It is. Volunteers, ideas, resources, and feedback are always most welcome.
I just received the agenda for tomorrow's Seniors Advisory Committee meeting. One of the items on the agenda is offering suggestions for making the 4th of July Celebration and Maplewoodstock more Senior friendly (think accessibility and activities of interest to this population). If anyone reading this today or early tomorrow has some ideas to share, please post them here or PM and I will share them with the rest of the committee tomorrow.
For those that need, maybe transportation to an from and special area seating.
Seating is a problem for Seniors visiting Maplewoodstock. All areas at the top of the hill that provide some shade are taken up by a land grab that occurs the day before the event. Providing seating for seniors at the bottom of the hill is a possibility. Negatives are that this area is furthest from currently designated handicapped parking area by the tracks, this area is the farthest from the area currently set aside for food vendors, and providing a tent or other form of portable shade for Seniors at the bottom of the hill could impact sight lines for those further up the hill. One possibility would be to establish a senior seating area at the bottom the hill off to the side of the main seating area. To be an adequate solution to the problem, handicapped parking could be moved to Oakview Avenue and at least some of the food vendors could be moved to the bottom of the hill close to the senior sitting. Depending on the location selected, the children's area, currently at the bottom of the hill might have to be moved. Jitney service, either door to door or from selected locations with a dedicated drop off point on Oakview Avenue would help get seniors who do not drive and are not able to walk from their home to Memorial Park to and from the event.
Providing senior seating for the fireworks would be less of a problem. Providing chairs for the seniors would be a help since some seniors have trouble getting down on the ground and getting back up once the event is over. Dedicated drop off point, sufficient handicapped parking at a convenient location, and jitney service to and from the event would be a help. However, such transport back from the fireworks would have to be delayed until those walking home or to remote parking have a chance to clear the area.
Also note that some seniors may be taking medication that requires they be out of direct sunlight.
^^^ Requires or advises? What accommodation would you suggest for this? Not sure how direct sunlight sensitivity could be addressed and still maintain the character of these events since daytime activities for both festivals require moving around in direct sunlight conditions (assuming it does not rain). Would a broad brimmed hat, parasol, and clothing with built in sun repellent help with that? If so, those so impacted would be able to take steps to protect themselves. If not, these events may not be for them if their condition is acute.
Re the "land grab" at Maplewoodstock, why not have some organization or committee provide for several "Senior/Disability" canopies somewhere near the top of the hill, in the area where canopies are allowed and designate some parking spaces next to the park across from the train station accordingly? It could be like handicap seats on the train - available for anyone to use but "give up this space to the elderly or disabled".
^^^ I would support this idea if Maplewoodstock leadership could support it. SOMA Two Towns For All Ages is considering providing a seating area reserved for older adults complete with chairs provided. Question is where this could be placed in a prime seating area without unduly upsetting those who are used to setting up their tents there. What may work best this year is to allow for some accommodation for Seniors without designating seniors as more privileged than other event goers.
M-stock... So,rope off an area, maybe the size of two blankets for seniors. It means maybe 10 people won't be able to bring their wine and beer coolers.
Also, transport could be by volunteer drivers or town vehicles. Are they handicapped? Will they need help getting to porta-potties? Food? Could volunteers bring them food?
However, before doing this, try to determine if there is a need and desire for this.
There are several thousand seniors in Maplewood alone. How would you determine which ten seniors got to use the senior only area? Would these ten seniors have unlimited access (ownership) to this seating area or would seniors be limited to a single time slot, if single time slot, who would get the seats for the prime acts at the end of each day? These are just a few of the reasons why I am skeptical that a reserved seating area for seniors would work if limited to ten spaces and placed in a prime viewing area. My guess is that most seniors interested in attending Maplewoodstock would be ambulatory enough to get their own food and make it to the porta-potties on their own or with the help of other seniors sitting in the senior area. Location of the porta-potties at the bottom of the hill is one of the reasons why I would favor a senior area at the bottom of the hill. Navigating the hill is one of the prime obstacles less mobile seniors face when contemplating attending Maplewoodstock.
Of course, most of the town's seniors can get to events, amble around during the events and get home on our own. I think the point of the discussion is about those who are no longer able to do so.
Formerlyjerseyjack said:
Of course, most of the town's seniors can get to events, amble around during the events and get home on our own. I think the point of the discussion is about those who are no longer able to do so.
This!
And if you take the approach I suggested of not trying to over-regulate who uses it, but just have signs all around the designated canopies that say something like "This space provided by xxxx (Senior/Disability focused) group -- Please give up your spot to those who need it", you could address concerns about it potentially being under-utilized. That would keep others from "parking" there rather than doing their own personal "land grab" (if that's what they want), since they would have no guarantee of keeping their spot for the whole day and I think most people would self-police.
I probably don't qualify as a Senior yet (borderline) and definitely not disabled, but I would put my chair there if there was space and happily give it up if there were people who need it more than I did during the day. (I'm one of those people who takes my little beach chair and roams around looking for friends with canopies who have space for one or two more.)
@Jamie - Any chance something like this could be feasible?
