Essex County Daily Buzz: Mar. 31, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

People can register for Arc of Essex County’s 5K run/walk fundraiser, scheduled for Apr. 25 in West Orange. It begins at 8 a.m. at the South Mountain Recreation Complex. Funds will benefit Arc of Essex County. Registration is available online.
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The Arc of Essex County

Essex County residents can purchase golf IDs in Belleville. Available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays until 12 p.m. at 220 Franklin Ave. Forms available online. Golf ID registration allows Essex County residents discounted rates and priority tee times at the county’s three golf courses in Belleville, West Orange, and Newark.
Essex County Parks

Children ages 6-10 can attend Essex County Environmental Center’s “Nature Explorers Spring Camp,” scheduled from Apr. 7-9 in Roseland. It meets from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Attendees will explore the Center’s habitats-forest, wetland, pond, and river. Enrollment is $120 per child. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Essex County Environmental Center

Orange seeks volunteer baseball coaches for the 2026 season. Interested volunteers must contact Dena Madden by calling 973-952-6118. All volunteers must pass a background check and submit an application.
City of Orange Township

Nutley was recognized as a “healthy town to watch” in 2025 by the N.J. Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayor Wellness Campaign, a statewide initiative to meet community health needs. In 2025, Nutley connected disabled youth with employment opportunities and promoted inclusive hiring practices in partnership with the Nutley Chamber of Commerce.
New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute

Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken and Wings recently opened in Nutley. It is located at 287 Franklin Ave. and open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Nutley Chamber of Commerce

Adults can attend a free English as a Second Language course at Newark library’s Main Branch, scheduled to start Apr. 7. It meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. through Jun. 11. Library card not required. Registration is full, but interested attendees can register for the waitlist for a chance to enroll in the program.
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Newark Public Library

Children ages 3-13 can attend Newark Museum of Art’s summer camp. It is scheduled for Jul. 6 to Aug. 14. Attendees will complete art and science projects. Registration is available online.
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Newark Museum of Art

People can file taxes for free with United Way of Greater Newark either by appointment or online. Text FreeTaxNJ to 51555 for in-person appointments. The last day to file taxes is Apr. 15.
United Way of Greater Newark

Ironbound Community Corporation is hiring an employment coach in Newark. Responsibilities include supporting job readiness, facilitating workshops, and connecting clients with employment opportunities. Resumes accepted by emailing info@ironboundcc.org.
Ironbound Community Corporation

Montclair was recognized as a “healthy town” in 2025 by the N.J. Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayor Wellness Campaign, a statewide initiative to meet community health needs. In 2025, Montclair provided resources in multiple languages, increased the number of event locations, and added more dates to events.
New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute

People can pre-order plants from Montclair History Center through Apr. 6. Selection includes herbs, tomatoes, native plants, and more. Plants will be available for pick-up the week of Apr. 28. Pre-orders accepted online.
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Montclair History Center

Maplewood health department will relocate and expand its services at 129 Boyden Ave. Services will open Apr. 6.
Maplewood Township

Maplewood library seeks patron feedback in an online survey. Responses will inform the library’s strategic plan for future services and programs. The survey closes on Apr. 25.
Maplewood Public Library

Maplewood was recognized as a “healthy town” in 2025 by the N.J. Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayor Wellness Campaign, a statewide initiative to meet community health needs. In 2025, Maplewood provided mental health support to individuals experienced behavioral health crises and reinstated its young advisory committeee.
Maplewood Township

Autism awareness and resource fair for families planned with Irvington on Apr. 7. There will be information for transitional services, family support, healthcare, and more. It is from 5-7 p.m. at Berkeley Terrace gymnasium.
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Irvington Township

Plant swap planned at Glen Ridge library on Apr. 4. Participants will drop off their plants at the library at and select a plant to take home. Plants must be labeled and participants can bring as many plants to the swap as they would like. More information on guidelines available online.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

East Orange youth ages 13+ can attend a sneaker art workshop through the city’s recreation department, scheduled to start Apr. 14. It meets Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. through Jun. 11 at Fellowship Civic Center, 1 Fellowship Cir. Enrollment is $85. Registration is required.
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East Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Children ages 3-13 can register for East Orange YMCA’s summer camp. The day camp includes swimming, crafts, trips, and more. Registration is available online.
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East Orange YMCA

Blood drive planned with Wesley United Methodist Church on Apr. 7 in Belleville. Appointments are available from 1-3:30 p.m. at 225 Washington Ave. People can schedule a visit online.
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Wesley Methodist Church and Gosen Church

Belleville seeks donations of formal attire for it’s senior citizen prom by Apr. 20. A list of accepted items is available online. Items can be dropped off at 407 Joralemon St. on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Belleville Township

REGIONAL NEWS

NJ Transit riders can attend a virtual public hearing with the agency on Apr. 2 and Apr. 4 to share feedback on ways it can improve. The public hearings were scheduled after Gov. Mikie Sherrill ordered NJ Transit’s customer advocate to solicit feedback from commuters about issues they want addressed. The Apr. 2 hearing is from 6-8 p.m. and the Apr. 4 hearing is from 9-11 a.m. People who cannot attend the hearings can share ideas and concerns in an online survey. Feedback will inform the agency’s Rapid Action Plan, a document outlining high priority items that must be submitted to Sherrill by May 8. Sherrill’s executive order to NJ Transit requires the agency to improve accessibility by repairing escalators, elevators, and signs; brighten station lighting, add cameras, and increase police presence; overhaul the NJ Transit app and website to improve usability and reliability; and clean the buses, trains, stations, and stops. Changes must be implemented by Jun. 22, according to the executive order.
NJ Advance Media