Montclair Daily Buzz: Feb. 18, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Screening of “Ma France à Moi” planned by Montclair Film on Feb. 20 in Montclair. The film begins at 7 p.m. at The Clairidge, 486 Bloomfield Ave. A Q&A with director Benoit Cohen will follow. Admission is $15. Tickets are available online.
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Montclair Film

Montclair parents and caregivers can attend a free workshop on ways to provide support for LGBTQ+ middle school students on Feb. 20. The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that provides resources for LGBTQ+ youth, will lead the workshop from 6:45-8 p.m. at Montclair library’s Main Branch. Registration is recommended. The workshop is part of an ongoing series hosted by the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence.
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Montclair Public Library

Free distribution of baseball and softball gear planned by Montclair recreation on Feb. 23 in Montclair. It is from 2-8 p.m. at Centercourt, 14 Depot Sq. There will be bats, helmets, gloves, and cleats.
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Montclair Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Sensory-friendly screening of “Paddington in Peru” planned by Montclair Film on Feb. 23. The movie begins at 11:15 a.m. at The Clairidge, 486 Bloomfield Ave. Sensory features include soft lighting, lower volume, limited trailers, and guests are encouraged to move around as necessary. Open captioning is used when available. Tickets are $11.
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Montclair Film

Benefit concert supporting Montclair Community Farms planned on Feb. 22. Rewilder will perform at 8 p.m. at Tierney’s Tavern, 138 Valley Rd. Admission is $10.
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Montclair Community Farms

“Solidarity with Immigrant Workers” benefit concert supporting Cosecha N.J. planned on Feb. 23 in Montclair. Cosecha is a national movement fighting for the protections of undocumented immigrants. The event is from 4-7 p.m. at 148 Forest St. Admission of at least $10 will support Cosecha.
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Cosecha NJ

Free screenings of “Stamped From the Beginning” and “The Piano Lesson” planned by Montclair Film on Feb. 24 in Montclair. Films begin at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at The Clairidge, 486 Bloomfield Ave. The movies are free as part of Montclair Film’s celebration of Black History Month. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Montclair Film

Free screening of “Our Schools, Our Town” and discussion planned by YMCA Montclair on Feb. 24. The film is a short documentary about Montclair’s desegregation movement and its magnet school system. Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence Executive director and producer of the film, will then lead a conversation with community members. The event is from 7-8 p.m. at 25 Park St. Registration is required.
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YMCA of Montclair

Trivia night and fundraiser planned by the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge on Feb. 20. The event is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge. Proceeds will benefit Nancy’s Place, an 18-month behavioral health program for youth ages 18-21. Admission is $45 per person or $400 per table of 10. Tickets available online.
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Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge

Nutley’s indoor winter farmers market is scheduled for Feb. 23. It is from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Vincent United Methodist Church. There will be fresh produce and baked goods from local vendors.
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Nutley Township

Screening of “The House of Dies Drear” planned by West Orange Classic Film Festival on Feb. 23. The movie begins at 2 p.m. at AMC at 495 Prospect Ave. in West Orange. Tickets available online and in-person for purchase.
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West Orange Arts Council

First-time homebuyer workshop planned by Urban League of Essex County on Feb. 22 in Newark. Attendees will learn about budgeting, credit and financial management, navigating lenders and loan options, mortgage plans, and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 506 Central Ave. Admission is $25 per person. Registration is required.
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Urban League of Essex County

Free, online workshop discussing juvenile justice planned by Is Your Life Better on Feb. 25. It is from 6-8 p.m. and part of the N.J. Abolition Workshop series, supported by a group of N.J.-based community organizations. Registration is required.
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Is Your Life Better

New Jersey residents with a household income of $75,000 or less can sign up for free tax preparation services with NJ Citizen Action. Tax documents can be dropped off at 165 Halsey St. in Newark on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book an appointment by phone. A list of required documents is available online. The last day to file taxes is Apr. 15.
New Jersey Citizen Action

Museums, art galleries, and other art spaces can apply by Mar. 31 to be featured in Garden State Art Weekend, a statewide celebration of art in N.J. It will take place Apr. 24-27. The event aims to highlight well-known and undiscovered contributors to the state’s art scene through an interactive guide showcasing a range of museums, galleries, artist studios, alternative spaces, and community art centers. The festival’s main hub is Manufacturers Village in East Orange. Application fee is $25.
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Garden State Art Weekend

REGIONAL NEWS

Almost 10,000 of N.J.’s eligible 3- and 4-year-olds are not enrolled in a state-funded full-day preschool program, according to a report from the Education Law Center. In 1990, a series of N.J. Supreme Court rulings ordered the state to increase funding for school districts with high levels of poverty, formerly known as “Abbott” districts. Those funds support a preschool education, facility improvements, and other programming. Preschool programs must meet certain standards, like a maximum classroom size of 15 students with a certified teacher and assistant, and must provide transportation and health services as needed. In Essex County, Irvington, East Orange, Orange, and Newark school districts provide free preschool educations. Irvington is one of five districts statewide that enrolled 90% of eligible preschoolers in 2023-24. Preschool enrollment information is available on district websites.
New Jersey Monitor

Financial aid information webinar with Higher Education Student Assistance Authority planned on Feb. 24 and Feb. 26 in Spanish and English. The free event begins at 12 p.m. and is designed for families. Attendees will learn about available state-based grants and loans. Registration is required. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Office Office of the Secretary of Higher Education