I can see a handicapped/senior area - seniors specific might too general of grouping. I'll bring this up at our next meeting in a few weeks.
Jamie: Thanks for looking into this. The Seniors Advisory Committee will likely have requests/suggestions for improved accessibility to pass along after this evening's meeting.
Someone just gave me a print out of a page from the following website which contains information that may be of use to readers of this thread. From browsing the website, it would appear that this is an on-line publication whose entries are likely to be advertiser-driven. Still, some of the information could be valuable. Focus is on health, housing, services and activities for seniors in Northern NJ with links to companion publications serving other markets. As with any other publication, there are feature articles which could be sales pitches for sponsoring companies/organizations which does not mean that they could not contain valuable information. Take a look if you think this is a resource that could be of help to you or a senior you are trying to help.
Calendar of Events in May 2017 that may be of interest to Seniors. Suggestions for future programming welcome.
Older American's Month – May 2017
To celebrate Older Americans Month, we have a variety of activities, speakers and events by, for or of interest to residents over 60. We hope you can join in!
Sunday, April 30 - Senior Care Fair sponsored by Susie Adamson, Keller Williams
· The Woodland,60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood 1-5pm
Wednesday, May 3rd – The first Wednesday Weekly Walks at the parks
· Join in weekly walks using the new Maplewood Department of Health walking /jogging maps. Call 973)%20558-0863" value="+19735580863" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">973-558-0863 is weather is questionable.
· May 3rd, 10 am - Borden Park (Orchard Rd., off Parker Ave, meet near restrooms)
· May 10th, 10am - Maplecrest Park (meet in park near intersection of Oakland and Oakview)
· May 17th, 10 am – Memorial Park (meet directly across from Maplewood Town Hall)
· May 24th, 10am – Dehart Park (106-120 Burnett Ave, meet behind Community Center)
Wednesday, May 10 –Medicare Options
· Presentation on how to choose the right options for you.
· Maplewood Memorial Library, 1:00 pm.
Thursday, May 11 – Senior Seminar on Cyber Security
· Noon, Maplewood Memorial Library.
· Free and Open to the public.
· Sean Bailey, Editor in Chief of Horsesmouth will give advice and strategies to keep your information safe online.
Saturday, May 13 – Seton Hall University’s College of Communication & Arts and South Orange Seniors present the film “SEVEN” Seven life stories of South Orange seniors
· SOPAC, 1:00 – 3pm. Admission is free.
· Panel discussion with the filmmakers and stars to follow.
Thursday, May 18 – Ashton Applewhite, “This Chairs Rocks: a Manifesto Against Ageism”
· Author, advocate and speaker Ashton Applewhite will speak about ageism and how we can shift our cultural views towards “olders.” Book signing afterwards.
· The Woodland, 6:30 pm.
· Free and open to the public.
Thursday, May 18 – Spring Soiree at The Baird
· S. Orange Recreation & Cultural Affairs and the S. Orange Library will host the 7th annual luncheon for residents aged 50 and up. Enjoy lunch and special guest Dave DeLuca performing “That’s Amore: A century of Dean Martin.”
· Registration deadline is May 11, $5 for Senior Circle Members, $8 non-members. Pay by cash, check or credit card in person at The Baird or by calling 973)%20378-7754" value="+19733787754" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">973-378-7754 ext 1.
Sunday, May 21 – MayFest -Springfield Avenue between Indiana and Oberlin
· Come and enjoy food, crafts and fun at the annual Mayfest and take a break from walking to enjoy refreshments at the Senior Rest Tent. Festival runs 11am- 5pm.
Sunday, May 21 - SOPAC Staged Reading of “ A MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER”
· Local playwright Erin Mallon tells the story of a senior citizen who learns about life and forgiveness from his new neighbor – a precocious 9 year-old.
· Tickets: $10 in advance | $15 at the door. Box Office: 973)%20313-2787" value="+19733132787" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">(973) 313-2787.
Wednesday, May 24- Senior Fitness Day, Dehart Park and Community Center, 106 Burnett Ave
· Fitness classes from both towns’ instructors. Join us for coffee, lunch and exercise.
· 9:00am – 1 :00 pm.
· Free and open to all residents over 60.
Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day Parade
· Seniors can meet at 8:30 am in the CHS STUDENT parking lot (W. Parker Ave, between Valley and the train tracks) and join the parade through town. No registration necessary. For more information, contact Joan Crystal at jsckittle@gmail.com.
Thursday, June 1 – Repair Café information session
· South Orange Library Meeting Room, 7pm
· Come and learn about Repair Café, a growing movement which draws on the expertise of older residents to help communities repair items, instead of throwing things away.
If you would like to receive information, mailings and emails from SOMA Two towns for all ages, please email Crowe@twp.maplewood.nj.us or leave a message at 973)%20558-0863" value="+19735580863" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">(973)558-0863.
May Events sponsored by the Maplewood Senior Club:
Monthly Senior Club meeting: May 10, 2017, 10 am, Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Avenue. Annette DePalma and Julie Doran speak about new developments in the community.
