More specific details about the time and location of the Essex County Senior LGBTQ focus group can be found here (I couldn't find it on the GSE FB page)  https://www.gardenstateequality.org/calendar  This is a Monday evening at 6 p.m. at Broadway House for Continuing Care in Newark.   Some of  the other NJ county meetings have already run out of space and are not accepting any more RSVPs.  

 Anyone else interested?

I noticed Pickleball listed as one of the events in the NJ Senior Olympics.  I have older cousins living outside of NJ who play regularly and clearly love it!  I've been wondering if there are any Pickleball players in the area.  I would love to team up with another newbie and learn to play:  

(Pickleball is a mini-tennis game that was created in 1965 to provide a sport for the entire family. The game is a combination of Ping-Pong, tennis and badminton, and can be played indoors or outdoor, on a court the size of a doubles badminton court with only a fifth of the area needed for tennis.)

Does anyone here have experience with pickleball and the patience to share what you know with a future enthusiast?

Phone service to the DeHart Community Center has been restored.

Date has been changed to 9/25/2018 for the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse trip to see Tony-Nominated Broadway Star Eddie Mekka in Run for your Wife.  Contact Michelle Wesley for details.

I just received this email from Cathy Rowe and Candice Davenport:

Dear Community Members,

Thank you for volunteering to share your story and help us to record a local documentary, “A Time Before Vaccinations”.

As you are aware, thankfully in this day and age, many young families are not familiar with the afflictions and consequences of illness caused by vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, chickenpox and polio.

This local project seeks to honor our longtime residents of Maplewood and South Orange who remember ‘a time before vaccinations’.  It is a valuable and important history that we seek to preserve, recognize and share for posterity with other Maplewood and South Orange families for generations to come. Hearing real life experiences from elders in our community captures and reinforces the science and public health messages that these diseases are real and have unintended consequences to young lives, and to our community.

Please click on the weblink below to identify the time slot when you would like to be filmed. The filming will only take one (1) hour. You will be prompted by Joy Yagid, a local photographer/ videographer who will be leading you through questions about your experiences. The dialogue and atmosphere will be light and casual; think of it like you are telling a story.

https://doodle.com/poll/ehh7s7bdw9vtii9y

Please RSVP to the poll by Friday, August 10^th.  

Location:  Maplewood Town Hall, 574 Valley St. Large Conference Room

Attire: dress comfortably and casually.

Timing: We will contact you to confirm your time.  Please arrive 15 minutes before your time slot to complete a filming waiver and for us to orient you to the space, and the camera.

If you know of others who would like to participate, here are the qualifications:

·         Grew up in Maplewood/ South Orange

·         Are 60 years and older

·         Have a story to share

We appreciate stories where vaccine preventable illnesses impacted your daily life, for example:  “I remember when the town pool closed because of a polio scare” or “I remember lining up to the nurses office at school  for our vaccinations!”, and “I remember my sibling had to stay home because they had [mumps, chickenpox, etc]”.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Maplewood Health Department, Candice Davenport, Public Health Nursing Supervisor/ Health Educator at (973) 762-8120 x4300.

In good health,

Candice

Candice Davenport, RN, BSN, MPH, MCHES, HO

[Ask me about the American Red Cross #missingtype campaign]

Public Health Nursing Supervisor/ Health Educator

Maplewood Health Department

(973) 762-8120 x4300

cdavenport@twp.maplewood.nj.us

Just received the following email announcing part-time employment opportunities for Seniors:

We are happy to announce 2 part-time job opportunities for seniors:

Dollar Tree Store

Ale Saleh the manager at the Dollar Tree, located at 1713 Springfield Maplewood is interested hiring  seniors part-time. You can contact him at 973-617-6465 to set up an interview.

