Follow local news and events in South Orange with The Jersey Bee. Here is The Daily Buzz for Oct. 26, 2026 from The Jersey Bee.
LOCAL NEWS
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
“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.
Add to 📅.
South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race
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.
Add to 📅.
New Jersey Division of Taxation
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.
Add to 📅.
SOMA Justice
Maplewood is hiring an arts and culture manager, recreation manager, building attendant, roadway maintenance worker, and other positions. Applications are available online.
Maplewood Township
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.
Add to 📅.
Newark City
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
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.
Add to 📅.
Novado Gallery
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
