Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What crimes and arrests South Orange police handled in July

Also check out Cyrille Aimee on the South Orange Patch calendar

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Greetings South Orange! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What crimes and arrests South Orange police handled in July
  • How the new River Greenway phase will change your park access
  • Why Columbia High's ranking fell even as its results improved

Also on today's calendar: Outdoor Yoga Experience and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 81 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Friday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 81, low: 67.
  • Saturday: Periods of sun; less humid, with a high of 82 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. South Orange Police Blotter for July: Three Phones Stolen at the Pool; DWIs; Shoplifting; Bike Thefts (villagegreennj.com) — South Orange police logged a busy July, with multiple cellphone thefts at the community pool, several shoplifting arrests on South Orange Avenue and Valley Street, and a string of bicycle and package thefts around town. Officers also handled DWIs, warrant arrests, ordinance violations like public urination and smoking in Spiotta Park, and a missing child who was safely reunited with family.
   

2. South Orange Village Announces Start of Construction on Phase 2 of the River Greenway Project (villagegreennj.com) — Construction has officially begun on Phase 2 of South Orange's River Greenway, extending the path from Third Street through Waterlands Park to Chyzowych Field with a new pedestrian and bike bridge targeted for January 2027. Expect visible work near the DPW yard, Waterlands Park, and the pool area as the village uses $4 million in grants to build a safer, car‑free corridor for walking and biking.
   

3. U.S. News & World Report Rankings Don't Reflect Latest Data, Say Sanchez & Bing (villagegreennj.com) — South Orange-Maplewood families may notice Columbia High School's state ranking dropped this year, but district leaders say newer data show real gains, especially in graduation rates and AP performance. Superintendent Jason Bing and Principal Frank Sanchez highlight initiatives like Freshman Academy, expanded AP offerings, and added mental health supports that they say are already boosting outcomes beyond what the latest U.S. News rankings reflect.
   

4. Essex County Rally Calls on Lawmakers to Pass Polluters Pay Act (foodandwaterwatch.org) — Essex County officials and advocates gathered in Newark to push for New Jersey's Polluters Pay Act, which would charge major fossil fuel companies to fund climate resiliency projects and create thousands of jobs. South Orange is among the towns that have passed resolutions supporting the bill, which backers say would shift climate costs off local taxpayers and toward corporate polluters.
   

📸 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!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday September 10
  • Cyrille Aimee →
    South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), One SOPAC Way, South Orange Village
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 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!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making South Orange PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Jazz Fans Echoes of Bird & Dinah: A Celebration of Charlie Parker & Dinah Washington —Gregory Burrus Read on Patch
  • A Summer Evening of Bria Skonberg Jazz, Art, and Open‑Air Magic at Morris Museum Back Deck —Gregory Burrus Read on Patch
  • Hiya neighbours, I stumbled onto Branch Brook Park in Newark.
    while walking today. It's such a lovely place to relax. (Nextdoor Seton Village)
  • If you see Blown Out Electric Street Lights, Please Report Them To PSE&G At Myaccount@PSE&G.com Or Call 1-800-436-7734!
    Please give the address of the light & pole numbers which are on the light pole. (Nextdoor Montrose Park)
  • Kimco Facility Services, LLC posted a job opening for Janitorial Crew Member in Livingston. Apply here.
  • Millburn High School posted a job opening for Per Diem Substitute Custodians in Newark. 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: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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