Township of Maplewood – Police Department School Crossing Guards

The Township of Maplewood Police Department is seeking applicants to fill part-time positions as School Crossing Guards. The minimum requirements are:

•             U.S. Citizen

•             Valid New Jersey Driver License

•             Pass a criminal background investigation and physical

•             Exhibit reasonable, consistent, predictable attendance and punctuality

•             School Crossing Guards are required to perform their duties outside, in inclement weather conditions, and remain alert for periods of up to 1 ½ hours on a consistent basis.

•             School Crossing Guards must be capable of standing, walking, and holding a stop sign in their hands for up to 1 ½ hours on a consistent basis.

All School Crossing Guards will be trained to perform the following duties:

•             Cross Children Safely

•             Evaluate traffic patterns

•             Report Hazardous conditions

•             Pay rate is $16.00/hour – no benefits – 3 hours per school day (7:30am-9:00am and 2:30pm-4:00pm) – times may vary depending on school calendar.

All interested parties should pick-up an employment application at the Maplewood Police Department Headquarters, 1618 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040 or www.maplewoodpd.org . The Township of Maplewood is an equal opportunity employer.

Cathy Rowe,DrPH

Coordinator

973-762-8120 x4005

www.SOMATwotownsforallages.org

I just received the following:

The Maplewood Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs will be again be sponsoring the popular SeniorStudio studio art painting program. These classes are specifically designed for 60+ seniors residents with no arts experience, and new students are encouraged to sign up, but students of all skill levels are welcomed.

 The 10-week curriculum includes eight painting classes, including a quality final art project and specially created programs at the Newark Museum and with a local arts gallery. Classes will be taught by Lorena Vera our talented professional arts educator. The theme for the final project will be an acrylic animal in a landscape or seascape setting. 

There will be two separate sessions, a morning (10.30am -12.30pm) and afternoon (1.30 - 3.30), but the curriculum will be the same in both. All classes are for 2 hours and will be held weekly on Mondays, September 17 to November 19 at DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett Ave., Maplewood

To register, contact: Michelle Wesley, Director, Maplewood Senior Center, Michellew@twp.maplewood.nj.us, tel: 973.763.0750 or, in-person at the Senior Center, 106 Burnett Ave., Maplewood. Registration ends September 10.

Just received the following email:

Hi,
We’re trying to see whether we can resurrect the Great Decisions group for a Fall startup.
 
If you are interested, please use this link: https://doodle.com/poll/pwfzrp7z9nfveb8t   
to indicate what DAYS and TIMES you might be interested in. Please note: this link
references specific DATES – Please Disregard.
 
We’ll make a determination of a date for startup after we determine interest, time and room availability.
 
If you have no interest or wish to have your name removed from our mailing list,
please let me know.
 
If you have a friend that might be interested, you can forward this message to them.
For further information about the general program, go to: https://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/

Great discussions is a program under the auspices of the Foreign Policy Association (fpa).  Commitment would be for eight sessions, one devoted to each of eight topics identified in the book provided to each participant.  Responsibility would include preparing for and leading one of the eight discussion topics, identifying related readings and doing preparation/research on the week's topic prior to each session.

If this is something you think you would enjoy doing, click on the doodle link, enter your name and check of the day(s) of the week/time(s) of day you would be available.

I just received the following email  from Cathy Rowe:

"I just want to let you know that I have set up the remaining funds in the gogograndparent account to give seniors a free ride to the farmer's market for September. Worked out the details with Julie Duran and The Town Administrator. It will be starting Labor Day. Please spread the news- details will be sent in the September calendar eblast. You don't need a GGGP account." 

The email does not state how a senior would schedule a ride to/from the Farmers Market.  When I get the details, I will post them to this thread.

Further information as promised:

Get a free ride to the Farmers Markets

The farmers markets are in full swing and we want to help you get there!  For the month of September, seniors can use Gogo Grandparent for a free ride to the South Orange and Maplewood farmers markets.  Just call 267-567-2678 and request a ride to the market about 15 minutes before you want to go, then call from your cell phone when you are ready to be picked up. You do not need to have a Gogo Grandparent account to get free rides to the farmers markets!

