Essex County Daily Buzz: Jan. 29, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Free cardiac screenings for athletes ages 14-18 planned at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital on Feb. 7 in Somerset. It is from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register by calling the hospital at 908-685-2414.
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RWJ Barnabas Health

Toni’s Kitchen received a $40,000 grant from the Grotta Fund for Older Adults to expand food access in West Orange. The grant will go towards new mobile markets at health clinics, community centers, and faith organizations. There will also be food delivery to eligible seniors.
West Orange Patch

Parents and caregivers can attend a wellness session with the Greater Essex Counseling Services on Feb. 5 in Orange. It is from 6-7 p.m. at the Orange City Council Chambers.
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City of Orange Township

“My Black Is Beautiful” pop-up shop planned at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School on Feb. 7 in Orange. It is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be Black-owned business selling jewelry, art, and more.
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Orange Public Schools

Opening art reception of “I Am You” planned at SOPAC on Feb. 5 in South Orange. It is from 6-8 p.m. The gallery is on display through Mar. 15 and shows artwork by multimedia artist Tatum Sabin. Registration is required. Free admission.
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South Orange Performing Arts Center

“South Orange International Blues Festival” planned at SOPAC on Feb. 6. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include four performers. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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South Orange Performing Arts Center

“Erasing South Orange Borders Run-Walk” planned on Saturdays starting Feb. 7. The run begins at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 1 p.m., hosted by resident and founder of Erasing Essex’s Borders Stephanie Lawson Muhammad. Each route covers 3.1 miles and participants will explore South Orange borders that have historically impacted African Americans. The events are held each Saturday in February. Preregistration is required.
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South Orange Village

Trivia night fundraiser benefitting South Orange Middle School HSA planned on Feb. 6 in Maplewood. It is from 6:30-9 p.m. at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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South Orange Middle School HSA

Music performance with Leyla McCalla planned at Maplewood library on Feb. 5 in the Main Branch. It begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a conversation with Anthony Mazzocchi, president and CEO of the Kaufman Music Center in New York City. Free admission. Registration is not required.
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Maplewood Public Library

Children up to age 12 can read to a dog at Maplewood library on Feb. 5 in the Hilton Branch. it is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration is not required.
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Maplewood Public Library

Children in grades 2-5 can attend an AI coding workshop on Feb. 5 at Lackawanna Station in Montclair. It is from 4-5 p.m. and will include a conversation about online safety and responsible technology use. All materials provided. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Lackawanna Station

Free children activities planned at Lackawanna Station on Feb. 5 in Montclair. The event, “Lattes and Littles,” is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes coffee for parents and caregivers.
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Lackawanna Station

Mountainside Medical Center will offer free dental care for eligible children ages 12 and younger on Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 in Montclair. It aims to serve children who may have limited access to dental care. Book an appointment by calling the Mountainside Dental Clinic at 973-429-6887.
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Montclair Local

People can attend a Black History Month themed art workshop on Feb. 6 at Lackawanna Station in Montclair. It begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will paint in the style of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
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Lackawanna Station

Standing Ready NJ seeks food donations to supply local food pantries in Montclair. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at The Meatlocker, 8 Park St., on Feb. 5 from 9-11 p.m.
Standing Ready NJ

Author talk with Peter D. Blackmer planned at Newark library on Feb. 5 in the Main Branch. Newark City Historian Junius Williams will interview Blackmer about his book, “Unleashing Black Power: Grassroots Organizing in Harlem and the Advent of the Long, Hot Summers.” It begins at 6 p.m. Registration is not required. Free admission.
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Newark Public Library

Newark’s Weequahic High School is hiring a football head coach. Applications are available online and close Feb. 6.
Weequahic High School

Poetry jam planned with Qaalii’s Cafe on Feb. 7 in Newark. It begins at 7 p.m. at 41 Halsey St.
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Qaalii’s Cafe

Pre-Valentine’s concert planned on Feb. 7 in Newark. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the show begins at 3 p.m. at George Washington Carver School. Free admission. There will be a comedy show as well. Tickets are required and available for pick up at Newark City Hall, George Washington Carver School, and 953 Bergen St.
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Newark City

Virtual author talk with Vanessa Riley planned with Glen Ridge library on Feb. 5. Riley will discuss “Fire Sword and Sea” at 7 p.m. Registration required. Free admission. Library card not required.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

East Orange public schools is accepting recipes from its elementary students for the 2026 Future Chef National Challenge. Finalists will compete in a culinary contest on March 5.
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East Orange Public Schools

Valentine’s Day cookie party planned at East Orange library on Feb. 5. It is from 5-8 p.m. Free admission. Registration is not required.
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East Orange Public Library

Hot pot potatoes cooking class for youth in grades 6-12 planned at East Orange library on Feb. 6. Participants will make the stew from 4-5:30 p.m. Registration is not required. Limited to the first 15 attendees.
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East Orange Public Library

Eligible N.J. residents can sign up for free tax preparation services with professional IRS volunteers at Bloomfield library on Feb. 5, with services ending Apr. 12. VITA, the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, provides free tax assistance to individuals who earn $80,000 or less and need help preparing their tax returns. Appointments can be scheduled online to meet between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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Bloomfield Public Library

REGIONAL NEWS

American Civil Liberties Union of N.J. is urging lawmakers and Gov. Mikie Sherrill to pass two bills, the Privacy Protection Act and Strengthening Trust Act, that would expand protections for the state’s 2.25 million immigrant population. Phil Murphy decided to not sign, or pocket-vetoed, the two bills before leaving office on Jan. 20. The Privacy Protection Act will protect personal data shared with schools, hospitals and libraries, and the Strengthening Trust Act codifies a 2018 directive that limits state law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The bills will have to be reintroduced and pass by simple majority in both the General Assembly and the Senate before the governor can sign them. Advocates renewed their push for immigrant protections after President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Jan. 20, 2025 to ramp up deportations. The Jersey Bee has immigration resources at jerseybee.org/community/immigrants. Resources are available in English and Spanish.
NJ Spotlight News