Follow local news and events in Maplewood with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Apr. 20, 2026 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Interactive Revolutionary War encampment planned with Durand-Hedden House and Garden on Apr. 25 in Maplewood. It is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 523 Ridgewood Rd. The event will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. It will also discuss Maplewood’s role during the Revolution. Free admission. Tickets are available online.
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Durand-Hedden House and Garden
Al Farah Columbia High School Booster Classic is scheduled for Apr. 27 in Maplewood. It is from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Maplewood Country Club, 28 Baker St. Raised funds will support activities at Columbia High School. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Columbia High School Home and School Association
“HaibibiFest NJ” is scheduled for Apr. 26 in Maplewood. It is from 12-5 p.m. at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd. It will celebrate Arab culture through food, souq, tea tent, performances, kid’s activities, henna, and more. Free admission.
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Habibi Fest NJ
Jewelry fundraiser benefitting South Orange library planned Apr. 25-26 at the Baird Community Center. It is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 25 and from 1-4 p.m. on Apr. 26.
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South Orange Public Library
People can learn about ranked-choice voting with NAACP-Oranges and Maplewood on Apr. 27 in Orange. It begins at 7 p.m. and will discuss how ranked-choice voting works through ranking desserts. Registration is required.
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Oranges & Maplewood: NAACP
Expungement clinic planned with Ironbound Community Corporation on Apr. 28 in Newark. It begins at 5 p.m. at Down Bottom Farms, 371-395 Ferry St. There will also be free haircuts for anyone who gets an expungement. Registration is required.
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Ironbound Community Corporation
“Spring Soiree” fundraiser benefitting Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ planned on Apr. 29 in Woodland Park. It is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Westmount Country Club, 728 Rifle Camp Rd. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ
Representatives from Essex County Workforce Development Services will be available for employment questions and support on Apr. 27 at Irvington library. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is not required.
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Irvington Public Library
People can attend Essex County Education Association’s discussion of LGBTQ+ student rights on Apr. 30 in Glen Ridge. It is from 6-8 p.m. at Glen Ridge Congregational Church. Free admission. RSVP online by Apr. 23.
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Essex County Education Association
People can attend Essex County Schools of Technology’s apprenticeship careers presentation on Apr. 29 in Newark and online. It is from 7-8:30 p.m. at 544 W. Market St. Program directors will share information about application processes, career paths, free training, and more. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Essex County Schools of Technology
Essex County Environmental Commission will lead a roundtable on Apr. 30 to discuss stormwater utilities. It is from 7-9 p.m. at Branch Brook Park in Newark. It will also discuss how four N.J. towns, including Maplewood, implemented programs to manage stormwater runoff. Free admission. Open to the public. Registration is required.
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Essex County Environmental Commission
REGIONAL NEWS
Analilia Mejia won the special general election for N.J.’s 11th congressional district, according to the Associated Press. Mejia received 77,856 votes. She ran against Joe Hathaway, who received 52,324 votes and Alan Bond who received 596 votes. Mejia will represent parts of Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties through Jan. 3, 2027.
New Jersey Monitor
Public officials clarified that a derailed freight train in North Bergen did not leak hazardous material. Thirteen rail cars derailed on Apr. 14 near Tonnelle Avenue, and the reason for the derailment is not known, according to a spokesperson for CSX, the rail company. There were no reported injuries. City officials first identified the leaked substance as ethyl acetate, but later said it was polyethylene, which does not pose a public safety hazard. An investigation into the cause of the derailment is ongoing, CSX said.
Gothamist
