Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Orange’s first selectman says his money troubles don’t affect you

Coming up: St. Andrew's Christmas Eve Service on the Orange Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 24th Patch AM
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Morning Orange! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Orange’s first selectman says his money troubles don’t affect you
  • How Orange firefighters helped Santa reach a record 758 kids
  • How a late-night speeder ended up in Orange’s roadside trees

Also on today's calendar: HOLIDAY Tax Office Hours- Town of Orange and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and windy, with a high of 45 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Thursday: Rather cloudy, temps: high: 42, low: 19. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: A little snow in the p.m., with a high of 28 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Orange first selectman trying to avoid home foreclosure for 2nd time says town finances are solid (ctpost.com) — Orange’s longtime first selectman, Jim Zeoli, is facing ongoing foreclosure proceedings on his Old Tavern Road home while emphasizing that town finances remain strong, with a AAA bond rating and high property values. He argues his personal financial struggles are separate from his official performance and says a mortgage modification is in progress, with the next court hearing set for January 20, 2026.
   

2. Orange Firefighters Help Santa Deliver A Record Number Of Gifts (theorangetimes.com) — Orange families saw Santa roll through town on fire trucks this year, as volunteers delivered gifts to a record 758 children at 229 homes. The 30-year “Santa’s Helper” tradition doubles as a key fundraiser and team-building event for the all-volunteer fire department, which is already planning routes and registration for the 2026 season.
   

3. WATCH: Reckless Driver Speeds Past Officer, Crashes Into Tree, Orange Police Say (patch.com) — Police say a speeding driver crashed into trees along Route 114 in Orange after flying past an officer’s cruiser shortly after 1 a.m. Friday. No one was hurt, but the car was heavily damaged and a Norwich man now faces reckless driving and related charges, with a court date set in Derby.
   

4. Obituary: Richard Patrick 'Rich' Lena Jr., 64, Beloved Husband, Father, Amity Hall Of Fame (orangectlive.com) — Local residents are mourning Richard “Rich” Lena Jr., a beloved husband, father and standout Amity football captain who helped lead the Spartans to a 1978 state championship. Born in New Haven, he lived briefly in Orange before settling in Woodbridge, and is remembered for his devotion to family, love of sports, and summers at Niantic Beach.
   

📸 Around Orange

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Restaurant Depot posted a job opening for Front End Manager in Orange. Apply here.
  • Glanbia, Plc posted a job opening for Material Handler in Orange. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Orange here.

Ok Orange! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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