Essex County Daily Buzz: May. 4, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Students grades 7-13+ can attend an agriculture career night hosted by Somerset County 4-H Center on May 13 in Bridgewater. It is from 6-7:30 p.m. at 310 Milltown Road. Speakers will talk about the future of agriculture. Free admission. Zoom option available. Register online by May 11.
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New Jersey 4-H – Rutgers University

Belleville declared a state of emergency and closed all public schools on May 4 after a 12-alarm fire at 347 Cortlandt St., where a mattress warehouse is located. No injuries or deaths were reported, according to Belleville Mayor Michael Melham. The fire is contained as of May 4, but township buildings are without power. PSE&G is addressing the power outage and NJ Department of Transportation is assisting with road closures, Melham said.
News12 New Jersey

Belleville youth can make free Mother’s Day bouquets with Belleville recreation on May 9. It is from 9-11 a.m. or until supplies last at School #7. One bouquet per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult with valid ID and Belleville address.
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Belleville Recreation Department

Rock painting planned with Belleville’s Green Team on May 9. It is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Community Pocket Park. Painted rocks will be displayed in the garden. Supplies provided. Open to all ages.
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Belleville Township

Special check presentation on May 7 in East Orange. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver will award $250,000 for upgrades to the Fellowship Civic Center. It is at 11 a.m. at One Fellowship Circle. Registration is not required.
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East Orange City

Isaiah House is hiring a director of development. Applicants must be experienced in fundraising. Position is based in East Orange. Applications are available online.
Isaiah House

Sip and paint for seniors planned with Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ on May 11 in Irvington. It is from 12-1 p.m. at 50 Union Ave. Free admission. Mocktails will be served. Registration is required.
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Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ

Maplewood residents can now ride three new electric jitneys, replacing its entire fleet of diesel jitneys. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new electric jitneys on May 1. The charging stations will be located at the Department of Public Works/ Recycling Center on Boyden Avenue. The new jitneys have seating for 34 and room for standees, as well as wheelchair lifts.
The Village Green

Residents can share feedback on Montclair’s community energy plan during a community meeting on May 6. It begins at 6 p.m. at the council chambers. Led by the Montclair Environmental Commission. The community energy plan outline energy goals, strategies, and actions to reduce energy consumption and expand access to clean energy. It is available online for review.
Montclair Township

Stage production of one-act plays planned with NJ School of Dramatic Arts on May 8-9 in Montclair. It begins at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Tickets are available online for purchase. Proceeds benefit NJSDA.
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New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts

Bellevue Theatre’s 104th birthday celebration is on May 9 in Montclair. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at 260 Bellevue Ave. Classic films will play throughout, and there will be face painting, kids’ art, and a photo booth. A ticket for one film includes all activities.
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Montclair Film

Weequahic High School’s pantry is open on May 8 in Newark. It is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be free food, clothes, and hygiene products. People must bring their own bags. Located at 279 Chancellor Ave.
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Weequahic High School

Panel discussion and film screening celebrating AAPI trailblazers in honor of AAPI Heritage Month with NJPAC on May 11 in Newark. The event begins at 6 p.m. there will also be a poetry reading and screening of documentary “Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority.” Free admission. Register online.
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New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

Author talk with Marjan Kamali planned virtually with Nutley library. Kamali will discuss “The Lion Women of Tehran” at 7 p.m. Registration is required.
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Nutley Public Library

People can dine at Don Vega Deli in Orange with University of Orange staff on May 11. It is part of the organization’s “I 8 in Orange” initiative that encourages area residents to dine at local restaurants with University of Orange staff. It begins at 12 p.m. at 328 Main St. RSVP online. Attendees are responsible for paying for their meal.
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University of Orange

Home renovation event hosted by Studio Envie on May 7 in South Orange. It is from 6-8 p.m. at 114 Valley St. Learn about budgeting, timelines, hiring, avoiding costly mistakes, plus a live Q&A. Registration required.
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South Orange Downtown

SOMA Shares seeks donations, including shelf-stable foods, snacks, toiletries, school supplies, backpacks, and bathing suits. Items are distributed at South Orange-Maplewood schools. People interested in donating must email somashareseveryday@gmail.com for drop-off locations or a link to the Amazon Wishlist.
South Orange Middle School HSA

The Co-Lab South Orange, an organization supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship, announced new appointments to its Board of Directors. Founding board member Amber Zamora will now serve as Board Chair, while Jenifer Steig Strugger will become Vice Chair. Tatiyana B. Lofton is the new South Orange Downtown Representative, and Deborah Gilbert Smith is now Secretary. Monica Hafif will now be in the Alumni Advisory (non-voting) role, and former board chair Hannah Zollman will transition into the mayor’s designee.
The Village Green

People can attend a drop-in English as a Second Language class at West Orange library on May 9. It is from 3-4:30 p.m.
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West Orange Public Library

REGIONAL NEWS

First-time homebuyer webinar planned with NJ Citizen Action and Citi Bank on May 5. The webinar begins at 12 p.m. and will provide information on the homebuying process, affordable mortgage programs, and down payment assistance. Registration is required. Free admission.Add to 📅.
New Jersey Citizen Action