Years of the Maplewood NJ Senior (Older Adult)

Morrow Church will be holding their Neighbor to Neighbor program to help seniors with yard work and home repairs.  Please share this information with those who might benefit.

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR HOMEOWNER RELEASE FORM.docx
Neighbor to Neighbor Home Repair Project.docx


NOVEMBER 2021 EVENTS CALENDAR

Please check with the event organizer for any last minute changes.


Ongoing in the Month of November


SOMA TWO TOWNS FOR ALL AGES SOCIAL WORKER SERVICES
The Townships of Maplewood and South Orange Village in partnership with Jewish Family Service of MetroWest is offering services to senior residents over 65. Social Worker Carol Berman, MSW, LSW is offering group sessions as noted below for South Orange and Maplewood residents. If you would like to register or speak with Carol, please call 973.986.4321 or e-mail her at sosocialworker@southorange.org.

Maplewood Senior Fitness Classes
Are you interested in signing up for the Recreation Department’s ages 55+ fitness classes? Check out their new class schedule. Each class will run for 12 weeks and are 50 to 60 minutes each; all skill levels are welcome as modifications can be made! For a schedule and registration information, please visit https://maplewood.recdesk.com/Community/Program

Ongoing through November 11


Township of Maplewood-Delinquent Properties Tax Sale
The township’s annual tax sale will be held in November for properties with delinquent tax and/or sewer bills from 2020. Township has publicly advertised as well as directly notified affected property owners. Unpaid balances will result in a lien being placed on the property if not resolved by November 11, 2021. Residents should address their delinquent status immediately and contact the Tax Department directly at (973) 762-8120 ext. 3000. https://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/home/bulletins/november-tax-sale-what-you-need-know

Monday, November 1


Maplewood Garden Club Speaker’s Program
Visit their website for meeting details (maplewoodgardenclub.org), 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Judy Snow, past-president of the Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum and current board secretary, relives an unforgettable tour through large estates and smaller private gardens of Cornwall and Devon. You'll learn about the rich history of the gardens while enjoying views of the lush borders in early summer.


November 1 through November 19


Seton Hall Tech Class for Seniors-FREE
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages is partnering with Seton Hall to provide technology instruction for our senior residents this fall. Seton Hall students will teach seniors to use their technology devices at in person sessions. The program runs weekdays from November 1st through November 19th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the locations below. Masks are required for all during the sessions. For information about registration, dates, times, and schedule, please visit us at https://www.somatwotownsforallages.org/technology-101. You can also get a registration form at both Town Hall buildings and the libraries.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays sessions will be offered at the South Orange Village Municipal Office, 76 South Orange Avenue, 3rd flr, #302
Friday sessions will be held at Maplewood Town Hall, 574 Valley Street, First Floor

Tuesday, November 2
Election Day
The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 2nd


Maplewood residents: Please go to the Maplewood township link for more information about polling sites and hours.
https://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/home/news/registered-voters-person-early-voting-starts-weekend

South Orange residents: Please go to the South Orange Village website link below for more information about polling sites and hours. General Election- November 2nd, 2021 | South Orange Village, NJ


Friday, November 5

Special Conversations with Mila Jasey, NJ Assemblywoman
South Orange Public Library, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Join us on Fridays at 1 pm for a virtual discussion on Zoom from a distinguished local guest! Go to sopl.org for link to join.

Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6


Neighbor to Neighbor Senior Assistance Program, Free
The Neighbor to Neighbor program, offered by Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church, provides a repair and yardwork service for our local seniors. Area students, supervised by adults, will help local seniors with simple home repairs and yard work. If you need help getting a job done, please complete the registration form and the release form at our website, somatwotownsforallages.org. You can also get the forms at Maplewood Town Hall and South Orange Village Office.

Saturday, November 6


Tech Teens Helping Seniors, Free
South Orange Public Library, 10:00 to 11:30 am (and every other Saturday until December 18th). Seniors can work one-on-one with a teen volunteer who will provide technology assistance using the senior’s device. Please register with the reference librarian at 973-762-0230 or by emailing librarian@sopl.org.

Every Saturday beginning November 6


Zumba!
Outside the South Orange Skate House at the Duck Pond in Meadowland Park, Free
Beginning Saturday, November 6th, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
A free weekly Zumba class will be held near the Skate House on a drop-in basis only, weather permitting. Come and move your hips to the music and enjoy the natural setting as well. No registration necessary.


Saturday, November 6 to Sunday, November 7


SOMA ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR
Various locations throughout South Orange and Maplewood
Dozens of artists from all stages of their careers are participating in the SOMA Studio Tour happening the weekend of November 6-7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Locations will include artists’ studios in South Orange and Maplewood, along with their front lawns and driveways. Other artists will display at SOMA businesses, or online via interactive media. Visit https://studiotoursoma.com/


Sunday, November 7


South Orange Symphony presents JERSEY SCORE
The Woodland at 6:30 p.m., Free
A Chamber Concert of New Music written by New Jersey Composers
Featuring works by: Ting Ho, Frank Gulino, Martin Sedek, Chris Opperman, and Clint Edwards. The South Orange Symphony presents a chamber recital of new music written by composers from the Garden State. Please join us for a lovely evening of music featuring great local talent. Pieces will include music written for strings, voice, and brass. This is event is free, donations encouraged.
Concert will take place in the spacious Great Hall of The Woodland. Dress in layers, doors will be open for ventilation.

Monday, November 8


Open Enrollment: Get the Best Health Care Plan for You
Maplewood Memorial Library, 7 to 8 p.m.
Shalini Rajput of New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund will cover how to obtain, use, and understand the health insurance state marketplace; what is ACA;
health insurance terms explained in simple language; special enrollment period and eligibility; how to get help with the process. There will be a Q & A.
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O9BkTLEyQEKqp2TbbiVoUw

Wednesday, November 10


Creative Writing
South Orange Public Library, 1:00 pm
Join us twice a month for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Go to sopl.org events calendar to join.

Friday, November 12


Special Conversations with Gemma Jordan
South Orange Public Library, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Join us on Fridays at 1 pm for a virtual discussion on Zoom from a distinguished local guest! This week Gemma Jordan, Award-winning Filmmaker for VICE News and NYT, will talk about Capturing Criminal Justice on Film. Go to sopl.org for link.

Saturday, November 13


VOLUNTEER FAIR
The Woodland, 1 to 4 p.m.
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages Fourth Annual Volunteer Fair. One of our goals is to find ways of engaging our community, get them involved and have them share their talents with local community organizations. The fair will engage not only our older residents but all residents in the area. So whether you are new to town or a long time resident, need community service hours or just want to get involved; come and find ways to match your skills and talents with some of the many organizations doing great things in our community. If you are a community organization that would like to participate, please contact us at soma2towns@gmail.com. We invite all to join us at this community-wide event.

Friends of South Orange Public Library Jewelry Sale
SOPAC Loft, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. (Pre-Sale for Friends members and donors, 12:00 to 1:00 pm). Featuring a large selection of vintage and costume jewelry in a moderate range of prices. Come and bring your friends. All jewelry donated. Sale proceeds will fund Library services for the South Orange community. Face masks required. Cash or credit/debit cards only.

South Orange Cornhole Classic
Sloan Street Lot outside of the Fox & Falcon Restaurant, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Come challenge your friends and neighbors in the first South Orange Cornhole Classic! Teams of two (2) players will compete for 1st and 2nd place prizes. Matches will be played in the Sloan Street Lot outside of the Fox & Falcon Restaurant. To compete, please register using this link https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/south-orange-village-township-nj/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTE3NjQ4MTI=
To attend, just stop by and enjoy the fun. ONLY ONE TEAM MEMBER MUST REGISTER.

Sunday, November 14


The Evolution of the American Flag
Durand-Hedden House, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
The American flag did not always look the way it does today. From the flag’s creation in 1777 until 1912, there was no standard design. At 2 pm, J. Richard Pierce will help Durand-Hedden House visitors understand how the evolution of the flag’s design illuminates the personal and historical stories woven into the framework of our nation. Drawing upon examples from his Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags, he will explore the timeless appeal the Stars and Stripes holds for generations of Americans. Because no laws governed the placement of stars before 1912, the design was up to the flag maker, resulting in a wide range of creative interpretations over the course of our history.
The House and Country Store will be open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Proof of vaccination and masks required for everyone’s safety. https://www.durandhedden.org/about

Who is Caring for You? Services and Support of the Caregiver
On Zoom, 4 pm to 5:30 p.m., Free
Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ for a virtual conversation about being a caregiver. This program addresses the needs of a variety of types of caregivers, one of which is caregivers of seniors, including Holocaust survivors. Dr. Jessica Zitter, filmmaker, will share her short film, Caregiver: A Love Story, and introduce a discussion about the important, and often challenging role, of a caregiver. In addition, community professionals will share their expertise and information about local resources. There will be opportunities to ask questions in breakout rooms. Topics to be covered include: The Sandwich Generation and Caring from a Distance, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Teens with Disabilities, Mental Health Challenges & Substance Misuse, Seniors (including Holocaust Survivors), Memory Challenges. The program is free and open to the public but advance registration is required. For more information and registration link, please visit https://www.jfedgmw.org/event/caregivers/

MAPLEWOOD RECORD FAIR
10AM-4PM at the Woodland.
$3 admission, Under 18 Free.
Questions? soundselusive@gmail.com

Monday, November 15


A Long Walk Home: Book Talk with Maplewood Author Joe Strupp
Maplewood Memorial Library on Zoom, 7 to 8 p.m.
A Long Walk Home is the true story of Carol Ann Farino, a pretty, popular Columbia High School student who was strangled to death nearly 55 years ago, and whose killer was never found. But more than just her story, it is also the tale of her younger sister, Cynthia, who was 11 at the time and remains in New Jersey. She spoke to Strupp at length about what happened to her sister, the impact on her then and now, and how police seem to be ignoring her inquiries for information, records and help. Joe Strupp is an award-winning reporter with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and the Internet. His background spans nearly all beats, from the environment to sports. Register at
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkdu2rrjsjHda8IxaFP1cAFGtG4dc5FsJK


Friday, November 19 – Friday, December 10


Pickleball at the Baird Center Tennis Courts
Two classes are being offered to residents through US Sports. Come out and learn to play pickleball with your neighbors and friends. Registration is required using the links below.
Friday, November 19th – Friday, December 10th, 10:00 am - 10:50 am, $55
https://usasportgroup.com/program?pid=81069&site=sports&s=1
Friday, November 19th – Friday, December 10th, 11:00 am - 11:50 am, $55
https://usasportgroup.com/program?pid=81070&site=sports&s=1

Saturday, November 20


Tech Teens Helping Seniors
South Orange Public Library, 10:00 to 11:30 am (and every other Saturday until December 18th). Seniors can work one-on-one with a teen volunteer who will provide technology assistance using the senior’s device. Please register with the reference librarian at 973-762-0230 or by emailing librarian@sopl.org.

Sunday, November 21


South Orange Symphony Presents OVERTURE EXTRAVAGANZA
The South Orange Symphony presents its first Fall concert of the 2021/2022 season with a series of great Symphonic Overtures with Susan Haig as Conductor. This program will feature music spanning the Baroque through the modern era of classical music. This event is free, donations encouraged. Concert will take place in the spacious Great Hall of The Woodland. Dress in layers, doors will be open for ventilation.

Wednesday, November 24

Creative Writing
South Orange Public Library, 1:00 pm
Join us every Wednesday for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Go to the sopl.org calendar to join.

Saturday, November 27


Open Air Holiday Retail Market
Shop local on Small Business Saturday at our Open Air Holiday Retail Market! The Sloan Street parking lot will once again be transformed into a retail destination filled with booths from local vendors and makers. Check the South Orange Downtown site for more details, Upcoming Events — South Orange Downtown

Sunday, November 28


SWEET PLANTAIN: A concert presented by Classic Maplewood
The Woodland, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Free
This free family-friendly concert bridges the gap between generations and genres of Latin American music. The diverse repertoire of SWEET PLANTAIN heavily features the works of notable Latin American composers like Astor Piazzolla, Mongo Santamaría, Aldemaro Romero, and Paquito D'Rivera, alongside the original compositions and arrangements of the quartet’s own members. Separately hailing from Venezuela, Argentina, Russia, and the Bronx, together these musicians give voice to a sound that is both rooted in tradition and entirely new.


Please Complete the SOMA 2021 Senior Survey

The SOMA 2021 Senior Survey seeks your feedback in several areas such as Programming and Recreation, Transportation, Housing, Health and Wellness, Accessibility, Pedestrian Safety and Walkability, Communications, and your perception of our Towns and SOMA Two Towns for All Ages. We are endeavoring to get the greatest level of return and to reach the broadest breath of our senior community across all neighborhoods and socioeconomic levels. The survey is available in various forms, but we hope you will respond using the online version, It will take about 20 minutes to complete.

Accessing the survey and completing it is easy. You can go directly there, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SOMA_2021_Senior_Survey, or click on the survey link on our website, somatwotownsforallages.org. If you would like to complete the survey via telephone, email us at soma2towns@gmail.com with Telephone Survey on the subject line, include your phone number and preferred days/times for a Seton Hall University student to call you. Printed copies are available at both town halls, both town libraries (Hilton Branch), Maplewood Senior Center, Dehart Center, and the local senior apartment buildings. Completed surveys can be returned to either of these locations.

We encourage you to complete the survey as soon as you can.



