Follow local news and events in South Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Mar. 2, 2026 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Families can attend a story time and craft session with The Learning Experience on Mar. 8 in South Orange. It is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 109 W. South Orange Ave. Free admission.
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South Orange Downtown
Art exhibition “Just Like A Girl” opening reception planned with Maplewood arts and culture on Mar. 7. The exhibit will showcase art from Maplewood and South Orange youth from 4-7 p.m. at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center in Maplewood.
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Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture
Family game night planned with Maplewood library on Mar 9. The event will run from 6:30-7:30 p.m.at the main branch.
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Maplewood Public Library
Adults can attend a free mental health first aid certification training on Mar. 7 in West Orange. It is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Orange library. Attendees will learn to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults. Registration is required. Free enrollment.
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West Orange Public Library
Community Iftar planned with University of Orange on Mar. 9. It is from 6-8 p.m. at the HUUB, 35 Cleveland St. Free admission.
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University of Orange
Youth in grades 8-12 can make macramé bracelets on Mar. 9 at East Orange library. It is from 4-5:30 p.m. and limited to the first 12 attendees. Registration is not required. Free admission.
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East Orange Public Library
Author talk with Sonia De Los Santos planned at Montclair library on Mar. 8 in the Main Branch. It is from 2-3 p.m. She will read her children’s book, “La Golondrina.” Registration is required. Free admission.
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Montclair Public Library
Eligible children and adults can receive free health screenings with KinderSmile and Mobile Lab Techs on Mar. 6 in Newark. It is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1 Avon Ave. There will be free A1c testing, blood pressure screenings, nutritional counseling, and more. Registration is not required.
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KinderSmile Foundation
Financial webinar planned with Ironbound Community Corporation and Capital One Bank on Mar. 6. It is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about credit, financial custodians, and the power of attorney. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Ironbound Community Corporation
N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission mobile unit to be stationed in Newark on Mar.9-13. Services are available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Independence Park. Appointments for registration renewal, REAL ID, and replacement title accepted online. Disability placards and license plate returns do not require appointment.
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District 29 Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo job fair is planned on Mar. 7 in West Orange. Interested applicants can attend one of three job fairs. It is from 12-3 p.m. at the Mount Building. A list of seasonal job openings is available online. Applicants must be 18+.
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Turtle Back Zoo
Essex County College registration for summer 2026 and fall 2026 classes opens Mar. 9. Registration for both summer sessions and the fall semester is available online.
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Essex County College
REGIONAL NEWS
About 850,000 N.J. residents enrolled in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must follow increased work requirements to continue to receive benefits. The new requirements come after a federal spending law, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” cut an estimated $186 billion from SNAP funding through 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. It requires people ages 18-65 without dependents to work or attend a work program for at least 80 hours per month. The previous age limit was 55. People with dependents must meet additional work requirements if a child is 14+. Previously, people with a child younger than 18 were exempt from the requirements. Veterans, people ages 24 and younger who aged out of foster care, and homeless people are not exempt from work requirements. The changes went into effect Feb. 1.
NorthJersey.com
New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate published the state’s first-ever food security strategic plan. It outlines a three-year plan for building a food system that aims to increase food access and stability. It is available online for viewing.
New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA)
