Follow local news and events in Maplewood with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for May. 4, 2026 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
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
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
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
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
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
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