DECEMBER 2021 EVENTS

Ongoing through the month of December 2021


From November 23 to December 22


South Orange Downtown Elf Experience
Find as many elves as you can at participating businesses throughout South Orange Downtown (Business list will be updated regularly) and collect as many Elf Tickets as you can to Win a $150 South Orange Downtown Gift Card, beginning November 23rd to December 22nd. For more information visit https://www.southorangedowntown.org/news/hometown-holiday-year-of-the-elves


Beginning Saturday, November 27

South Orange Downtown Gift Cards
Shop, Dine, Experience South Orange Downtown this holiday season. The South Orange Downtown Gift Card makes the perfect gift. A $25 value for only $20! These discounted gift cards make it easy for you to shop locally and keep everyone on your holiday shopping list happy. Gift cards go on sale Saturday November 27th and can be purchased online or at the open-air holiday market. Cards purchased online will be mailed via USPS. https://www.southorangedowntown.org/

Holiday Lights at the Turtle Back Zoo
Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. Celebrate the season of giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats. Visit them for more information about days and times in December. https://turtlebackzoo.com/discover/holiday-light-spectuacular/


GENERAL EVENTS INFORMATION

Rutgers Virtual Courses for Seniors
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University (OLLI-RU) is for individuals over 50 who are looking for an opportunity to expand their horizons, learn in an engaging environment, and meet new friends. OLLI-RU offers reasonably priced noncredit education that is stimulating, friendly, and informal–there are no tests and no grades! You will be part of a learning community that is full of diversity, insight, wisdom, intellectual and cultural stimulation, and friendship. The shorter winter session begins January 10th and the spring session begins February 28th. For registration and course information, go https://olliru.rutgers.edu/ or call, 848-932-6554.


Wednesday, December 1


Creative Writing, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Join the South Orange Public Library on Wednesdays for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Click here to join.


Thursday, December 2


Dickens Village Menorah Lighting
Ricalton Square, 6:00- 7:00 PM
Join the lighting of the menorah in Ricalton Square. This community tradition opens in December and runs each Saturday until Christmas. https://maplewoodvillagenj.com/

“Hanukkah - The Magic and The Miracle”,1:00 pm
JCC, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
This performance commemorates the season of Hanukkah and the miracle of the lights. Acclaimed International Concert Violinist Dr. David Podles will evoke the veritable joy and emotion of Hanukkah music and the everlasting Jewish spirit. The concert is free and open to the community. There will be goody bags and refreshments served after the program. All who wish to attend must RSVP to 973 530-3474. Proof of vaccination must be shown to security and temperatures will be taken as they enter.

Virtual Holiday Tour: Ballantine House, 7 pm
Virtual, Newark Museum
How do you celebrate the holidays? How did they celebrate back in 1891? Enjoy this 30-minute virtual look inside The Newark Museum of Art’s Ballantine House, an 1885 mansion in downtown Newark, NJ. Discover how the Ballantine Family’s home might have come to life during the winter months. Register at
https://www.newarkmuseumart.org/tour-ballantine

Friday, December 3


Special Conversations with Special People, 1:00 – 2:00 pm,
South Orange Public Library
Join us for a virtual discussion on Zoom with guest speaker, Alex Torpey, former Village President of South Orange, Consultant at Sustainable Jersey, and Visiting Professor at SHU. His topic is Strategies for Enhancing Public Engagement in Civic Life. Website:https://www.sopl.org/


Saturday, December 4


Dickens Village-Tree Lighting
4:30 pm., Ricalton Square, Maplewood
https://maplewoodvillagenj.com/

Tech Teens Helping Seniors, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Seniors can work one-on-one with a teen volunteer who will provide technology assistance. Please register with the reference librarian at 973-762-0230 or by emailing librarian@sopl.org.

Dickens Village Weekends in the Village
10:30 am – 5:30 pm, Ricalton Square, Maplewood
The houses are open for viewing and Santa is in Dickens Village for socially distant visits and photos. Join them at 4:30pm in Ricalton Square for the lighting of the tree.This community tradition opens in December and runs each Saturday until Christmas.https://maplewoodvillagenj.com/

Gingerbread House Decorating, 1:00 pm, Free
133 Fairview Ave., South Orange
Come and join the fun as we build and decorate gingerbread houses. Children will be able to decorate a gingerbread house, craft snowflakes and design ornaments. There will be music, hot chocolate, eggnog and snacks. The event is free and open to the public. For times and location go to http://southorange.org/.

Sunday, December 5


Winter Market, 11:00 am - 4:00 PM
Maplewood Ave, Highland Place, and Dunnell Rd.
Join us at this pedestrian-friendly market with all your favorite Village merchants. Stroll Maplewood Ave and Highland Place to do some safe outdoors holiday shopping, hit up the Makers Fair on Baker St., then walk through the Maplewood Mural train tunnel and browse the vintage clothing market outside Maplewood Mercantile, then visit one of our delicious eateries for a warm drink and a bite to eat. The perfect winter Sunday! https://maplewoodvillagenj.com/

Watershed Literary Events – Final 2021 Virtual Reading, 2:00 pm, Free, Virtual
Watershed Literary Events, a spoken-word series sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs in South Orange, will host its final virtual reading of 2021 on Sunday, December 5, 2 pm ET. The reading will feature Michael Lally & Friends. The event is free and open to the public and can be accessed through this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86405802744.

Monday, December 6

Maplewood Garden Club Speaker’s Program
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm, see website link below for registration information
Guest Speaker Josi Stone, owner of Wildly Floral Company in South Orange, shows how to create 4 nature-inspired floral designs of varying sizes and techniques using the medium of flowers, foliages, and other natural materials. Josi’s demonstration follows a brief business meeting, and her floral arrangements will be raffled off at the end of her presentation. See MGC website for meeting details at maplewoodgardenclub.org, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Seton Hall University Winter Concert
Free, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Location: Jubilee Hall Auditorium
A staple of the holiday season, the Seton Hall University Chorus, Concert Band and Chamber Choir present their annual winter concert. Come out and enjoy a great concert! For more info, go to https://events.shu.edu/view/event/event_id/14963

Thursday, December 9 – Sunday, December 12


Seton Hall University Theatre Presents: A Christmas Cabaret
Free, Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.
Location: Bishop Dougherty University Center, Theatre-in-the-Round
Seton Hall Theatre presents its annual Christmas Cabaret. Join them for seasonal songs of the 19th Century sung by strolling players in period costume. https://events.shu.edu/view/event/date/20211209/event_id/16262

Friday, December 10


Special Conversations with Special People, 1:00 pm
South Orange Public Library
Join us for a virtual discussion on Zoom with guest speaker, Mallory McDuff, Professor of Environmental Education at Warren Wilson College and author of Our Last Best Act. Her topic is Planning for the End of Our Lives to Protect the People and Places We Love

Seton Hall University Theatre Presents: A Christmas Cabaret
Free, Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 pm
Location: Bishop Dougherty University Center, Theatre-in-the-Round
Seton Hall Theatre presents its annual Christmas Cabaret. Join them for seasonal songs of the 19th Century sung by strolling players in period costume. https://events.shu.edu/view/event/date/20211209/event_id/16262

Saturday, December 11


Hometown Holiday – Elf Edition, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
South Orange Downtown Locations
Get ready for a full day of holiday fun! Start the day with laughs at the Village at SOPAC theaters for a free screening of Elf at 9:00 am and then take selfies with Santa at 10:30. The day continues in Spiotta Park with crafts, treats, and a special Santa visit. The festivities conclude with our annual tree lighting ceremony and singing.

Seton Hall University Theatre Presents: A Christmas Cabaret
Free, Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 pm., Location: Bishop Dougherty University Center, Theatre-in-the-Round
Seton Hall Theatre presents its annual Christmas Cabaret. Join them for seasonal songs of the 19th Century sung by strolling players in period costume. https://events.shu.edu/view/event/date/20211209/event_id/16262


Sunday, December 12


Slow Food NJ Winter Farmer’s Market
10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Great Room of The Woodland, $3 donation requested at the door.
This popular winter market is back inside the spacious Great Room of The Woodland. Masks are required by all attendees over 2-years-old. Entry will be managed to allow for safe social distancing inside.

Gingerbread House Contest and Holiday Store
1:00 - 4:00 pm, Durand-Hedden House, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
This year, due to the pandemic, Durand-Hedden’s much-loved annual Gingerbread House Contest will be at the Hilton Branch Library, 1688 Springfield Ave. Creative and enchanting entries from people of all ages will be on display at the Library throughout the month. Interested in being a contestant? Enter by December 9. https://www.durandhedden.org/

Seton Hall University Theatre Presents: A Christmas Cabaret
Free, 2 pm.
Location: Bishop Dougherty University Center, Theatre-in-the-Round
Seton Hall Theatre presents its annual Christmas Cabaret. Join them for seasonal songs of the 19th Century sung by strolling players in period costume. https://events.shu.edu/view/event/date/20211209/event_id/16262

Tuesday, December 14

Holiday Party
The Woodland, 12 noon, $10
The Maplewood Community Services Department is having a Holiday Party for SOMA seniors 55+ at the spacious Great Room of The Woodland. Lots of food, holiday cheer, DJ, prizes. To register contact MichelleW@twp.maplewood.nj.us or go to Holiday Party. Masks are required!

Wednesday, December 15


Creative Writing, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
South Orange Public Library
Join us on Wednesdays for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Click here to join.

Thursday, December 16


Painters on Painters: Pablo Picasso
Maplewood Library, Virtual, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Painters on Painters series focuses on the lives and works of artists, hosted by Gerard Amsellem and Mikel Frank, the Visual Passion Duo. http://visualpassion.net/
To register, go to Maplewood Library link Picasso or https://www.maplewoodlibrary.org/

Saturday, December 18


Tech Teens Helping Seniors, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
South Orange Public Library
Seniors can work one-on-one with a teen volunteer who will provide technology assistance. Please register with the reference librarian at 973-762-0230 or by emailing librarian@sopl.org.


Sunday, December 19

Handmade Holiday at The Woodland, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Woodland, Maplewood
An experiential indie maker market that celebrate the arts, history, and culture of New Jersey. Admission is free, family friendly, and open to the public.

Candlelight Carols Service, 4:00 pm
Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church, 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
This annual concert is a beloved Morrow tradition, where our musical ensembles celebrate the glory of the Christmas season through carols, special music, and the Christmas story. We will be joined by a host of additional singers and instrumentalists. This is a great opportunity to be with friends and neighbors, especially those who will be traveling on Christmas Eve!


Monday, December 20

Virtual Book Discussion Group, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
South Orange Public Library
This month we’re discussing Keiichiro Hirano’s novel At the End of the Matinee. Click here to join Zoom meeting. Any questions? Contact book group moderator Nancy Janow at njanow@sopl.org.


There is also a Menorah Lighting Friday 12/2 at the Gazebo on Springfield Ave in Maplewood:

Springfield Avenue Partnership is at Springfield Avenue Gazebo.

Maplewood, NJ · Please join us for a MENORAH LIGHTINGSPRINGFIELD AVENUE GAZEBO(1688 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE)The Springfield Avenue menorah lighting will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 2. The ceremony will include: Rabbi Dan Cohen, Rabbi Alexandra Klein, and Cantor Rebecca Moses from Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel; Rabbi Abigail Treu and Cantor Eliana Kissner from Oheb Shalom Congregation; and Rabbi Jesse Olitzky and Rabbi Rachel Marder from Congregation Beth El.THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 AT 5:00 PM


Max:  Thank you for adding the menorah lighting at the gazebo.  I noticed that it was missing from the SOMA Two Towns For All Ages event calendar.  Other events may  be missing as well. This calendar is based on information submitted to the SOMA Two Towns For All Ages coordinators prior to the calendar being distributed on or before the 1st of each month.  If anyone has an event of interest to seniors being held in January or later, please send me a PM and I will reply with contact information for the coordinators.



Please Complete the SOMA 2021 Senior Survey


The SOMA 2021 Senior Survey seeks your feedback in several areas such as Programming and Recreation, Transportation, Housing, Health and Wellness, Accessibility, Pedestrian Safety and Walkability, Communications, and your perception of our Towns and SOMA Two Towns for All Ages. We are endeavoring to get the greatest level of return and to reach the broadest breath of our senior community across all neighborhoods and socioeconomic levels. The survey is available in various forms, but we hope you will respond using the online version, It will take about 20 minutes to complete.
Accessing the survey and completing it is easy. You can go directly there,https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SOMA_2021_Senior_Survey, or click on the survey link on our website, somatwotownsforallages.org. If you would like to complete the survey via telephone, email us atsoma2towns@gmail.comwith Telephone Survey on the subject line, include your phone number and preferred days/times for a Seton Hall University student to call you. Printed copies are available at both town halls, both town libraries (Hilton Branch), Maplewood Senior Center, Dehart Center, and the local senior apartment buildings. Completed surveys can be returned to either of these locations.

We encourage you to complete the survey as soon as you can.

Ongoing, Wednesdays

Lunchtime Fitness with Audie, Wednesdays 12:30 pm
St Andrew Holy Communion, Parish Hall
160 W South Orange Ave. South Orange, NJ 07079
Audie will lead students in a series of yoga and Pilates movements and end with a low impact cardio routine. Suggested donation $5. Students of all levels are welcome. Please contact the Parish Office at 974-763-2355 with questions.



Sunday, December 19thCandlelight Carols Service, 4:00 pm

Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church, 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
This annual concert is a beloved Morrow tradition, where our musical ensembles celebrate the glory of the Christmas season through carols, special music, and the Christmas story. We will be joined by a host of additional singers and instrumentalists. This is a great opportunity to be with friends and neighbors, especially those who will be traveling on Christmas Eve!


Thursday, December 23rd

Christmas Caroling, 5:30 pm, Free
St Andrew Holy Communion
160 W South Orange Ave. South Orange, NJ 07079
Join them on the lawn to spread cheer of the season, open to the public.


You Can Order Free at Home Covid -19 Tests

New Jersey and Vault Medical Services have teamed up to offer at home COVID 19 saliva testing for any person who believes they need to be tested, with or without symptoms, at no cost. Go tohttps://learn.vaulthealth.com/nj/to order a test.



Free Rides to Vaccination Appointments

Dial 211 to schedule your ride today!

