Essex County Daily Buzz: May 6, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Seniors ages 60+ and people with disabilities can learn about available county services on May 13 in Cedar Grove. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cedar Grove Park. There will be information about food access, healthcare, and transportation. Free admission.
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Essex County Division of Senior Services

Gas-powered leaf blowers cannot be used in South Orange from May 1 to Sep. 30, according to municipal law. Residents can instead use an electric leaf blower weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
South Orange Village

Orange public schools seeks vendors to participate in its Forest Street Elementary School’s 2026 Spring Community Market Day, scheduled for May 30. It is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendor applications available online. There is no vendor fee.
Orange Public Schools

Orange received $1,092,000 in grant funding to support the Cleveland Street Sewer and Water Main Replacement Project. Funds will be used to update the 120-year-old water and sewer mains.
City of Orange Township

Brand-building webinar planned with Newark library on May 13. It is from 6-7:30 p.m. It will discuss foundations to building a brand. Registration is required. Free admission. Library card not required.
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Newark Public Library

Eligible Newark artists and organizations can apply for grants through the city’s Creative Catalyst Fund by Jun. 5. It will support art and cultural projects in the city from through Jul. 1, 2027. Applications available online.
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Newark City

Newark Pride seeks performers and artists for its 2026 Pride Festival, scheduled for Jul. 13-19. Applications are due Jun. 29 and are available online.
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Newark Pride Inc.

La Casa de Don Pedro’s Family Success Center II is relocated to 39 Broadway until further notice. It was previously located at 282 First Ave.
La Casa De Don Pedro

Montclair residents can attend a town hall meeting on May 12 discussing the municipal budget. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Council Chambers, 205 Claremont Ave. There will be a Q&A session.
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Montclair Township

Creative writing session for youth ages 10-13 planned at Montclair library’s Main Branch on May 13. It is from 4-5 p.m. Free admission. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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Montclair Public Library

Registration is open for NJSDA’s youth summer theater camp in Montclair. Classes begin in July and August at St. John’s Church. It includes acting, improv, and musical theater programs. Registration available online.
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New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts

DIY Haitian flag craft planned with Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ on May 13 in Irvington. It is from 12-1 p.m. at 50 Union Ave. There will also be a food distribution. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ

Mobile office hours with Rep. LaMonica McIver planned on May 11 in Irvington. McIver and her team will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Irvington Senior Center to provide casework and passport assistance, share resources, and answer questions.
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Rep. LaMonica McIver

East Orange students and families can share feedback on ways to develop the school district’s programs on May 13 during a webinar. It begins at 1:30 p.m. on Zoom, and will focus on the career and technical education programs for 2026-2028.
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East Orange Public Schools

There will be games and activities for children at Rowley Park in East Orange on May 13. Activities include soccer, line dancing, flag football, golf, tennis, double dutch, board games, and more. Available from 5-8 p.m. Free admission.
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East Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs

East Orange will be flushing fire hydrants from May 11 to Jun. 18. Hydrant flushing is between 7-11 p.m. and will affect each ward on different dates. A complete list is available online. Residents in affected areas may experience low water pressure or discolored water.
East Orange City

Bloomfield youth in grades K-6 can attend the township’s summer camp, scheduled from Jun. 29 to Aug. 7. Located at Cateret Elementary School and Watsessing Elementary School. Registration is available online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Bloomfield recreation is hiring a nurse for its 2026 summer camps. People interested must email Dmorton@bloomfieldtwpnj.com.
Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

American Red Cross is providing assistance to Belleville residents affected by the Cortlandt Street fire. Services include food and water, shelter support, compassionate care, and guidance. Located at Friendly House, 20 Florence St.
Belleville Mayor Michael Melham

REGIONAL NEWS

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order establishing a housing governing council responsible for addressing affordability. The council must provide a report with ways to increase affordable housing, including developing unused state property, identifying laws that prevent development, proposing solutions to increase housing production and stabilize costs. Recommendations must be submitted by Sep. 24. The agency is comprised of officials from the Department of Community Affairs, Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Economic Development Authority, and NJ Transit.
New Jersey Globe