The Maplewood market is open every Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 1848-1852 Springfield Avenue (between Yale & Oberlin Streets). Pick up and drop off will be at the municipal parking lot behind the market (entrance from Yale).

The South Orange market is open on Wednesdays from 2:00 PM -7:00 PM in the Sloan Street lot across from the NJ Transit station. Pick up and drop off will be on Sloan Street.

This offer is only good for South Orange and Maplewood residents age 65+ and can be used to go to either market.

Army Band concert on Sunday at 6 pm at Memorial Park is rain or shine.  In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the Maplewood Middle School Gymnasium.

Update on free rides to/from the Farmers Market.  Service will begin on September 5, 2018.

From the September e-mail from SOMA Two Towns For All Ages:

AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities

We are thrilled to announce that both Maplewood and South Orange have been accepted into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. Participation in the network involves following a multi-step process of improvement, and we are proud of all the work our towns have made in making Maplewood and South Orange age-friendly communities. Please join us at our acceptance ceremony and reception on Wednesday, October 3, 10:30 am at The Woodland in Maplewood (the former Women’s Club). Open to all but please rsvp to (973) 762-8120 orSOMA2towns@gmail.com.

Senior Studio sign up

Senior Art studio returns with 2 class offerings – Mondays 10:30 - 12:30 or 1:30 – 3:30 pm.

The 10 week course includes 8 painting classes and trips to the Newark Museum and local art galleries.  Classes will be Sept 17 – Nov. 19 at the DeHart Community Center. To register, contact Michelle at MichelleW@twp.maplewdoo.nj.us or call 973-763-0750 by Sept. 10.

Concert in Memorial Park

Come hear the acclaimed US Army Band perform in Maplewood Memorial Park, on Sunday, Sept. 2, 6pm.  The SOMA Two Towns for All Ages tent will be set up with chairs near the train station entrance to the park.  In case of bad weather, the concert will be moved to the Maplewood Middle School, across the street from the library

Welcome Melvin to the S.O. Senior bus service.  A long-time resident and driver, Melvin will be driving the senior bus on Fridays, giving Raul a much deserved day off!  Raul will continue driving Monday – Thursday.

Get a free ride to the Farmers Markets

The farmers markets are in full swing and we want to help you get there! Starting Sept 5, for the month of September, seniors can use Gogo Grandparent for a free ride to the South Orange and Maplewood farmers markets.  Just call 267-567-2678 and request a ride to the market about 15 minutes before you want to go, then call from your cell phone when you are ready to be picked up. You do not need to have a Gogo Grandparent account to get free rides to the farmers markets! Rides start on September 5 This offer is only good for South Orange and Maplewood residents age 65+ and can be used to go to either market.

• The Maplewood market is open Monday, 2:00-7:00 pm at 1848-1852 Springfield Avenue (between Yale & Oberlin Streets). Pick up and drop off will be at the municipal parking lot behind the market (entrance from Yale).
• The South Orange market is open Wednesday, 2:00 -7:00 pm in the Sloan Street lot across from the NJ Transit station. Pick up and drop off will be on Sloan Street.
  

New Walking Group

For all interested – the Walking Group has begun! Join in the fun and walk around Maplecrest Park.  Meet at the Gazebo on Springfield Ave, next to the Hilton Branch library

• Mondays and Wednesdays at 8 am and 5 pm, Saturdays at  9am
• For more info contact  Susan Robert 973-207-3221or @yahoo.com" target="_blank">sissusan@yahoo.com

MEND Food Drive, September 4 to October 27: Maplewood Main Library will be collecting food for MEND, an interfaith network of food pantries. Their hunger relief network, the largest in Essex County, has been providing food to individuals and families in need since 1980.        

Adult Senior Fitness Classes Starting at The Baird

Total Body Circuit - $143/$133 for S. Orange residents with current Recreation ID badge

• Mondays, 9:15 am, Sept 17- Dec. 10 or
• Fridays, 9:15am, Sept 14 – Dec 14

Chair Yoga - $78 for 13 sessions

• Mondays, 10:15 am, Sept. 17- Dec. 10 or
• Thursdays, 11:15 am, Sept. 13 – Dec. 13

Senior Fitness - $78 for 13 sessions

• Wednesdays 10:15 am, Sept 12 – Dec. 12 or
• Fridays, 10:15am, Sept. 14 – Dec. 14

Tennis Instruction – call 973-378-7754 x 2 for details

Adult Soccer - Informal, co-ed games at Cameron Field on Monday nights.  For more info emailchrisblack@att.net

Art Walk and Music Fest, Maplewood Village, Sunday, Sept. 30, 11 – 5 pm

SOMA Two Towns for All Ages will once again have a tent to feature the art of older residents. Would you like to exhibit your own art from one of the classes at The Baird or the Senior Center?  Call 973-762-8120 x 4005 by September 26.          

September Events of Interest To Seniors:

Sunday, September 2

US Army Field Band and Chorus, Maplewood Memorial Park, 6 pm (in case of rain will move to Maplewood Middle School)

• The Township of Maplewood presents a free concert featuring The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus in the Memorial Park Amphitheater. Featuring over 75 musicians and vocalists, the combined ensemble will perform a program featuring patriotic favorites, popular songs and a selection of classical works.

Hilton Neighborhood  Hosts 2nd Annual Porchfest, 1 – 5 pm

• The 2nd Annual Maplewood Porchfest will be held in the Hilton neighborhood onSunday, September 2 (rain date Sept, 3). New this year: free jitney service on Rutgers St. from Hilton Ave. to Porter Rd., so there’s  a little less walking and a lot more enjoying the entertainment on the porches all over the neighborhood.

Tuesday, September 4

Digital Device Clinics, Hilton Branch Library, 5 -7 pm

• Drop in for free one-on-one support for using your e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device.

Open Auditions for The Strollers' production of "The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays", The Burgdorff Center, 7:30 - 10 pm

• Auditions for performances to run November 9 - 17
• For more information go to www.thestrollers.org

Wednesday, September 5

Creative Writing Workshop, South Orange Library, 1 pm

Blue Zones, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• Join the discussion about the Blue Zones  and how to bring these concepts to SOMA

Senior Picnic, Maplewood Pool, Noon

• Annual picnic for the last day at the pool. Membership not required
• $8
• Rain date Sept. 6

Thursday, September 6

Applications for Space in Maplewood Greenhouse, Maplewood Municipal Building, 6 pm

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Walmart

• Call (973) 763-5287

Friday, September 7

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Shoprite

• Call (973) 763-5287

Saturday, September 8

Dog Days of Summer, Maplewood Pool, 11 am - 1 pm

• The second annual dog day at the pool - no fighters or biters, no humans in the pool.  Just bring your dog or come watch the fun.

Rent Party Family Picnic, Maplecrest Park, noon - 8 pm

• Live music, Food trucks and vendors and support the Food Drive.

12th Annual South Orange Health Fair, South Orange Fire House, 10am - 2 pm

• No-cost health screenings and informational tables will include: Eye screening, hearing screening, Himalayan bowls, lung capacity testing, blood donations, spinal screening, face painting for children, osteoporosis screening, stroke risk assessment includes (blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, and more.

Monday, September 10

Computer Classes, South Orange Library, 10 am

• Beginners can get help with email, browsing the internet, word processing, using tablets & more.

Tuesday, September 11

Digital Device Clinics, Hilton Branch Library, 5 -7 pm

• Drop in for free one-on-one support for using your e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device.

Wednesday, September 12

Computer Explorations, Hilton Branch, 10 am

• Get the help YOU need! For beginner computer users.

