventure with Captain Bill Clutter on the vessel Down the Hatch. During their trip, Cole hooked and landed…

Peter Corso, a fourth-grader at North End School, was moved to do something for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. He spoke to his principal about setting up a collection at school to have funds directed to the Red Cross and UNICEF. In Peter's own words, "I did this because people were in need. The people have no good safe water to drink. It's important because water helps to sustain your life. I chose these charities because they help children and families around the world when they are in need, and some proceeds might go to Haiti too." North End Principal Dr. Lawrence …

The performance troupe of the Unique Performance Arts Center (UPAC), located in West Orange, recently competed in the Showbiz Regional Dance Competition, held at Paramus Catholic HS from Feb. 25-27. The 30 member troupe, which includes Verona residents Jenna O’Connell, 16, and Jessica Waldron, 8, competed in solo and group dances during the three day competition, earning ten “Diamond” level and eight First Place awards in the categories of: contemporary, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, open, Pointe and tap. The studio received the top award in choreography for its petite division tap …

Who: Livingston’s Little Learners Accomplishments: They’re sweet on Zoey, a little girl from Verona born with an extremely rare genetic condition that’s causing her to age much to fast. Parents may say their children are growing up in a blink of an eye, but baby Zoey really is. She’s one of just 17 people in the U.S. (and 70 worldwide) afflicted with the disease that prematurely ages children 7 to 10 times faster than normal. Little Learners has raised more than $200 (with a goal of $500) to help find a cure for progeria. Key to Awesomeness: Little Learners know that every dollar they bring …

Verona-Cedar Grove Patch is pleased to introduce our first-ever Whiz Kid: Jennie Jordan Silber of Cedar Grove. Jennie is an 8th Grader and honor roll student at Memorial Middle School, who is already an accomplished actor and musician. Starting tomorrow, Jennie will take center stage as the title role of Annie at the JCC in West Orange. Accolades are something Jennie has gotten plenty of as a dedicated piano and saxophone student. In 7th Grade, Jennie received the Band Award and the English Award at her school. She also won the Lions Club Peace Poster Award. Even with all of her academic, …