Follow local news and events in Bloomfield with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Sep. 16, 2026 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
Bloomfield families can register for the recreation department’s skill-building programs for children, scheduled to start Sep. 23. Classes include “Wondernest” and “Wonder Babies,” and teach focus skills and nature exploration. Fee is $75. Registration is required.
Add to 📅
Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department
Tice Family and Daniel Bitecola III received the 2026 Bloomfield Service Award and Outstanding Citizen Award. The awards recognize residents who help others and businesses and organizations that have benefitted the community.
Bloomfield Township
Belleville public schools is hiring a lunch aide at School Number 10. Application is available online until Sep. 30.
Belleville Public Schools
Reading of stage production “The Shoes of Oz” planned at Montclair library’s Main Branch on Sep. 24. It begins at 6 p.m. Registration is required.
Add to 📅
Montclair Public Library
People and businesses can sponsor Lamp for Haiti’s fundraiser gala, scheduled for Oct. 9 in Glen Ridge. Lamp for Haiti is a nonprofit that provides medical care to residents in Cité Soleil. The gala is from 6-11 p.m. at Glen Ridge Country Club.
Lamp for Haiti
Bloomfield residents can register for the recreation department’s fall wellness programs. Offerings include pilates, yoga, and more. Each are eight-week sessions and fee is $55. Registration opens Sep. 16.
Add to 📅
Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department
Parents and guardians can attend a virtual “Parent Break” session on Sep. 17 with East Orange Family Success Center. It is from 1-2 p.m. and meets Thursdays. Attendees discuss parenting, self-care, crafts, books, and more. Registration is required. Free admission.
Add to 📅
East Orange Family Success Center
Wellness resources for Essex County seniors planned on Sep. 22 in West Orange. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 560 Northfield Ave. There will be health screenings, food, exercise demonstrations, and free admission to the Turtle Back Zoo for seniors. Led by the Essex County senior services division. Free admission.
Add to 📅
Essex County Division of Senior Services
Oasis, a nonprofit based in Paterson supporting women and children, seeks volunteers. Volunteers are needed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some Saturdays until 2 p.m. at 59 Mill St. Volunteers can assist with breakfast and lunch service, sorting clothing donations, food pantry organization, tutoring and childcare, and special events. To volunteer, email gabriellabautista@oasisnj.org.
Oasis
Turtle Back Zoo will have a new hoof stack barn by spring 2027. It will bring zebras and additional bongos to the zoo’s African Adventure exhibit.
New Jersey Globe
REGIONAL NEWS
New Jersey joined a coalition of 21 states in a lawsuit against the federal government over a new rule that allows immigration officials to deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits. The new guidance goes into effect Sep. 18 and rolls back 2022 public charge regulations, which restricted immigration officers from considering the applicant’s use of non-cash public benefits. That includes services like Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The coalition argues that the new policy violates the Administrative Procedure Act and exceeds the Department of Homeland Security’s authority, and the rule does not establish which benefits could affect a green card application. It asks a federal judge to rule the policy unlawful and vacate it.
New Jersey Globe
Families can attend a webinar discussing ways to improve communication with children on Sep. 23. Led by Teen Speak NJ, a program and workshop series funded by the state Department of Health. The webinar is from 12-2 p.m. and a second session is Sep. 30 at the same time. Attendees will learn strategies for building trust and improving their children’s self-efficacy. Registration is required. Free admission. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Department of Health