Senior Club Meeting, Maplewood Senior Center, 10 am

• Entertainment at 11:30 am with singer Janice Williams

Wednesdays at the Movies, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• "The Post"

Blue Zones, The Baird, 1 pm

• Join the discussion about the Blue Zones  and how to bring these concepts to SOMA

Read Around the World: India, Maplewood Main Library, 7 pm

• Ghachar Ghochar by Viveka Sanabhaga is a quietly enthralling, deeply unsettling novel about the shifting meanings—and consequences—of financial gain in contemporary India. The New Yorker calls it "A classic tale of wealth and moral ruin."

Free Adult Health Screenings, Hilton Branch, 3:30 - 5 pm

• Blood pressure and carotid bruit screening, medication, weight & health counseling, Open to Maplewood residents 18 and older. Staffed by Maplewood Health Dept. nurses. Drop in.

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Home Depot & Target

• Call (973) 763-5287

Thursday, September 13

South Orange Library Lecture Series, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• Eugene Lieber
• Topic: Short History of the Supreme Court

Adult Health Screenings, Maplewood Municipal Building, 10 am - noon

• Drop ins welcome or call (973) 762-8120 x 4300 for an appointment

Overlook Van Screenings, Hilton Branch Library, 2 - 4 pm

• Blood glucose & body mass index screenings.

The Next Big Thing: How Podcasting is Changing Radio, Maplewood Main Library, 7 pm

• WNYC’s Nancy Solomon will moderate a panel of top producers discussing the state of the podcasting industry, where it’s going and its current and anticipated impact on radio.

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Christmas Tree Shops & Bob's Discount

• Call (973) 763-5287
• Don't let the name fool you - there is so much more at the Christmas Tree Shops!  Kitchen ware, home goods, etc.

Friday, September 14

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Shoprite

• Call (973) 763-5287

Community Camp Out, New Waterlands Park, 6pm – overnight

• Call (973) 378-7754 for details

Saturday, September 15

Yarn and Fiber Arts Group, Maplewood Main Library, 10 - noon

• A gathering for people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider or do other creative things with yarn or fabric. Get feedback & advice. Bring your own supplies.

Art & Music Reception, Maplewood Main Library, 3 pm

• Watercolors by Jane Sosnow and Photography by Carol Bonosky. Live music with the Johnny Woods Band

Old Time Baseball Game, Cameron Field, 1 - 3 pm

Sunday, September 16

Play Day, South Orange Village, 1-6 pm

Monday, September 17

Professionals in Transition, Hilton Branch, 10 am

Knitting Workshop, South Orange Library, 1 pm

Try Something New, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• Write your own bio

Maplewood Garden Club, Maplewood Main Library, 7:30 - 9 pm

• "The Ever Curious Gardener: Using a Little Natural Science for a Much Better Garden"

Tuesday, September 18

Essex County Senior Wellness Day, Codey Arena, 10am - 2pm

• Open to all Essex County seniors.  Go on your own or call (973) 763-5287 for transportation

Digital Device Clinics, Hilton Branch Library, 5 -7 pm

• Drop in for free one-on-one support for using your e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device. Open to adults, teens and children.  Every Tuesday evening from 5 – 7 pm at Hilton Branch.

Wednesday, September 19

"Brain Games", Maplewood Senior Center, 10 am

Creative Writing Workshop, South Orange Library, 1 pm

Thursday, September 20

Senior Circle, The Baird, 11 am

• Join in for the first meeting after summer break

Free Blood Pressure Clinic, Baird, 11 am

Movie Day -" Mama Mia", Maplewood Senior Center, 1 pm

South Orange Library Lecture Series, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• Douglas Simon
• Topic: World Political Update

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Bed Bath Beyond & Shoprite in Springfield

• Call (973) 763-5287

Friday, September 21

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Shoprite

• Call (973) 763-5287

Sunday, September 23

South Orange Newcomers Day, South Orange Library, 2 pm

• South Orange Village Residents and incoming SHU students meet neighbors and town managers while finding a fit with local community group

Monday, September 24

Computer Classes, South Orange Library, 10 am

• Beginners can get help with email, browsing the internet, word processing, using tablets & more.