Do not let transportation stop you and your family/friends from getting vaccinated. We are providing rides free of charge to vaccination sites wherever Lyft services are available. This program is open to everyone, including people with collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. Personal aides are welcome to ride along.



Saturdays and Wednesdays
Until further notice

Local Weekly Mobile Covid 19 Testing Clinic, Free

No appointment necessary
Saturdays, 9 am to 3 pm and Wednesdays, 4 pm to 6 pm
South Orange/Maplewood Board of Education, 525 Academy Street, Maplewood
PCR and Rapid test are available for anyone 6 months and older. There are NO OUT OF POCKET COSTS. Those with insurance must bring insurance card and valid identification. Those without insurance must bring valid identification and will be given a form to complete.


Located indoors at the SOPAC Third Floor Loft (elevator accessible). Maplewood residents will need to register via phone, (973) 378-7754 x 2.


Beginner Yoga
Click Here to Register

Mondays, Jan 17 - Feb 21 (6 weeks) at 10 am - 11:00 am
Beginner Yoga for seniors offers basic poses/asanas, taught at a slower pace. Attention will be given to the proper use of breath, stretching, developing strength and improving balance, no head stands or handstands-gentle movement. Wear comfortable clothes, bring water and a small towel.
Class Fee - $50


Line Dancing
Click Here to Register

Wednesdays, Jan 19 - Feb 23 (6 weeks) at 12 pm - 1 pm
The purpose of the class is to inspire movement, fun, creativity and introduce dancers to some of the easier popular dances within soul line dancing. Dancers also learn basic steps and terminology.
Class Fee - $115


Chair Yoga
Click Here to Register

Wednesdays, Jan 19 - Feb 23 (6 weeks) at 1 pm - 2 pm
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced while sitting in a chair. It adapts traditional yoga poses so that they can be done making yoga more accessible for people who cannot stand for long periods.
Class Fee - $50


Project Healthy Bones
Click Here to Register

Fridays, Jan 21 - Feb 25 (6 weeks) at 12 pm - 2 pm
Project Healthy Bones, an exercise and education program to improve posture, balance, strength and flexibility. It is for older people with osteoporosis -mild or advanced or for those interested in maintaining bone health. Please note that this is a two-hour class - students will need light hand weights and one leg weight from week 3 on. Students should bring a towel and water.
Class Fee - FREE


Creativity Blooms Crafts Class
Click Here to Register

Tuesdays, Jan 18 - Feb 22 (6 weeks) at 9 am - 11 am
This class is a workshop series that focuses on “Sustainable Design''. Sustainable Design or Up-cycling, involves recycling, re-imagining and transforming objects, therefore giving them new life! Projects span from wearable art to home decor. Workshops range from Printmaking, collage, basic quilting, and jewelry. A sample project will be presented at the beginning of each session. A project sample will also be presented at the end of session, highlighting the upcoming workshop. This affords the opportunity to bring in materials which you may have at home to further personalize, embellish, or share (& Recycle)! All fun, no previous craft experience required.
Class Fee - $100


Ikebana
Click Here to Register

Fridays, Jan 21 - Feb 25 (6 weeks) at 2 pm - 3 pm
Look forward to learning the fascinating art of Ikebana and its 550-year history. Ikebana is the floral arrangement part of the Buddhist tradition from the Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto, Japan. You will create exquisite arrangements that will help bring a sense of tranquility and beauty to the winter months ahead. Floral materials are included in this price. Come prepared with a low, wide dish that can hold 1-2 inches of water and a kenzan (pin holder). If a kenzan needs to be purchased, the instructor will have them available for $35. Also bring a pair of gardening shears or ikebana scissors.
Class Fee - $200


Canasta
Click Here to Register

Mondays, Jan 31 - Feb 21 (4 weeks) at 11 am - 12:30 pm
Learn to play the modern game of Canasta. This class is for beginners who have never played or for those who have just learned and want to sharpen their game. Learn the basics of Canasta and strategies to win! This class is fun, rewarding, and great for your memory!
Class Fee - $35


Mah Jongg
Click Here to Register

Mondays, Jan 31 - Feb 21 (4 weeks) at 12:30 pm - 2 pm
Learn how to play the ancient game of Mah Jongg. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play, now is the perfect time! You’ll pick up all the basics and will be bam’ing and crak’ing in no time. There will be plenty of hand-holding and coaching along the way.
Class Fee - $35


To register over the phone call (973) 378-7754 x 2.


The following policy applies to ALL indoor senior activities through the Maplewood Department of Community Services.  Text is from an email sent by the Director of Community Services : 

Effective immediately any person attending an indoor Township sponsored event or private events that are open to the public will also be required to:

  • Show proof of COVID vaccination among eligible individuals, 5 years and older (two weeks after 2nd dose of Moderna, 2nd dose of Pfizer or 1 dose of Johnson and Johnson) with a vaccination card, using the DOCKET App or a picture of the vaccination card; OR
  • Show proof of a negative COVID test (can be an in-home test as long as there are no symptoms, otherwise a rapid antigen or PCR) 72 hours from event.

These decisions were made in collaboration with our local health departments, the Special Improvement District Managers, and key stakeholders. As we continue to be thoughtful regarding this pandemic, especially taking into account the spread of the Omicron variant, our main goal continues to be the same: keeping the community healthy and safe.

https://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif3396/f/uploads/maplewood_township_indoor_events_policy_12222021.docx.pdf

PLEASE NOTE:

All Maplewood Community Services Programs fall under this policy, and to participate effective immediately, you must arrive with your vaccination card and identification, or a negative test with a result dated within 72 hours.

This includes all events and programs in our buildings, including of course senior fitness, art programming and special events.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Of course, if you are feeling sick or symptomatic no matter what your vaccination status, please stay home.


GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

South Orange Active Older Adult
Winter Recreation and Cultural Programming

Indoor programs including Beginner Yoga, Line Dancing, Chair Yoga, Project Healthy Bones, Creative Blooms Crafts, Ikebana, Canasta, and Mah Jongg are offered in the SOPAC loft beginning in mid-January. Classes are open to South Orange and Maplewood residents. Per the Village guidelines, proof of vaccination and masks are required. For class details, fees and to register go to Catalog - South Orange Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs (rec1.com), click on Active Older Adults or call 973-378-7754 ext 2.

SOMA 2021 Senior Survey
Let your voice be heard!

If you are 60 or older, we invite you to take our community-wide survey. As both towns endeavor to meet the expectations of all residents, we would like to know more about our older adult community. We want input from everyone in this age group. You can access the online version of the survey via https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SOMA_2021_Senior_Survey. This link is also on our website, somatwotownsforallages.org. Paper copies are available at both town libraries (Hilton branch in Maplewood), both Town Halls, the DeHart Center, and the Maplewood Senior Center. You can return completed surveys at the libraries, Senior Center, or our Town Hall locations. It will take about 20 minutes to complete the survey.

Many thanks to all who have already responded!

Rutgers Virtual Courses for Seniors

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers University (OLLI-RU) is for individuals over 50 who are looking for an opportunity to expand their horizons, learn in an engaging environment, and meet new friends. OLLI-RU offers reasonably priced noncredit education that is stimulating, friendly, and informal–there are no tests and no grades! You will be part of a learning community that is full of diversity, insight, wisdom, intellectual and cultural stimulation, and friendship. The shorter winter session begins January 6th and ends on February 18th. The spring session begins February 28th. For registration and course information, go to home | Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (rutgers.edu) or call, 848-932-6554.


CALENDAR EVENTS

Monday, January 3rd


Maplewood Garden Club Monthly Speaker’s Program: “Community Planning, Community Planting", 7:30 pm, Free
Join Maplewood Garden Club on Monday, January 3, at 7:30 when a representative from Our Green West Orange will share the green initiatives OGWO has been pursuing in its West Orange community, including educational resources on native plants, tree management and identification, pesticide and weed alternatives, and environmental justice. The presentation will follow a brief business meeting and conclude with a Q&A session. For meeting details, go to MGC’s website, www.maplewoodgardenclub.org.


Tuesday, January 4th

G(r)ay Matter Book Discussion Group (Virtual), 7 to 8 pm, Free
This Maplewood Library book group will discuss works by contemporary LGBTQIA+ and Two-spirit authors in a variety of genres, including fiction, history, memoirs, poetry, science fiction, and graphic novels. Our January title is Poet Warrior: A Memoir by Joy Harjo, the first Native American to serve as U.S. poet laureate. She invites us to travel along the heartaches, losses, and humble realizations of her "poet-warrior" road. Poet Warrior reveals how Harjo came to write poetry of compassion and healing, poetry with the power to unearth the truth and demand justice. To register, go to the events calendar at Maplewood Library.

Thursday, January 6th

Essex County Weequahic Park Birding Walk with New Jersey Audubon, 8:45 am to 11 am, $10 members/$15 non-members
Visit an Essex County oasis while searching for wintering ducks, gulls and passerine birds. All can be viewed along an easy trail around the lake. Enter the park at Meeker and Empire Streets, Newark, then bear left and continue to the large parking area on the south side of the lake. Led by Dave Hall, Associate Naturalist, NJ Audubon. Pre-registration is required. Payment may be made via credit card. To register, please contact the Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary at (908) 396-6386.

Friday, January 7th

Special Conversations with Camile Guthrie, 1 pm, Virtual
Join the South Orange Public Library’s guest, Camille Guthrie, Author of Diamonds and other poetry books, Director of Undergraduate Writing at Bennington College, who will speak on Writing at Midlife: Humor and Heartbreak Click HERE to join.

Saturday, January 8th

Maplewood Library Yarn and Fiber Group, 10 am to 12 pm, Free
The group will meet in person once a month. The January location is 1978 Springfield Ave., Maplewood. This is a gathering for people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider or do other creative things with yarn or fabric. Enjoy a relaxing morning working on your projects and get feedback and advice from fellow crafters. Bring your own supplies. Drop in: no registration is required. All skill levels are welcome! Face masks are required.

Karaoke Night at The Fox & Falcon,19 Valley Street, South Orange
Join the Fox and Falcon and MAPSO Entertainment at the main bar starting at 10 pm for Karaoke! Take the stage, belt out your favorite tunes, and entertain a supportive local audience.

Thursday, January 13th

Maplewood Library Books Now and Then Book Discussion Group (Virtual), 7 pm to 8 pm, Free
Our January title, Stoner by John Williams, is a deeply moving classic that follows the life of a quiet English professor who, after escaping his poor roots, finds only disappointment and heartache and gives himself fully to his profound love of literature. To register, go to the events calendar at Maplewood Library.

Friday, January 14th

Museum Crawl: Teatro-Museo Dali in Figueres, Spain, 12:00 pm, Free
Newark Museum of Art, Virtual
Explore the work of Salvador Dalí with a virtual visit to the Teatro-Museo Dalí, a jewel of the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí in Figueres, Spain. Fiona Mata, Coordinator of the Centre for Dalinian Studies, guides us on this special tour. This Museum Crawl will be offered in English and some Spanish.
Click to Museum Crawl: Teatro-Museo Dalí in Figueres, Spain Registration, Fri, Jan 14, 2022 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite


Monday, January 17th

21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance, 4:00 pm live on YouTube
Community Coalition on Race
This year’s observance theme is “Serving Something Greater Than Ourselves", and is based on Dr. King’s call “to discover some cause and some purpose, some loyalty outside of yourself and give yourself to that something.” This interfaith observance will include performances, stories, and ways to connect to volunteer opportunities. For the link and more information go to 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance & Luminary Lighting - South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race.

Luminary Lighting, $10/$20
At home, immediately following the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance
Community Coalition on Race
The observance will be followed immediately by the lighting of luminaries throughout SOMA. Luminaries can be purchased locally and come four in a pack for a suggested donation of $10 in support of the mission of the Community Coalition on Race. By popular request, there will be a special option of LED candles (suitable for indoor use), for a suggested donation of $10. Luminaries will be available for sale at Able Baker, Pet Wants, Sparkhouse Toys, True Salvage, D&I Fitness, Oh! Canary, A Paper Hat, General Store Cooperative and Words.

MLK, Jr. Day Symposium, 9 am to 4 pm, Free
Seton Hall University, Virtual
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of America’s most revered advocates for racial justice and social change, the College of Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, will once again offer a special workshop to be held on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The day-long event will take place on Monday, January 17,.9 am – 4 pm, and will be offered online through Microsoft Teams where you can log on at 8:45 am. Registration is required, Register Here. Attendees can register for the morning, afternoon, or both sessions.


Wednesday, January 19th

First Ever New Year Celebration, 12:00 pm, $10
Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood
Maybe by officially welcoming in 2022 it will be a great year, filled with health happiness and lots of good luck for us all. Hor d’oeuvres, sparkling cider and something sweet for a sweet new year will be served. Enjoy a little BINGO for some fun. Call 973-763-0750 to register or go to Maplewood Recreation.

Read Around the World: Ecuador (Virtual). 7 pm to 8 pm
Maplewood Library

Our January title is The Sisters of Alameda Street by Lorena Hughes. A mix of historical fiction, romance and intrigue set in the 1960s, The Sisters of Alameda Street is a sweeping story of how one woman’s search for the truth of her identity forces a family to confront their own past.To register, go to the events calendar at Maplewood Library.


Friday, January 21st


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Anti-Racism Training, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, Free
Seton Hall University (Virtual)
Join members from the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for an interactive workshop on anti-racism and exploring race, bias, and identity.

The DEI Anti-Racist Training: "A Conversation about Race and Racism" will help participants learn more about racism, how racism manifests itself, and what it means to be an anti-racist. This interactive workshop will help participants explore race, bias, and identity. Upon registration, you will receive a virtual link the day before the workshop. To register, go to

Seton Hall University / DEI Anti-Racism Training (shu.edu).


