Essex County Daily Buzz: Nov. 19, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Belleville installed a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Holmes and Ralph Streets. Drivers should make a complete stop at this intersection.
Belleville Police Department

Holiday cookie workshop for ages 13+ planned with Bloomfield recreation on Dec. 3. It is from 5-7:30 p.m. at Bloomfield Civic Center. Enrollment is $35. Registration is required.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Bloomfield is hiring a full-time tax assessor. Responsibilities include managing tax records, handling appeals, and providing accurate tax information. Apply by Nov. 26.
Bloomfield Township

Assemblyman Michael Venezia seeks donations of winter coats and non-perishable foods through Dec. 15. Drop-off locations are in Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, and Nutley. Donations benefit Manna Food Depot and Nutley Family Service Bureau.
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District 34 Assemblyman Michael Venezia

East Orange school district was awarded more than $1.1 million in state education grants for literacy initiatives. Funds will be used to expand classroom coaching, increase curriculum resources, and provide teachers with intensive professional development opportunities around improving reading outcomes.
TAPinto East Orange/Orange

“Ashenfelter 8K Classic and the Tom Fleming 2K Run” fundraiser benefitting the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation planned on Nov. 27. It begins at 8:15 a.m. and 9 a.m. at Glen Ridge High School. Registration is required.
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Ashenfelter 8K Classic

Maplewood was awarded $702,850 through a state preservation grant to restore and upgrade The Woodland. Funds will be used for The Woodland’s Great Hall and include structural roof upgrades, restoration of wood doors and sidelights, removal of aluminum siding and trim, and reveal windows above side doorways. Work is set to begin in 2026.
Maplewood Township

Stephen Dolinac was recently appointed to South Orange police chief. Dolinac was acting police chief since Ernesto Morillo’s retirement in April 2025.
The Village Green

South Orange and Maplewood seek nominations for its 2026 “Unsung Sheroes” awards. It recognizes local women in advocacy, arts and culture, education, leadership, and youth leadership. Nomination submissions are accepted online.
South Orange Village

Montclair will hold preliminary budget meetings for 2026 on Nov. 24-25. Meetings are from 1-3:30 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. at the Council Chambers. Open to the public. Meetings will be streamed on Montclair’s YouTube channel and TV34.
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Montclair Township

Montclair residents can participate in the township’s “Adopt-a-Drain” program. Participants who adopt a nearby storm drain commit to removing leaves, litter, and debris. Sign up online.
Montclair Township

Newark adopted the 2025 municipal budget, or spending plan, amounting to about $990 million, with a municipal property tax increase of $533.75. The budget will fund municipal services, like public works, parks and recreation, and health workers. Property owners can expect an average tax cost of approximately $7,641.50, a year-to-year increase of $703.39 per homeowner.
TAPinto Newark

Newark-based organizations and businesses can submit events for promotion. Downtown Newark for the Holidays will promote events from Nov. 29 to Jan. 4. Submit events online.
Newark Happening

El Barrio Wellness recently opened in Newark at 76 Clinton Ave. It offers bilingual and trauma-informed counseling for children, adults, and families.
South Ward Councilman Patrick Council

Nutley students in grades K-8 can register for the 2026 lacrosse season. Early-bird registration fee is $110 per player and available on Nov. 23 at the recreation building from 12-4 p.m. General registration fee is $135. Each player must be a registered U.S. Lacrosse Member. Registration is available online.
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Nutley Township

Nutley Family Service Bureau pet pantry seeks monetary donations for purchasing dog and cat food. Donations accepted online.
Nutley Family Service Bureau

West Orange town council unanimously voted to settle a lawsuit between the council and Mayor Susan McCartney. The lawsuit was filed by McCartney in 2023 and revolves around town attorney, Richard Trenk, who has been working without a contract and against a council-passed “no support” resolution. In March 2024, an Essex County Superior Court judge granted a preliminary injunction in favor of McCartney and ruled that Trenk can continue as town attorney until the case is settled. McCartney announced Trenk’s resignation on Oct. 31, three days after the council voted to settle. The township appointed Mark Semeraro to township attorney on Nov. 12.
West Orange Patch

West Orange Chamber of Commerce is hiring an executive director. Applications accepted by email. job description available online.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce

West Orange renamed Ridgeway Park to Susan O. Borg Park on Oct. 19. The rededication honors Borg, who served as the township planner for more than 30 years and died in 2019.
West Orange Patch

Parent Conference and Resource Fair planned with Orange public schools on Nov. 23. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orange High School. There will be workshops, community resources, and family activities. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Orange Public Schools

Free Thanksgiving turkeys and chickens for Orange residents available on Nov. 25. Distribution is from 12-4 p.m. at Upper Central Field House. First come, first served. Proof of residency required.
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City of Orange Township

Healthcare enrollment assistance planned with New Jersey Citizen Action on Nov. 25 in Orange. It is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Orange library. Free admission.
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Orange Public Library

REGIONAL NEWS

New Jersey NAACP, Latino Action Network, and Latino Coalition of N.J. filed a lawsuit against N.J. to stop allowing car insurance companies to set rates based on education and occupation. It claims that associating risk with education and occupation gives insurers a loophole to increase rates for low-income and Black or Latino drivers, regardless of actual risk. The lawsuit says regulators violated state anti-discrimination laws, constitutional equal protection guarantees, and state law prohibiting racial and economic discrimination in insurance rates. In 2021, the Senate approved legislation that would have prohibited car insurers from setting rates based on occupation, education, marital status, and credit scores, but the bill did not advance to the Assembly.
New Jersey Monitor