Essex County Daily Buzz: Nov. 20, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

“Craftsgiving Leftovers” planned at Belleville library on Nov. 29. It is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children will use leftover craft supplies from previous programs. First-come, first-served. Registration is not required.
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Belleville Public Library

“Santa Parade of Classic Cars” planned with Bloomfield Cruisers on Nov. 29. It is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A map of the parade route is available online.
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Bloomfield Cruisers

Bloomfield’s Rombiolo Bakery Cafe was named the best bakery in N.J. by an online food website, The Takeout. Rombiolo Bakery Cafe is located at 119 Broughton Ave. It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays until 3 p.m.
NorthJersey.com

Bloomfield received the silver-level Sustainable Jersey certification for its sustainability initiatives, the highest level of recognition in the program. The township was recognized for improved municipal energy use, expanded recycling and materials reuse programs, building and maintenance policies, and more.
Bloomfield Township

Northeast Earth Coalition seeks donations at its “Free Little Food Pantries” in Montclair, Bloomfield, and East Orange. Locations available online. Some donations may be eligible for a tax receipt.
Northeast Earth Coalition

South Orange Downtown is offering “Downtown Dollar” coupons on Nov. 29, valid at participating businesses for use that day. Coupons are available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Co-Lab, 57 S. Orange Ave. while supplies last. The coupon is $10 off purchases of at least $50.
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South Orange Downtown

Art workshop for ages 5-12 planned at Maplewood library on Nov. 29 in the Hilton Branch. It is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Attendees will make a sock-puppet. Registration is not required. Materials provided.
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Maplewood Public Library

Maplewood Vintage Show is scheduled on Nov. 29-30. It is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 60 Woodland Rd. There will be more than 35 vendors. Tickets available online for purchase.
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Maplewood Vintage Show

Free Thanksgiving turkey giveaway planned with People Over Politics on Nov. 25 in Orange. It is from 4-6 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 229 Wallace St.
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TAPinto East Orange/Orange

Financial planning workshop planned at Orange library on Dec. 3. It is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and will discuss investing, taxes, and insurance. Led by Financial Planning Association of NJ and Seton Hall. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Orange Public Library

“Santa’s Arrival” planned with Nutley Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 28. Gates open at 1 p.m. and Santa will arrive at 2 p.m. at Nutley High School. Free admission.
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Nutley Chamber of Commerce

Nutley’s “Santa’s Express Mailbox” is from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14. Children can deliver their letters to the special mailbox at Nutley Park Oval entrance on Chestnut Street. Parents or guardians should include their children’s ages and a return address or email address to receive replies.
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Nutley Township

Newark library board of trustees appointed Sarah Wiggins as interim library director. Wiggins is the former director of Orange library. Library directors oversee day-to-day operations and report directly the the board of trustees. Wiggins started her position on Oct. 16.
TAPinto Newark

United Way of Greater Newark was awarded a $250,000 grant from Citi Foundation. The funds will provided to 400 individuals who are unable to make payments for housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and other basic needs, also known as Asset Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed (ALICE) individuals. Funds will also be used to support BRICK Education Network’s Economic Mobility Lab and Urban League of Essex County’s Financial Opportunity Center.
TAPinto Newark

Montclair Flea’s holiday market begins Nov. 29 at Lackawanna Station. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 28.
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Montclair Flea

“Winter Wonderland” small business event planned at The Wellmont Plaza on Nov. 29 in Montclair. It is from 12-4 p.m. at 5 Seymour St. There will be small business deals, live music, and family activities.
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Montclair Center

REGIONAL NEWS

New Jersey college or graduate college students can apply to the N.J. Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program. Fellows will receive hands-on experience in their field by working with government officials, non-profits, and industry leaders. There will be opportunities to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program begins in 2026. Applications due by Dec. 9. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development

Eligible New Jersey residents unable to make utility payments from Nov. 15 to Mar. 15 are protected from service disconnection under the state’s Winter Termination Program. The community affairs department program protects recipients of federal and state assistance programs and customers in arrears from water, sewer, and electric service discontinuation.
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs