Essex County Daily Buzz: Jul. 1, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Arc of Essex County seeks monetary donations. Funds will support its Camp Hope program, which is designed for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Donations accepted online.
The Arc of Essex County

Movie screening of “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” planned at Turtle Back Zoo on Jul. 8 in West Orange. It begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $17.
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Turtle Back Zoo

Belleville’s water splash area will be open Jul. 1-2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located at 407 Joralemon St.
Belleville Recreation Department

Belleville adults and youth can register for the recreation department’s fall sports programs. Offerings include cheerleading, track, football, pickleball, volleyball, and others. Registration is available online.
Belleville Recreation Department

Business mixer planned with Nutley Chamber of Commerce on Jul. 2 in Nutley. It is from 5-6:30 p.m. at Woodcroft Steakhouse and Seafood, 24 Washington Ave. Registration is required. Free admission for members, $15 for non-members.
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Nutley Chamber of Commerce

Nutley children in grades 3-7 can attend the recreation department’s 2026 basketball camp, scheduled for Aug. 17-21. Fee is $225. Registration is available online.
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Nutley Township

Eligible Newark residents can apply for affordable housing at 930 McCarter Highway. Available affordable housing units include 26 one-bedroom units and 32 two-bedroom units. Request an application by emailing compliance@gershengroup.com.
Newark City

Budgeting workshop planned with Ironbound Community Corporation on Jul. 8 in Newark. It begins at 10:30 a.m. at 317 Elm St. People will learn how to create a budget, make investments, and avoid financial mistakes. Free admission. Register by calling or texting 973-704-9970, or emailing ipadilla@ironboundcc.org.
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Ironbound Community Corporation

Seniors ages 60+ and people with disabilities can learn about available county services on Jul. 8 in Newark. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cherry Blossom Center. There will be information about food access, healthcare, and transportation. Free admission.
Essex County Division of Senior Services.

Graduation ceremony for people who completed the “Business Beyond Bars” program planned at Newark library on Jul. 8 in the Main Branch. It begins at 2 p.m. There will be presentations from graduates, networking, and awards. Lunch provided. Registration required.
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Newark Public Library

Baby-friendly film screening of “Toy Story 5” planned with Montclair Film on Jul. 8 at The Clairidge. The film begins at 11 a.m. at 486 Bloomfield Ave. Lights will be dimmed and volume will be moderated throughout the screening. Children under age 2 attend for free. Admission is $11. Tickets available for purchase online.
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Montclair Film

Movie screening of “How To Train Your Dragon” planned with Montclair Film on Jul. 8. This screening is part of Montclair Film’s Bellevue Summer Blockbusters series. It begins at 11 a.m. at The Bellevue Theater, 260 Bellevue Ave. Tickets are $11 and available online for purchase.
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Montclair Film

Montclair library seeks community feedback on ways to renovate both branches. People who complete the survey will have a chance to win a $50 gift card from Watchung Booksellers. Surveys are available online.
Montclair Public Library

State property tax relief filing assistance planned on Jul. 8 in Maplewood. Led by Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema. It is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 106 Burnet Ave. and will include assistance for ANCHOR, StayNJ, and Senior Freeze. A list of required documents is available online. Registration is not required.
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Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema

State property tax relief filing assistance planned on Jul. 2 in Orange. Led by Sen. Britnee N. Timberlake. It is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Orange City Hall and will include assistance for ANCHOR, StayNJ, and Senior Freeze. A list of required documents is available online. Registration is not required.
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Senator Britnee N. Timberlake’s District Office

East Orange’s water park at Columbian Park is open every day. It is open from 12-7 p.m.
East Orange City

LEGO club for children up to grade 7 planned at East Orange library on Jul. 8. It is from 4-5 p.m. Registration is not required.
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East Orange Public Library

Bloomfield Town Council recently approved an ordinance, or local law, to separate sewer fees from property tax payments. The fees will now be calculated by water usage and assessed property value. Bloomfield residents can calculate their estimated annual sewer fee online.
Bloomfield Township

Free outdoor concert with Owls and Lions Trio planned with Essex County parks on Jul. 8 in Bloomfield. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at Watsessing Park.
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Essex County Parks

Bloomfield Animal Shelter seeks fosters to take in adult cats and kittens. Interested applicants can email Bloomfield Animal Shelter at fosterforbas@gmail.com.
Bloomfield Animal Shelter

West Orange library seeks volunteer math tutors in grades 9-12. Tutors will support children in grades K-3. Registration is required.
West Orange Public Library

Outdoor concert with Forget the Whale planned with Meadowland Park Conservancy on Jul. 8 in South Orange. It begins at 7:30 p.m. at Flood’s Hill. Free admission.
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South Orange Village

South Orange’s community pool is open to all residents regardless of membership status from Jul. 1-4 amid the heat wave. The pool is open from Jul. 1-3 from 12-8 p.m. and on Jul. 4 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents must show proof of residency to enter.
South Orange Village

REGIONAL NEWS

All e-bikes must be registered with the N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission before Jul. 19, according to state law. People riding an e-bike or e-scooter must carry valid insurance and a driver’s license or permit. Riders younger than age 15 cannot ride e-bikes or e-scooters.
Matawan-Aberdeen Patch