Special Conversations with Shelly Eversley, 1 pm, Virtual
Join the South Orange Public Library’s guest, Shelly Eversley, Professor and Interim Chair of Black and Latinx Studies, Baruch College, who will talk about Recovering a History of Black Writing and Black Resistance Obscured by Years of U.S. Censorship and Surveillance

Click HERE to join.

Sunday, January 23rd

Backyard Birding 101, 1 pm
Join the Durand-Hedden House and Garden, Maplewood, to learn about the many birds that winter in New Jersey and find out how to get started in birding, including being able to correctly identify birds and how to set up a citizen science project in your backyard.

Saturday, January 29th

Birding Walk, 8:30 am to 11 am, $10 members/$15 non-members.
Essex County Riker Hill Art Park and Becker Tract (Livingston)
Walk thought old farm fields to discover overwintering field birds. Hike along the 1B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland. Led by Dave Hall, Associate Naturalist, NJ Audubon. Pre-registration is required. Payment may be made via credit card. Walk-ins are not permitted. To register, please visit contact the Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary at (908) 396-6386.


Email Blast From  SOMA Two Towns For All Ages

Great News!
You Can Order Free Covid-19 to Take at HomeBeginning Wednesday, January 19th, you can order free rapid COVID-19 test kits through the government at the following website www.covidtests.gov. A total of four test kits can be ordered per household. Orders normally ship in 7 to 12 days. Feel free to share this information with your family members, relatives and friends. If you need assistance to order tests, please email the SOMA Two Towns for All Ages office at soma2towns@gmail.com and put Help Needed to Order Covid-19 Tests on the subject line. If you prefer to call SOMA Two Towns to arrange for help, you can reach us at 973-558-0863.


Sunday, January 23rd

Lunar Fest 2022 at The Woodland, 12 pm - 3 pm
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood
Ring in the Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Tiger! Enjoy performances by the New York Chinese Cultural Center or a shadow puppet show performed by the Chinese Theater Works. There will be plenty of crafts for the kids to enjoy! And, yes, there will be food vendors too. Maplewood Township COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed. Masks and proof of vaccination as appropriate for the age group are required.



Get Vaccinated, a Booster, or a Third ShotCounty vaccination sites are open on a walk-in basis. If you want to make a reservation you can by calling 973-877-8456. Moderna, Pfizer, and J&J booster (and third) shots are available. Site locations and hours are:

Essex County College, 177 West Market Street, Newark
Former Kmart building, 236 Prospect Avenue, West Orange
Former Sears building, 112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston
Adult hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm
Free Rides to Vaccination AppointmentsDial 211 to schedule your ride after making vaccination arrangements!Do not let transportation stop you and your family/friends from getting vaccinated. Rides are available free of charge to vaccination sites wherever Lyft services are available provided your vaccination site is no more than 25 miles from home. To use this service, you must have a phone that receives and sends text messages. Rides can be scheduled as early as a week in advance but must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of your vaccination date. This program is open to everyone, including people with collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. Personal aides are welcome to ride along.


We are pleased to present the
February 2022 Calendar of Events from Soma Two Towns For All Ages


Our February/March Newsletter is in the mail, you can read it now atwww.somatwotownsforallages.org, click on Publications.

Save the Dates for March

Senior Technology Assistance, mid-March, 3 pm to 4 pm Free
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages is pleased to work with Seton Hall University again to deliver technology assistance for our older adult SOMA community. The spring session will begin mid-March and run for approximately 3 weeks. Each class will include a 10-minute presentation followed by 1:1 assistance with questions on any topic. These classes are interactive so please bring your device with you! Details with registration information will be available in early March. Feel free to call the SOMA Two Towns office if you have questions, 973-558-0863.

All School Musical Dress Rehearsal Returns, Newsies, March 10th, 5:30 pm Free
Columbia High School Auditorium, 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood
Come and enjoy the dress rehearsal for this year’s musical. If history prevails, this will be another awesome performance. Proof of vaccination and masks are required. Social distancing can be easily accomplished given the size of the auditorium.


Month-Long February Events

February 1st – 28th

Spotlighting South Orange Downtown Black Owned Businesses

South Orange Downtown

Our Black business owners not only contribute to the cultural diversity of our community, but also help us keep a healthy mind, body and soul. For Black History Month 2022 we are spotlighting our Black Owned business owners and showcasing how their businesses benefit the health and wellness of the South Orange Downtown community. To learn more about South Orange Black businesses go to Black Owned Businesses — South Orange Downtown.

February 1st – 28th
LIGHT [+ SOUND] By Patrick Hilaire Art Exhibit, Monday-Saturday, 12 – 6 pm Free
The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC, curated by Jeremy Moss
There will be a reception on Thursday, February 17; 5 – 8 pm
Celebrate Black History Month with the photography of local notable, Patrick Hilaire
This display showcases Hilaire’s stunning black-and-white portraits of Jazz musicians. His life’s work has focused on capturing the relationship between images and sound. Known as the man behind the camera at many Jazz happenings, Hilaire has photographed performers from SOPAC’s Jazz & Blues in the Loft series as well as the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band at the Blue Note in New York City. If you are interested in making a purchase, please contact Linda Beard at (973) 382-1035 or lindab@sopacnow.org.

February 1st – 28th
"My America: Scenes celebrating African American past, present, and future", (virtual any time) Free
Presented by The Strollers and Ivy Hill Vailsburg Center for Arts Culture and Community Activism (ACCA)
Drawing from published and original poetry, prose, and plays, My America showcases the unique perspectives and contributions of African Americans to our national identity. The selections presented endeavor not only to honor the strength and struggles of African Americans through time, but also to extol the passion and creative brilliance emanating from this heritage, texturing the American experience at every step. Click for Theatrical Performance And Discussion.

February 1st – 28th
Black History Month Walk of Heroes, A Self-Guided Tour Free
Sponsored by Springfield Avenue Partnership and Maplewood Village Alliance
Take a stroll along the Black History Month Walk of Heroes featuring educational posters of African American historical figures on display in various storefronts on Springfield Avenue and Maplewood Village.

February Events


Tuesday, February 1st

Evening with a Panther (Ms. Akua Njeri), 5 - 7:30 pm Free
Seton Hall University
Akua Njeri was the partner of the late Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. The major motion picture, Judas and the Black Messiah, was released last year, depicting the events surrounding the assassination of Fred Hampton, leader of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. The discussion will feature Akua Njeri, the partner of Fred Hampton, who was by his side when he was assassinated. Ms. Njeri will discuss Hampton’s life, her life of activism, and the Black Panther Party. Join using this link, Zoom. Meeting ID: 896 0670 8952 and Passcode: 239899.

G(r)ay Matter Book Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our Black History Month title is How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir by Saeed Jones
A stunning coming-of-age memoir about a young, black, gay man from the South as he fights to carve out a place for himself within his family, within his country, within his own hopes, desires, and fears. Register here.

Wednesdays, February 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd

NJAAW Housing Series, 4 pm weekly (virtual) Free
NJ Advocates for Aging Well
Aging is not a one-size-fits-all journey. There can be several steps from living independently in one’s home to needing assisted living. Housing needs are not clear-cut or consistent. They are a continuum of needs, finances, preferences, and opportunities. This 4-sessions series, every Wednesday at 4 pm, will bring experts in the realm of NJ housing together to explore options at each stage and need for housing.
Session 1, 2/2: Planning and Adapting to Stay in Your Home
Session 2, 2/9: Help in the Home
Session 3, 2/16: Senior Residential Options
Session 4, 2/23: Policy & Plans for New & Innovative Solutions
Register here once for all 4 sessions


Wednesday, February 2nd

“Acquired Taste: Contributions of the African Diaspora to Food Culture in the Americas” Newark Public Library, 6 pm (virtual) Free
Food historian, writer, chef and James Beard Book Award winner Michael Twitty will examine the history and continued legacy of African and African American contributions to cuisine, eating and food culture. View on Zoom or Facebook.


Thursday, February 3rd

Winter Stargazing, 7 pm (virtual) Free
The Newark Museum of Art
The northern hemisphere’s winter sky hosts some of the most amazing constellations, star clusters and deep-sky objects seen from Earth. During the program, facilitated by April Whitt of the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, GA, you can explore the current night sky and view some amazing sights with a telescope (weather permitting). This program will be available on Zoom and live on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Twitch. Register here   CANCELLED Due to weather forecast.

Seton Hall University Lectures

Dr. Yanzhong Huang Book Talk: Toxic Politics, 4:30 – 6 pm (virtual) Free. Dr. Yanzhong Huang will discuss his book Toxic Politics: China’s Environmental Health Crisis and Its Challenge to the Chinese State published by Cambridge University Press last year at this virtual event hosted by the School of Diplomacy. Register here Toxic Politics

Dr. Murzaku to Speak on Mother Teresa, 7:30 – 8:30 Free
Ines Murzaku, Ph.D., Director of Catholic Studies, has been invited to give a lecture on Mother Teresa! Click here to join the live presentation, Mother Teresa

God, Sex, and the Radical Demands of Love, 8 – 10 pm Free
Seton Hall, Jubilee Hall
This talk will address some of the most pressing questions we all face: Who are you? Why are you here? How do you live your life in true happiness and joy?


The New Negro Renaissance Chat Free
Presented by Hilton Neighborhood Association and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Curator Chats, a collection of video portraits compiled by NMAAHC curators, provide insight and anecdotal information about exhibitions at the museum and upcoming projects. Times and links will be available on the Hilton Neighborhood Association website, Hilton Neighborhood Association.


Friday, February 4th

Special Conversations with Michael Schein, 1 pm, (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with distinguished guest speaker, Michael Schein, Author of The Hype Handbook and Founder & President of Microfame Media. His topic is Marketing is for Morons: Using Hype to Attract Attention to Your Work. Click HERE to join.


Saturday, February 5th, 12th, and 19th

Erasing South Orange Boarders Run/Walk Free
Presented by Erasing Essex's Borders
Join resident Stephanie Lawson Muhammad, founder of Erasing Essex’s Borders, on an exploration of the historical borders that defined the boundaries of South Orange within Essex County and how those borders have impacted African Americans over the last 150 years. Each route will cover approximately 3.1 miles (5k) and incorporate locations and landmarks significant to the African American experience.
Limited Spaces/Registration Required. Register Here!
Scheduled Times (Must Register):
Saturday, February 5th, 8:00 am (Running)/1:00 pm (Walkers)
Saturday, February 12th, 8:00 am (Running)/1:00 pm (Walkers)
Saturday, February 19th, 8:00 am (Running)/1:00 pm (Walkers)


Saturday, February 5th

Make Your Own Homemade Dumplings, 12 pm (virtual) Free
Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Newark Public Library
The Vailsburg Branch Library and the Greater Newark Conservancy present this hands-on/virtual experience. Dumpling wrappers will be available for participants to pick up the week before at either the Greater Newark Conservancy, 32 Prince Street or the Vailsburg branch (75 Alexander Street, Newark, 07106. Register Here in advance.


Monday, February 7th

Explore the Leonard J. Buck Garden, 7:30 pm, (virtual) Free
Maplewood Garden Club
Kathleen Podgalsky will explore this woodland-and-rock garden with a virtual stroll among rocky outcrops, ponds, shady paths, and open meadows. She will reveal the many faces of the garden through photographs taken throughout the garden year, showing the beauty of nature in all seasons. Kathleen’s presentation will follow a brief business meeting and conclude with a Q&A session. For meeting details, please go to MGC’s website, www.maplewoodgardenclub.org.


February 8th – April 14th

Tuesdays and Thursdays (By appointment only)
Get your taxes done for free!
South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ 07079
AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program will again be offering free basic tax preparation for moderate income and elderly taxpayers. The service is open to any taxpayer with no residency restrictions. Similar services are being offered at other libraries on different days and at different times. For additional locations and times go to TaxAide. To make an appointment in South Orange, call the library reference desk, 973-762-0230.


Beginning Tuesday, February 8th

NJ Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA)
If you need help paying your mortgage, ERMA provides up to $35,000 to eligible homeowner facing foreclosure and displacement. The application portal opens Tuesday, February 8th, at NJ ERMA. Also, free housing counseling is available at njhousing.gov. For additional information: (855) 647-7700 or HAFservicing@njhmfa.gov


Wednesday, February 9th

Creative Writing, 1 pm (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library every other Wednesday for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Click here to join.

Taking a Closer Look at Reparations, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Join expert panelists Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and Laurie Beachum, the Director of Communications for the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice as they share background and updates on Reparations. Panelists will discuss the history supporting reparations and New Jersey efforts to address the issue. Panelist will engage in Q&A’s with attendees. Register in Advance.


Thursday, February 10th

Special Conversations with Mona Awad, 7 - 8 pm, (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with their distinguished guest speaker, Mona Awad, Author of All’s Well, Bunny, and 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl. Her topic is All’s Well: A Novel of Shakespeare, Chronic Pain, and Dark Wish Fulfillment. Click HERE to join.

Books Now and Then Book Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our Black History Month title is Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead. A keen-eyed and very funny, novel about race, power and the history of Harlem, all disguised as a thrill-ride crime novel. Register HERE.

Cultural Expressions Chat Free
Presented by Hilton Neighborhood Association and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Curator Chats, a collection of video portraits compiled by NMAAHC curators, provide insight and anecdotal information about exhibitions at the museum and upcoming projects. Times and links will be available on the Hilton Neighborhood Association website, Hilton Neighborhood Association.


Friday, February 11th

Reggae Soca Night with The Verdict, 8 pm, doors open at 7:30 pm Free
The Woodland Great Hall, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood
Groove to the sounds of this high energy band as they rock with Caribbean flavor. Broritos food truck will be on the premises for your dining delight.


Saturday, February 12th

Yarn & Fiber Arts Group, 10 am to noon Free
Maplewood Library
For people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider or do other creative things with yarn or fabric. Work on your projects and get feedback and advice from fellow crafters. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your own supplies and materials. No registration needed. For meeting location, go to Yarn & Fiber Arts Group.