Spring Lake Shore Trip: May 17th. Departs DeHart Community Center 9:00 am. Space limited. Registration required.
Weekly movies on Tuesdays at 1 pm at 106 Burnett starting on May 16th. Free. refreshments. Call in advance for film being shown.
For additional information or to register call 973-763-0750.
On June 21, 2017: Theater trip to see Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. 10 am to 5 pm. Cost $106. Due no later than May 12, 2017, includes show and transportation. Lunch at Langan's Pub (not included in the above quoted price). Seats limited. Sign up early. Call 973-763-0750 for additional information and to register.
May events
Wednesday Walks – 10am
Join SOMA Two towns for all ages coordinator Cathy Rowe for Wednesday Weekly Walks at the parks using the Maplewood Department of Health walking maps. Call 973-558-0863 is weather is questionable.
Friday, May 5
Storm Large with Le Bonheur
Saturday, May 6
Songs and Stories with Kathy Mattea Featuring Bill Cooley
Sunday, May 7
Bingo with Youth Net
Tai Chi Chuan with Richard Mullen
Solidarity Singers- Annual Performance in honor of May Day
Juilliard Jazz Ensemble featuring Kenny Washington
Tuesday, May 9
Chair Yoga – Every Tuesday
Wednesday, May 10
Medicare Options
Free Adult Health Screenings by Maplewood Health Dept.
Read Around the World: Ethiopia. A discussion of Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Community Coalition on Race presents “Race & Privilege: Raising Consciousness to Address Inequities”
Thursday, May 11
Free Adult Health Screenings by Maplewood Health Dept.
Senior Seminar on Cyber Security
South Orange Library Lecture Series
Friday, May 12
Folk Friday
VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE by Christopher Durang
Sunday, May 13th
Seton Hall University College of Communication & Arts and South Orange Seniors present the film SEVEN: Seven individual life journeys of South Orange seniors
Sunday, May 14
Ingrid Hill Honored as Local Hero of the Year
Monday, May 15 – 2 events at the South Orange Public Library
Computer Basics
Knitting Workshop
Tuesday, May 16
Computer Explorations
Movie - “The Girl on the Train”
Columbia High School Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, May 17
South Orange Library Wednesdays at the Movies
Thursday, May 18
Free blood pressure screening by the South Orange Health Dept.
Spring Soiree at The Baird
Ashton Applewhite, “This Chairs Rocks: a Manifesto Against Ageism”
Friday, May 19th & Saturday, May 20th/
Columbia High School Special Dance Company
Saturday, May 20 - Multiple Events at the Maplewood Main Library
Yarn & Fiber Arts Group - 10:00 am to Noon
Maplewood Senior Share – 2-part presentation – 1:00 pm
Art & Music Reception - 3:00- 4:00 pm
Sunday, May 21
MayFest -Springfield Avenue between Indiana and Oberlin
“A Mind out of the Gutter,” by local playwright Erin Mallon
Wednesday, May 24
Senior Fitness Day - Dehart Park and Community Center, 106 Burnett Ave
Tuesday, May 30th
Community Coalition on Race presents Derek Burrow's film - Before the Trees Was Strange
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day Parade
Wednesday, May 31
South Orange Library Wednesdays at the Movies
Thursday, June 1
Repair Café information session
Columbia High School, Spring Choir and Orchestra Concert
If you would like to receive information, mailings and emails from SOMA Two towns for all ages, or post an event in our calendar, please email Crowe@twp.maplewood.nj.us or leave a message at (973)558-0863.
New to this thread but not clear about what's going on. Are increases in senior activities enough of a reason to stay here in the two towns? As wonderful as all this is, we really need some form of tax relief so that seniors can stay in their own homes. I realize folks like to throw out what appear to be great solutions to the senior housing issue but none seem very appealing. Maybe this issue has come up earlier in this thread.
There is a tendency to tackle the easier issues first. That is why you see me reporting mostly on events and volunteer opportunities. Thus,the working committees of SOMA Two Towns For All Ages are focusing on Infrastructure, community participation, and communications at the moment. Before moving on to tackling the much harder issues. The consultant advising the members of the Local Steering Committee felt it important to be able to identify and reach out to our senior population so they could be made aware of what is presently on offer, not just events but policies,services, and programs that can be of benefit to our Senior population. Social isolation was identified as a major need that is within the power of our two towns to address. Getting more seniors involved in the community and setting up networks and resources to enable seniors to get help when needed is another immediate priority. Did you know there are seniors so isolated they lack an emergency contact, have nobody checking up on them to determine they are OK? Infrastructure is also focusing first on things within the the two towns jurisdiction and capability such as improved street lighting, traffic calming, and improvement of public sidewalks and paths.
Housing issues are being explored by other groups working on senior issues. There are programs already in existence that seniors qualify for. Most seniors do not even know they exist - thus the emphasis on identification and communication. These include but are not limited to the real property tax freeze program (requires maximum household income of $70,000 per year), forgivable loan program by Maplewood to cover eligible home repair costs, prime rate loan program from CCR covering exterior repairs, program permitting senior home owners to take in 1 boarder (Maplewood), up to 3 boarders (South Orange), etc.
