Essex County Daily Buzz: May 7, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Volunteer information session planned virtually with CASA Essex County, a social service organization for local youth, on May 14. It begins at 5 p.m. and will discuss ways to volunteer. Register by emailing info@casaessex.org.
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CASA Essex County

Essex County residents can recycle computers and other electronics on May 16 in Cedar Grove. Items are accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the county’s public works building. A list of accepted items is available online. Free.
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Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Arts and crafts sale scheduled on May 16-17 at Verona Park. It is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
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Essex County Parks

Drop-in session for artists ages 16+ planned with Bloomfield recreation on May 16. It is from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Bloomfield Civic Center. Admission is $5. Register online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Prom for Belleville seniors ages 50+ planned on May 15. It is from 6-9 p.m. at the Senior Center. Free admission for senior pass members. Dinner buffet provided.
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Belleville Township

Lunch fundraiser benefitting Belleville library planned on May 14. It begins at 1 p.m. People who donate $25 will receive a box lunch. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Belleville Township

Annual meeting and year-end cocktail celebration planned with Women’s Club of Glen Ridge on May 15. It begins at 6:30 p.m. at 219 Ridgewood Ave. Admission is $20. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Women’s Club of Glen Ridge

Canva 101 class for youth and adults planned at Glen Ridge library on May 16. It is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees will learn how to search and edit templates, and how to create designs. People should bring a laptop or tablet. Registration is required. Free admission.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

East Orange will dedicate a street to resident Norman N. Abraham on May 14. It begins at 11 a.m. on the corner of North Maple Avenue and William Street.
East Orange City

Virtual open house of South Mountain YMCA’s summer camps planned on May 16. Attendees will meet camp directors, ask questions, and learn more about available programs from 6-7:30 p.m. Registration is required.
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South Mountain YMCA

Newark residents can attend a forum on May 14 to share input on qualities they value in a library director. Sessions are from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Vailsburg Branch and 5-6:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Feedback will shape the library board’s decision for its next director.
Newark Public Library

Community health and wellness event planned with Lakay Acces Sante on May 16 in Newark. It is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 890 South Orange Ave. There will be medical consultations, food, and Medicaid and SNAP application assistance. Registration is required.
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Lakay Acces Sante

“House Music Summer Series” concert planned at Branch Brook Park on May 16 in Newark. It is from 12-9 p.m. Free admission.
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Branch Brook Park Alliance

Panel discussing careers in food systems planned with Rutgers 4-H Youth Development on May 16 at Rutgers-Newark. It is from 1-2 p.m. Designed for youth in grades 6-12. Panelists include farmers and professionals from Community Food Bank of NJ, Share my Meals, and Rutgers. Registration is required. Free admission. Lunch provided.
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New Jersey 4-H – Rutgers University

“Bodega Night” with Latinos of Montclair planned on May 14 in Montclair. It is from 7-10 p.m. at The Splendid Rooftop, 690 Bloomfield Ave. There will be dancing, music, and food. Admission is $20. Only open to people ages 21+.
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Latinos of Montclair

“Ladies Night Out” planned with Upper Mountain Business Association on May 14. There will be vendors, music, and discounts to local businesses from 6-9 p.m. on Valley Road and Bellevue Avenue. Rain date is May 15.
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Upper Montclair Business Association

Montclair will no longer use the Flowbird parking payment app at pay stations starting on May 15. People can pay for parking using ParkMobile.
Montclair Township

Improv show with Sparks of Insanity planned with NJ School of Dramatic Arts on May 15 in Montclair. It begins at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts

Montclair-area residents can apply to be a storyteller for Montclair Film’s StorySLAM program by May 15. Participants will have five minutes to share stories about mayday on May 28. Applications accepted online.
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Montclair Film

Garden party for families planned at Presby Memorial Iris Gardens on May 16 in Montclair. It is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be music, arts and crafts, and more. Free admission.
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Essex County Parks

Story time for children up to 3 planned at Maplewood library’s Hilton Branch on May 16. It is from 10:30-10:50 a.m. Registration is not required.
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Maplewood Public Library

REGIONAL NEWS

Projects exploring American Revolution in N.J. can be submitted to the 2026 N.J. History Conference by May 15. Submissions should focus on ways communities have wrestled with “Revolutionary Ideals” such as liberty, pursuing happiness, equality, justice, and self-determination. Projects can include workshops, individual presentations, and full panel presentations. The conference is scheduled for Oct. 30 at Kean University. Proposals accepted online.Add to 📅.
New Jersey Historical Commission

Eligible independent businesses can apply by May 15 to be featured in the World Cup’s Welcome World Rewards Program. It connects residents and visitors with small businesses to explore neighborhoods across N.Y. and N.J. Applications and guidelines are available online.Add to 📅.
Newark Alliance