Community Corner

šŸŒ± Patch AM: West Orange Saw Big Drop In Violent Crime Last Year, FBI Data Shows

Make time for Our Newark Futures: Artist Conversation with ANNE PERCOCO on the West Orange Patch calendar

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Thursday September 10th Patch AM
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Good morning West Orange! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • West Orange violent crime drops sharply, outpacing state and national declines
  • How West Orange's new chief judge is reshaping the local court
  • What powerful true story is coming to Luna Stage this fall?

Also on today's calendar: Our Newark Futures: Artist Conversation with ANNE PERCOCO and 15 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: An a.m. shower; breezy, humid, with a high of 85 and low of 65 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 79, low: 57.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 77 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. West Orange Saw Big Drop In Violent Crime Last Year, FBI Data Shows (patch.com) — West Orange residents are seeing a notable drop in violent crime, with just 55 incidents reported in 2025 and a rate well below both New Jersey and national averages. FBI data shows the town's violent crime rate fell more than 20 percent from 2024 and has generally trended downward for decades, mirroring long-term statewide and national declines.
   

2. West Orange Swears In First Female Chief Judge, Adds To List Of Local Trailblazing Women (patch.com) — West Orange has sworn in longtime resident Dawn Donohue as its first female chief judge, marking a major milestone for the municipal court and local government. Mayor Susan McCartney praised Donohue's dedication and stressed how municipal court shapes residents' trust in justice. The ceremony follows the recent promotion of the town's first female police sergeant, continuing a trend of local women breaking barriers.
   

3. Luna Stage presents "Hold These Truths" (newjerseystage.com) — Luna Stage in West Orange is staging the acclaimed one-man play "Hold These Truths" from September 24 to October 18, 2026, with Joel de la Fuente portraying 36 characters. The drama follows Gordon Hirabayashi's World War II civil rights stand against Japanese American incarceration. Performances run Thursdays through Sundays at the Valley Road theater, with tickets available online for local theatergoers.
   

4. NJ Photographer Honors 9/11 Search And Rescue Dogs With 25th Anniversary Tribute (patch.com) — West Orange photographer Erica Deel is releasing a special 25th anniversary edition of her 9/11 tribute image "Heroes Remembered," created at Eagle Rock Reservation's Essex County 9/11 Memorial in town. The commemorative print, available Sept. 11–25, will send 25 percent of net proceeds to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. Afterward, a smaller portion of sales will continue supporting search-and-rescue training.
   

5. West Orange Daily Buzz: Sep. 9, 2026 (jerseybee.org) — West Orange residents get a roundup of nearby events, services, and opportunities, including eligibility for a national farmers market award and a new home care service that now serves the township. The Buzz also highlights upcoming cultural events, health clinics, food-aid tools, and education programs across Essex County that West Orange neighbors can attend or benefit from.
   

📸 Around West Orange

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in West Orange

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📣 West Orange Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • A World of Memories Begins at Meadowbrook Country Day Camp —Jackie Schatell Read on Patch
  • Burlington Stores posted a job opening for Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in West Orange. Apply here.
  • White Castle posted a job opening for Crew Manager in Irvington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Orange here.

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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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