Alternative housing considerations, many of which will require zoning changes are also being examined. On Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 1 pm in the Durand Room of the Main Library, there is a meeting scheduled to discuss housing options that presently exist in Essex County. (See above posted calendar of events for May 2017.) This meeting is being followed by other meetings which will go into other housing options not presently available. Most of these will likely require zoning changes. The zoning official for Maplewood is serving as a non-voting member of the newly formed Seniors Advisory Committee and will be available to advise on zoning considerations as that committee moves on to tackle housing concerns in depth.
Transportation options is another major topic that is being given a high priority. That too, is presently in the needs assessment, resource identification, fact finding stage. Few seniors know about the existence of the senior buses in Maplewood and South Orange let alone the services they provide. The County also provides senor transport yet few residents in our town know about this service. There are paid services available in other parts of the State that might make sense here. Those are being identified and evaluated.
Accessibility was a major issue discussed at the most recent meeting of the Maplewood Seniors Advisory Committee with emphasis on accessibility guidelines being provided to all applying for a permit to hold a major event. Too many seniors feel left out of events such as 4th of July and Maplewoodstock because these events do not take into consideration the physical and social needs of seniors who may otherwise want to attend.
Please become part of the solution. Make your needs and suggestions for meeting those needs known to those of us who are working in Maplewood and South Orange to make Seniors' lives better. If you have the time and inclination, get involved with one or more of the working groups to help bring about the changes that are needed.
SOMA Two Towns For All Ages will have a rest tent at Mayfest. Please stop by, introduce yourself, learn more about what is being done on multiple levels, make suggestions for what you would like to see done so you can improve your quality of life here and age in place in greater comfort than you otherwise might. I posted the email address for the recently appointed coordinator for the Two Towns For All Ages Initiative in the above May calendar of events. Her name is Cathy Rowe. She divides her time between Maplewood and South Orange and would be happy to speak with you regarding your concerns. Feel free to contact her. The more feedback she receives from residents, the more effective she can be in pressing for programs and services that help all of us. If you are physically able, I hope you will join me in the Memorial Day parade (information posted up thread) so we can discuss this further in person.
Please feel free to add to the conversation on this thread with any further questions/comments you may have and rest assured that the senior initiatives currently being worked on in Maplewood and South Orange are going far beyond posting here of a listing of possible suitable events for seniors.
Just noticed that SOMA Two Towns For All Ages now has a page on the Maplewood Official Town Website. It can be accessed from the left hand menu on the home page. Check it for the latest information on programs for seniors.
SOMA Two Towns For All Ages will have a tent at Mayfest. Plan is to have chairs for seniors needing to sit for a while, refreshments, sign up sheet for Memorial Day Parade march (not needed but helpful since VFW has asked for a head count) and event calendar (email and hard copy versions now available), and lots of information about existing programs and services aimed at seniors and plans for the future. We would love to hear from you about your needs and concerns. Please stop by. I plan to be at the table from about 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. If you can, please stop by and say hello. If you have the time and would like to help staff the tent, please email Cathy Rowe at Crowe@twp.maplewood.nj.us.
SOMA Two towns for all ages and the Maplewood & South Orange Recreation Departments invite you to
Senior Fitness Day – Open house
Wednesday, May 24
Dehart Park and Community Center, 106 Burnett Ave
Maplewood
9:00am – 1:00 pm
• Come and meet fitness instructors from both towns.
• Sample fitness classes – pilates, senior fitness, chair yoga, Zumba and pickle ball.
• Walk the path around DeHart Park and learn how to use the outdoor fitness equipment.
• Join us for coffee, lunch and exercise.
• Free and open to all South Orange and Maplewood residents over 60.
Rsvp for lunch by calling 973)%20762-8120" value="+19737628120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">(973) 762-8120 x 4005
Not senior-specific. There are presentations of interest to persons of all ages. Information is taken from http://www.mapsobookfest.org/b... Lots of local authors represented, including some who post regularly on MOL. Volunteers are being sought to help with this event. If this is something you would like to do, contact Cathy Rowe for more information.
BOOK FESTIVAL SCHEDULE June 10, 2017
10:00
Nurturing the Writer in Your Child or Teenager
Judith Lindbergh, Richard Falco, Christina Kapp, Stacy Lawrence, Lisa Romeo
Woodland (Parlor)
When asked to write a story, some kids’ eyes light with excitement,
while other kids groan or choke up, frustrated before they even begin.
All writers struggle with the fear of the blank page. How do we
overcome that fear, especially in children and teens? And what should
parents and caregivers do to feed the literary fire when it’s burning
in their child’s bedroom? Join The Writers Circle‘s founder/director
Judith Lindbergh and a panel of local authors and teachers to discuss
how to nurture both the reluctant writer and the unstoppable future
Pulitzer Prize winner.
The Poetry of Hope and Social Action
Tina Kelley Theresa Burns, Michael Lally, Danny Shot and B.J. Ward
The Burgdorff Center (Theatre)
Post-election, poetry has emerged as a way to channel the uncertainty
that comes with regime change. Five poets share work that focuses on
justice, resistance, and/or ways to bolster spirits and protect the
disenfranchised in uncertain times.
