Essex County Daily Buzz: Oct. 26, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Novado Gallery, based in Jersey City, seeks entries for its art exhibition, “The Powerhouse Calls: Past, Present, and Future.” Artwork should explore Jersey CIty’s powerhouse and its legacy. Submissions accepted until Nov. 6.
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Novado Gallery

Candidate forum for Belleville’s school board race planned on Oct. 27 with Belleville High School students. It begins at 6:30 p.m. at Belleville High School. Candidates are running for two open seats. Candidates are Gabrielle Bennett Meany, Kyle Lu, Andrea Maldonado, and Lissa Missaggia. Election day is Nov. 3.
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Belleville Public Schools

Belleville children can register for the recreation department’s winter programs. Offerings include basketball, cheerleading, and wrestling.
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Belleville Recreation Department

Bloomfield residents can enter to participate in the town-wide Halloween home decorating contest. Residents must submit two photos of the home and include their name, address, and phone number by email. The contest is from Oct. 20-30. Winners receive a $50 gift card for a Bloomfield recreation program.
Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Community blood drive planned at Bloomfield library on Oct. 30. It is from 12-2 p.m. Appointments can be made online.
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Bloomfield Public Library

“George Cella Annual Tip-Off Reunion” planned with the Bloomfield Educational Foundation on Nov. 2. It begins at 6 p.m. at Bella Napoli, 1640 Broad St. There will be a buffet dinner, cash bar, and more. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Bloomfield Educational Foundation

“Utility Assistance Day” for East Orange residents planned on Oct. 30. It is from 12-4 p.m. at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church. There will be resources and programs meant to lower utility costs. A list of required documents is available online.
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East Orange City

Glen Ridge residents can receive free item repair services on Nov. 1. Glen Ridge Environmental Advisory Committee will host a “repair cafe” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Glen Ridge Train Station. Items for repair can include small appliances, household electronics, lamps, sewing, and knife sharpening. Residents encouraged to sign up before attending.
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Glen Ridge Public Library

Maplewood is hiring an arts and culture manager, recreation manager, building attendant, roadway maintenance worker, and other positions. Applications are available online.
Maplewood Township

Columbia High School Home and School Association seeks donations for its Oct. 30 giveaway. Needed items include new and unexpired deodorant, travel-size hand lotion and body lotion, hydrating facial masks, and lip balm. People can donate online or in-person by emailing cougarcares@columbiahsa.com.
Columbia High School Home and School Association

Seniors ages 65+ can receive assistance filing applications to N.J. property tax relief programs on Oct. 29 in South Orange. Assistance is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5 Mead St. Representatives will assist with completing the state’s combined application, called PAS-1, that encompasses Senior Freeze, Anchor, and Stay NJ. Government photo ID is required. File by Nov. 2.
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New Jersey Division of Taxation

“Deconstructing Racism Workshop” planned virtually with South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race on Oct. 29. It begins at 7 p.m. and will discuss the history of racism in the U.S. and actionable strategies to advance racial equity. Follow-up workshops are scheduled for Nov. 5, Nov. 13, and Nov. 20. Registration is required.
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South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race

Immigrant response training webinar planned with SOMA Justice and SOMA Action on Nov. 1. Training will start at 3 p.m., and will address best practices for intervention and ways to get involved.
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SOMA Justice

Partners for Health Foundation recently named Denise Herrera as its executive director. Herrera has worked in the field for more than 25 years, and recently served as a senior adviser to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
TAPinto Montclair

NJ-American Planning Association seeks Montclair community members’feedback on health, quality-of-life, and planning priorities across several municipalities in an online survey. Responses will inform planning policies, programs, and investments to improve health equity outcomes. The survey is part of a Plan4HealthNJ grant, which is a statewide initiative led by NJ-American Planning Association. It is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole, among others.
Plan4HealthNJ

Newark’s leaf collection is from Oct. 14 to Jan. 29. Yard waste is collected across all wards on weekdays. Leaves must be placed in biodegradable, paper bags.
Patch Newark

Newark residents can attend a public meeting discussing affordable housing on Oct. 28. It is from 6-7:30 p.m. at 695 Bergen St. It will discuss the new local median household income and upcoming inclusionary zoning changes.
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Newark City

Free wellness event planned with University Hospital in Newark on Oct. 30-31. There will be health screenings and workshops from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 205 South Orange Ave. There will be catered lunch and live entertainment. Mammogram and pap smear appointments can be made online.
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University Hospital

Demolition is underway to build University High School at the corner of Hawthorne Avenue and Dewey Street in Newark’s South Ward. Early site preparation will continue through March 2027. Construction of the high school is set to begin in fall 2027.
TAPinto Newark

Seniors ages 65+ can receive assistance filing applications to N.J. property tax relief programs on Oct. 31 in Newark. Assistance is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Açores Social and Sports Club, 144 Wilson Ave. Representatives will assist with completing the state’s combined application, called PAS-1, that encompasses Senior Freeze, Anchor, and Stay NJ. Government photo ID is required. File by Nov. 2.
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Newark City

Eddie Osborne, former Newark city councilman, died on Oct. 12. He was 63. Osborne served on the council for eight years.
Patch Newark

Nutley library is hiring a part-time building maintenance worker. Email cover letter, resume, and two references to Nutley Library Director Michelle Albert at albert@nutley.bccls.org. Applications close Nov. 7.
Nutley Public Library

Nutley’s public water well reopened on Oct. 2. Nutley public works reconstructed the well’s pumping system through excavation, blockwork, mechanical installation, and landscaping, according to the township.
Nutley Township

Orange appointed Todd Warren to director of Orange public safety department. Warren will lead the police and fire departments in this role.
Orange Police Department

West Orange’s leaf collection is from Oct. 19 to Dec. 6. A leaf collection zone map is available online.
West Orange Patch

REGIONAL NEWS

NJ-American Planning Association seeks community feedback on health, quality-of-life, and planning priorities across several municipalities in an online survey. Responses will inform planning policies, programs, and investments to improve health equity outcomes in Flemington, Freehold, Hamilton, Holland, Middletown, Montclair, Newton, Passaic, South Bound Brook, and Union. The survey is part of a Plan4HealthNJ grant, which is a statewide initiative led by NJ-American Planning Association. It is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole, among others.
American Planning Association New Jersey (APANJ)

New Jersey’s health insurance market’s plan premiums will increase by an average of 19.8% in 2027, according to the state Department of Banking and Insurance. Rate increases will go in effect for insurance carriers serving the individual market, including Get Covered New Jersey. Premiums will increase by 35.7% under UnitedHealthcare, 29.3% under Oscar, 20.8% under Ambetter from WellCare of New Jersey, 17% under AmeriHealth, and 15.3% under Horizon. Open enrollment for 2027 is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.
News12 New Jersey