Belleville Daily Buzz: Mar. 13, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Belleville school district is expected to receive $68,302,115 in state aid if Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed budget for 2026 is approved. That would be a 2.58% increase compared to the previous year, when the district received $66,585,432. Calculations are made by N.J.’s school funding formula law, which determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. Murphy’s proposed budget is undergoing a public review process that will be finalized by Jun. 30.
NJ Advance Media

Artist reception with the Art Association of Rutherford planned by Nutley library on Mar. 15. It is from 2-4 p.m. Artwork is on display at the library through April as part of its annual spring art show.
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Nutley Public Library

Presentation on the history of Yanticaw Park planned by Nutley library on Mar. 18. Nutley town historian John Demmer and historian David Wilson will share information about residents who lobbied for the park’s funding and creation at 7 p.m. There will be historical photographs from the Essex County archives. Registration is not required.
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Nutley Public Library

Craft supply swap planned by Nutley library on Mar. 29. People who donate craft supplies Mar. 22-28 at the library will receive an early entry ticket for 1:30 p.m. on the day of the swap. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. for the general public. Supplies are free. Nutley residency not required.
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Nutley Public Library

Reading presentation of “Payasita,” a bilingual musical, planned by Skyline Theater Company on Mar. 22-23 in Bloomfield. Showtimes are 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. at The Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Skyline Theater Company

Film screening and discussion of “Elevator to the Gallows” planned by Montclair Film on Mar. 16 and Mar. 20. Showtimes are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at The Clairidge, 486 Bloomfield Ave. There will be a Q&A with local teacher, artist, and filmmaker Gerard Amsellem. Tickets available online for purchase.
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Montclair Film

Quilt-making session for adults planned by Montclair library on Mar. 22 in the Main Branch. The free event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants will use stitching, embroidery, gluing, and embellishing techniques. Materials provided. Registration required. Open to non-library cardholders.
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Montclair Public Library

Nowruz celebration planned by AAPI-NJ and the Persian Heritage Society of NJ on Mar. 22 in Montclair. Nowruz is the Persian New Year. There will be performances, music, dance, food, and drinks from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at 60 South Fullerton Ave. Admission is $40. Tickets available online.
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AAPI New Jersey

“Requiem for the Rebel in You” creative writing workshop planned at Newark library’s Main Branch on Mar. 20. Newark poet Elliott Fant will lead the free workshop from 6-8 p.m. Registration is not required.
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Newark Public Library

“African Spirituality Conference” planned by Africana Institute Essex County College on Mar. 22 in Newark. It is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guest speakers will discuss divine feminine energy in African spirituality. There will also be presentations and interactive sessions on African spiritual practices, healing traditions, and societal structures. Admission is free. Tickets available online.
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Africana Institute Essex County College

Webinar discussing ways to appeal to colleges for more financial aid planned by Maplewood library on Mar. 18. The free workshop is presented by My College Planning Team and begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
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Maplewood Public Library

Free, online workshop for parents and guardians discussing ways to healthfully use digital media planned by East Orange YMCA on Mar. 19. Two sessions available with either one beginning at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. It will discuss mindfulness techniques to build a better relationship to technology and increase focus. Registration is required.
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East Orange YMCA

Northeast Regional Student Symposium planned by Association of Latino Professionals for America-NJ on Mar. 22 in South Orange. The one-day conference will feature development workshops, leadership training, and networking opportunities. It will be held at Seton Hall. Registration is required.
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ALPFA New Jersey

REGIONAL NEWS

About 68% of N.J. school districts are expected to see an increase in state aid funding while 31% will see a decrease under Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed spending plan for 2026. Proposed increases are capped at 6% and decreases are limited to 3%, state officials said. State aid is calculated by N.J.’s school funding formula law. It determines how much money districts can raise through local property taxes and instructs the state to contribute the difference in attempt to meet district needs. That is based on the district’s aggregate income, school enrollment, number of special education students, and transportation costs, among other factors. State aid for public schools accounts for roughly 21% of Murphy’s drafted budget, which is consistent with last year’s funding plan. The preliminary budget for 2026 will undergo a public review process before it is finalized on Jun. 30. A list of each school district’s anticipated state aid funding is available online.
NJ Advance Media