Follow local news and events in South Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Oct. 29, 2025 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
New Jersey American Water completed it purchase of South Orange’s water system, the utility company said. The purchase comes one year after a majority of South Orange voters approved a measure to sell the village’s water utility to NJAW. The company said it will invest $50 million in infrastructure improvements within the next 10 years and maintain affordable rates. Residents will receive information about the purchase by mail in coming weeks. Residents can also use NJAW’s online account portal, MyWater, and H2O Help to Others program for utility payment assistance.
From TAPinto SOMA
South Orange residents can register for the recreation department’s fall programs, scheduled to start Nov. 10. Classes include drawing, chess, lacrosse, and more. Registration is available online.
From South Orange Village
Stage production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” planned with The Maplewood Strollers on Nov. 1. It is from 7-9 p.m. at The Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Rd. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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The Maplewood Strollers
Healthcare enrollment assistance planned with New Jersey Citizen Action on Nov. 5 in Irvington. It is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Irvington library. Free admission.
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Irvington Public Library
Craft supply swap planned by Nutley library on Nov. 8. People who donate craft supplies Nov. 1-7 at the library will receive an early entry ticket for 1:30 p.m. on the day of the swap. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. for the general public. Supplies are free. Nutley residency not required.
Nutley Public Library
Agave Maria in Belleville is hiring an event coordinator. Resumes accepted by email.
Agave Maria
Free informational workshop discussing Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) planned with La Casa de Don Pedro on Nov. 5 in Newark. It is from 6-7:30 p.m. at 23 Broadway and will discuss what ITIN is, its benefits, and assistance to obtain it. Registration is not required.
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La Casa De Don Pedro
Healthcare enrollment workshop planned with La Casa de Don Pedro on Nov. 5 in Newark. It is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 282 First Ave. The workshop will focus on NJ FamilyCare, a publicly funded health insurance program, that provides free health insurance to children younger than 19 regardless of immigration status. Free admission.
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La Casa De Don Pedro
First-time homebuyer webinar planned with NJ Citizen Action and HSBC Bank of New Jersey on Nov. 5. The webinar begins at 12 p.m. and will provide information on the home buying process, affordable mortgage programs, and financial assistance for down payment and closing costs. Preregistration is required.
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New Jersey Citizen Action
Free financial aid clinic for the 2025-26 school year planned with Make The Road NJ on Nov. 5 in Elizabeth. FAFSA application assistance is from 3-5:30 p.m. at Elizabeth Community Center, 42 Broad St. It is available Nov. 12, 18, and 19.
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Make The Road NJ
REGIONAL NEWS
Essex County Superior Court issued a stay, or a pause on construction, in a lawsuit filed against Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for building a fourth power plant in Newark’s Ironbound, according to a press release from Ironbound Community Corporation The stay blocks construction and allows the court to consider the legal challenge filed by Earthjustice on behalf of ICC. The judge also consolidated a separate lawsuit against PVSC filed by Newark with ICC’s case. The $180 million backup power project is the first to be approved since N.J.’s 2023 environmental justice law that intends to block similar construction in communities burdened by polluting infrastructure. In May, Earthjustice filed an appeal to challenge the PVSC’s decision, claiming it violates the state’s environmental justice law.
Ironbound Community Corporation
