Essex County Daily Buzz: Oct. 20, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Healthcare enrollment assistance planned with New Jersey Citizen Action on Oct. 27 in Elizabeth. It is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elizabeth library. Free admission.
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New Jersey Citizen Action

Spa-Tacular Oasis recently opened in West Orange at 54 Main St. It is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays until 7 p.m., and Sundays from 12-4 p.m.
West Orange Downtown Alliance

Foundational financial literacy workshop planned with East Orange on Oct. 27. It begins at 5:30 p.m. at East Orange library. Free admission.
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East Orange City

Free resource distribution for parents planned with Perinatal Health Equity Initiative on Oct. 27 in East Orange. It begins at 10 a.m. at 280 S Harrison St. There will be diapers, wipes, children’s books, baby clothing, lactation supplies, and emergency food support.
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Perinatal Health Equity Initiative

East Orange families can attend the school district’s “Empowered Parents University” workshops. A schedule of upcoming programs is available online.
East Orange Public Schools

Craft circle planned with Women’s Club of Glen Ridge on Oct. 27. It is from 7-9 p.m. at 219 Ridgewood Ave. Free for members.
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Women’s Club of Glen Ridge

Glen Ridge is accepting applications to its 2026 Film Fund by Nov. 3. Eligibility requirements and applications are available online
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Glen Ridge Borough

Halloween celebration planned with Maplewood Village Alliance on Oct. 30. It is from 3-5 p.m. along Maplewood Avenue. There will be candy, a costume contest, dance performances, and more.
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Maplewood Village Alliance

People can attend Maplewood library’s financial Q&A drop-in session at the Hilton Branch on Oct. 27. It is from 5:30-7 p.m. It is free and led by a local financial advisor.
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Maplewood Public Library

Montclair residents can attend a public hearing about the township’s community development block grant program on Oct. 26. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building. People can also attend virtually. It will discuss the program and application process. Applications are due Nov. 30.
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Montclair Township

Montclair installed a temporary stop sign at the intersection of North Willow Street and Claremont Avenue. The stop sign is temporary because council members are waiting for permanent signage by its contractor. Drivers should make a complete stop at the sign.
Montclair Township

Montclair’s existing ParkMobile parking rules will remain in place, according to the Montclair Parking Utility. It reverts the previously proposed 10 a.m. start time for ParkMobile parking at commuter lots.
Montclair Township

Opening exhibit and celebration of Newark library’s N.J. Room planned on Oct. 27 in the Main Branch. It begins at 6 p.m. People can view the room’s collections. Light refreshments provided.
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Newark Public Library

Nutley Neighbors for Responsible Development launched an online petition urging the township board of commissioners to halt potential construction of a data center. The project is planned by PRISM/ON3 at 275 Kingsland St. The petition cites environmental hazards and lack of community input as reasons to stop the project. People can view the petition online.
Nutley Neighbors

Trunk or Treat planned with Nutley Family Service Bureau on Oct. 25. It is from 3-5 p.m. at 169 Chestnut St.
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Nutley Family Service Bureau

South Orange Reads book club meeting for youth and adults planned with South Orange library on Oct. 27. Attendees will discuss “All My Rage” by Sabaa Tahir from 7-8 p.m. at 110 Vose Ave. Registration is required. Library card not required.
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South Orange Public Library

Belleville’s vital statistics office will take visitors by appointment only starting Nov. 11. Marriage license applications will also continue to be by appointment only.
Belleville Township

Belleville’s water system violated drinking water requirements from 2024-25, according to an advisory issued by the township. it did not adhere to the required monitoring schedule. Residents do not need to take any action, and the township said it will follow the monitoring schedule this year.
Belleville-Nutley Patch

Belleville public schools is hiring a junior staff accountant. Applications close Oct. 26.
Belleville Public Schools

Bloomfield seeks volunteers to join its boards and committees. Applications are available online through Oct. 31.
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Bloomfield Township

“Purple Diamonds Awards” fundraiser benefitting Black Fairy Godmother Foundation planned on Oct. 24 in Bloomfield. It is from 7-11 p.m. at The Brookeside Banquets, 41 Broughton Ave. Funds support work that brings housing, emergency assistance, and food access to women and families. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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The Purple Diamond Awards

REGIONAL NEWS

Residents can attend public forums to share feedback on N.J.’s school funding on Oct. 22 and Oct. 27. Attendees will learn about N.J.’s school funding system, hear from N.J. Department of Education staff, and share input and experiences. Forums begins at 6:30 p.m. The Oct. 22 forum is virtual and the Oct. 27 forum is held at the Essex County Donald M. Payne School of Technology in Newark. Registration is required. Add to 📅.
New Jersey Department of Education

“Planning for Parenthood: A Maternity Leave Guide” webinar planned with Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ and Family Connects NJ on Oct. 27. It is from 10-11 a.m. Attendees will learn about the maternity and family leave timeline, how to use the Paid Leave Navigator, eligibility requirements, and more. Registration is required. Add to 📅.
Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ

Rutgers will receive a $500,000 state grant to lead research on social media’s effects on children, according to Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Rutgers will assess the impact of social media on children’s mental and physical health, identify strategies for reducing harmful and addictive use, and ways to promote healthy and responsible online habits. Findings will be shared to the public on a rolling basis with recommendations to follow within a year. In August, Sherrill signed the New Jersey Kids Code Act, which limits social media platforms from collecting data from N.J. minors for algorithm and content recommendations; limits the discoverability of children’s accounts, including through search engines; and directs a four-year state university to establish a research center to study social media addiction.
New Jersey Monitor