Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Apple Picking Near South Orange: 3 Orchards To Visit

Coming up: KNIFE: The Attempted Murder of Salmon Rushdie (documentary) on the South Orange Patch calendar

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Morning South Orange! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Three easy apple-picking getaways for South Orange families this October
  • How SOPAC's 21st season is reshaping downtown South Orange arts
  • What South Orange's health officer wants you to know this fall.

Also on today's calendar: KNIFE: The Attempted Murder of Salmon Rushdie (documentary) and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A passing afternoon shower, with a high of 84 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 71, low: 55.
  • Sunday: Chance of a little p.m. rain, with a high of 64 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Apple Picking Near South Orange: 3 Orchards To Visit (patch.com) — South Orange residents looking for a fall outing still have several apple-picking options within driving distance, including Melick's Town Farm in Califon and two popular orchards in Chester. These farms feature a wide range of apple varieties plus hayrides, corn mazes, kids' activities, live entertainment, and fresh baked treats, making them appealing weekend destinations throughout October.
   

2. SOPAC's Doors Are Open: South Orange Performing Arts Center Reaffirms Its Commitment to Artists and Community (villagegreennj.com) — South Orange residents can once again count on SOPAC as a fully open, year-round home for live music, comedy, family shows, and visual art right in the village. Now in its 21st season, the nonprofit center highlights its rebuilt facilities after Hurricane Ida, its education programs with local schools and Seton Hall, and its role in energizing downtown businesses and community life.
   

3. Health board reports measles surge, blood shortage as food program sets a record (TAPinto.net) — South Orange's health officer is warning residents about a sharp national measles rise, urging vaccination checks while also highlighting a serious statewide blood shortage and upcoming local drives. The report details a busy food access program serving South Orange and Maplewood households, outlines fall COVID and flu vaccine guidance, and reviews animal control, restaurant inspections, and mental health resources that directly affect village residents.
   

4. Honoring Seton Hall University Public Safety and South Orange Police Department Members (shu.edu) — Seton Hall University and South Orange community members recently gathered for a special Mass honoring campus Public Safety officers and South Orange Police on the feast of St. Michael, patron saint of law enforcement. Father Nick Sertich offered blessings and a homily recognizing their work as a vocation of service, emphasizing their role in protecting residents and fostering peace on and around campus.
   

5. Essex County Daily Buzz: Sep. 30, 2026 (jerseybee.org) — South Orange residents have several nearby opportunities next week, including a Financial Justice Summit at Seton Hall, a developer meet-and-greet about plans for 270–299 Irvington Avenue, and a JESPY House fashion show in Spiotta Park. The roundup also lists many other Essex County events, from eviction defense workshops to Bloomfield's Fiesta Latina and mobile health clinics, offering a wide range of resources and activities within a short drive.
   

📸 Around South Orange

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • BATHHOUSE posted a job opening for Women's Locker Room Attendant in Maplewood. Apply here.
  • Dollar General posted a job opening for ASST STORE MGR in IRVINGTON NJ S13399 in Irvington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near South Orange here.

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: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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