Essex County Daily Buzz: Dec. 9, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Business finances workshop planned virtually with Urban League of Essex County on Dec. 16. It is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and will discuss banking, money management, and opening bank accounts. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Urban League of Essex County

Arc of Essex County plans a virtual information session discussing its Camp Hope summer program on Dec. 15. It begins at 4:30 p.m. Registration is available online. The camp is designed for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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The Arc of Essex County

Belleville received $799,160 in state grant funds to support road improvements along William Street, New Street, and Greylock Avenue. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

Bloomfield received $645,862 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Montgomery Street. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

A multi-way stop sign was recently installed on Montgomery Street at Willet Street in Bloomfield and Belleville. Drivers should make a complete stop at this intersection.
Bloomfield Police Department

Bloomfield residents can submit photos to the township’s fall photography contest until Dec. 21. Submissions must include photos of Bloomfield parks. Winners will receive a $25 credit to their CommunityPass account for township recreation programs. Guidelines available online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

East Orange received $1,067,610 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Rhode Island Avenue, Bedford Street, and Lincoln Street. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

West Orange received $392,489 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Winfield Street, Virginia Avenue, Kirk Street, and Grant Terrace. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

West Orange Holy Trinity Food Pantry seeks donations of hygiene items through Dec. 13. Accepted items include body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, and deodorant. Items can also be purchased online for donation. Drop-off location available by emailing the pantry contact.
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TAPinto West Orange

West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 holiday mixer is scheduled for Dec. 16. It is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at McLoone’s Boathouse, 9 Cherry Ln. in West Orange. Free admission for members, $20 for non-members. Tickets are available online.
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West Orange Chamber of Commerce

South Orange received $551,520 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Walton Street. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

South Orange library’s book club members will discuss title selections for 2026-27 during its Dec. 16 meeting. It is from 7-8 p.m. at 298 Walton Ave. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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South Orange Public Library

Orange received $817,724 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Beechwood Terrace, Carrol Street, and William Street. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

Nutley received $498,520 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Chestnut Street. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

Community blood drive planned with Nutley health department on Dec. 15. Eligible participants can donate blood from 3-6:30 p.m. at 149 Chestnut St. Registration is required.
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Nutley Township

Newark received a total of $2,862,148 in state grant funds to support road improvements. Newark was awarded $1,740,273 to support roadway resurfacing in each ward. Another $1,121,875 was awarded to support another roadway project, but project details are not available. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

“Winter Wonderland” community day planned at Newark Museum of Art on Dec. 13. It is from 12-5 p.m. and will include performances, hot chocolate, and story sessions for children. Free admission. Tickets are available online.
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Newark Museum of Art

Free community brunch for Newark residents experiencing homeless and at-risk population planned on Dec. 14. It is from 12-3 p.m. at the Vincent Lombardi Center of Hope, 201 Bloomfield Ave. There will be music and distributions of blankets, outerwear, and other donations.
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Newark City

Toy giveaway planned with Newark police on Dec. 16. It is from 3-5 p.m. at West Side Park while supplies last.
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Newark Public Safety

Montclair received $543,768 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Church Street. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

Holiday dance party for ages 21+ planned with Out Montclair on Dec. 16 in Montclair. It is from 6-10 p.m. at Porta, 499 Bloomfield Ave. Advanced tickets are $15 and available online.
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Out Montclair

Youth ages 12-18 can attend a book bedazzling craft session at Montclair library on Dec. 16-17 in the Bellevue and Main Branches. It is from 5-7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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Montclair Public Library

Montclair youth in grades 6-8 can register for the recreation department’s winter basketball program, scheduled to start Jan. 9. It runs through Mar. 20. Enrollment is $100. Registration is required online.
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Montclair Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Maplewood received $686,857 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Prospect Street. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

“Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting” planned with Maplewood arts and culture on Dec. 16. It is from 6-7 p.m. at Ricalton Square. There will be donuts and music.
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Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture

Irvington received $447,800 in state grant funds to support road resurfacing along Lincoln Place. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

“Breakfast for Dinner” with Santa planned with Irvington on Dec. 11. It is from 4-7 p.m. at 1212 Springfield Ave.
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Irvington Township

Glen Ridge received $209,010 in state grant funds to support road improvements along Carteret Street. N.J. Department of Transportation’s municipal aid grant funds projects that aim to improve roads, bridges, and safety.
New Jersey Department of Transportation

REGIONAL NEWS

New Jersey’s major hospitals reinstated face mask requirements on Dec. 1 in response to an increase in respiratory illnesses. According to N.J. Department of Health’s most recent respiratory illness surveillance report from Nov. 29, the number of emergency department admissions associated with COVID, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have been increasing since the start of fall, similar to admissions rates in 2024, which peaked in February. The report found that most emergency department visits for COVID and the flu were people ages 65+, and RSV were people ages 0-4. The mask mandate is implemented in Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals and RWJ Barnabas Health hospitals. People can also schedule online appointments to receive vaccinations for COVID, flu, and RSV.
NJ Advance Media