Essex County Daily Buzz: Jan. 20, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

The KinderSmile Foundation is hiring an Oral Health Program Coordinator. This role requires a dental degree, public health experience, and the ability to work with children. Applications accepted by email.
Kindersmile

East Orange residents can attend a free export regulation training, scheduled to start Jan. 26. It meets Mondays and Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. through Feb. 24 at 90 Halsted St. Attendees will learn export rules and compliance, shipping documentation, and how to avoid paperwork delays. Registration is open from Jan. 20-23 by phone, email, or in-person at the the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training.
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East Orange City

Essex County adults can attend an information session about construction apprenticeships on Jan. 27-28 in East Orange. Two sessions are available each day at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church. It will discuss OSHA-30 certifications, tools, job readiness coaching, and career training for trade apprenticeships. Registration is required online.
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East Orange City

Free concert with Taylor Goodson planned with Bloomfield recreation on Jan. 26. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center. Tickets required and available online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Bloomfield-area adults can attend a yarn and macrame gnome craft workshop on Jan. 26. The workshop begins at 6 p.m. at Bloomfield library. All supplies are included, no registration is required.
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Bloomfield Public Library

Bloomfield residents living in the Second Ward can attend the township’s Community Resource Town Hall on Jan. 27. It is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Bloomfield Middle School. Led by Mayor Jenny Mundell and Second Ward Councilman Nicholas Joanow. Spanish interpretation available.
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Bloomfield Township

Belleville seniors and caregivers can attend a forum discussing safety and fall prevention on Jan. 26. It begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Belleville Senior Recreation Center. Topics include pedestrian safety, driving safety, and fall prevention. Free admission.
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Belleville Township

Families can attend a know-your-rights training on Jan. 27 for supporting immigrants attending South Orange-Maplewood schools. It begins at 7:30 p.m. for middle school and high school families. Location not yet announced. Interested attendees must register online.
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SOMA Action

Maplewood and South Orange girls ages 10-20 can submit artwork to Maplewood’s “Just Like A Girl” exhibition by Feb. 1. Artwork will be displayed at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center in celebration of Women’s History Month in March. Submissions accepted online.
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Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture

Maplewood Theater will be reopening by 2027, according to new theater operator James Kula and Box Office Cinemas. It is located at 155 Maplewood Ave. The theater closed in 2020 at the start of the COVID pandemic.
The Village Green

Screening of “Cinema Paradiso” planned by West Orange Classic Film Festival on Jan. 25. The movie begins at 2 p.m. at AMC at 495 Prospect Ave. in West Orange. Tickets available online and in-person for purchase.
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West Orange Arts Council

Nutley residents can register for the recreation department’s spring 2026 sports. Programs include flag football, track and field, softball, and more. Registration is available online or at the recreation building.
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Nutley Township

Parents and caregivers can attend a children’s literacy workshop on Jan. 24 at Newark library’s Main Branch. It begins at 2 p.m. Participants will learn about the benefits of reading aloud, how to choose books for their child, and literacy activities. One free gift card per family. Free books. No registration required. Free admission.
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Newark Public Library

Youth in grades 6-12 can submit screenplays to Montclair Film’s Emerging Screenwriter Competition by Apr. 20. Accepted genres includes comedy, drama, action, experimental, social impact, and horror. Guidelines available online.
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Montclair Film

People can attend introduction to acting and improv classes at NJ School of Dramatic Arts in Montclair, scheduled to start in March. Classes are held at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Registration is required.
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New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts

Children ages 6-12 can register for Montclair History Center’s summer 2026 farm camp, scheduled to start in August. It is designed for children interested in nature, history, and agriculture. Camp sessions are available from Jul. 27 to Aug. 25. Attendees will learn about food, animals, and gardening. Registration available online.
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Essex County 4-H

Glen Ridge-area children ages 8-12 can sign up for Wand and Willow’s “Medieval Maker’s Lab,” scheduled to start Jan. 26. It meets for six weeks from 3:15-5 p.m. at 855 Bloomfield Ave. until Mar. 9. Enrollment is $180. Registration is available online.
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Wand and Willow

REGIONAL NEWS

Essex County installed a tent and four portable restrooms at Delaney Hall’s visitor parking lot in Newark. The installation comes after visitors and immigrant advocates reported standing in line outdoors for several hours because of delayed visitation hours and unclear visitation protocol. Delaney Hall is an immigrant detention center in Newark run by GEO Group, a private prison company. A lawsuit has been filed by Newark officials against GEO Group, claiming it is operating without proper permits or inspections.
TAPinto Newark