Sunday, February 13th

“Open Hearth Cooking: Explore African American Foodways" with Chef Jesse Jones, 2 pm (doors open at 1 pm) Free
Durand-Hedden House & Garden, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
Join Chef Jesse Jones for an afternoon dedicated to African American cooking by our historic open hearth. For more information go to American Foodways or Facebook at Facebook.com/DurandHedden.

The Harlem Chamber Players, 4 pm-5:30 pm Free
Black History Month Concert at the Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood
Seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program includes William Grant Still Lyric Quartette, Nkeiru Okoye Three Movements for String Quartet, Jessie Montgomery Strum, and Antonin Dvorak String Quartet No.11 in C Major, Op. 61, B 121. Featured musicians are Ashley Horne, Violin, Claire Chan, Violin, William Frampton, Viola, and Wayne Smith, Cello.


Wednesday, February 16th

St. Valentine's Day Lunch, 12 pm, $10
Maplewood Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood
What says love better than pasta in pink vodka sauce and chocolate? Come and enjoy a decadent lunch to celebrate St. Valentine's Day. Register by calling 973-763-0750 or going to https://maplewood.recdesk.com/Community/Program. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required.

Read Around the World: Senegal, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our Black History Month title is At Night All Blood is Black by David Dio. The story is hypnotic, heartbreaking rendering of a soldier alone in the midst of the savagery of war, whose mind is hurtling towards madness. Register HERE.

Poetry in the Round: Megan Fernandes, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Seton Hall University
Join on Crowdcast to hear Megan Fernandes read poetry. Click on Crowdcast to join and attend the poetry reading.


Thursday, February 17th

Sports: Leveling the Playing Field Chat Free
Presented by Hilton Neighborhood Association and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Curator Chats, a collection of video portraits compiled by NMAAHC curators, provide insight and anecdotal information about exhibitions at the museum and upcoming projects. Times and links will be available on the Hilton Neighborhood Association website, Hilton Neighborhood Association.

UN Secretary-General Guterres’ Agenda, 7:20 – 8 pm (virtual) Free
Seton Hall University
Peter Reid, Director of Strategic Communications for the Secretary-General of the United Nations will discuss the priorities and challenges of United Nations Secretary-General Guterres. Register here, UN Secretary-General Guterres.


Friday, February 18th

Special Conversations with Laurie Alvandian, 1 pm – 2 pm Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with our distinguished guest speaker, Laurie Alvandian, US-born librarian and library advocate at National Library of Armenia (and former Maplewood local). Her topic is Libraries and Democracy: Lessons from Armenia. Click HERE to join.

A CNN Film – John Lewis: Good Trouble, a documentary screening Free
Doors open 7:30 pm and the show starts 8 pm
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood
An intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis’ life, legacy and more than 60 years of extraordinary activism — from the bold teenager on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement to the legislative powerhouse he was throughout his career. He organized Freedom Rides that left him bloodied or jailed, and stood at the front lines in the historic marches on Washington and Selma. He never lost the spirit of the “boy from Troy” and called on his fellow Americans to get into “good trouble” until his passing on July 17, 2020.


Saturday, February 19th

"Is This What We Paid For", tickets $21.99
First show 3 pm, doors open at 2:30 pm, Second show 6:30 pm, doors open at 7 pm
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood
This is a (1) act stage-play that poses a simple question. If activists who perished during the civil rights era were all to come back present day to see how African Americans currently live, would they feel their sacrifice was worth the fight or was it all in vain? To purchase ticket, go to What We Paid For.

Tuesday, February 22nd

Everything You Need to Know, 6 – 7 pm (virtual) Free
Present by The Apothecarium NJ Outreach Team
This presentation is for prospective patients who may be considering medical cannabis as part of their health and wellness regimen. Program attendees will learn about the NJ Medical Marijuana Program and The Apothecarium Dispensary. Presentation topics include: Introduction to the Apothecarium, Overview of the NJ Medical Cannabis Program, Approved Conditions for Medical Cannabis in NJ, Overview of the Endocannabinoid System/How Medical Cannabis Works, Efficacy and Safety of Medical Cannabis, How to Obtain a Patient or Caregiver Card in NJ, Approved Forms of Consumption, and Opportunity for Q&A with the Apothecarium Team. Link for virtual event will be available soon.

“Jubilee! A Celebration of Black Composers”, 7 – 8 pm Free
The Woodland, Woodland Rd, Maplewood
An enlightening and inspiring selection of great music, featuring top student ensembles of Maplewood and South Orange. Harambee Chamber Orchestra and Columbia High School Virtuosi perform works by Florence Price, William Grant Still, Hanna Benn, Stephen Spottswood, Adolphus Hailstork, and James Weldon Johnson!

Akwaaba Gallery: Newark’s Hidden Gem, 7 – 8 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Trinidad native Laura Bonas Palmer is the owner of Akwaaba Gallery, located in Newark’s Fairmont neighborhood. Opened in 2019, the thriving gallery has become the art hub of the West Ward. Akwaaba is the city’s only Black-owned commercial gallery, and Palmer is one of very few Black women gallery owners in the United States. She will talk about the gallery’s inception, its diverse and eclectic exhibits, and how it is changing the face of the community. Register here.

Wednesday, February 23rd

Creative Writing, 1 pm (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library every other Wednesday for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Click here to join.

Pay It Forward: A Guide to Giving Back, 2 – 3 pm (virtual) Free
Seton Hall University
Our lives are shaped by the kindness of others. We can’t always pay them back, but we have the power to pass it on. From small random acts to volunteering, you have a chance to make life better for others. In this seminar, we’ll explore the possibilities, how to get started, and the many benefits of doing good. To register, click Pay It Forward Presented by Cigna Employee Assistance Program.

Thursday, February 24th

Double Victory: The African American Military Experience Chat Free
Presented by Hilton Neighborhood Association and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Curator Chats, a collection of video portraits compiled by NMAAHC curators, provide insight and anecdotal information about exhibitions at the museum and upcoming projects. Times and links will be available on the Hilton Neighborhood Association website, Hilton Neighborhood Association.


Friday, February 25th

Why Is We Americans? (2020), directed by Udi Aloni and Ayana Stafford-Morris. (102 min). (105) Not rated. 7 – 9:30 pm Free
Newark Museum of Art, Billy Johnson Auditorium, 49 Washington Street, Newark
Why Is We Americans? is an in-depth, cinematic exploration of Newark’s legendary Baraka family. As we connect with the iconoclastic poet Amiri Baraka, his wife, Amina, and their son, Ras, a portrait of a city emerges with an inspiring call to arms in the fight for class and racial justice. This film and panel are part of Express Newark's Community Media Center Film Series. Proof of vaccination and masks are required.


Saturday, February 26th

BLM Route Art Run, 8 am Free
Presented by SOMA Fox Running Club & Erasing Essex Borders this run is a collaboration between two organizations to create a running map forming the letters BLM in support of Black History Month and the creation of equality among all. For more details or to sign up, please go to SOMA Fox Running Club and click on Club Events.

Monday, February 28th

Book Discussion Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
South Orange Public Library

Join the group to discuss Never Caught by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. This is a powerful narrative of Ona Judge, a runaway slave who had served George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon and during his presidency in Philadelphia and the lengths to which the Washington’s went to recapture her. Click here to join.


Black Queer Reading, 7 pm (virtual) Free
A Black History Month celebration of Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Questioning authors shared in community. Register here.



Please read for latest information on Medicare covering free at home COVID - 19 tests.  Thank you to Dean Dafis and Candice Davenport for providing the link.

Medicare plans to provide free at home COVID - 19 test for Medicare recipients early this Spring.

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/news-alert/biden-harris-administration-will-cover-free-over-counter-covid-19-tests-through-medicare


Information on free tax preparation available through United Way.

21_22 UW Tax Prep Flyer.pdf

From SOMA Two Towns For All Ages:

Get Your Taxes Done, Celebrate Black History, and Improve Your Health Through Better Nutrition


Now through April 14th
By appointment only

Get your taxes done close to home! Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15 to 11:30 am Free
South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ 07079
AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program will again offer free basic tax preparation for moderate income and elderly taxpayers. The service is open to any taxpayer with no residency restrictions. Similar services are being offered at other libraries on different days and at different times. For additional locations and times go to TaxAide. To make an appointment in South Orange, call the library reference desk, 973-762-0230.

Now Through April 15th, Online
Online Tax Preparation Service FreeUnited Way of Northern New Jersey and its partners launched a free and secure online tax preparation site for low- and moderate-income households. Our IRS-certified tax preparers are committed to safely delivering our signature top-notch preparation and filing service to maximize your tax refund. Tax Filing Opens February 1, 2022. Visit File Your Taxes | United Way of NNJ (unitedwaynnj.org) to access everything you need:

  • Easy-to-use, secure online tax portal
  • Checklist for documents to upload
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
  • Information about common tax credits
  • Access to free self-filing software

For questions about the online filing portal or if you are experiencing difficulties getting started, email UnitedWayTaxPrep@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973.993.1160, x521.


Wednesday, February 9, 2022

“Taking a Closer Look at Reparations”, 7 pm,virtual Free
Join the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race and the SOMA Action Racial Justice Committee to learn more about the issue of reparations from an informed panel with Khalil Gibran Muhammad - Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and Laurie Beachum, Esq., Director of Communications for New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ) and others. Members of the panel will provide the historical context supporting reparations and will inform participants about related NJ legislation efforts that are currently underway. Panelists will also answer questions from the audience using the Zoom Ask a Question feature. Register in advance for this free Zoom event Here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thursday, February 17th, 7:30 -8:30 pm or
Sunday, February 20th, 3:00 – 4:00 pm


Trivia Event to Showcase Black History and Culture, virtual Free
How much Black History do you know? Whether you know a little or know a lot and no matter how you identify racially, the South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invites you to try your hand at multiple rounds of virtual Black History Trivia. Follow along as the game host gives instructions over a private Zoom link and use your personal smartphone to download the free app to enter your answers privately. Earn points for right answers and speed. Only the top five-point earners will appear on the screen each round. So, laugh and congratulate yourself in the privacy of your home. The Community Coalition on Race will award the final top five-point earners gift cards for Black-owned, South Orange or Maplewood businesses in honor of Black History Month. Sound like fun? Then, register for one of only two sessions. Each Smartphone device player requires a separate registration and slots are limited. Both sessions are identical, so please only register for one game to allow space or others. Select the date that is most convenient for you and register for only one session below:
Thursday, February 17, 2022 7:30 -8:30 PM Register Here
Sunday, February 20, 2022 3:00 – 4:00 PM Register Here


Thursday, February 24th

Between the World and Me Book Discussion, 5 – 6 pm
Seton Hall University DEI and South Orange Maplewood Cross-Cultural Works
Join Associate Professor Jon Radwan as he leads a discussion of the 2015 National Book Award Winner for nonfiction, Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates. We encourage all to engage in this book discussion. Print and digital copies of the book are available in the University Library, South Orange, and Maplewood Libraries. The first 10 participants to fill out this form will receive a free hard copy of this book. Copies can be picked up on campus or at Words. Books can also be purchased at the Seton Hall Bookstore or Words Bookstore. Note: for a 10% discount at Words - Include “Seton Hall/SOMA CCW Event” in the comments section.
Between the World and Me is a 2015 book on race in America that has earned extraordinarily high praise. It was endorsed by Toni Morrison, won the National Book Award for Non-fiction, and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. It is structured as a letter from a Black father to his Black teen son about how to grow up and live in our race-conscious society. Coates shares his own experiences, growing up and eventually becoming a journalist, to help his son understand both difficult historical periods like the Civil War and contemporary problems like police brutality.
For more information and to register, Between the World and Me Book Discussion.

March 13th to June 8th

Just Say YES to Fruits & Vegetables! 1 pm, weekly (virtual) Free
This limited series, presented by Victoria Galarza, Senior Nutrition Educator from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, will begin on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, span 13-weeks and feature one-hour weekly sessions on different nutrition topics. This series will be fun hours of learning, discussing and sharing how we can best select and enjoy all the nutritious foods our bodies need to be healthy. The dates (1 pm) and topics will be:
March 16 Fruits and Vegetables
March 23 My Plate
March 30 Stretching Food Dollars
April 6 Food Safety
April 13 Fiber
April 20 Meal Planning
May 4 Beans
May 11 Nutrition Facts Label
May 18 Healthy Beverages
May 25 Farmer's Market
June 1 How to Store Fruits and Vegetable
June 8 Cooking Matters at the Store TourSave the dates now! Contact Kathleen Johnson at RWJ if you are interested (732.846.0131or kathleen.johnson@rwjbh.org). Register once and that’s all you need to do. Join for all the sessions, or just the sessions that interest you, but definitely participate!!!!


Mark Your Calendar for this
Free Student Loan Webinar


As AARP’s charitable affiliate, AARP Foundation works to help people over 50 build economic opportunity. To further that mission, we offer the Savi Student Loan Repayment Tool as well as other free tools and resources to help manage student loan debt, which is affecting millions of older adults.

We are collaborating with Savi to provide an upcoming workshop to help you choose and apply for the best loan repayment program for you. You may be eligible for Income-Driven Repayment plans that can save you money on your monthly payments, or forgiveness programs like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) that can reduce the overall amount you owe.

Recently, there have been a lot of legislative changes involving student loans, and some may benefit you. This free workshop will cover the latest legislative updates and walk you through the Savi tool. We’ll also answer questions in a live Q&A!

Student Loans 101
Presented by Savi
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Noon - 1 p.m. EST

Register Now

Mark your calendar today!

Want to learn more about Savi in advance? Click here to take the free assessment to see if you can save money on your loans.

