Essex County Daily Buzz: Aug. 4, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Seven candidates filed to run in Montclair 2026 school board race, according to the Essex County Clerk’s Office. Candidates are Brandie Bookhart, Andrew W. Gideon, Ayelet Haran, David Moon, Corey Pierson, Richard Reynics, and George Simpson. The Montclair school board election is Nov. 3.
Montclair Local

Clementina, an Italian restaurant, recently opened at 627 Valley Rd. in Montclair. It is open from 5-10 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays, and from 4-9 p.m. on Sundays.
Montclair Patch

Free movie screening of “Lean On Me” planned with Newark recreation on Aug. 11. It is from 8-11 p.m. at Military Park.
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Newark Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services

Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center is hiring associate staff members. Applicants must be ages 16+ and available on Fridays through Sundays. Applications are accepted online.
Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center

Newark’s Riverfront Park has an upgraded playground, tennis and basketball courts, and baseball field. The park is open.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Drop-in craft session planned at Nutley library on Aug. 8. It is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is not required. Available while supplies last.
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Nutley Public Library

Game night for families planned at Nutley library on Aug. 10. It is from 6-7 p.m. Registration is not required.
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Nutley Public Library

Orange residents can join the township on a trip to see a stage production of “Joshua” on Sep. 23 in Lancaster, P.A. Fee is $200 and include transportation, buffet lunch, and production tickets. Bus leaves from Upper Field House at 7 a.m.
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City of Orange Township

SAT preparation course planned with South Orange-Maplewood Adult School starting Sep. 19. It meets Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Oct. 31 at Columbia High School. Registration is available online. Enrollment fee is $575.
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South Orange-Maplewood Adult School

Maplewood seeks artists and vendors for its Art Walk and Music Fest, scheduled for Oct. 18. It will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. People can register online.
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Maplewood Village Alliance

Four candidates filed to run in South Orange-Maplewood 2026 school board race, according to the Essex County Clerk’s Office. Candidates are Patricia Azeez, Liz Callahan, Kevin Diaz, and Will Meyer. Election day is Nov. 3.
The Village Green

“Polymer Clay Ring Making Class” for youth entering grades 6-12 planned at West Orange library. It is from 1-3 p.m. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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West Orange Public Library

Flood preparedness information session planned virtually with Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell on Aug. 10. It begins at 6 p.m. Attendees will also learn about Bloomfield’s stormwater management efforts. It can be viewed live on the township’s Facebook page or on Zoom. Questions can be submitted in advance to InfoSession@BloomfieldTwpNJ.com by Aug. 7.
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Bloomfield Township

Bloomfield recreation’s laser light show is rescheduled to Aug. 11 at Brookside Park. It begins at 7 p.m. with a DJ set. The event was rescheduled because of incelement weather.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green seeks donations benefitting people affected by a recent earthquake in Venezuela. All donations will support Fundación Venezuela Corp. A list of accepted items is available online.
Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green

East Orange residents can apply to a union construction apprenticeship orientation session, scheduled for Aug. 11. It is from 12-3 p.m. at Bowser Family Senior Center. Residents must be ages 18+, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, valid photo ID, and more. Applications are available online.
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East Orange City

East Orange’s farmers market is open Tuesdays through Oct. 27. It is open from 1-7 p.m. at the East Orange Train Station.
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East Orange City

Outdoor picnic and story time planned at Glen Ridge library on Aug. 11. It is from 5-7 p.m. Attendees should bring a blanket, food, and drinks.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

People can participate in the BCCLS scavenger hunt through Aug. 15. Participants must visit at least three libraries through Aug. 15 and find hidden BCCLS logos. Winner will receive a $50 Visa gift card.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

Women’s Club of Glen Ridge seeks monetary donations for its children’s coat drive. The drive is in collaboration with the Neighbor to Neighbor Network. Donations are accepted online.
Women’s Club of Glen Ridge

Irvington’s Unity Day is scheduled for Aug. 8. It begins at 12 p.m. outside of City Hall. There will be music performances, bounce houses, popcorn, and cotton candy. It will be moved to Irvington High School in case of rain.
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Irvington Township

Youth ages 12 and younger can try out for Belleville recreation’s travel baseball team on Aug. 8-9. It is from 2-4 p.m. at Belleville Municipal Stadium. Enrollment is $25. Registration is required online.
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Belleville Recreation Department

Children entering grades K-6 can receive a free backpack from Belleville library. Backpacks are in black and customized with the student’ name in the color of their choice. Registration closes Aug. 9. Participants will be contacted when their backpack is ready for pick-up.
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Belleville Public Library

REGIONAL NEWS

Grocery items in N.J. will not be hiked based on someone’s spending habits, according to a law signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. The Fair Price Protection Act prohibits retailers from practicing surveillance pricing, which adjusts prices based on someone’s past purchases and personal digital data. Companies that violate the law will pay up to o $20,000 in fines and additional civil enforcement penalties from the Attorney General’s Office.
New Jersey Monitor