Follow local news and events in Maplewood with The Jersey Bee. Here is the The Daily Buzz for Apr. 18, 2024 from The Jersey Bee.
Local news
Tickets available for South Orange Downtown’s “Food Stroll and Pub Crawl” planned for Apr. 21. The event, scheduled from 1-5 p.m., will feature access to over a dozen local eateries, shopping deals, and drink specials. A complete list of participating businesses available online. Admission is by wristband purchase. Add to 📅.
South Orange Downtown
Maplewood library to host “Toddler Storytime” on Apr. 22 in the Hilton branch for ages 1-3 with an adult. The event is from 10:30-10:50 a.m. and includes stories, rhymes, and movement activities. Add to 📅.
Maplewood Public Library
Community Congregational Church plans a “Boutique and Rummage Sale” on Apr. 20-21 in Short Hills. All proceeds support the charities “Dress for Success” and “Warehouse N.J.” Add to 📅.
The Warehouse NJ
East Orange plans opening reception for “Garden State Arts Weekend” on Apr. 19. The reception is from 6-10 p.m. at Manufacturers Village, 356 Glenwood Ave. East Orange was named hub of the statewide art celebration from Apr. 19-21. It will highlight artwork by East Orange and neighboring residents. The gallery was curated by Gwendolyn Jackson and Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate. Add to 📅.
East Orange City
NAACP N.J. plans a free, virtual “Masterclass on Birthing Advocacy for Black Maternal Health” on Apr. 23. The class begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be led by advocate Crystal Charley. Discussions will include disparities in Black maternal health, creating a supportive community for Black mothers, and actionable changes in maternal healthcare. Registration available online. Add to 📅.
NAACP New Jersey State Conference
Montclair library offers “All Our Voices,” a set of curated booklists for children in more than 12 languages. Books are in Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Turkish, and Haitian Creole, among other languages. Books are available at Montclair library or can be requested through the Bergen County Cooperative Library System.
Montclair Public Library
Turtle Back Zoo plans “Family Nature Club: Nature Guardians” for ages 6+ on Apr. 21 in West Orange. The walk begins at 9 a.m. and attendees will explore salamander ecosystems. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration is required. Admission is $5. Add to 📅.
Turtle Back Zoo
Essex County Environmental Center plans “Family Daffodil Dissection” on Apr. 22 in Roseland. The event is from 6-7:30 p.m. Participants will dissect a daffodil to learn more about flower anatomy and pollination. There will be games and a walk through the center’s trails. Registration is required. Tickets available for purchase online. Add to 📅.
Essex County Environmental Center
Regional news
Essex County severely mishandled its $40 million COVID-19 vaccination program, according to a recent report by the state watchdog. The report found several instances breaching federal, state, and local procurement rules, leading to irresponsible overspending, such as double payments to a politically connected vendor, East Orange-based Dunton Consulting’s Rasheida Smith, and payments made without invoices. State Comptroller Kevin Walsh is asking county officials to correct the misspending by hiring an independent auditor, use legal mechanisms to recover overpayments, and conduct an internal review of the vaccination program.
New Jersey Monitor
