Essex County Daily Buzz: May 18, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Walk-a-thon benefitting CASA of Essex County planned on Jun. 28 in West Orange. It begins at 9 a.m. at Clipper Pavilion. Registration is available online.
CASA Essex County.

La Casa de Don Pedro is accepting pre-applications for heating and energy bill assistance programs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Universal Service Fund are designed for eligible low-income N.J. residents. A pre-screening application is available online.
La Casa De Don Pedro

East Orange families can attend a virtual interest meeting on May 20 discussing the school district’s summer academy and enrichment programs. It begins at 6 p.m.
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East Orange Public Schools

Yasmin’s Beauty Salon recently opened in East Orange. It is located at 524 William St. Services include hair braiding and styling, scalp treatments, and makeup.
Yasmin’s Beauty Salon

Financial literacy workshop for families planned at Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts on May 21 in East Orange. It is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Children will learn about money through games and activities. There will also be information about saving, debt, and investing, among other topics. Free admission. Registration is required.
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Kelia P. Catching Financial Educator

Twelve Bloomfield High School students recently joined the township’s inaugural Municipal Youth Advisory Committee. Members will offer input on youth-related intiatives to the mayor and council.
Bloomfield Township

Eligible Bloomfield families can receive free school supplies through the township’s “Back 2 School Store” in August. Students must be entering grades K-5. Registration forms are available online, in-person at Bloomfield Human Services department, and by emailing fviola@bloomfieldtwpnj.com. Registration is open through May 21.
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Bloomfield Township

Bloomfield honored Donald Densel, a local U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, upon his retirement. Densel worked as a letter carrier for 27 years.
Patch Bloomfield

Opening reception of the Columbia High School Art Show is scheduled on May 19 in South Orange. It is from 6-8 p.m. at the Pierro Gallery, 5 Mead St. Exhibition is on view through Jun. 11.
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South Orange Village

“Shalom Festival” planned with SOMA Jewish Cultural Affairs Committee on May 24 in Maplewood. It is from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd. There will be food, music, and dancing in honor of Jewish-American Heritage Month. Free admission.
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The Village Green

Summer kick-off party planned with Corner Slice on May 24 in Maplewood. It is from 12-5 p.m. at the corner of Boyden Avenue and Jacoby Street. There will be food, drinks, music, and vendors.
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Corner Slice

Nutley library seeks new or gently used craft donations from May 30 to Jun. 5. Donations will be used during its craft supply swap, scheduled on Jun. 6. Items accepted during library hours.
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Nutley Public Library

Nutley library apparel is available for purchase online. Items include sweatshirts, t-shirts, and tote bags.
Nutley Public Library

Meal, a restaurant in Nutley, closed its business on May 16. It was open for 15 years.
Belleville-Nutley Patch

Montclair’s town-wide yard sale is May 24. A map of participating homes is available online.
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Montclair Girl

Camp Canteen fundraiser benefitting YMCA of Montclair planned on May 29. It is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at The Patio at Avenue Bistro, 558 Bloomfield Ave. in Verona. All proceeds support the camp’s scholarship fund. There will be food, live music, and activities. Tickets available online.
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YMCA of Montclair

Montclair recently promoted four fire department officers. Natasha Richardson is supervising fire inspector, Kevin Stoute is deputy chief, and Thomas Hargraves and Peter Albanese are captains.
Montclair Local

Crane House and Historic YWCA Museum was recently added to the N.J. Black Heritage Trail, which identifies Black history sites throughout the state. It is one of three state Black Heritage Trail sites in Montclair and five in Essex County.
Montclair Local

Eligible Irvington residents and township employees can apply to the Keys to the City Program, an initiative to help first-time homeowners purchase a house. Applications are available online through Jun. 1. Proof of at least two years of residency or two consecutive years of full-time employment with Irvington required.
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Irvington Township

REGIONAL NEWS

Essex County recently banned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from accessing county property without a judicial warrant. The law also prohibits the county from assisting federal, state, and local officials with immigration enforcement. It was signed in an attempt to align county policy with the state’s three immigrant protection laws that went into effect in March, according to Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill. Camden and Middlesex counties have similar laws in place.
Montclair Local