Essex County Daily Buzz: Sep. 16, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

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

“The Maplewood Theater: The Show Must Go On,” a local student documentary film premiere⁠, is scheduled for Sep. 23 in Maplewood. It is from 6-7:15 at Maplewood library’s Main Branch. A Q&A session will follow. Free admission.
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Maplewood Public Library

Auditions for Maplewood and South Orange’s family talent show are scheduled for Sep. 23. Participants ages 9+ should prepare up to three minutes of song, dance, comedy, or other talents. Show date is Oct. 22. Talent show guidelines available online. Residency not required.
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MAPSO

Three candidates filed to run for an open councilor-at-large seat on the Montclair Town Council. Candidates are Mariana Horta, Kyle Porro, and Antoinette Martin. The vacant seat was left by William Harrison, who was a temporary replacement for Carmel Loughman last year. The general election is Nov. 3
Montclair Patch

Montclair youth can decorate envelopes for the town’s community time capsule at Montclair library’s Main Branch. It is from 4-5:30 p.m. Envelopes will be opened in 2076. Materials provided.
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Montclair Public Library

People who sign up for or renew a Montclair library card in September are eligible for local discounts. A list of perks and benefits is available online.
Montclair Public Library

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.
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Montclair Public Library

Really Thrifty Summer Mixer planned with Green Fest Newark on Sep. 24 in Newark. It is from 6-8 p.m. at Newark Greater Conservancy. Attendees should bring donations of gently used items, including clothing, books, toiletries and household items, hygiene products, canned food, and diapers. Registration erquired.
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Green Fest Newark

Farmers market planned with La Casa de Don Pedro on Sep. 24 in Newark. It is from 4-7 p.m. at 43 Broadway. There will be fresh produce, vendors, and free giveaways. NJ SNAP, EBT, WIC, and senior vouchers accepted.
La Casa De Don Pedro.

Nutley seniors can receive groceries from Nutley Family Service Bureau’s biweekly senior mobile pantry. The pantry delivers groceries to Nutley Senior Manor and Nutley Parkside. Interested program participants can contact the pantry at 973-667-1884 with questions.
Nutley Family Service Bureau

Outdoor concert planned with University of Orange on Sep. 19. It is from 2-7 p.m. at Military Park in Orange.
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University of Orange

Orange is hiring school crossing guards. People can pick up an application weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange police department.
Orange Police Department

South Orange seniors ages 55+ can learn how to recognize signs of stroke on Sep. 24 as part of the Senior Lounge program. The workshop is from 12-2 p.m. at The Baird Community Center.
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South Orange Village

Edison Lofts, a 334-unit housing complex, was recently sold to Sym Investments for $131 million, according to real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield. It is located at 33 Ashland Ave. in West Orange.
West Orange Patch

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.
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Essex County Division of Senior Services

Essex County Commissioner District 4 candidates will participate in a forum on Sep. 23 in Livingston. The forum is from 7-9 p.m. at Livingston Community Center with candidates Adam Kraemer and Leonard Luciano. The district includes Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Millburn, North Caldwell, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell, and West Orange. The general election is Nov. 3. Forum is led by the League of Women Voters of Livingston.
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League of Women Voters of Livingston

Book club meeting for adults planned at Irvington library on Sep. 21. Attendees will discuss “The Queen of Sugar Hill” by ReShonda Tate at 5:30 p.m. Registration is not required.
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Irvington Public Library

“Bedazzle Library Cards” for youth and adults planned at Glen Ridge library on Sep. 23. It is from 5-6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
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Glen Ridge 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

Green Fair planned with Belleville on Sep. 19. It is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Belleville High School. There will be children’s activities, eco-friendly vendors, environmental education, and more.
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Belleville Township

Belleville public schools is hiring a lunch aide at School Number 10. Application is available online until Sep. 30.
Belleville Public Schools

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.
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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

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.
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East Orange Family Success Center

East Orange public schools redesigned its website to increase access to district information. It includes mobile-friendly navigation, social media integrations, translation.
TAPinto East Orange/Orange

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