Follow local news and events in West Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is the The Daily Buzz for Dec. 18, 2023 from The Jersey Bee.
Local news
Essex County Environmental Center has take-home youth eco-activity boxes for sale for children in grades Pre-K-7. Boxes are $40 and designed to promote active learning and nature exploration through crafts and projects. Boxes are available for pick-up only at the center.
Essex County Environmental Center
Essex County plans 2023 “Holiday Emergency Food Distribution” on Dec. 21 in West Orange. Distribution of 1,000 turkeys and food boxes begin at 9 a.m. at Essex County Codey Arena, South Mountain Recreation Complex. Food is supplied on a first-come, first-served basis. Add to 📅.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Essex County Environmental Center to host “Winter Wildlife Explorers Camp” starting Dec. 26 in Roseland for ages 6-10. There will be shared stories, crafts, campfires, and forest explorations from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Camp runs from Dec. 26-28. Three-day or one-day tickets are available online for purchase. Add to 📅.
Essex County Environmental Center
Turtle Back Zoo is accepting enrollment for its 2023 mini-camp Dec. 27-29 for ages 8-10. Registration is $90 per day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berson Education Center. Register online. Add to 📅.
Turtle Back Zoo
Ascend cannabis dispenary in Montclair to close and move to Wharton by fall 2024. The facility was called Greenleaf Compassion Center when it opened as the first alternative treatment center in New Jersey after medical cannabis legalization. It was acquired by Ascend in 2021. Alternative dispensaries in the area include RISE in Bloomfield. Bloomfield’s Nightjar and Belleville’s Natural Apothecary dispensaries are also expected to open in 2024.
NJ BIZ
Local educators can bring students to The Clairidge in Montclair for a field trip through Montclair Film. High school teachers can select from film that discuss social issues and history. Field trip prices vary by film, number of students, and speaker fees. Interested educators can fill out an inquiry online.
Montclair Film
SOPAC to host 2023 “Holiday Gospel Concert” on Dec. 21. Broadway Inspirational Voices, a choir of Broadway artists, will perform at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Add to 📅.
South Orange Performing Arts Center
NJPAC to host a celebratory Kwanza performance by Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Dec. 23 in Newark. The performance starts at 3 p.m. at 1 Center St. The group combines martial arts, traditional West African and neo-African dance, hip hop, and ballet in its dance routine. Tickets are available online for purchase. Add to 📅.
NJPAC
NJPAC to host a performance of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” on Dec. 23 in Newark. Show times are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at 1 Center St. Dance sequences reimagine ballet with hip hop choreography. Tickets are available online for purchase. Add to 📅.
NJPAC
Regional news
New Jersey health department seeks submissions for its 2024 “Step Up! Vax Up!” contest for N.J. college students. Videos, podcast episodes, or social media posts focusing on the importance of getting the COVID, flu, meningococcal, or HPV vaccines are accepted through April 30. The contest prize is $5,000. Submissions accepted online. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Department of Health
