Follow local news and events in South Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Dec. 2, 2025 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Children can read to a therapy dog at South Orange library’s Baird Branch on Dec. 9. It is from 4-5 p.m. at the Baird Community Center. Registration is encouraged. Library card not required.
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South Orange Public Library
People who graduated from Columbia High School between 2022 and 2025 can sign up to participate in a post-high school virtual panel, scheduled for Dec. 22. The CHS HSA seeks graduates who can share experiences and insight with current students in grades 11 and 12. Registration is available online.
Columbia High School Home and School Association
Documentary screening of “Heightened Scrutiny” planned with Out Montclair on Dec. 6 in Maplewood. It begins at 3:30 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church. A panel will follow. Free admission. A suggested donation of $20 per person for the Sam and Devorah Foundation for Transgender Youth will be collected at the door.
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Out Montclair
Glen Ridge Community Association seeks donations supporting people affected by Hurricane Melissa. Monetary donations accepted online and will directly support Hanover Charities, a nonprofit in Jamaica. Physical donations can be purchased through the organization’s Amazon Wishlist.
Glen Ridge Community Association
Healthcare enrollment assistance planned with New Jersey Citizen Action on Dec. 9 in Orange. It is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Orange library. Free admission.
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Orange Public Library
“Home-Buying 101” planned with Housing and Neighborhood Development Services on Dec. 9 in-person in Orange and online. It is from 6-7 p.m. at 15 S. Essex Ave. It will discuss down payment assistance programs, how to secure a mortgage, and more. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Housing and Neighborhood Development Services
First aid class planned at Newark library on Dec. 12 in the Main Branch. It begins at 1:30 p.m. and will discuss CPR, choking response, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, and bleeding control. Free admission. Library card not required. Registration is full, but people can join a waiting list for a chance to attend.
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Newark Public Library
CASA Essex County seeks holiday gift donations for youth in foster care. Donations can be made online.
CASA Essex County
Planned Parenthood is open daily at 240 Mulberry St. in Newark. It is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey
REGIONAL NEWS
Gov. Phil Murphy pardoned and reduced sentences of 55 currently or previously incarcerated people in N.J. That brings the total number of Murphy’s pardons to 283 since December 2024, the most by any N.J. governor in state history. Pardons officially forgive the recipient and relieve them of some consequences from conviction. Pardons were given to people throughout the state who were charged with drug possession, burglary, and weapon possession, among others. People can file clemency petitions online at nj.gov/clemency.
New Jersey Monitor
New Jersey Department of Human Services is reopening the state’s Child Care Assistance Program after advocates urged Gov. Phil Murphy to increase the program’s funding. In August, CCAP halted its review and acceptance of new applications because of limited state funding, and it increased its copays for families who were already enrolled. State officials say the applications will open in December and acceptance is determined by priority status. The registration form for December’s application is not yet live. Families can sign up online for text or email alerts to learn when the registration form becomes available.
New Jersey Department of Human Services