Tuesday, September 25

Digital Device Clinics, Hilton Branch Library, 5 -7 pm

• Drop in for free one-on-one support for using your e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device.

Run for Your Wife, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse,

• $57.50
• Call (973) 763-0750

Wednesday, September 26

Environmental Awareness Event, South Mountain Rehab, 11:30am - 2pm

• Recycling - its in the bag.
• Tiffanie Nyzoa, Manager of the Giordano Companies  will speak on “How We Can Make a Difference”
• Lunch will be served

Wednesdays at the Movies, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• "The Darkest Hour"

Addressing Long Term Care, Maplewood Main Library, 7 pm

• An overview of current long-term care options and costs. Get a better understanding of how you can position your assets now to better protect yourself from this potentially major financial burden. Presented by Jonathan Barrett, Certified Financial Planner from AXA Advisors.

Bus Trip to Ocean Grove, Maplewood Senior Center

• Call (973) 763-5287

Thursday, September 27

South Orange Library Lecture Series, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• Andrew Lehren
• Topic: Investigative reporter for the NYT will talk about current investigations

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Marshalls at the Union Plaza Shopping Center

• includes Payless, Dollar Tree, Shoprite, GNC, Foot Locker & more
• Call (973) 763-5287

Movie Day -"The Great Gilly Hopkins", Maplewood Senior Center, 1 pm

Friday, September 28

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Shoprite

• Call (973) 763-5287

Sunday, September 30

Art Walk and Music Fest, Maplewood Village, 11 - 5pm

• Enjoy the many art displays and vendors
• Would you like to exhibit your own art from one of the classes at The Baird or the Senior Center?  Call 973-762-8120 x 4005

Many persons eligible for the NJ Senior Freeze program either don't know that the program exists or don't understand how the program works.  I just received a a letter from our representatives in the 27th Legislative District which presents the following information:

• Program reimburses eligible senior and disabled NJ residents for property tax increases.
• To become enrolled, and receive the benefit, you must first file to establish your base year (year in which you become eligible for the program.)
• Income eligibility for establishing you base year is not the same as the income requirement to receive a reimbursement benefit for 2017.
• You should file to establish your eligibility and protect your right to receive benefits if your income was less than $87,007 in 2016 and less than $87,268 in 2017.
• To receive a reimbursement for 2017, your income must be $70,000 or less in 2007 and you must meet the following requirements: 
  • Age 65 or older as of December 31, 2016 or receiving social security disability benefits.
  • NJ has been your primary residence since December 31, 2006 or earlier.
  • You have owned and lived in your home since December 31, 2013 or earlier.
  • Your 2016 property taxes were paid in full before June 1, 2017 and your 2017 property taxes were paid in full before June 1, 2018.
  • The reimbursement amount is determined by the increases accrued since the base year.

• Eligible persons should apply before the October 31, 2018 deadline.
• For additional information, call New Jersey's Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline at 1-800-882-6597.

Please share this information with eligible friends and family members who do not read MOL.

nakaille said:
I noticed Pickleball listed as one of the events in the NJ Senior Olympics.  I have older cousins living outside of NJ who play regularly and clearly love it!  I've been wondering if there are any Pickleball players in the area.  I would love to team up with another newbie and learn to play:  
(Pickleball is a mini-tennis game that was created in 1965 to provide a sport for the entire family. The game is a combination of Ping-Pong, tennis and badminton, and can be played indoors or outdoor, on a court the size of a doubles badminton court with only a fifth of the area needed for tennis.)
Does anyone here have experience with pickleball and the patience to share what you know with a future enthusiast?

Livingston has a big pickleball community that plays year round. Send a facebook message to this guy for information

https://www.facebook.com/michael.j.garber?fref=search

Meet the Maplewood Seniors Advisory Committee on September 15, 2018 at the Main Library (51 Baker Street) from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Members of the Maplewood Seniors Advisory Committee will be there to listen to your concerns and provide information on what Maplewood is doing to make it easier for Maplewood Seniors to age in place in their home and how Seniors can get involved in the community.  You don't have to be a Senior to come to this event.  All are welcome.  Please come join us.  

