Local news
Newark city council unanimously passed the initiative to allow 16- and 17-year olds to vote in school board elections. Newark becomes the largest U.S. city to expand voting rights to people under 18 since 1971. Recent school board elections had low voter turnout, with about 3% of Newark’s registered voters participating in last year’s election.
WBGO
Newark held a ribbon cutting ceremony for transitional housing center, Hope Village II, on Jan. 8. The center is located at 51-63 Elizabeth Ave. and will provide housing for 20 unhoused people. Newark officials and its partners refashioned old shipping containers into five, four-bedroom units. The space includes private showers, furniture, a park, and community gardens and greenhouses. The first Hope Village, opened in 2021, has helped 53 people find permanent housing, according to city officials.
Patch Newark
Newark public schools is hiring bilingual, ESL, math, science, and special education teachers for the 2024-2025 academic year. Applications accepted online.
Newark Board of Education
Registration is open for Newark recreation’s 2024 youth basketball and development academy for children in grades 3-8. The program starts Jan. 20 and runs every Saturday until June 29 at the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center. Registration is available online. Add to 📅.
Newark City
“A Little Piece of Ground”, book detailing Palestinian life under Israeli occupation, was removed from Newark public school curriculums. A district spokesperson did not elaborate on the reason for its removal but the Whippany-based Jewish Federation of MetroWest took credit, citing a lobbying effort targeted at removing the book because it paints Israel in a negative light despite depicting accurate portrayals of apartheid conditions in occupied Palestinian territories.
NJ Advance Media
RWJ Barnabas Health plans a free prenatal yoga class starting Jan. 20 in Newark. The gentle yoga class meets weekly from 12-1 p.m. at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Preregistration is required. Add to 📅.
RWJ Barnabas Health
Ironbound Community Corporation’s Financial Opportunity Center plans a free forklift safety training class Jan. 18 for ages 18+ in Newark. Participants will learn safety protocols and regulations from a N.J. Department of Labor instructor. The class is from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 317 Elm St. in Newark. A state photo ID is required. Preregistration is requiredby phone or email. Add to 📅.
Ironbound Community Corporation
RWJ Barnabas Health plans a free, interactive cooking class for ages 2-4 in Newark starting Jan. 20. Children of any skill level will learn how to cook in an adaptive kitchen at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The class meets monthly from 11-11:45 a.m. Preregistration is required. Add to 📅.
RWJ Barnabas Health
Newark Water Coalition seeks an organization in need of a pantry. They have a dry goods pantry available for donation. Contact Newark Water Coalition by phone, email, or online with donation inquiries.
Newark Water Coalition
RWJ Barnabas Health plans a free interactive cooking class for ages 4-7 in Newark staring Jan. 20. Children of any skill level will learn how to cook in an adaptive kitchen at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The class meets monthly from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Preregistration is required. Add to 📅.
RWJ Barnabas Health
CASA Essex County plans a virtual volunteer information session on Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. and Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Volunteers work one-on-one with Essex County youth in foster care. Register online. Add to 📅.
CASA Essex County
Nutley library is hiring a part-time library assistant and circulation worker. Applications accepted online.
Nutley Public Library
A Nutley family created a GoFundMe campaign to support their son’s recovery from a recent hit-and-run accident. John Demmer III was struck by another vehicle on Dec. 9 on Washington Ave. and is currently in need of an additional surgery. Monetary donations accepted online.
GoFundMe
RWJ Barnabas Health plans a free virtual yoga class starting Jan. 19. Attendees work with a certified yoga teacher on Monday evenings and Friday nights through Feb. 12. The class is designed to promote inner peace, mental clarity, improved strength, flexibility, and well-being. Preregistration is available by phone. Add to 📅.
RWJ Barnabas Health