Sincerely,
AARP Foundation

March Events Calendar from SOMA Two Towns For All Ages:

On-going Events
Now – April 14th Get Your Taxes Done Close to Home! (By appointment only) FreeSouth Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road, South Orange
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15 to 11:30 am. To make an appointment in South Orange, call the library reference desk, 973-762-0230.
Burgdorff Center, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 12 pm
To make an appointment in Maplewood, go to AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator, click on locations, change location to Maplewood, NJ.AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program offers free basic tax preparation for moderate income and older adult taxpayers with no residency restrictions. For additional locations and times go to TaxAide.

Online Tax Preparation Service Free
United Way of Northern New Jersey and its partners launched a free and secure online tax preparation site for low- and moderate-income households. Their IRS-certified tax preparers are committed to safely delivering our signature top-notch preparation and filing service to maximize your tax refund. Visit https://www.unitedwaynnj.org/file-your-taxes to access everything you need:

  • Easy-to-use, secure online tax portal
  • Checklist for documents to upload
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
  • Information about common tax credits
  • Access to free self-filing software

For questions about the online filing portal or if you are experiencing difficulties getting started, email UnitedWayTaxPrep@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973.993.1160, x 521.


Beginning Mid-March Senior Technology Workshop, Monday to Friday, 3 pm to 4 pm Free
Location: To be announced next week
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages is pleased to work with Seton Hall University again to deliver technology assistance for our older adult SOMA community. Each class in this multi-session workshop will include a 10-minute presentation followed by 1:1 assistance with questions on any topic. You can attend as many or as few classes as you like. The classes are interactive so please bring your cell phone, tablet, or laptop with you! For class dates, a list of daily class topics, and to register, go to our website, somatwotownsforallages.org or call us, 973-558-0863. If you have questions, feel free to contact the SOMA Two Towns office by phone or email, soma2towns@gmail.com.


March, April, May, and June Spring 2022 Tech Teens Helping Seniors
Every 1st & 3rd Saturday in March, April, May and June
South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road
Have Tech Questions? Seniors can work one-on-one with a knowledgeable teen volunteer to provide technology assistance. You can learn to Set Up a Device, Configure Your Email, Print Files, Organize Photos, Download eBooks, Set Up Social Media(FaceTime, Zoom, etc.) and more! Sessions will be held indoors, or outside of the library as the weather permits. Session dates: March 5th & 19th
April 2nd & 16th
May 7th & 21st
June 4th & 18thSession times:1st session 10:00 - 10:45 am
2nd session 10:45 - 11:30 amTo sign up, call and speak with a Reference librarian, 973-762-0230, or send an email to librarian@sopl.org


March 16th to June 8th Just Say YES to Fruits & Vegetables! Wednesdays, 1 pm, (virtual) Free
This limited series, presented by Victoria Galarza, Senior Nutrition Educator from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, will begin on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, span 13-weeks and feature one-hour weekly sessions on different nutrition topics. This series will be fun hours of learning, discussing and sharing how we can best select and enjoy all the nutritious foods our bodies need to be healthy. The dates and topics are:March 16 Fruits and Vegetables
March 23 My Plate
March 30 Stretching Food Dollars
April 6 Food Safety
April 13 Fiber
April 20 Meal Planning
May 4 Beans
May 11 Nutrition Facts Label
May 18 Healthy Beverages
May 25 Farmer's Market
June 1 How to Store Fruits and Vegetable
June 8 Cooking Matters at the Store TourSave the dates now! Contact Kathleen Johnson at RWJ if you are interested (732.846.0131or kathleen.johnson@rwjbh.org). Register once and that’s all you need to do. Join for all the sessions, or just the sessions that interest you, but definitely participate!!!!


Once a Month, March through September Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol Health Screening, Monthly on Mondays, 2 – 3:30 pm (dates provided below) Free
Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood
The Maplewood Health Department and Braven Health have collaborated to offer free wellness blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screenings once a month. Open to all Maplewood and South Orange residents, 18 and up. The service will be provided on Mondays from 2 to 3:30 pm on March 28th
April 25th
May 23rd
June 27th
July 25th
August 29th
September 26th No registration needed.


March Events

Various Dates in March Makers Madness Sustain Ability: Reuse, Repurpose, and Reimage
South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road
Join the library for an exciting month of creativity, science exploration, technology innovation and literary pursuits. A calendar of activities will be available in the library and on their website, sopl.orgTuesday, March 1st G(r)ay Matter Book Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our Women’s History Month title is Bad Feminist: Essays by Roxanne Gay
In these funny and insightful essays, Gay takes us through her evolution as a woman of color while also taking readers on a ride through culture of the last few years and commenting on the state of feminism today. Register here.


Thursday, March 3rd Find Your Purpose, Find Your Power with Dr. Michelle, 6:00 pm, Virtual Free
Seton Hall University Celebrates Women’s History
Dr. Michelle is a developmental psychologist, motivational speaker, relationship expert, and life coach seen on Wedlock or Deadlock, Good Morning America, Oprah, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, The Talk, Today Show, Queen Bees, and REMIXED! She is the author of Ms. Typed: Stop Sabotaging Your Relationships and Find Dating Success. Dr. Michelle also serves as an internal and external consultant to Fortune 100 and 500 companies. She received her Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and her B.A. in Sociology from Boston College and was a National Institute of Mental Health Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Yale University. To register, go to https://events.shu.edu/view/event/event_id/18835.


Friday, March 4th Special Conversations with Michael Schein, 1 pm, (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with distinguished guest speaker, Ron Watson, Associate Professor of Health & Society and Political Science at Beloit College (Wisconsin). Topic: Radical Common Sense: Taking the Steps to Transformational Social Change. Click here to join.


Monday, March 7th Remember the (First) Ladies, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library & The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
This program will touch on all the first ladies of the United States, from Martha Washington to Melania Trump. Each dealt in her own way with the inherent tension between the public nature of the role and the discomfort of society with women in public positions. Register here.

Turning Kitchen Trash into Garden Treasure”, 7:30 pm Free Maplewood Garden Club, MGC Speaker’s Program There are so many reasons that you should compost, and probably just as many excuses why you do not. Composting turns what might become landfill into a supercharged, nutrient-rich soil additive. Have you tried composting unsuccessfully, think you don't have time or space, or don't want to attract critters? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, Java's Compost will explain why composting is the ultimate in recycling, share tips to help you avoid the pitfalls of composting, and answer questions to help you master the art of composting. The presentation will follow a brief business meeting. For meeting details, please go to MGC’s website, www.maplewoodgardenclub.org.

Tuesday, March 8th Professionals in Transition, 10 am (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Leaving a Job, Whether it was Their Choice or Yours
Sometimes you make the choice to leave; other times it’s out of your hands. This session will touch on the thoughts and strategies to keep in mind as you transition to a new company or industry. With Career Coach Tony Calabrese. Register here.


Wednesday, March 9th Creative Writing, 1 pm (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library every other Wednesday for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Click here to join.


Thursday, March 10th All School Musical Dress Rehearsal Returns, Newsies, March 10th, 5:30 pm Free
Columbia High School Auditorium, 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood
Older adults are invited to enjoy the dress rehearsal for this year’s musical. If history prevails, this will be another awesome performance. Masks are required. Social distancing can be easily accomplished given the size of the auditorium.
Eliminate the parking challenges at Columbia and use our free bus transportation. To reserve your ride, please contact your respective town contacts at least 3 days in advance. Maplewood residents contact Michelle Wesley, 973-763-0750 to get a ride from the DeHart Center. South Orange residents call the Parking Authority, 973-378-7715, x 2035 to get a ride from the SOPAC parking lot. Limited accessible parking is available on site. For more information, contact SOMA Two Towns at soma2towns@gmail.com or 973-558-0863.


Books Now and Then Book Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our Women’s History Month title is The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. This gem of a historical features an indomitable heroine navigating a community steeped in racial intolerance. Register here.


Saturday, March 12th Yarn & Fiber Arts Group, 10 am to noon Free
Maplewood Library
For people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider or do other creative things with yarn or fabric. Work on your projects and get feedback and advice from fellow crafters. All skill levels are welcome! For meeting location, go to https://www.maplewoodlibrary.org/

Sunday, March 13th"Sojourner Truth: Suffragist and Abolitionist," with historical interpreter Dr. Daisy Century, 2 pm (doors open at 1 pm) Free
Durand Hedden House and Garden, The Woodland, 60 Woodland Ave, Maplewood; followed by a reception at Durand-Hedden House & Garden. Join historical interpreter Dr. Daisy Century for a live interpretation of the life of Sojourner Truth. More information at durandhedden.org and on Facebook at Facebook.com/DurandHedden.


Tuesday, March 15th and March 22ndThe ABC’s of ASL, 7 pm
Join the South Orange Public Library for an introduction to American Sign Language. Please register in advance by calling the reference desk, 973-762-0230. For more information, go to the website, sopl.org


Wednesdays, March 16th to June 8th Just Say YES to Fruits & Vegetables! 1 pm, weekly (virtual) Free
This limited series, presented by Victoria Galarza, Senior Nutrition Educator from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, will begin on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, span 13-weeks and feature one-hour weekly sessions on different nutrition topics. This series will be fun hours of learning, discussing and sharing how we can best select and enjoy all the nutritious foods our bodies need to be healthy. The dates and topics will be:March 16 Fruits and Vegetables
March 23 My Plate
March 30 Stretching Food Dollars
April 6 Food Safety
April 13 Fiber
April 20 Meal Planning
May 4 Beans
May 11 Nutrition Label Facts
May 18 Healthy Beverages
May 25 Farmer's Market
June 1 How to Store Fruits & Vegetable
June 8 Cooking Matters at the Store TourSave the dates now! Contact Kathleen Johnson at RWJ if you are interested (732.846.0131or kathleen.johnson@rwjbh.org). Register once and that’s all you need to do. Join for all the sessions, or just the sessions that interest you, but definitely participate!!!!


Wednesday, March 16th Read Around the World: Sudan, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our March title is Lyrics Alley by Leila Aboulela. An evocative story of an affluent Sudanese family shaken by the shifting powers in their country and the near-tragedy that threatens the legacy they've built for decades. Register at maplewoodlibrary.org.


Friday, March 18th Special Conversations with Anne Fernald, 1 pm, (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with distinguished guest speaker, Anne Fernald, Professor of English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Issues at Fordham University. Topic: Virginia Woolf and A Room of One’s Own. Click here to join.


Saturday, March 19th Free Food Box for South Orange and Maplewood Residents, 11 am to 12 pm
Provided by the Kiwanis
Distribution location is the Maplewood Community Pool, 187 Boyden Avenue, Maplewood.


Monday, March 21st

Author Talk with Julia Erickson and Suzanne Vosburg, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Betrayed by Work: Women's Stories of Trauma, Healing and Hope After Being Fired (Vocational Guidance and Job Advice for Invaluable Women)
Successful women show how they reclaimed and rebuilt their personal power and careers after being fired from a job and being rendered powerless by their employers. The book offers lessons women can apply to their own job loss experience, as well as practical takeaways and suggestions. Julia Erickson is a career coach who helps people find their "right fit" work. Suzanne Vosburg has a PhD in the psychology of creativity and is a scientific research consultant and writer. Register at maplewoodlibrary.org


Tuesday, March 22nd Professionals in Transition, 10 am (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Job Interview Follow-Up Tips
The most important part of your job search process starts after the job interview. Your goal is to convert the interview into an offer. This session will provide some strategic thoughts on how to do so. With Career Coach Tony Calabrese. Go to Maplewood Library’s events calendar to register, Events Calendar.


Wednesday, March 23rd Creative Writing, 1 pm (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library every other Wednesday for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Click here to join.


Sunday, March 27th Community Hike, 11:00 am Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for an invigorating spring hike. Timing and location details will be available soon on the March library calendar and on their website, sopl.org.


Monday, March 28th Book Discussion Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
South Orange Public Library
The group will discuss “The Martian,” by Andy Weir. Click here to join Zoom meeting. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Any questions? Contact the book group moderator, Nancy Janow at njanow@sopl.org.


Thursday, March 31st

Special Conversations with Lynn Melnick, 7 pm, (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with distinguished guest speaker, Lynn Melnick, Poet, Author of Refusenik and two previous poetry books.
Topic: Across Time: Writing Personal and Generational Trauma. Click here to join.

4 Steps to Smart Medicare, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Build your Medicare IQ and ability to make smart decisions, whether you’re new to Medicare or already enrolled. You’ll learn how to:

  • Decipher the parts and plans of Medicare
  • Bust open mistake-making Medicare myths
  • Take 4 doable steps to your right Medicare plan at the best price

With Maplewood local Nancy Schwartz, Independent Licensed Medicare Broker at
Smart Senior Healthcare. Register at maplewoodlibrary.org.


Free Newsies Musical Performance with Transportation and Earned Income Tax Credit



Newsies Musical at Columbia High School
Thursday, March 10th, 5:30 pm Free

All School Musical Dress Rehearsal Returns, Newsies, Columbia High School Auditorium, 17 Parker Avenue, MaplewoodOlder adults are invited to enjoy the dress rehearsal for this year’s musical. If history prevails, this will be another awesome performance. Come to experience an evening out in SOMA as well as see friends and neighbors you may not have seen this winter. Masks are encouraged. Social distancing can be accomplished given the size of the auditorium.
Eliminate the parking challenges at Columbia and use our free bus transportation.
To reserve your ride, please contact your respective town contacts
at least 3 days in advance.

  • Maplewood residents contact Michelle Wesley, 973-763-0750 to reserve a ride from the DeHart Center at 4:30 pm.
  • South Orange residents call the Parking Authority, 973-378-7715, x 2035 to reserve a ride from the back section of the SOPAC parking lot at 4:45 pm.
  • Limited accessible parking is available on site. To reserve a spot, contact SOMA Two Towns at soma2towns@gmail.com or 973-558-0863.



_______________________________________________

Tax Season and Older Adults: Older Adults May Qualify for the
Earned Income Tax Credit

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) temporarily expanded the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-wage working adults without children at home. This expansion may be especially helpful to many older adults who are working and those raising grandchildren.

