Years of the Maplewood NJ Senior (Older Adult)

Thank you to everyone who turned out for the Meet the Seniors Advisory Committee session at the Maplewood Library this morning.  There was lots of really good discussion.  While we would like to give everyone a substantial discount on real property taxes, this substantially is beyond our pay grade.   That said, there a number of things that we can get done that will help seniors age in place for as long as possible.  If you were unable to attend the session and have ideas that you would like to see us address, please post them here or in a PM to me and I will pass the suggestions/concerns/needs onto the rest of the committee.  Following two posts deal with programs offered by the Maplewood Fire Department that I learned about at this morning's meeting.

Maplewood Fire Department offers free in-home fire safety inspections for Maplewood residents. Fire fighters will come to your home to help identify fire hazards and suggest ways in which to make the home safer.  Inspections generally take about an hour and cover such things as correct placement and testing of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, fire escape planning, proper removal of fire hazards, and proper types and placement of fire extinguishers.  To schedule an appointment, call 973-762-6500 ext. 10.  This service is not limited to our senior population.

The Maplewood Fire Department is continuing a program to distribute smoke detectors free of charge to senior citizens and needy families that reside in one or two family homes in Maplewood.  Referrals from the Maplewood Welfare Department and the Maplewood Health Department will receive priority. On-duty firefighters will install the smoke detectors in the proper locations and instruct residents on proper use and maintenance.  Residents receiving these smoke detectors must sign a waiver indicating that they will maintain the detectors in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.  Assistance is available for the proper placement and installation of carbon monoxide detectors.  However, the homeowner must supply the carbon monoxide detectors.  Residents taking advantage of this assistance must sign a waiver indicating that they will maintain the detectors in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.  To schedule an appointment to have a smoke detector installed, call 973-762-6500 ext. 10 between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm.

Intro to Mahjong January 7th and January 14th 2019 at Maplewood Senior Center, 1 pm.  Free but space is limited.  Call 973-763-0750 to register.  

Holiday Guide

Enjoy all the holiday events and festivities around South Orange and Maplewood, and don’t forget to bring your Classic Card to enjoy discounts on shopping and restaurants.

Saturday, December 1

·         Dickens Village, Ricalton Square, Maplewood Village. Activities 1 – 4:30pm

Sunday, December. 2

·         The Bizarre Bazaar, The Woodland, 10am-4pm

·         Holiday Boutique, South Orange Library1 - 5 pm. Buy lovely gifts made by local artisans and help benefit the South Orange Public Library.65 Scotland Road

·         Menorah Lighting, Spiotta Park, South Orange, 5pm

Tuesday, December 4 at 7:30PM

·         Seton Hall University Choral Program Annual Winter Concert at SOPAC

·         Free Admission (Reservations Recommended) Box Office: (973) 313-2787

Saturday, December 8

·         Dickens Village, Ricalton Square, Maplewood Village. Activities 1 – 4 pm

·         Holiday Gathering, The Gazebo on Springfield Ave, 3 - 4:30pm

·         South Orange Tree Lighting, 76 South Orange Ave.,  5:15pm

Sunday, December 9

·         Durand-Hedden House, 1 - 4 pm, Annual Gingerbread House competitions, ‘Jolly Old St. Nick’ and Holiday Shopping. 

·         Interested in being a contestant? Mark your calendars to enter by December 8. Seewww.durandhedden.org for details and entry form.

Saturday, December 15

·         Dickens Village, Ricalton Square, Maplewood Village. Activities 1 – 4 pm

Sunday, December 16

·         Free Chanukah Concert, 2 - 3 pm, JCC Metrowest Theater   760 Northfield Ave, W. Orange.

·         Performing light & light-hearted Jewish music to lift the spirit.  For more information contact barbaram@jchcorp.org or www.kol-dodi.org

South Orange Coat & Toy Drive

Please consider donating a gently worn, clean coat or a new, unwrapped toy.  Donations can be dropped off through December 7 at The Village Clerk's office (76 South Orange Ave Suite 302), The Baird or The UPS Store (4 South Orange Ave.)

The Maplewood Police Department Holiday Toy Drive for Maplewood families in need.

Please donate new unwrapped toys and bring a smile to a child this holiday season!! Toys can be dropped off until December 14 at Maplewood P.D 1618 Springfield Ave; Maplewood Town Hall; Gleason’s Cleaners (7 West Parker Ave); Village Coffee Shop (164 Maplewood Ave) or East Side Fitness (1865 Springfield Ave.)

