What's up West Orange! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Yappy Hour and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. West Orange Residents Report Attempted Home Burglary, Car Burglary (patch.com) — Residents on Chestnut Street and Devonshire Terrace in West Orange recently reported an attempted home break-in and a car burglary, prompting an ongoing police investigation. In one case, suspects tried but failed to force open a front door before fleeing, while in another, surveillance video captured a man exiting a Porsche SUV and stealing about $250 in items from an Audi parked in a driveway.
2. Zebras, Bongos And Gibbons: New Updates At Turtle Back Zoo In Essex County (patch.com) — Families in West Orange can look forward to big changes at Turtle Back Zoo, where a new hoof stock barn will bring zebras and more bongos to the African Adventure exhibit. Construction, funded by state and county grants, is underway through 2027, while the refreshed Tam-Ring Gibbons Exhibit has already reopened with upgraded safety features and expanded climbing space.
3. Popular Jazz Festival Will Return In West Orange: 2026 Events (patch.com) — West Orange residents can look forward to the 19th annual OSPAC Jazz Festival on Sept. 19 at the renovated Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center on Boland Drive. The day-long event will feature nationally known jazz acts, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and artisan booths, with a rain date of Sept. 26 and online ticket information available.
4. N.J. basketball program adds 2 transfers, strengthens lineup for championship defense (nj.com subscription) — West Orange High School's girls basketball team is reloading for another title run, adding standout sophomore guards Kassidy Ahmad and Ava Antoine from Newark Tech. The transfers join returning stars like Rhyan Watt and Taraji Muhammad, giving West Orange extra scoring and backcourt depth as it chases more county and sectional championships.
5. Orange Daily Buzz: Sep. 1, 2026 (jerseybee.org) — West Orange residents have several nearby opportunities this month, including Luna Stage acting courses for K-12 students starting Sept. 14 in town and a Sept. 15 business-growth breakfast with the West Orange Chamber at the Cambria Hotel. The Orange-area roundup also highlights local library surveys, CPR training, ESL registration, free children's physicals, volunteer sessions, and regional arts and Pride events.
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Ok West 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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
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