?The expansion includes adults over age 65 and goes into effect for those with earnings in tax year 2021. It increases both the amount received and the income limit to qualify.

For more information, go to TaxOutreach.org or NJ EITC Marketing Toolkit.


In recognition of May as Stroke Month, RWJUH’s Stroke Center is presenting a special two-part virtual program on Monday, May 16, beginning at 1pm. Please see details below and attached.

You need only to register once for both sessions, and you may join both or either session, as you choose.

Once registered, you will receive an email reminder the day before the program, along with the connection link at “GoToMeeting”.

If you do not already have GoToMeeting, please download the app, with tutorial, to your device, before the presentation.

It will simplify your connection to, and participation of, all our virtual sessions.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

To register please email me your request at kathleenljohnson@rwjbh.org.


2022 Essex County Division of Senior Services
LEGACIES Writing Contest

For Essex County residents age 60 and olderEntry Deadline: Monday, April 11

For additional information, please call the Essex County Division of Senior Services at 973-395-8389 or click here: LEGACIES WRITING CONTEST.


Not just for seniors. This program can help low income households receive free internet access.  Verizon, which provides internet access in our area, is a participant.  Second link gives more detailed information on the program including a listing of all companies that participate.

Verizon is now participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for low income households. Following is link to information on their website https://pocketnow.com/verizon-free-fios-internet-details#:~:text=Verizon%20says%20that%20customers%20who%20are%20eligible%20for,gives%20access%20to%20300%20Mbps%20speed%2C%20for%20free. Here is the link to the ACP website which details qualification and application information. https://acpbenefit.org/

Please share this information with anyone you know who could benefit.


From the Maplewood Library. 

Northstar Digital Literacy can be accessed from home by going to the Maplewood Library website, selecting research and then databases. Northstar Digital Literacy offers free, self-guided online assessments which will show your computer ability. After each assessment, you’ll receive a list of the skills you need help with. Our librarians will then guide you through the learning process. The categories are: Computer Skills: Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows, Mac Software Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Using Technology in Daily Life: Social Media, Information Literacy, Your Digital Footprint. Northstar is available on the public computers at our Adult Services location, or you can access it from home. Please email library@maplewoodlibrary.org or call 973-762-1688 ext. 5002 for more information, or to make an appointment.


FREE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE WORKSHOPS
for OLDER ADULTS


Registration Form

Mondays, April 4th, 11th, 25th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm
Tuesdays, April 5th, 12th, 26th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm
Morrow Church Media Center, 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood

Learn how to get the most out of your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Each workshop session will include a 10-minute presentation followed by 50 minutes of 1:1 assistance with any questions you have about using your devices. The classes are interactive so please bring your device with you! Free convenient street parking and an accessible parking lot are on Baker Street, off Ridgewood Road.

After reviewing the class dates, you can register for as few or as many sessions as you like. There are several ways to register:


Name ___________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________

Phone # ______________________________________

Email Address _________________________________________________________

Ten-minute presentation topics, listed below, will be followed by 50 minutes where you can ask any questions about using your devices. Please select the class dates you want to attend by checking the O next to each date.

Mail, drop off, or fax (973-763-6396) your completed form
to South Orange Village Office:


Tracy Carroll
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages
76 South Orange Avenue, Suite 302
South Orange, NJ 07079



O Monday April 4th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm Ten-minute Topic: Setting Up Your Phone, Tablet, or Laptop

Includes information about:
Turning it on and beginning to use your device
Setting up your email account
Inputting your contacts
Creating email groups

O Tuesday April 5th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm Ten-minute Topic: Using Smartphone and Tablet Features

Includes information about:

Using your phone functions and contacts
Calendar functions and use
Passwords and security
Note Pad use

O Monday April 11th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm Ten-minute Topic: Emailing (files, documents, folders

Includes information about:

Attaching a file to an email
Saving emailed documents to personal files
Creating email folders/creating documents
Writing, responding, and forwarding emails

O Tuesday April 12th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm Ten-minute Topic: Attending Virtual Meetings

Includes information about:
Registering for virtual sessions
Zoom accounts and Zoom settings
Using the chat feature
Setting your participant views

O Monday April 25th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm Ten-minute Topic: Improve Home Wifi and Hotspot Use

Includes information about:

Using wifi or phone/device network
Mobile Hotspots
Wifi boosters

O Tuesday April 26th, 3:00 to 4:00 pm Ten-minute Topic: Social Media

Includes information about:
Video blogging
Tik Tok
Facebook
Instagram


From SOMA Two Towns For All Ages:

Federal and State Income Tax Season


Now – April 14th

Get Your Taxes Done Close to Home! (By appointment only) Free
AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program offers free basic tax preparation for moderate income and older adult taxpayers with no residency restrictions. Contact our local sites to make an appointment.
South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road, South Orange
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15 to 11:30 am. To make an appointment in South Orange, call the library reference desk, 973-762-0230. Appointments are available on April 7th, April 12th and April 14th.

Burgdorff Center, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 12 pm
To make an appointment in Maplewood, go to
https://taxappointment.aarp.org/s/registration?locationId=a1ro0000000Cy9HAAS
or call 973-433-6369 and leave a message. Appointments are available now through April 13th.

Online Tax Preparation Service Free
United Way of Northern New Jersey and its partners launched a free and secure online tax preparation site for low- and moderate-income households. Their IRS-certified tax preparers are committed to safely delivering our signature top-notch preparation and filing service to maximize your tax refund. Visit https://www.unitedwaynnj.org/file-your-taxes to access everything you need:

  • Easy-to-use, secure online tax portal
  • Checklist for documents to upload
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
  • Information about common tax credits
  • Access to free self-filing software

For questions about the online filing portal or if you are experiencing difficulties getting started, email UnitedWayTaxPrep@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973.993.1160, x 521.




From SOMA Two Towns For All Ages

Now through April 14thGet your taxes done close to home for Free!
AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide Program offers free basic tax preparation for moderate income and elderly taxpayers. The service is open to any taxpayer with no residency restrictions.South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road, South Orange
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15 to 11:30 am. To make an appointment in South Orange, call the library reference desk, 973-762-0230.
Burgdorff Center, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 12 pm
To make an appointment in Maplewood, go to
https://taxappointment.aarp.org/s/registration?locationId=a1ro0000000Cy9HAAS
or call 973-433-6369 and leave a message. Appointments are available now through April 13th.
Now Through May 1stREVEALED: INTIMATE RENDERINGS OF THE GRAND CANYON Free
The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC is open Monday-Saturday, Noon – 6 pm.
Imagine holding the vastness of the 277-mile Grand Canyon in your hand. That is precisely what internationally renowned artist Marité Vidales has achieved in her exhibition, REVEALED: Intimate Renderings of the Grand Canyon. Each of the 46 intimate and paradoxical works, some as small as 6 inches, are painted pine barks set in tonal shadow frames, inspiring questions about landscape, environment and her own media.
April, May, and JuneSpring 2022 Tech Teens Helping Seniors
Every 1st & 3rd Saturday in April, May, and June
South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road
Have Tech Questions? Seniors can work one-on-one with a knowledgeable teen volunteer to provide technology assistance. You can learn to Set Up a Device, Configure Your Email, Print Files, Organize Photos, Download eBooks, Set Up Social Media(FaceTime, Zoom, etc.) and more! Sessions will be held indoors, or outside of the library as the weather permits.Session dates:April 2nd & 16th
May 7th & 21st
June 4th & 18thSession times:1st session 10:00 - 10:45 am
2nd session 10:45 - 11:30 amTo sign up, call and speak with a Reference librarian, 973-762-0230, or send an email to librarian@sopl.org.

Once a Month, March through SeptemberBlood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol Health Screening, Monthly on Mondays, 2 – 3:30 pm (dates provided below) Free
Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood
The Maplewood Health Department and Braven Health have collaborated to offer free wellness blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screenings once a month. Open to all Maplewood and South Orange residents, 18 and up. The service will be provided on Mondays from 2 to 3:30 pm on March 28th
April 25th
May 23rd
June 27th
July 25th
August 29th
September 26th No registration needed.

Save the Dates for These May Events
Maplewood Garden Club Plant SaleThursday, May 5th, Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th
Selection includes vegetables, herbs, annuals, hundreds of perennial, house plants, shrubs, and shade trees organized by shade, part-shade and sun. Maplewood pool parking lot. Check their website for details, https://maplewoodgardenclub.org/. Plant sale hours are:
Thursday, May 5th, 8 am to 8 pm
Friday, May 6, 8 am to 8 pm
Saturday, May 7th, 8 am to 4 pm

Indoor Repair Café Returns!Saturday, May 7th, 1 - 4 pm Free
Morrow Church, 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
Bring your beloved items in need of repair. Our volunteer experts will lend their talents to fix lamps, jewelry, bikes, small electronics, clothing, furniture and more, as well as sharpen knives! Please contact the SOMA Two Towns office at 973-558-0863 or soma2towns@gmail.com identifying what you need repaired and the time you plan to arrive.


April Events
Sunday, April 3rdTrail Work Crew Volunteer Day, 9am-12pm. Free
South Mountain Reservation, South Mountain Conservancy
Meet at: Locust Grove Parking Lot off Glen Ave in Millburn.
(Best parking is across the street in the commuter lot near the library.)
The group will be working on improving the area near the Fairy Trail.
Trail work can be physically challenging. Participants must be 15+ years. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should plan on bringing gloves, though backup gloves will be available. Tools, water, and a snack will be provided. (Registration is not required). For more details visit www.somocon.org/events/

Treasure or Trinket? Antiques Appraisals, 2 to 4 pm Free
Durand Hedden House and Garden at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd
Learn more about how to assess the value of your antiques with expert appraiser Nick Dawes. Nick, a Millburn resident, is Senior Vice President of Heritage Auctions, and a regular on Antiques Roadshow.
Important visitor guidelines:

  • Limit 2 items per person
  • Do bring ceramics, glass, metalwork, and small pieces of furniture
  • Don’t bring books, coins, jewelry, paintings, or prints

For more information go to durandhedden.org.
Tuesday, April 5th Cherry Blossom Ride Through Branch Brook Park, 10:30 am, $5
With over 4,000 cherry blossom trees, Branch Brook Park outranks every other cherry blossom collection in the world. Enjoy the ride, take in the beauty of the blossoms, and have light refreshment at the Senior Center upon return. The bus will depart from DeHart Community Center at 10:30 am. Seats are limited so registration is required Go to Programs (recdesk.com).

Technology Assistance Senior for Older Adults, 3 to 4 pm Free
Mondays and Tuesday in April
Morrow Church, 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages is pleased to work with Seton Hall University again to delivery technology assistance for our older adult SOMA community. Each workshop session will include a 10-minute presentation followed by 1:1 assistance with any questions you have about using your cell phone, tablet, or laptop. The classes are interactive so please bring your device with you! Workshop dates are:Monday, April 4th Tuesday, April 5th
Monday, April 11th Tuesday, April 12th
Monday, April 25 Tuesday, April 26thYou can register for as few or as many sessions as you like. To register, Contact SOMA Two Towns to register, 973-558-0863 or soma2towns@gmail.com.

Wednesday April 6th Sherlock Holmes Returns, $75
Musical Comedy bus trip, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse
Transportation, performance, and lunch are included. Call Michelle Wesley at the Maplewood Senior Center, 973-763-0750, to reserve a spot. Bus departs at 10:30 am.  Seats are limited so registration is required Go to Programs (recdesk.com)

Poetry Reading with Tina Kelley and Marina Carreira, 7 pm Free
DeHart Community Center
Join our Maplewood Library in celebration of National Poetry Month with readings by local poets Tina Kelley and Marina Carreira.

Won’t You BEE My Neighbor, 7:30 pm Free
Maplewood Garden Club at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Avenue, Maplewood.
Adriana Compagnoni, a local beekeeper, will share fun facts about bees that she learned in her years of beekeeping, some little-known facts about bees and beekeeping, and recommendations on what suburban gardeners can do to help the bees. Adriana’s presentation will follow a brief business meeting and conclude with a Q&A session. For meeting details, please go to MGC’s website, www.maplewoodgardenclub.org.

Tuesday, April 5thHow To Be An Anti-Racist Book Discussion, 5 to 6 pm, Virtual Free
Join Seton Hall University Associate Professor Jon Radwan as he leads a discussion of the 2019 New York Times Best-Seller, How To Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi. Kendi combines personal memoir with clear text-book style definitions of terms to explain his own journey out of a racist mindset into anti-racist action. All are welcome to attend. For more information and to register, go to https://events.shu.edu/view/event/date/20220405/event_id/19013.

The ABC’s of ASL (American Sign Language), 7 to 8 pm Virtual Free
South Orange Public Library
Led by Laura Bacine with Laurellie Jacobs-Martinez. Register here https://tinyurl.com/abcsofasl.

G(r)ay Matter Book Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Our April title is The Natural Mother of the Child by Krys Malcolm Belc
For more information go to maplewoodlibrary.org

Wednesday, April 6thCreative Writing, 1 pm outdoors (weather permitting) and virtually Free
Using a prompt you will find your inner writer. This event will be held outside the library (weather permitting) and virtually on Zoom. Click here to join.

Thursday, April 7thRead Around the World: Cuba, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Our April title is The Cuban Comedy by Pablo Medina. For more information go to maplewoodlibrary.org

Friday, April 8thSpecial Conversations lecture series, 1 pm Virtual Free
South Orange Public Library
Join the discussion on American Poetry and the Spirit with guest speaker John Wargacki, Professor of English at Seton Hall University. Click here to join.

Reservation Hike, 10 am to 12 pm Free
Enjoy a 4-mile hike w/Gail Waimon
Registration is required. For details & registration go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oakdale-no-swan-boats-for-us-wgail-waimon-tickets-304152788177 (registration closes Thurs., April 7 @ 5pm)

Saturday, April 9thYarn & Fiber Arts Group, 10-noon Free
Maplewood Library Hilton Branch
An in-person gathering for people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider or do other creative things with yarn or fabric.

