Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will the new school budget actually save $3 million?
And on the South Orange Patch calendar - South Essex Fire Department Meeting
Hi South Orange! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How will the new school budget actually save $3 million?
- Thinking of college? See why staying in New Jersey might pay off.
Today's riddle: What two things can you never eat for breakfast? . 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in South Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Monday: Becoming windier; a.m. rain, with a high of 49 and low of 26 degrees.
- Tuesday: Very windy; colder, temps: high: 30, low: 26.
- Wednesday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 33 and low of 22 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• South Orange-Maplewood BOE Unveils Budget with $1M Savings (tapinto.net) — South Orange and Maplewood residents are looking at a new school budget that aims for financial sustainability while cutting $1 million through health insurance changes and $2 million in salaries. The plan, outlined by Business Administrator Imani Moodi, also touches on the Ritzer Field project and recent public concerns, and drew thanks from South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum to departing board members. 
Find out what's happening in South Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• Advantages of staying in New Jersey for college (mycentraljersey.com) — If you live in South Orange or nearby, this piece highlights why staying in New Jersey for college can be financially smart, from low-cost community colleges to respected public universities. It also notes Seton Hall University in South Orange as a strong option for health-related dual degree programs, alongside other top-ranked schools across the state.
📸 Around South Orange
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in South Orange
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- South Essex Fire Department Meeting
South Orange Village, NJ Calendar , 574 Valley Street , Maplewood
3:00 pm - South Orange Planning Board-Regular Meeting
South Orange Village, NJ Calendar
7:00 pm - South Orange Village Council- Executive Session
South Orange Village, NJ Calendar
6:15 pm - South Orange Village Council - Annual Reorganization Meeting
South Orange Village, NJ Calendar
7:00 pm
Tuesday December 30
Monday January 5
Tuesday January 6
📣 South Orange Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Little Seeds Story Time
Glen Ridge Public Library , 240 Ridgewood Ave , Glen Ridge
9:30 am - Book Bingo - Grades 1-5
Glen Ridge Free Public Library Glen Ridge - Children's Area,
10:30 am - Table Ping Pong
Glen Ridge Free Public Library Glen Ridge - Children's Area,
1:00 pm - Parkinson’s Strength
JCC MetroWest , 760 Northfield Ave , West Orange
1:15 pm - Camuso Holiday Display
Memorial Oval & Park , Robert H. Harp Drive , Livingston
5:00 pm - Bulky Item Pickup for Tues/Fri Garbage
Livingston Township, NJ Calendar Livingston, NJ 07039 - Special Township Council Meeting
West Orange, NJ Calendar , 66 Main Street, Council Chambers , West Orange
12:00 pm - Play with Dinosaur Bones
Glen Ridge Free Public Library Glen Ridge - Children's Area,
1:00 pm
Monday December 29
Tuesday December 30
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making South Orange PatchAM possible:
- HZY GOODS — (973) 200-3030
HZY Goods Dispensary in East Orange Now Open! - Dogtopia of West Orange — (475) 338-3501
Dogtopia – Dog Daycare, Boarding, Spa & Wellness - Avellino Custom Masonry — (908) 879-8699
Family owned business in business for over 30 years. - Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
🪧 Patch Classifieds
- We Are Hiring Now
Hiring Teacher for our Preschool Aftercare Program. The Curious Children Child Care Center, housed at the South Orange-Vailsburg United Methodist... (More info)
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Looking for a reliable company for snow removal services.
Can someone recommend a company or team that does snow removal? Thanks, my current team comes too late, so I’d like to get a company that’s closer… (Nextdoor Montrose Park)
- Playa Bowls posted a job opening for Team Member in South Orange. Apply here.
- ShopRite Supermarkets posted a job opening for ShopRite - Grocery Clerk (Village NJ) Salary Range $15.49 - $15.49/hr in East Orange. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near South Orange here.
🗞 Nearby News
Maplewood
- Columbia High School Chinese Language Program Earns Recognition (villagegreennj.com)
Irvington
- Free Autism Screenings for Children Under 5 Offered in Essex County (wdhafm.com)
- Maplewood Police Blotter: Man Arrested in Connection With 3 Residential Burglary Incidents (villagegreennj.com)
East Orange
Ok South 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: Lunch and dinner. (From Norine S.)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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