Essex County Daily Buzz: Feb. 3, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Virtual volunteer information session planned by CASA Essex County, a social service organization for local youth, on Feb. 10. It begins at 3 p.m. and will discuss ways to volunteer. Register by emailing info@casaessex.org.
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CASA Essex County

Mobile office hours with Rep. LaMonica McIver planned on Feb. 10 in Orange. McIver and her team will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orange City Council Chambers to provide casework and passport assistance, share resources, and answer questions.
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Rep. LaMonica McIver

Greater Nutley Cancer Foundation’s kickoff party to its Festival of Hope is scheduled for Feb. 12. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the Nutley recreation building. Proceeds will go towards those affected by cancer. Registration is required online by Feb. 6.
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Nutley Township

Nutley-area residents can attend a trip with the library to see “The Sunshine Boys” stage production on Feb. 26 in Union. Tickets are $115 and includes transportation, lunch, and the show. Bus leaves at 9:30 a.m. to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse and returns at 4 p.m. Registration is required.
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Nutley Public Library

Registration is open for Newark recreation’s 2026 lifeguard training program for ages 15+. The certification course is $100 and attendance is required for all classes. The first session begins Feb. 17 and runs until Feb. 21.
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Newark Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services

Newark residents can attend an information session Feb. 10 on PSE&G’s community solar program, which is meant to lower energy costs for renters and homeowners. Program participants subscribe to a local solar farm that generates clean energy for their local electricity grid. Information session is from 6-8 p.m. at City Plex 12, 360-394 Springfield Aver. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Newark City

La Casa de Don Pedro is hiring for multiple job openings. Positions are available in early childhood, healthy homes, and community empowerment departments. Applications are accepted online.
La Casa De Don Pedro

Author talk with Marion Orr planned with Montclair library on Feb. 10 in the Main Branch. Orr will discuss “The House of Diggs: The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Consequential Black Congressman, Charles C. Diggs Jr.” from 6:15-7:45 p.m. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Montclair Public Library

“Galentine’s Sip and Sew” planned at Lackawanna Station on Feb. 7 in Montclair. It is from 5-7:30 p.m. All sewing materials provided. Beginner-friendly and hands-on workshop. Registration is required. Tickets are $45.
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Lackawanna Station

Community dinner and volunteer fair planned with AAPI-Montclair on Feb. 10. It is from 7-9 p.m. Location available upon registration.
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AAPI Montclair

Human Needs Food Pantry seeks donations of cat food. Items accepted at 9 Label St. in Montclair.
Human Needs Food Pantry

Maplewood Village Alliance seeks members to join its board of trustees. Board members contribute to Maplewood events, preservation, and infrastructure. Members are volunteers who attend quarterly meetings and join committees to plan for village events. Interested individuals must email maplewoodvillagenj@gmail.com.
Maplewood Vintage Show

Children ages 2-5 can attend a social skills group on Feb. 7 with South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. It is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be led by local therapists. Registration is required. Location available upon registering.
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South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race

Vegan soul food bowl cooking class for families planned at Maplewood library’s Hilton Branch on Feb. 10. It is from 6-7 p.m. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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Maplewood Public Library

Families can attend a webinar discussing ways to appeal to colleges for more financial aid planned with Maplewood library on Feb. 10. The free workshop is presented by My College Planning Team and begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
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Maplewood Public Library

South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race to host “Talking to Children About Race” panel for families with children on Feb. 10. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will learn ways to foster inclusivity at home and hold conversations about anti-racism and racial identity with their child. Registration required. Location available upon registering.
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South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race

Poetry writing workshop and open mic night planned at Irvington library on Feb. 5. It is from 6-8 p.m. Free admission. Registration is not required.
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Irvington Public Library

Lunar New Year celebration planned with the Glen Ridge Community Association on Feb. 10. It is from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Glen Ridge High School cafeteria. Free admission. Registration is required.
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Glen Ridge Community Association

Glen Ridge seniors can attend a free Valentine’s Day luncheon on Feb. 11. It begins at 12 p.m. at Fitzgerald’s 1928, 13 Herman St. and includes a three-course meal. Registration is required by Feb. 9. Register by emailing jtcowan@glenridgenj.org or calling 973-748-2924.
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Glen Ridge Borough

East Orange families with children attending preschool can attend an information session about kindergarten on Feb. 6. It is from 9:30-10 a.m. at Wahlstrom Academy and online. Led by East Orange school district.
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East Orange Public Schools

Adults can attend a workshop discussing student loan repayment programs at East Orange library on Feb. 10. It is from 6-8 p.m. and will also discuss borrower rights and financial literacy. Registration is not required. Free admission.
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East Orange Public Library

Eligible West Orange families can register their children for the school district’s preschool lottery. Children must be age 3 before Oct. 1. Drawings are held between Feb. 18 and Mar. 2. Lottery closes online on Feb. 8.
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West Orange Public Schools

E. Christine DeCaro, a science teacher at West Orange High School, received the honorable mention for the 2025 Humane Science Educator of the Year. The award was given by Animalearn, a nonprofit humane science education program. DeCaro will receive $750 for teaching resources as part of the award.
TAPinto West Orange

REGIONAL NEWS

New Jersey Department of Health seeks blood and platelet donations from eligible residents amid a statewide shortage, according to a press release. NJDOH attributes the shortage to the recent winter storm and flu season. The state has a short supply of Type O, A-, and B- red blood cells, and less than one day’s supply of single donor platelets. Eligible residents can make an appointment to give blood at American Red Cross Services, Hunterdon Healthcare, Miller-Keystone Blood Center, New York Blood Center, RWJBarnabas Health, and Vitalant Blood Services.
New Jersey Department of Health