If you have questions regarding this event, please post them here and I will answer them for you.

A representative of the Maplewood Seniors Advisory Committee plans to speak at this evening's TC meeting at the Police Station at 7:30 pm in opposition to the proposed ordinance 2923-18 which would require retail establishments within the Township of Maplewood to collect a pass-through charge from customers requesting disposable paper or plastic checkout bags.  Opposition is based on the additional financial burden passage of this ordinance would place on seniors who are living on fixed income or savings; and the likelihood of seniors to need more bags than most customers because of limitations on the amount of weight they can lift in a single package.  If you would like to voice your objection to this proposed ordinance on these or other grounds, please feel free to email members of the TC or speak during this evening's TC meeting.

Repair Cafe will be returning to Morrow Church on October 27, 2018 from 2 pm to 5 pm.  If you have something that needs fixing please bring it with you.  If you are interested in helping out at the event either with administration or in applying your own repair skills, please contact Cathy Rowe.

Attention Seniors who exhibited with the Senior Studio at the Maplewood Memorial Library in August, the paintings are now available for pick-up at the DeHart Committee Center.  They are in Michelle's former office. 

The Senior Spotlight for September is not out yet.  Fortunately, the Special Events Calendar for  September is now available at the Senior Center and at the Recreation Department Office in town hall.  Highlighted events for September include:

• 9/12 Senior Club Meeting 10:00 am  Entertainment at 11:30 am singer Janice Wiggins.  Senior Center.
•  9/18 10 am to 2 pm 12th Annual Essex County Wellness Day.  Call 973-763-0750 to reserve a space on the bus.
• 9/19 10 am Brain Games.  Senior Center (Yes I know it is Yom Kippur)
• 9/20 1 pm Movie Day: Mama Mia. Senior Center.
• 9/25 Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Run For Your Wife.  9:30 am departure.  Call 973-763-0750 for ticket information and availability.  Bus departs Senior Center.
• 9/26 Ocean Grove trip.  Bus departs 9 am.  Return around 4 pm.  Call 973-763-0750 to reserve a seat on the bus.
• 9/27 Movie day:  The Great Gilly Hopkins.  1 pm Senior Center.  

There will be a Senior Freeze Workshop on October 9, 2018 at 10:30 am at Maplewood Town Hall. Seniors (and family members of seniors) who think they meet the qualification requirements outlined in my above post on the subject are urged to attend. The meeting is being held in conjunction with Mila Jasey's Office. Books will be available so applications can be submitted by the October 31, 2018 deadline.  Registration not required. For additional information, call the phone number in my above post on the Senior Freeze program.

Bulk Drop Off - Saturday, September 15th

The Maplewood Department of Public Works is hosting a Bulk Drop-Off Day this Saturday, September 15th, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Maplewood residents can bring bulk items for disposal to the Maplewood Recycling Center, located at 359 Boyden Ave.

PLEASE NOTE: No building or construction material will be accepted.

Please click on the following link for more information about the Bulk Drop-Off Program: https://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/public-works/pages/bulk-drop-program

Questions and concerns can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 973-762-1175 or publicworksinfo@twp.maplewood.nj.us

Residents who need to dispose of bulk items throughout the year should contact their private waste hauler for information about curbside collection.  

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Just received the following email from Cathy Rowe.  While directed to TC, BOT, and Management Team members, the email asks that this invitation be passed on to anyone who is supportive of or interested in the SOMA Two Towns For All Ages age friendly initiative.  Please feel free to come and to pass the information on to anyone you know who fits this definition.

"Dear Township Committee, Trustees and management team members,

I am pleased to announce that Maplewood and South Orange have been accepted into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.  This certification recognizes our two towns’ joint commitment to becoming more age-friendly and supportive of residents as they age in place.