11:00
The Future of Juvenile Justice in America
Jean Trounstine, Caroline Leavitt, Rebecca Livingood, Karter Reed
Burgdorff Center (Theatre)
Nearly 250,000 youth are tried, sentenced, or imprisoned as adults
every year across the United States. On any given day, 10,000 youth
are detained or incarcerated in adult jails and prisons.
Unsurprisingly, locking up youth in adult prisons has damaging and
long-lasting consequences on the adolescent brain.
Join us as we examine the problems–and potential solutions–of juvenile
justice from several different perspectives. Rebecca Livingood, of the
ACLU of New Jersey, will offer an overview of juvenile justice in the
state, and how it fits in the national picture. Author and activist
Jean Trounstine will discuss juvenile incarceration on a national
scale, while Karter Reed, the subject of Jean’s book, Boy With A
Knife, who was imprisoned for a murder he committed while in high
school, will talk about the struggles juvenile lifers face in the free
world. Finally, best-selling novelist Caroline Leavitt will talk about
her experiences writing a fictional book which includes a juvenile
murderer.
Jane Austen: Then and Now
Kathleen Flynn, Karen Gevirtz
Burgdorff Center (Community Room)
Join Kathleen Flynn, author of the new novel, The Jane Austen Project,
about two researchers from the future who are sent back in time to
meet Jane Austen and recover a suspected unpublished novel,and Karen
Gevirtz, Austen expert and Associate Professor of English at Seton
Hall University, as they explore Jane Austen’s historical influence,
as well as her impact on the contemporary literary and social world.
Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give
Ada Calhoun in conversation with Karen Abbott
Woodland (parlor)
We hear plenty about whether or not to get married, but much less
about what it takes to stay married. Clichés around marriage―eternal
bliss, domestic harmony, soul mates―leave out the real stuff. After
marriage you may still want to sleep with other people. Sometimes your
partner will bore the hell out of you. And when stuck paying for your
spouse’s mistakes, you might miss being single.
In Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give, Ada Calhoun presents an unflinching
but also loving portrait of her own marriage, opening a long-overdue
conversation about the institution as it truly is: not the happy
ending of a love story or a relic doomed by high divorce rates, but
the beginning of a challenging new chapter of which “the first twenty
years are the hardest.” Inspired by her viral New York Times “Modern
Love” essay “The Wedding Toast I’ll Never Give”, Ada Calhoun’s memoir
is a witty, poignant exploration of the beautiful complexity of
marriage. Ada will be in conversation with Karen Abbott, author of the
best-seller Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in
the Civil War
12:00
Christina Baker Kline, in conversation with Marina Budhos
Burgdorff Center (Theatre)
Join best-selling author Christina Baker Kline as she discusses her
new book, A Piece of the World, about the relationship between the
artist Andrew Wyeth and the subject of his best-known painting,
Christina’s World. In conversation with Marina Budhos.
Behind the Image: Women on Graphic Novels and Cartoons
Kristen Radtke, Lauren Weinstein
Burgdorff Center (Community Room)
Kristen Radtke, author of the genre-smashing graphic memoir, Imagine
Only Wanting This, and Lauren Weinstein, acclaimed cartoonist and
author of Girl Stories, discuss Kristen’s universally lauded memoir,
the graphic writing process, and what it means to be a female
cartoonist in today’s world.
Scattered Seeds: In Search of Family and Identity in the Sperm Donor Generation
Jacqueline Mroz in conversation with DT Max
Woodland (Parlor)
Journalist and writer Jacqueline Mroz discusses her new book,
Scattered Seeds, which looks at the growth of sperm donation and how
it affects the children who are born through assisted reproduction,
the families who buy the sperm to have kids, and the sperm donors
themselves. The latest technology, such as DNA testing, is making it
possible for some children to track down and meet their anonymous
sperm donors. The book is based on a New York Times science article
about a sperm donor who has 150 children. In conversation with New
Yorker writer and bestselling author D. T. Max.
1:00
Getting Back In
Wendy Sachs
Burgdorff Center (Community Room)
Nearly half of all women take time out of the workforce when they have
kids. But getting back in can feel harder than ever. The digital
disruption has transformed many industries including marketing,
advertising, publishing, retail, news and entertainment – industries
dominated by women. Women who are trying to re-enter may feel like
they no longer have the skills to compete or the confidence to get
back in the game. Wendy Sachs, author of the new book, Fearless and
Free: How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch their Careers will discuss
how women can successfully figure out their next move and re-enter the
workforce after taking time out. Joining Wendy will be Jessica Spira,
a woman a profiled in Fearless and Free, who took seven years out of
the workforce and is now an executive at Ziff Davis.