The General Store Holiday Pop-up Store will be located at 14 South Orange Avenue. Hours until December 23:  Friday & Saturdays 10am-8pm, Sundays 10am-4pm.

Thursday, November 29

Slavic Dancing Bonanza, Seton Hall University Slavic Club, Walsh Library, 6:30 pm

·         Slavic food will be served

·         For disability services, call 973-275-5875 prior to the event

Friday, November 30

Deadline for Homestead Rebate filing

·         Apply by phone: 1-877-658-2972, online: www.State.NJ.US/treasury/taxation.

Sunday, December 2

Friends of South Orange Library Holiday Sale, South Orange Library, 1 - 5 pm

• Start your holiday shopping and support the library at this annual craft and gift sale

Monday, December 3

Computer Classes, South Orange Library, 10 am

• Drop –in, any subject
• Beginners welcome!

Tuesday, December 4

Seton Hall University Choral Program Annual Winter Concert, SOPAC, 7:30 pm

• A staple of the holiday season, The Seton University Chorus, Chamber Choir, Orchestra and the Seton Hall University Concert Band
• Free but reservations are recommended.
• Box Office: (973) 313-2787

"Impulsive & Compulsive Behaviors," Arden Court Memory Care, 510 Prospect Ave, W. Orange

• 5:30 dinner, 6 - 8 presentation

• free and open to all, rsvp to (973) 736-3100 x 205

Wednesday, December 5

South Orange Senior Bus goes to Essex Green Shopping Plaza in West Orange.

·         Departs the Baird at 10 am

·         Regular service will be provided in the afternoon.

·         Call (973) 378-7754 x1

Pottery Class, Maplewood Senior Center, 1 pm

• If you like to get your hands a little dirty - this class is for you!
• $20, register at (973) 763-0750

Read Around the World (Malaysia), Maplewood Main Library, 7 pm

• "Evening is the Whole Day" by Preeta Samarasan

Wednesday at the Movies, South Orange Library, 1 - 3 pm

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to the Mall

• Call (973) 763-5287

Thursday, December 6

Coding for Moms (and other grownups), Maplewood Main Library, 10:30 am

• Learn about programming in a relaxed and  non-intimidating setting.

Menorah Lighting, Ricalton Square, 6:15 pm

Elder Law, Maplewood Main Library, 6:30 pm

·         Strategies and tools to protect your savings and estate and preserve your legacy.

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

• Speaker: Maria Masucci, Prof of Anthropology at Drew University
• Topic: Ancient Sea Travellers

Friday, December 7

Conversation about Antiques, Maplewood Senior Center, 1 pm

Saturday, December 8

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

• A gathering for people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider & other creative things with yarn & fabric.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, The Gazebo on Springfield Ave, 3 - 4:30 pm

• Music & more at this annual Holiday gathering

Sunday, December 9

Celebrate the Season at Durand Hedden House, 1 - 4 pm

• All ages will enjoy the 2018 display of inventive entries to the annual Durand-Hedden Gingerbread House Competition.
• Interested in being a contestant? Enter by Dec. 8. See www.durandhedden.orgfor details

La Cinematheque Film Club, Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 2 - 5 pm

• La Promessee (1996), Belgium; Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
• $15 at the door

Monday, December 10

Professionals in Transition, Hilton Branch, 10 am

Maplewood Garden Club Presents “Flower Arranging Naturally”, Maplewood Main Library, 7:30 pm

• Lorraine Kiefer has been gardening and designing floral arrangements for more than 30 years. Join Maplewood Garden Club on Monday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Maplewood Memorial Library, 51 Baker Street, Maplewood, when Lorraine will share her knowledge

Try Something New, South Orange Library, 1pm

Wednesday, December 12

South Orange Senior Bus goes to Jersey Gardens Mall, Departs from The Baird, 10 am - 3 pm

·         Advance registration by 12 noon the prior day is required, minimum number of 6 must be registered for the trip to take place.