Joining the AARP Network gives us access to a leading resource for how to improve the livability of communities for people age 50+ and their families, and ultimately help communities to become great places for everyone to live.  Since South Orange and Maplewood have been focusing on age-friendly efforts for the past 2 years through the SOMA Two Towns for All Ages initiative, we were invited to apply to the AARP Network at Stage 2. 

I would like to invite you to a reception led by the New Jersey Chapter of AARP to welcome us into this network on October 3, at 10:30 a.m. at The Woodland in Maplewood. It will be a chance to celebrate all we have done so far and hear about opportunities going forward.  Please feel free to pass on this invitation to anyone you know who is supportive or interested

Thank you for all you have done to support our age-friendly efforts."

I just received the following e-mail regarding a water color class being held at the DeHart Community Center.  An earlier session was held over the summer. Email contains some information on the program and how to register for the fall session.  Same instructor as for the Senior Studio program.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please let me know via text (732-332-8012) or via email if you are interested and what time slot you would prefer.
Thank you and look forward to hearing from you as well as seeing you in class.

Just received thus email from the town:

Two Transportation Expansions for Maplewood Seniors in September

POSTED ON: SEPTEMBER 17, 2018 - 10:49AM

Evening Jitney

As a special pilot program, Maplewood Senior Citizens can ride the evening Commuter Jitney for free by showing their Classic Card. Senior can take the jitney beginning at 5:30 pm.

Seniors get a free ride to the Farmers Markets

The farmers markets are in full swing and we want to help you get there! For the month of September, seniors can use Gogo Grandparent for a free ride to the South Orange and Maplewood farmers markets

For more information visit:

https://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/senior-citizen-programs/pages/two-transp...

Re jitney service:

I have been told that the commuter jitneys will be traveling their regular route when headed back to the train station in the evenings.  They will stop for persons standing at a jitney stop.  If you do not know where the closest jitney stop is to your location, you can go to the town website and access the jitney schedule which lists all of the stops.  There is no schedule of when the jitneys will be stopping in the evening on the way back to the train station.  You just have to be at the stop when the jitney gets there. 

You do not have to be a Senior to take advantage of the evening jitney service.  If you are 65 years of age or older and have a classic card issued by SOMA Two Towns For All Ages, you can ride for free.  If you are younger than 65 and/or do not have a classic card, you can still ride the jitney for a fare of $2 each way.  

The jitney will take you to the train station.  You can then walk to your final destination:  Village, library, middle school, etc.  Going home, you must be at the Maplewood train station in time to catch the last jitney of the day (catching an earlier jitney is fine).  Return service is not being expanded beyond the existing schedule.

Note:  This is NOT at door to door service.  Transportation is being offered ONLY between jitney stops. 

Important:  This is a pilot program and very much a use it or lose it proposition.  If you think you might want to use this service at some future date, use it now.  Give it a try.  See how it works for you.  If too few of us try it, the service may not be available beyond the end of this month.  If enough of us use it, this will enable us to push for expanded evening transportation service for seniors, beyond what is presently being offered.

Re Farmers Market:  If you want to go to other locations during the day/time when the Maplewood or South Orange farmer's market is in operation, there is no reason why you can't take the free ride to the farmer's market look around and then visit other locations nearby before calling to schedule your return trip.  

Important:  You will need to have a phone with you, or access to a phone, and the special phone number to call in order to get a free trip back from the farmer's market.

Is the jitney service one way to train station? Uber or lyft home?

Formerlyjerseyjack said:
Is the jitney service one way to train station? Uber or lyft home?

Commuter jitney home (free with classic card) as long as you get back to the train station before the last jitney of the evening departs.  Parker jitney would work best for you.

OK  the rides are both ways.

Attention past and present Senior Studio artists.  SOMA Two Towns For All Ages will be hosting a display of art work by seniors at the Art Walk on September 30, 2018.  If you have work you would like to have included in the show, please let Cathy Rowe know.  She will be collecting art work on Friday September 28, 2018 at Town Hall.  She will be there until 3 pm.