Sunday, April 10thReservation Hike: 3.5-4 miles w/Lou Nocito, 10 am -12:30 pm Free
Registration is required. For details & registration go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oakdale-from-mayapple-wlou-nocito-tickets-304158735967. (registration closes Fri., April 8th)

Thursday, April 14thBooks Now and Then Book Group. 7 pm (virtual) Free
A reading and discussion of selected classic and contemporary poetry. For a copy of the selections, please email programs@maplewoodlibrary.org after registering. REGISTER.

Monday, April 18th – Friday, April 29thMaplewood Library Ideas Festival, FreeNow in its 8th year, the Maplewood Library Ideas Festival celebrates the talent and creativity of our community and will include both in-person and virtual events. In-person events will follow Township safety guidelines and protocols. As always, all programs are free and open to the public. The full line-up of events follows below, but highlights will be the presentations of the Literary Award and Carol Buchanan Award. This year, the Library is pleased to announce Ibi Zoboi as the recipient of the Maplewood Literary Award and the 2022 Carol Buchanan Award for Outstanding Contribution to Civic and Intellectual Life will be presented to Nancy Solomon.

Monday, April 18th
Ideas Festival: Theater Panel: Managing Creatively During the Pandemic, 7 pm at the Woodland
Sara Farrington, Becky Gulsvig and Sandy Rustin will talk about what kept their creativity and enthusiasm for their craft alive during the pandemic. In conversation with Amanda Eigen.

Tuesday, April 19th
Ideas Festival: Food 52’s Emma Laperruque, 7 pm on Zoom
Emma Laperruque, the food editor at Food52, is and an award-winning columnist and author of Big Little Recipes. In conversation with Hank Zona.

Wednesday, April 20th
Ideas Festival: Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, 7 pm at The Woodland
Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein is a Professor of the Practice in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he also serves as Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement. He is the Director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. In conversation with Emily Witkowski.

Friday, April 22nd
Ideas Festival: Ibi Zoboi, Receiving the 8th Annual Maplewood Literary Award, 7 pm, at the Woodland
Ibi Zoboi is a the New York Times bestselling author for children and teens. Her most recent book is Star Child: A biographical constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler.

Monday, April 25th
Ideas Festival: Christina Swarns, Executive Director of The Innocence Project, 7 pm at the Woodland
Christina Swarns is the Executive Director of the Innocence Project. The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate and equitable systems of justice for everyone. In conversation with Marie McGehee.

Tuesday, April 26th
Ideas Festival: Tim Hwang: Silicon Valley and the Future of Innovation, 7 pm at the Woodland
Tim Hwang is a writer and researcher, currently the general counsel at Substack and author of Subprime Attention Crisis, a book about the online advertising bubble. In conversation with Jon Gertner.

Wednesday, April 27th
Ideas Festival: Nancy Solomon, Receiving the Carol Buchanan Award, 7 pm at the Woodland
Nancy Solomon is a senior reporter and founding managing editor of New Jersey Public Radio. Nancy is a Peabody Award winning journalist who has produced more than a hundred stories for NPR. In conversation with Deborah Goldstein.

Friday, April 29th
Ideas Festival: Mandy Gonzalez…Fearless! 3:30 pm at Maplewood Town Hall
Mandy Gonzalez is currently starring in the hit Broadway musical Hamilton and is the author of the Fearless books for middle grade readers.

Tuesday, April 19th Lunch and Learn: Rapid SOS, 11 am Free
Maplewood Senior Center
Learn how to set up a free emergency profile so that in the event of a 911 emergency, dispatchers will have information, even if you are unable to speak.

Wednesday, April 20thCreative Writing, 1 pm outdoors (weather permitting) and virtually Free
Using a prompt you will find your inner writer. This event will be held outside the library (weather permitting) and virtually on Zoom. Click here to join.

Friday, April 22ndMemory Screening, 10 am to 3 pm Free
Essex County Division of Senior Services has 30 minute memory screening appointments available on the hour and half hour at the Bauer Community Center in Taylor Park, Millburn. Registration starts April 4th. No same day appointments. Please call, 973-564-7091, or email jhawkins@millburntwp.org Appointments will be made on a first come basis. A waiting list will be established, if necessary.

Special Conversations lecture series, 1 pm: Virtual Free
South Orange Public Library
Join this special session for a virtual discussion on The Art of Matchmaking: Centering Nature in Cities with distinguished guest speaker Tenisha Malcolm, Director of Cities Program at Nature Conservancy NJ. Click here to join.


Friday, April 22nd to Saturday, April 30thEarth Week Celebration at South Mountain Reservation
South Mountain Conservancy

Friday, April 22nd
Earth Day Hike w/ Gail Waimon, 4+ miles, 10 am to 12:30 pm Free
Registration is required. For details & registration go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-hike-joyful-tulip-springs-wgail-waimon-tickets-304172567337. (registration closes Thurs., April 21 @ 5pm)

Artist Workshop @ The Wildflower Sculpture Park, 1pm-3pm $5
10 Bear Ln, Maplewood, NJ, South Mountain Conservancy
Learn how to make plastic flowers with Natalya Khorover, whose piece “Speaking of Birds” is currently on display at the Wildflower Sculpture Park. Participants are asked to bring in used single use plastic bags from which the artist will demonstrate making flowers. This is a hands-on workshop where everyone attending can contribute and make their own flowers. At the end you will have several flowers to take home, or tie to our fence at the dog park.
Registration is required, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/natalya-khorover-workshop-making-flowers-from-single-use-plastic-tickets-276932030157

Sunday, April 24th
Forest Regeneration Volunteer Day, 9am-12pm Free
Meet at the dog statue at 11 Bear Lane, Maplewood NJ, South Mountain Conservancy
Forest Regeneration activities focus on the areas in and around the fenced 14 acre Forest and Wildflower Preserve located near the Dog Park in the Reservation. Within the Preserve, activities may include planting, removal of invasive plants, removal of invasive control materials such as large tarps, and maintenance of trails. Ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult and a waiver form may need to be completed. Pre-registration is not required. Please dress appropriately! Wear long pants, closed toe shoes or rain boots, bug spray, and layer as needed. We supply gloves and water. For information, contact Program Coordinator Christy Zolty at forestregen@[somocon.org (https://somocon.org/)

Saturday, April 30th
Trash Tacklers & Clean Green Jersey Cleanup @ Bramhall Terrace, 10am-1pm
Close out SMC's Earth Week Celebration by giving back to the place that brings us so much joy! Join Clean Green Jersey, South Mountain Conservancy, and the Coalition to Save South Mountain Reservation for a community cleanup event! Register through email CleanGreenJersey@gmail.com to help us best prepare for a successful event!

Artist Demo @ The Wildflower Sculpture Park, 1:30-3pm. Free
Dog Sculpture near Dog Park, South Mountain Conservancy
Let artist Oki Fukunaga show you how to make intriguing sculptures with just wire coat hangers! Oki has 2 sculptures on display at the Wildflower Sculpture park, *Spore* and *Polypore*. You can watch Oki demonstrate his technique and then we will supply you with materials to try it out for yourselves. We will meet near the dog sculpture at the Wildflower Sculpture Park near the entrance to the dog park at South Mountain Reservation. In case of rain, we will move to the nearby south picnic shelter at Summit Field in the reservation, a 2 minute walk from the sculpture park. Registration is NOT required. For more details visit www.somocon.org/events/.

Additional Family Events
Go to the South Mountain Conservancy website for family Earth Week family events, Upcoming Events – South Mountain Conservancy (somocon.org). Saturday, April 23rdMakers Mayhem, 1 – 4 pm Free

South Orange Public Library
The 7th annual Makers Mayhem will continue this year’s Makers Month theme, sustainABILITY: reuse, repurpose & reimagine. To create an interactive experience for everyone, there will be arts and crafts, an Earth Day celebration and more! Check the SOPL website for more information, sopl.org.

Monday, April 25thBook Discussion: "The Witch of Lime Street" by David Jaher, Virtual, 7 pm Free
Join this literary group for a intriguing discussion. Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87584973112 to join. Contact book group moderator Nancy Janow at njanow@sopl.org with questions.

Thursday, April 28thSpecial Conversations lecture series, 1 pm: Virtual Free
Join this special virtual discussion on Good Eggs: Writing the Generational Novel with Humor, Pathos, and Wit with distinguished guest speaker Rebecca Hardiman, local author of “Good Eggs”. Click here to join.

Maplewood Senior Center Outdoor Excursion to Ocean Grove
Get in the spirit of spring and summer. You are invited to enjoy the beach and boardwalk in Ocean Grove. Transportation is free, you are on your own for lunch and shopping. To register, contact Michelle Wesley at (973) 763-0750 or MichelleW@twp.maplewood.nj.us.  Seats are limited so registration is required Go to Programs (recdesk.com).

Saturday, April 30th, 1-5 pm and Sunday, May 1st ,1-4 pm
Friends of SOPL Jewelry Sale
South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ 07079
The Friends of the South Orange Public Library will hold a Mother’s Day Jewelry Sale to benefit the South Orange Public Library on Saturday April 30, 2022, 1-5 pm and Sunday May 1st, 1-4 pm in the library. The sale will feature a large selection of vintage and costume boutique jewelry in a moderate range of prices to suit any budget from $2 to $200. Pick up something special for everyone on your list and support the South Orange Public Library at the same time!

Saturday, April 30th Birdwatching Expedition, 7am-10am, rain or shine
Maplewood Memorial Park Conservancy (MMPC)
Join MMPC and a flock of bird nerds, lead by the very knowledgeable Robin M. We will be traversing Maplewood Memorial Park in search of birds passing through during spring migration, as well as looking for some of the usual suspects that reside here all year. The event is free but limited to 15 people. If interested, please email laratomlin.art@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Binoculars necessary and good walking shoes encouraged.



Offerings From South Orange Department of Recreation:

Register Today!
Active Older Adult
Spring Recreation Programs

Ages 55+

Located indoors at the SOPAC Loft, Third Floor
(Elevator accessible)

Beginner Yoga - Instructor Tonia Moore
Mondays, May 9 - June 20
(Skip Memorial Day)
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
$50/person

Zumba - Instructor Rebecca Reed
Mondays, May 9 - June 13 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
(Skip Memorial Day)
$30/person

Chair Yoga - Instructor Tonia Moore
Tuesdays, May 10 - June 14
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
$50/person

Tai Chi - Instructor Judith Rew
Wednesdays, May 11 - June 15
11:45 a.m. 12:45 p.m.
$72/person

Mah Jongg - Instructor Lois Cantwell
Wednesdays, May 11 - June 15
1:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m.
$66/person

Project Healthy Bones - Instructor Tonia Moore
Fridays, May 13 - June 17
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.


Located at the Skate House, Mead Street, South Orange
(Across from Duck Pond)

Arts & Crafts - Instructor Donna Drew-Pack
Thursdays, May 5 - June 2
(Skip May 19)
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
$25/person

Meditation - Instructor Karen Frank
Fridays, May 6 - June 3
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
$125/person


REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
RECREATION & CULTURAL AFFAIRS SOUTH ORANGE VILLAGE
For more information and to register go to:
https://secure.recl.com/NJ/south-orange-village-township-nj/catalog
or call: (973) 378-7754 x 2


Handouts from yesterday's excellent presentation at the Maplewood Senior Center by officers of the MPD. 

Operation Blue Angel also exists in South Orange.  South Orange residents should contact the SOPD for more information and to register for the program.  

Emergency SOS is a national program and should be available in most if not all communities in the area.  At present it requires a cell phone with GPS capability.  It does not yet work on a landline.

Blue Angel Flyer.pdf

How to Get Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests with Medicare

As of April 4, Medicare covers up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month, at no cost to the beneficiary. This includes people with Medicare Part B as well as those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Tests are available at any pharmacy or health care provider that participates in this initiative.

Pharmacies will bill Medicare directly, but people should bring their Medicare card as proof of eligibility (the red, white and blue card, not the Advantage Plan). Medicare beneficiaries should check with their pharmacy or health care provider by calling beforehand or visiting here.

For more information, see this fact sheet. People with Medicare can also get further information by contacting 1-800-MEDICARE


Older Americans Month
Birding Walk

Friday, May 6th, 8:00 am


Early May is the best time for birding in northern NJ and the weather should be perfect on Friday for this adventure. Join local environmentalist and Village Trustee, Bill Haskins, on a 45-minute birding walk in New Waterlands Park in South Orange. Bill is excited to lead the exploration of this nestled park that is home to many local birds nesting in trees and some low-lying areas. Please wear shoes or boots for stability that can get wet just in case the terrain is damp. Also, bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. The forecast calls for temps in the high 50's so wear layers you can remove as needed. Bill will provide field guides. The park address is 30 W. 3rd Street, behind the SoFi Gaslight Commons building in South Orange. Parking at the park is readily available. See you on Friday morning!

Learn more about our beautiful public spaces on other walks this month. Check somatwotownsforallages.org periodically for more walking opportunities this month.


Indoor Repair Café Returns!
Saturday, May 7th, 1 - 4 pm Free

Morrow Church, 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
Bring your beloved items in need of repair. Our volunteer experts will lend their talents to fix lamps, jewelry, bikes, small electronics, furniture and more, as well as sharpen knives! We regret that we do not have a seamstress to repair clothing this time.
Parking is available in the church lot or on Baker Street. Enter the building using the door closest to the ramp on Baker.
For your protection and for others, wear a mask as covid infection numbers are on the rise.
Please contact the SOMA Two Towns office at 973-558-0863 or soma2towns@gmail.com identifying what you need repaired and the time you would like to arrive.
Let's keep as many things out of landfills as possible!


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