History Comes Alive: The Magic World of Gustav Klimt and Turn of the
Century Vienna
Laurie Lico Albanese, in conversation with Laura Morowitz
Burgdorff Center (Theater)
Laurie Lico Albanese’s 2017 novel Stolen Beauty brings to life the
world of Gustav Klimt and Adele Bloch-Bauer in turn-of-the-century
Vienna. The Wall Street Journal says, “Stolen Beauty is a work of art
itself.” The NY Journal of Books calls it, “A gripping historical
novel… [C]lear, crisp language, beautifully described settings, and
credible dialogue…love, sex, tense relationships, events spiraling out
of control, family dynamics, personal conflict as well as war—coupled
with real people and true history.” Laurie will discuss her novel with
art historian Laura Morowitz
Real Issues in Young Adult Literature
Sona Charaipotra, Lisa Colozza Cocca, Melanie Conklin, Barry Lyga,
Kimberly McCreight
Woodland (Parlor)
Award-winning and best-selling young adult novelists Barry Lyga,
(Bang), Kimberly McCreight (The Outliers), Lisa Colozza Cocca
(Providence), Melanie Conklin (Counting Thyme), and Sona Charaipotra
(Tiny Pretty Things) in discussion on their latest books, and how they
tie into real life issues and trends in today’s YA
2:00
Gentrification, Race, and the Future of the Urban Community
Mindy Fulilove, Peter Moskowitz, Diego Ribadeneira
Burgdorff Center (Community Room)
Mindy Fullilove, author of Root Shock: How Tearing Up City
Neighborhoods Hurts America and What We Can Do About It, Peter
Moskowitz, author of How to Kill a City: Gentrification, Inequality,
and the Fight for the Neighborhood, in discussion on how
gentrification dismantles and displaces neighborhoods and communities
with devastating effects, and what we can do to change that. Moderated
by Diego Ribadeneira, Assistant Metropolitan Editor at The New York
Times.
Uniquely Female
Julie Buntin, Nicole Dennis-Benn, Marcy Dermansky, Julia Fierro, Michele Filgate
Burgdorff Center (Theatre)
Critically acclaimed and award winning female literary novelists Marcy
Dermansky (The Red Car), Nicole Dennis Benn (Here Comes the Sun),
Julia Fierro (The Gypsy Moth Summer), and Julie Buntin (Marlena) are
joined by moderator Michele Filgate, curator and host of the Red Ink
Series, as they discuss memorable female heroines in their recent
novels and how they wrestle with issues of friendship, sexuality, race
and privilege.
Survival in the New World: The Immigrant Experience in Young Adult Fiction
Maria E. Andreu, Marina Budhos and Sheba Karim
Woodland (parlor)
Award-winning, young adult novelist and Maplewood resident Marina
Budhos, Maria E. Andreu, author of the critically praised YA novel,
The Secret Side of Empty, and Sheba Karim, author of the acclaimed YA
novel That Thing We Call A Heart, discuss the immigrant experience as
seen through the lens of young adolescence, and what it means to be
“other” in a country that doesn’t seem to want you.
3:00
“A Hemisphere of Hope?” The Newark Example, and the Future of Education Reform
Dale Russakoff and Jon Schuppe
Burgdorff Center (Community Room)
In 2010, Mark Zuckerberg, Cory Booker and Chris Christie went on the
Oprah show to announce that the young billionaire was giving $100
million to transform public education in Newark, NJ. In five years,
then-Mayor Booker vowed, the downtrodden, failing school district
would be transformed into a “hemisphere of hope,” a template for
turning around troubled urban districts nationally. Seven years later,
the story of urban education — in Newark and elsewhere — is deeply
more complicated than that, due to the violence and poverty that
permeate children’s lives in so many inner cities. Dale Russakoff,
author of The Prize, about the Zuckerberg gift, and Jon Schuppe,
author of A Chance to Win, about a remarkable Little League team in
Newark’s most troubled ward, talk about what they learned while
writing about children and the search for hope in some of the toughest
neighborhoods in America.
Writing about Transgender Issues
Benjamin Davis, Laura Erickson-Schroth, Laura A. Jacobs
Burgdorff Center (Theatre)
Transgender issues have been exploding in the media over the last
decade in TV, film, radio, and books. Despite this increased
attention, significant misinformation still persists. Laura
Erickson-Schroth, MD, a psychiatrist, Laura A. Jacobs, LCSW-R, a
psychotherapist, and Benjamin Davis, LCAT, an art therapist, will
discuss writing about transgender issues for the public, and how they
wrestle questions such as: How do you simplify issues for an audience
that isn’t well-informed without alienating those who do have some
knowledge? and How much of yourself and your opinions can you bring
into a nonfiction book, which many people expect to be completely
objective? Erickson-Schroth and Jacobs will be discussing their new
Beacon Press book “You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!” and 20 Other Myths
and Misconceptions About Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People.
Powerful Women Fight Power: Female Novelists on Gender, Power and Activism
Jean Hanff Korelitz and Yoojin Grace Wuertz, in conversation with Helen Wan
Woodland (parlor)
Author and Maplewood resident, Helen Wan, talks to Yoojin Grace
Wuertz, author of the acclaimed novel, Everything Belongs To Us, and
Jean Hanff Korelitz, author of the plot-driven academic satire, The
Devil and Webster, about how their books tackle the issues of gender,
privilege, and power as their characters navigate college politics on
two sides of the globe.
