Essex County Daily Buzz: Jun. 9, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Belleville seniors can request for transportation to and from their polling sites on Jun. 10, primary election day. Belleville’s “Dial-a-Ride” service is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule a ride by phone.
Belleville Mayor Michael Melham

Belleville children ages 2-14 can register for summer soccer camp, scheduled from Jun. 29 to Sep. 7, with Excellence Soccer Touch. It meets Sunday mornings at Belleville High School. Participants are grouped by age. Register online.
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Belleville Recreation Department

Select bouquets at Stop and Shop purchased during June will support Human Needs Food Pantry. The pantry will receive $1 for each $11.99 Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet sold at 8 Franklin St. in Bloomfield.
Toni’s Kitchen

East Orange girls ages 14-18 can register for the city’s basketball program, scheduled to start Jul. 8. It meets Mondays and Wednesdays through Aug. 8 at Cicely L. Tyson Gym. Register by phone.
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East Orange City

Spring health fair planned with Isaiah House on Jun. 12 in East Orange. It is from 2-6 p.m. at 85 North 14th St. There will be health insurance enrollment, primary care and behavioral health support, vendors, food, and carnival games. Free admission. RSVP by phone.
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Isaiah House

Summer reading kickoff planned at Glen Ridge library on Jun. 10. It is from 5-7 p.m. outside the library. There will be ice cream, lawn games, and registration for summer reading challenges.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

Maplewood Vintage Show is scheduled for Jun. 15. It is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd. Early access is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and requires a $20 entry ticket. Free, general entry is from 12-5 p.m. There will be vintage clothing, accessories, art, and more.
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Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture

Orientation for Newark Documenters program participants planned virtually on Jun. 11. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Residents will be trained and paid to create a guide to understanding local agencies in Newark. Registration is required.
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Newark Documenters

South Ward community meeting planned on Jun. 12 in Newark. Councilman Patrick Council will lead the event from 6-8 p.m. at Temple of Hip Hop, 55 Ludlow St. There will be information about summer programs and community resources.
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South Ward Councilman Patrick Council

Protest against immigrant detention and deportation planned with People’s Organization for Progress on Jun. 14 in Newark. “No Kings Day” is a nationwide movement advocating for democratic policies and action within the federal government. In Newark, the “No Kings Day” protest is against federal immigration raids and investments in private prison companies. The demonstration begins at 11 a.m. at Lincoln Statue, 12 Springfield Ave.
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People’s Organization for Progress

Nutrition education course planned at Newark library starting Jun. 16 in the Main Branch. The eight-week class will include recipes and conversations around planning meals for families. It meets from 2-4 p.m. Attendees will receive a certificate of achievement from Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex County. Registration required. Library card not required.
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Newark Public Library

Poetry workshop for youth ages 13-18 planned with Dodge Poetry starting Jun. 16 in Newark. Workshops are held at Clinton Hill Community Action, MENTOR Newark, and NJPAC. Free admission. Registration required.
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Newark City

Registration is open for Nutley library’s 2025 summer reading program. Participants track an online reading log for a chance to win prizes through Aug. 14.
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Nutley Public Library

Children ages 3-6 can attend Nutley recreation’s “KinderDance” pre-K summer program starting Jun. 23. The four-day movement and music program is available in four weekly sessions. The final one begins Aug. 18. It meets at the recreation building from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enrollment is $100 per session and per participant. Registration is available online.
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Nutley Township

Networking event for entrepreneurs planned with Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, a local community service organization, on Jun. 10 in Orange. It is from 3-6 p.m. at Orange High School’s auxiliary gymnasium. It will include a panel discussion with business experts and coaches. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Housing and Neighborhood Development Services

West Orange’s township website launched its redesign last week, which is meant to increase user accessibility and readability. There are upgrades to the website’s search tools, color scheme, and site navigation map, according to the township.
TAPinto West Orange

REGIONAL NEWS

Ironbound Environmental Justice is calling for Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission to vote against the construction of a fourth fossil fuel plant in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood, where 25% of children have asthma. The $180 million backup power project is the first to be approved since N.J.’s 2023 environmental justice law that intends to block similar construction in communities burdened by polluting infrastructure. Ironbound Environmental Justice recommended a hybrid power plant combining solar energy and battery storage as a clean and less costly alternative. The PVSC will vote during its next virtual meeting on Jun. 12 at 12 p.m.
Ironbound Community Corporation

Nearly 4 million N.J. residents could receive at least $100 to offset the $25 monthly increase in utility bills that took effect Jun. 1, according to a cost relief program proposed by Gov. Phil Murphy. Utility market rates are determined at an annual auction based on overall energy costs, which increased by 800% in 2024 in N.J. If approved by the N.J. Board of Public Utilities, Murphy’s program would run from July to December and provide lower and moderate-income households with rebates of at least $250, officials said. The BPU’s next meeting is on Jun. 18. It is not yet clear how or when the benefits would arrive.
NJ Spotlight News