·         Call (973) 378-7754 x1

Adult Health Screenings, Maplewood Main Library, 10:30 am - noon

• Blood pressure and carotid bruit screening, medication, weight & health counseling,

Creative Writing Workshop, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• Just bring pen and paper and enjoy writing

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to Home Depot

• Call (973) 763-5287

Maplewood Community Music Annual Winter Concert, The Woodland, 7:30pm

·         Woodwinds, brass and percussion present the sounds of the season

·         Snow date December 19

Thursday, December 13

Classic and Contemporary Book Discussion Group, Maplewood Main Library, 7 pm

• "Manhattan Beach" by Jennifer Egan

Adult Health Screenings, Maplewood Town Hall, 10am - noon

• Blood pressure and carotid bruit screening, medication, weight & health counseling,

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

• Speaker: John Wargacki, Prof of English SHU
• Topic: A Season of Light

Friday, December 14

Holiday Party, Maplewood Senior Center, 11 am

• $7, rsvp to (973) 763-0750

Sunday, December 16

Free Chanukah Concert, JCC Metrowest Theater, 2 - 3 pm

• Performing light & light-hearted Jewish music to lift the spirit.
• For more information contact barbaram@jchcorp.org or www.kol-dodi.org

Monday, December 17

Computer Classes, South Orange Library, 10 am

• Microsoft word basics, beginners welcome!

Savvy Caregiving for Boomers, Maplewood Main Library, 7 pm

• Be prepared for the tricky emotional, legal, residential, medical and financial issues that arise when caregiving becomes a necessity.

Tuesday, December 18

Trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse with the Maplewood Senior Center

·         $68 per person; (973) 763-0750

Wednesday, December 19

Wednesday at the Movies, South Orange Library, 1 - 3 pm

• Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again

Maplewood Senior Bus goes to the Mall

·         Call (973) 763-5287

South Orange Senior Bus goes to Target and Whole Foods shopping center

·         departs the Baird at 10 am

·         Call (973) 378-7754 x1

Thursday, December 20

South Orange Senior Circle Annual Holiday Lunch, Bella Italia Restaurant, 535 Central Ave, Orange, 11am

·         Member $22.00, non-member $25.00

·         Reservations required. Contact Jeanne Laracy at (973) 762- 8534

·         Make out checks to S.O. Senior Circle  and send to J. Laracy at 340 Clark St. South Orange, 07079

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

• Annual Holiday Party

Saturday, December 22

All Day Holiday Music Festival, United Methodist Church, 150 South Orange Ave.

·         Noon – The  Bufford School of Music Holiday Concert, $5.00

·         3:00 pm – The Music of Billie Holiday, $15.00

·         7:00pm -  The Music of Stevie Wonder, $20.00

Wednesday, December 26

Creative Writing Workshop, South Orange Library, 1pm

Thursday, December 27

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

• No program

Hilton Branch Library is holding registration for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Classes on the following dates:  December 6, 13, 20 & January 3, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  Fee is $25.  Classes will be held at the Hilton Branch Library.  Please pass this information on to anyone you know who has trouble communicating in the English language.  For more information call 973-566-6200, ext. 217.

Just received this message from the Maplewood Mens Glee Club:

"We'd love to see our seniors join us for our Holiday concert this Sunday at St. Joe's.  Senior tickets are only $10, and we've never sounded better.  Hope you and others can join us!  We sang for the residents of Winchester Gardens last night, and they seemed thrilled with our selections." 

joan_crystal said:
Just received this message from the Maplewood Mens Glee Club:
"We'd love to see our seniors join us for our Holiday concert this Sunday at St. Joe's.  Senior tickets are only $10, and we've never sounded better.  Hope you and others can join us!  We sang for the residents of Winchester Gardens last night, and they seemed thrilled with our selections." 

 https://www.tapinto.net/towns/soma/events/maplewood-glee-club-holiday-concert-featuring-new-21

Thanks Joan.  Seniors, we'd love to have you join us this Sunday at 4PM at St. Joseph's Church in Maplewood.  Always a great afternoon of music.

Per the Maplewood Recreation Department, There will be NO Senior Club meeting on December 12, 2018.  For those who have not yet received their copy of the Senior Spotlight, the December/January edition is available at Town Hall.

Link to .pdf of events t be held at the Essex County Environmental Center.  Programs of special interest to seniors include crafts, wellness, and nature walks among others.

https://www.essexcountyparks.org/_media/_data/EssexResource/ecec-winter-brochure2018-2019-20181203104945.pdf

I just learned about a writing contest sponsored by Essex County.  This year's topic is to write a story of up to 1,500 words focusing on a special person, a life-altering experience, or a significant period of your life.  To be eligible for the contest, you must be 60 years of age or older and reside in Essex County.  Entries are due no later than Friday March 15, 2019.  I have requested additional information which I will post to this thread as soon as it is received.  If you want to contact the County directly regarding this contest, you can call 973-395-8389.  I just checked the County's website and no information on the contest is yet posted there.

Here is the complete press release:

ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO INVITES

ESSEX SENIOR CITIZENS TO SHARE ANECDOTES AND LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES IN ANNUAL LEGACIES WRITING CONTEST

Authors are Encouraged to Begin Writing Now;

Deadline for Entries is Friday, March 15, 2019

Essex County, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Essex County Division of Senior Services invite Essex seniors ages 60 and older to submit an original story focusing on a special person, life-changing experience or significant period of their life to the 2019 Essex County Legacies Writing Contest. The deadline is Friday, March 15, 2019.

“Our senior citizens have led interesting lives and I am always impressed by the stories that are submitted. Our Legacies Contest is an opportunity for our older residents to remember their past and share their experiences with family, friends and the younger generation,” DiVincenzo said. “It’s never too early to begin collecting your thoughts and writing your drafts. I encourage all our seniors to start working on their entries now,” he added.

The contest rules are as follows:

• Writers must be Essex County residents who are 60 years of age or older.
• Entries should be original stories focusing on a special person, a life-altering experience or a significant period in your life.
• The suggested maximum length is 1,500 words.
• Stories must be typed or legibly hand-written on 8.5-by-11-inch paper.
• Entries must have a cover page with the story’s title, the author’s name, date of birth, address and telephone number.
• The story title with no identifying information should appear on the first page of the story text. All identifying information about the author is removed when stories are judged by the review committee.
• Seniors may submit only one entry.
• Previously published stories may not be submitted.
• Seniors should keep a copy of the story. Entries will not be returned.
• The deadline for entries is Friday, March 15, 2019. Late entries will not be accepted.

Stories should be sent to the following:

Essex County Division of Senior Services

Attn: Gloria Chambers-Benoit

900 Bloomfield Avenue

Verona, NJ 07044

Or e-mailed to gbenoit@seniors.essexcountynj.org

All writers who submit stories will be invited to the Division of Senior Services Legacies Award Ceremony in May 2019. Awards will be presented to the authors of the winning and honorable mention stories. These stories will be posted on the Essex County website at www.essexcountynj.org.

For a complete list of contest rules or for more information, please visit www.essexcountynj.org or call the Essex County Division of Senior Services at 973-395-8389.

The Division of Senior Services offers a wide range of services to eligible Essex County senior citizens. It offers adult protective services, provides transportation, administers adult day care, offers counseling for caregivers, provides home delivered meals and offers visiting nurse services. For more information about these and other services, please call the Division at 973-395-8375. Individuals with hearing impairments may reach the Division by calling the New Jersey Relay Service (711V/TYY).

For those interested in entering the above contest, there will be a program at Hilton Branch Library on Thursday January 10, 2019 at 1 pm entitled Write Your Memoir Five Minutes at a Time.  Since entrants are essentially being asked to write a mini-memoir, this program should be especially helpful in getting entrants started and helping with ideas and polishing.  Those interested in putting their memories in print, even if they are not interested in entering the contest should find this program helpful and are urged to attend.

Theater discount available for Maplewood and South Orange Seniors:

Play: Tell Them I'm Still Young

Location: SOPAC

Date: January 24, 2019 performance only

Cost: Special price of $19.

Use code: ATGSOMA

January 2019

Go to our website for detailed and up-to-date information:

www.SOMATwotownsforallages.org

Happy and healthy New Year!  If you have made resolutions, here is a good place to start looking to keep them. Did you know there are fitness classes every day of the week at The Baird, the Maplewood Senior Center or the Maplewood Community Center?  Check them out on the towns' website site (under recreation) or under the health and fitness tab at www.SOMATwotownsforallages.org.

Mahjong Mondays - the free classes are full, but we will be starting Mahjong Mondays on January 28^th, 1 - 3 pm.  Just drop in to play, teach others or watch.  Coffee, tea & cookies too!

“Tootsie” Tickets on Sales

Join the Maplewood Senior Center on a trip to see the new musical, “Tootsie.”  Based in the hit movie with Dustin Hoffman & Jessica Lange, this new musical comes to Broadway this spring and the Maplewood Senior Center will take you there on April 17.  Orchestra seat tickets are on sale for $111 and include transportation via coach bus.  To purchase tickets, call Michelle at (973) 763 0750 or got to the Maplewood Recreation website or  https://maplewood.recdesk.com/Community/Program and choose ‘Senior Tootsie Broadway Show Trip.”  SPACE IS LIMITED - order your tickets early.

South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race presents the 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Monday, January 21, 2 pm, Columbia High School.

Honor Dr. King through music, a sharing of interfaith readings, and an affirmation of Dr. King’s call to action and service.  The keynote speaker is the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, Sheila Y. Oliver. There will be a Reception and Volunteer Fair following at 3:30 pm in the cafeteria. Donations of food pantry items, knitting yarn, old eyeglasses, children’s books (K-5th grade) and travel-sized toiletry donations are requested.

On the night of January 21st, residents are asked to light up the outside of their home with Luminaries as a sign of hope, sanctuary, peace, and solidarity with Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. The Luminaries come four in a pack for a suggested donation of $10 and it is a fundraiser for the Coalition. Purchase Luminaries at Words Bookstore in Maplewood, Sparkhouse toy store in South Orange or at the Coalition’s office.

American Theater Group at SOPAC: “Tell Then I’m Still Young”

Once again, the American Theater Group at SOPAC is offering SOMA seniors discount tickets and a pre-show reception for its new play on Thursday, January 24.   For tickets, call the box office at  (973) 313 2787  or order online at www.SOPACnow.org and use code ATGSOMA.  To join us at the pre-show reception, call (973) 558-0863 or email SOMA2towns@gmail.com by January 22.

I just received the following email from the art instructor who has been conducting the Senior Studio classes at the DeHart Community Center.  If you want to see examples of Lorena's art work, some of her work will be on exhibit this month at the Maplewood Memorial Library building on Baker Street.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Lorena Vera
Teaching Artist

Attention Maplewood Senior Club members:

An officer from the MPD will be speaking about the Blue Angel Program at the Senior Club meeting on January 9th .  Blue Angel is an initiative under which seniors living alone or with serious medical conditions who find themselves alone in the house for extended periods of time can apply to have a lockbox placed on the exterior of their home.  The lockbox will only be accessible to first responders who may need to access your home in the event of a 911 call to your home or for a wellness check.  

Not a Senior Club member?  Want to join?  Dues for 2019 will be collected at the January meeting.  Meeting will be held at the Maplewood Senior Center at 106 Burnet Avenue.  For more information about the Senior Club, contact the Maplewood Department of Recreation.

I just received the following email outlining volunteer opportunities available with SOMA Two Towns For All Ages.  Please contact Cathy Rowe (contact information provided below) if you would like to help with any of the listed activities or have  some other way in which you would like to get involved with the age friendly cities initiative.  Questions? Post them here or refer them to Cathy.

Volunteers needed to:

• Distribute flyers and newsletters
• Join the Repair Café Team
• Staff the "senior tent” at community events
• Update website
• Help with upcoming events
• Write, edit and contribute to the newsletter and monthly calendar
• Be ambassadors for the Classic Card program

Interested in joining us?  Contact Cathy Rowe at (973) 558-0863 or Crowe@twp.Maplewood.NJ.US

DME Fashion Show, Wednesday January 16, 2019 at 1 pm at Maplewood Senior Center.

Maplewood Health Department accepts donations of durable medical equipment and in turn lends it out to residents who need them.  Supervising Health Nurse, Candice Davenport will show off the types of equipment available for both Maplewood and South Orange residents to borrow to help them be safe.  Come for yourself or help spread the word to friends and neighbors.

The American Theater Group announces the world premiere production of "Tell Them I Am Still Young"  by Julia Doolittle at SOPAC from January 24 - February 3, 2019.  Cast includes Andre Braugher and Michele Pawk, both of whom are South Orange residents.  Seniors are invited to the preview performance on Thursday January 24, 2019 for the special price of $19.  Use code ATGSOMA when purchasing tickets.  Tickets may be purchased at the box office, online at https://www.sopacnow.org/still-young or by phoning 973-313-2787.

Seniors attending that evening's performance are invited to a pre-show reception with coffee and dessert.  Reception is at 6:30 pm.  Show starts at 7:30 pm.  Please rsvp for the reception to SOMA2towns@gmail.com or by calling 973-558-0863.

The Adult School has a 6 session mahjong class  March 28th through May 9th (Thursdays) from 7 - 9 pm at Columbia High School (skips April 18th).  Fee: $108.    Register at somadultschool.org or 973-378-7620.  Those over the age of 60 in need of transportation to/from the class should contact SOMA Two Towns For All Ages at 973-558-0863 or soma2towns@gmail.com. This could be good preparation for those dropping in for weekly mahjong at the Maplewood Senior Center on Monday afternoons at 1 pm beginning on January 28, 2019.

