Essex County Daily Buzz: Oct. 5, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Turtle Back Zoo seeks donations for decorating its Halloween displays. Items can be purchased online through the zoo’s Amazon Wish List.
Turtle Back Zoo

West Orange residents with learning and developmental disabilities can sign up for West Orange recreation’s basketball program, scheduled to start Oct. 11. It meets Sundays through Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at West Orange High School. Enrollment is $85. Register online.
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West Orange Recreation Department

Crochet lessons for ages 15+ planned with South Orange recreation starting Oct. 9. It meets through Oct. 30. Open to all skill levels. Registration available online.
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South Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs

Affordable Care Act presentation planned on Oct. 7 at Maplewood library’s Main Branch. It is from 6:30-7:45 p.m. It will discuss ACA marketplace and healthcare affordability. Registration is not required.
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Maplewood Public Library

Open forum with the Maplewood Township Committee planned on Oct. 10. It is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the DPW Recycling Center. People can ask questions, share ideas, and voice concerns.
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Maplewood Township

Essay-writing support for adults and youth in grades 7+ planned at Orange library on Oct. 6. It is from 5-7 p.m. Registration is not required.
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Orange Public Library

Nutley fire open house planned on Oct. 9. It is from 6-8 p.m. at 228 Chestnut St. There will be family activities, fire extinguisher demonstrations, food, and more. Free admission.
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Nutley Township

Community Pass is required for Newark recreation’s programs, facilities, and pools. Annual membership fee is $5 for Newark residents and $15 for non-residents.
Newark City

Solomon Steplight, former city administrator for East Orange, was named Newark Alliance’s new chief executive officer. Steplight replaced Evan Weiss, who stepped down from the position in January.
TAPinto Newark

Free fresh produce and hygiene products planned with Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern N.J. on Oct. 9 in Irvington. It is from 12-4 p.m. at the Irvington United Methodist Church. First-come, first-served. Registration not required.
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Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ

Listening session on LGBTQ+ equality in N.J. with Garden State Equality on Oct. 6 at Montclair library’s Main Branch. It begins at 6 p.m. Attendees will learn about upcoming legislation, share experiences with existing community resources, and discuss current needs and priorities. The event will inform GSE’s work. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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Montclair Public Library

Cookbook swap and food tasting planned with Montclair library on Oct. 10 at the Main Branch. It is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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Montclair Public Library

“Pokeween” planned with East Side Mags on Oct. 10 in Montclair. It is from 3-6 p.m. at 491 Bloomfield Ave. Ste 102. Participants will trade and play with Pokemon cards. Free admission. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
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East Side Mags

Yarn drop-in session planned with Montclair Cultural Arts Advisory on Oct. 10. It is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sankofa Cafe, 319 Orange Rd.
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Montclair Cultural Arts Advisory

Montclair Pride is scheduled for Oct. 11 at Lackawanna Station. It is from 12-6 p.m. and there will be live performances, vendors, food trucks, and more. Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day.
Out Montclair.

Montclair library seeks donations for its book sale, scheduled for Oct. 22-24. Donations are accepted Oct. 11 from 1-6 p.m. and Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Main Branch. A list of accepted items is available online.
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Montclair Public Library

Free fresh produce and hygiene products planned with Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern N.J. on Oct. 9 in Irvington. It is from 12-4 p.m. at the Irvington United Methodist Church. First-come, first-served. Registration not required.
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Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ

Author signing of “Black Boys I See You” planned at East Orange library on Oct. 10. It is from 1:30-4 p.m. There will be opportunities to take photos with author Wade Hudson. Free admission.
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East Orange Public Library

Community Town Hall with Congresswoman Analilia Mejia and Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell on Oct. 6 in Bloomfield. The event, scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. at Bloomfield Town Hall. There will be discussions on what is happening in Washington and their impact on the community. Preregistration is required and can be completed online.
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Bloomfield Township

“Applying to College” presentation planned at Bloomfield library on Oct. 7. It is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and will discuss what makes a strong college application, college essay, and more. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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Bloomfield Public Library

Bloomfield Harvest Fest is scheduled for Oct. 10. It is from 12-6 p.m. at Washington Street and Glenwood Avenue. There will be food, vendors, and live music. Rain date is Oct. 11.
Bloomfield Center Alliance .

Drop-in session for artists ages 16+ planned with Bloomfield recreation on Oct 10. It is from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Bloomfield Civic Center. Admission is $15. Register online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

KinderSmile Foundation is hiring a part-time community health worker in Bloomfield. Must be bilingual in Spanish and English. Applications available online.
KinderSmile Foundation

Italy flag raising planned on Oct. 11 in Belleville. It begins at 9 a.m. at Town Hall.
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Belleville Recreation Department

Belleville seeks vendors for its Christmas Spectacular and Tree Lighting, scheduled for Dec. 5 at Belleville High School. Vendor applications are $150. Request an application by emailing events@bellevillenj.org.
Belleville Recreation Department

REGIONAL NEWS

Individuals ages 17+ must register by Oct. 13 to vote in the general election, scheduled for Nov. 3. Eligible individuals can register to vote online or in-person at a local election office. Voter registration status, ways to register, and polling information are available online. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Division of Elections