4:00
Hit Makers and Super Fans
Zoe Fraade-Blanar and Derek Thompson, in conversation with Ron Hogan
Burgdorff Center (Community Room)
Derek Thompson, author of the universally lauded HItmakers: The
Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction and Zoe Fraade-Blanar,
co-author of the recently published Superfandom: How Our Obsessions
Are Changing What We Buy And Who We Are, in discussion with Ron Hogan,
founder and editor of Beatrice.com, on the hidden psychology of why we
like what we like and what that means for our fan-based economy.
Think Local, Write Local: The SOMA Influence
Eliza Minot, Claudia Zuluaga
Burgdorff Center (Theater)
Join local authors Eliza Minot, author of The Brambles, Claudia
Zuluaga, author of Fort Starlight, and others as they discuss the
effect that living in Maplewood and/or South Orange has had on their
writing.
Motherhood in fiction: The Joys and Sorrows
Pamela Erens and Lauren Grodstein, in conversation with Elizabeth Trundle
Woodland (parlor)
Award-winning novelist and Maplewood resident Pamela Ererns, author of
the celebrated Eleven Hours, and Lauren Grodenstein, author of the
critically acclaimed novel, Our Short History in conversation with
Elizabeth Trundle, on the desire, fears, losses and joys of
motherhood, and how it shaped their latest novels.
June Events Of Interest To Seniors in Maplewood and South Orange
Thursday, June 1
S.O. Free Blood Pressure screening
• The Baird, 11:00 AM
Guided Painting Class
American Classics II Book Discussion Group - Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Thursdays & Fridays, starting June 2 Downtown after Sundown
Saturday & Sunday, June 3&4 South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour
Monday, June 5
Computer class
Tuesdays in June Quilting Group
Tuesday, June 6
Movies
Wednesday, June 7
S.O. Jitney Goes to Essex Green in West Orange
Creative Writing Class
Art in the Park – first of the summer series
Wednesday Walks in the Parks - 10:00 AM
Thursday, June 8
Lecture Series
Free Adult Health Screenings
Friday & Saturday, June 9& 10 Maplewood – South Orange Book Festival
Saturday, June 10
Art & Music Reception
Saturday & Sunday, June 10 & 11
Art exhibition "Lil Sperling: Retrospective. A Life in Art"
Tuesday, June 13
Pizza & Movies
• Maplewood Senior Center at 106 Burnett, 1:00
• Call (973) 763-0750 for titles
Wednesday, June 14
Free Adult Health Screenings
Read Around the World: Barbados - The Star Side of Bird Hill by Naomi Jackson
Wednesdays at the Movies
Thursday, June 15
Lunch & Learn
S.O. Free Blood Pressure screening
Coalition on Race: Coffee House Discussions.
Saturday, June 17
Yarn & Fiber Arts Group
Monday, June 19
Computer class
Book Discussion Group
The Grass is Gayer OUT in the Suburbs
Tuesday, June 20
Computer Explorations
Wednesday, June 21
South Orange jitney goes to Target and Whole Foods
Creative Writing Group
Thursday, June 22
Trip to Pier Village, Long Branch
Lecture Series
Friday, June 23
Adult Night at S.O. Pool
Saturday , June 24
Senior Share
Saturday & Sunday, June 24 & 25
The Friends of SOPL Book Sale!
Sat, June 24
XRoots Fest
Wednesday, June 28
Wednesdays at the Movies
Thursday, June 29
Lunch & Learn
If you would like to receive information, mailings and emails from SOMA Two towns for all ages, or post an event in our calendar, please email Crowe@twp.maplewood.nj.us or leave a message at (973)558-0863.
Senior Newsletter For June, 2017. Info on volunteer opportunities, Classic Card application for Maplewood Seniors, Senior Fitness Classes offered by Maplewood and South Orange, senior transportation availability for Maplewood and South Orange residents, etc. Please post any questions you may have on this matewrial here.
Dear South Orange and Maplewood Seniors,
Recognizing the increasing number of residents over 60 and the desire to keep long-term residents in our communities, South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA) launched "SOMA Two towns for all ages." Under this new initiative, SOMA is taking a proactive approach to foster healthy aging and enable residents to age in place. Many of you have been involved in the planning, surveys and development of this program, and we appreciate your hard work. One of our priorities is to help people stay involved in our communities and meet changing needs as people age. For this, we have developed a calendar of events by, for and of interest to older residents of activities around our towns. Please see the enclosed calendar.
Volunteer opportunities
Two Towns Triathlon, sponsored the South Orange and Maplewood Departments of Recreation, needs volunteers to help with this annual event for kids, starting at 7:00am on Saturday June 17th. Volunteers needed to be lap counters, man water stations, help with participation ID and guide runners and bikers on their routes. Will require standing outside. For more information, contact Ronnie at (973) 762-8120 x 4004 or RQuacquarini@twp.maplewood.nj.us.
