Follow local news and events in South Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Dec. 18, 2025 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
South Orange library seeks donations of new and gently used puzzles by Jan. 5. Puzzles will be sold at the library’s puzzle sale, scheduled for Jan. 10. Drop-off locations are 298 Walton Ave., 5 Mead St., and 9 East Clark Pl.
South Orange Public Library
South Orange-Maplewood schools district’s Parenting Center seeks monetary donations for toys. Tax-deductible gifts can be made online to purchase gifts for families.
South Orange-Maplewood Parenting Center and Rent Party
United States Environmental Protection Agency is conducting its fourth five-year review of the Radium Superfund site in Orange, according to a notice from the EPA. It will evaluate the groundwater cleanup plan that the EPA selected in 2006 by inspecting the site and monitoring for uranium and radium. EPA will provide a summary of its review activities and evaluation in a five-year review report, which will be available in January 2026.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
West Orange is hiring crossing guards. Applications are accepted by email.
West Orange Township
“Holiday Lights Spectacular” planned at Turtle Back Zoo through Jan. 3 in West Orange. The zoo will be illuminated and there will be more than 50 winter- and holiday-themed characters. The event is free and from 5-9 p.m. Donations of non-perishable food, used winter coats, and new toys are suggested. It is closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1.
Turtle Back Zoo
“S’mores n’ More” trail for families planned at Essex County Environmental Center on Dec. 27 in Roseland. It is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Programing will focus on fire building and fire safety skills. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Essex County Environmental Center
Essex County parks seeks feedback on ways to improve ballfields and picnic areas at Grover Cleveland Park in Essex Fells. Feedback accepted through an online survey.
Essex County Parks
Milkweed seed planting planned with Essex County Environmental Center on Jan. 10 in Roseland. It is from 3-4:30 p.m. Registration is required.
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Essex County Environmental Center
REGIONAL NEWS
New Jersey officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for 1888 Studios in Bayonne, a production site with Paramount Skydance. The production space is estimated at 58 acres, and Paramount will lease six acres. That will include 23 soundstages, postproduction suits, and offices. The N.J. Economic Development Authority also designated Paramount a studio partner under the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program. That makes Paramount eligible for a 40% base tax credit for production expenses on N.J. film and television projects. It is expected to open in 2028.
NJ Advance Media