The Maplewood Fourth of July Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the day’s events. Volunteers will receive free admission to the day’s events. You can go to the Fourth of July website http://www.maplewoodcivic.org and click Community Partners/volunteers. Or, call (973) 762-8120 and leave a message at x 4005.
The Arts Unbound Showcase Store in Maplewood needs volunteers to help in the store. Shifts are generally 2 hours. Especially needed are shifts for Wednesday & Sunday afternoons. Volunteers must be comfortable using a computer and chatting with new people. If interested, please contact Margaret Mikkelsen at (973)-675-2787 or @artsunbound.org" target="_blank">mmikkelsen@artsunbound.org. For more information about Arts Unbounds programs, including programs for seniors, visit www.artsunbound.org.
Classic Card
The very successful South Orange Classic Card programs is expanding into Maplewood! This free card for residents over 65 offers discounts at local restaurants and businesses. If you already have the South Orange Classic Card, you do not have to do anything. If you do not have one and want to join, you can pick up an applications at the clerks’ offices at either Maplewood Town Hall or South Orange Village offices. Or call (973)762-8120 x 4005 to have an application mailed to you.
Senior Fitness
On Senior Fitness Day (May 24) More than 50 residents were able to sample the many classes offered by both towns’ Recreation Departments. If you are interested in classes, the schedule for June is:
Mondays: 9am Aerobics Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Ave.
10am Resistance Maplewood Senior Center
10:15 Chair aerobics The Baird ** Until June 12
1 pm Tai Chi Maplewood Senior Center
Tuesdays: 9:30am Zumba Maplewood Senior Center
11am Aerobics Maplewood Senior Center
Wednesdays: 9 am Pilates Maplewood Senior Center
10 am Toning 1 Maplewood Senior Center
10 am Walks various parks (see calendar)
10:15 Senior Fitness The Baird ** until June 21
Thursdays: 9:30 Zumba Maplewood Senior Center
11:15 Chair yoga The Baird ** until June 15
Fridays: 9 am Toing II Maplewood Senior Center
10:15 Senior Fitness The Baird **until June 22
Transportation
Each town provides transportation for seniors during the week days using the commuter jitneys. S. Orange Jitney service operates 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, to stores and stops within the Village. It also includes transportation to some out-of-town shopping areas on 3 Wednesdays each month. If the stop is off-route, advance reservation is required by contacting the Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs at (973) 378-7754, ext. 1.
Maplewood runs several trips to shopping (Shoprite, Bed bath & Beyond, Home Depot) during the week, and offers “Dial –A-Ride” for door-to-door service within Maplewood when not used for other trips. You can schedule a ride one day in advance by calling the Maplewood Community Center at 973-763-0750.
Upcoming
The Fourth of July Committee is making several improvements this year to make the day more age-friendly, including a hospitality tent and golf carts to shuttle seniors from Baker Street parking and drop off. The Classic Card will give seniors a 50% discount for tickets, and for those without a card, you can sign up on site and receive the discount. The Committee is exploring other transportation options – if you are interested in jitney service on July 4, please contact Cathy Rowe at (973) 558-0863 or Crowe@twp.Maplewood.NJ.US.
Repair Café is a growing movement that helps people repair beloved objects, instead of throwing them away. We are looking for volunteers with expertise in fixing, gluing, sewing or any type of repair to help us start a chapter here in Maplewood and South Orange. If you are interested in being a repair expert, or just want to help out, please contact Cathy Rowe at (973) 558-0863 or Lorraine Graves at Graves.Lorraine@epa.gov.
Reminder: Classic Card applications are now available at Maplewood Town Hall (Recreation Department side of Clerk's Office). This card will entitle the card holder to a discount or special offer at each participating business in Maplewood and South Orange. Stop by Town Hall to pick up your application or call (973)762-8120 x 4005 to have an application mailed to you. Cards are being printed now and will be mailed out as soon as they are available. Available for residents of Maplewood or South Orange who are 65 years of age or older.
Is there any news on some of the concerns about housing, zoning, taxes, etc.? The events and support services are great, and I understand that they are valuable and important (and certainly easier to implement or enhance quickly.) But it's those bigger issues that will make or break this effort.
Promote your business here - Businesses get highlighted throughout the site and you can add a deal.
Maplewood and South Orange applied jointly for a grant from the Grotta Fund about two years ago. Both towns hoped to do something to reverse the exodus of Seniors and soon to become Seniors from both towns and were looking for outside funding towards meeting this goal. The grant was awarded in stages with application for further awards based on approval of status reports. Initially, a consultant was hired to do a needs analysis and come up with recommendations. That grew into the formation of a local steering committee comprised of municipal officials (elected and appointed), service providers, and Seniors) which in turn was broken down into four working groups: infrastructure, community involvement, communications, and organizational structure and sustainability. Three of the working committees are still in existence. The fourth, the organizational structure and sustainability subcommittee completed their work with the hiring of a Program Coordinator (Cathy Rowe) and the formation of a Management Committee (Executive Board). Participation in the local steering committee and the three working subcommittees remains open to those who wish to involved. For more information, contact Cathy Rowe.