Wednesday, January 23rd at the Baird Center, Senior Conversation about the South Orange Master Plan. Not sure of the time. Can’t find any obvious publicity about this meeting.

^^^ If anyone knows the time for this meeting, please post it here.

Email from Cathy Rowe:

I am pleased to share with you the local events by, for and of interest to older residents of South Orange and Maplewood for  February 2019

Go to our website for detailed and up-to-date information:

www.SOMATwotownsforallages.org

This month, explore the wide variety of events celebrating Black History Month – art exhibits, plays, poetry readings, jazz concerts and documentaries, to name a few.  And to get around in the cold and snow – take advantage of the FREE Senior Buses in each town.

Sunday, February 3

Slow Foods Indoor Farmers Market, The Woodland, 10 am – 2 pm

• free but donations suggested

Monday, February 4

Adult Health Clinic, Maplewood Main Library, 10:30 - noon

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

Mah Jong Mondays, Maplewood Senior Center, 1 - 3 pm

• Drop-in for mah jong. We have the tiles, the coffee & the cookies.
• For beginners, experts and everyone in between.

Maplewood Garden Club, Maplewood Main Library, 7pm

• Subject: Ladies in the Landscape 1900-1940
• Jenny Rose Carey, Senior Director at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm will discuss how horticulture changed the lives of women in the early part of the Twentieth Century.

Wednesday, February 6

Creative Writing Workshop, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• for more information, contact Phyllis Kalb, Program Coordinator, at pkalb@sopl.org or (973) 762-0230

Read Around the World (South Africa), Maplewood Main Library, 7pm

• The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso

Free Adult Health Screenings, Maplewood Main Library, 10:30 am - noon

• Blood pressure and carotid bruit screening, medication, weight & health counseling,

Just Lunch, Maplewood Senior Center, noon

• free but rsvp by Monday, Feb. 4 to (973) 763-0750

Thursday, February 7

Coding for Moms (and other grownups), Maplewood Main Library, 10:30 am

• Learn about programming in a relaxed and non-intimidating setting.

Library Lecture Series, South Orange Library, 1pm

• Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Redwine, Prof. of English at Seton Hall University
• Topic: Neglected Women In Literature

CASA Information Session, Maplewood Main Library, 7pm

• Help change the life of a vulnerable child by becoming a CASA Volunteer Advocate.

BLACK New Jersey: 1664 to the Present Day, The Woodland, 7 – 8pm

• Graham Russell Gao Hodges, author and professor of History and Africana & Latin American Studies at Colgate University discusses his book.

The Art of Cathleen McCoy Bristol, The Public Hallways of the South Orange Village Hall Offices, 7 – 9pm

• Come to the opening reception for this acclaimed local artist and the inaugural exhibition in a new public art space in South Orange – “Village Hallways,” so named for the public spaces in the South Orange Village Hall offices on the third floor of 76 South Orange Avenue, South Orange.
• On view February 7- March 21, Monday- Friday, 9am – 4pm.

Saturday, February 9

Meet the Maplewood Senior Advisory Committee, Maplewood Senior Center, 10 am

• Come for coffee and share your ideas, concerns and suggestions.

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.

Art & Music Reception, Maplewood Main Library, 3pm

• Celebrating our Black History Month exhibit, Beverly McCutcheon’s Wallflower Portrait collage series. Live music with VMusic. Artist’s talk at 3:20

Sunday, February 10

South Orange Symphony Free Fun Family Concert, S. Orange Middle School, 3pm

• Susan Haig of Summit leads the orchestra in a family-friendly program. Musical instrument petting zoo during intermission and reception following.

Monday, February 11

Try Something New, The Baird, 1 pm

• Judielie Laguerre from St B. hospital will speak on Heart Health

Mah Jong Mondays, Maplewood Senior Center, 1 - 3 pm

• Drop-in for mah jong. We have the tiles the coffee & the cookies.
• For beginners, experts and everyone in between.

Computer Class, South Orange Library, 10 - 11:30 am

• Internet basics - no registration necessary

Tuesday, February 12

Adult Health Clinic, Maplewood Town Hall, 10am - noon

Wednesday, February 13

Maplewood Senior Club, Maplewood Senior Center, 10am

• Bingo

Wednesdays at the Movies, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• "Bel Canto"

Author Talk with Joe Strupp, Maplewood Main Library, 7 – 8:30 pm

• Killing Journalism: How Greed, Laziness (And Donald Trump) Are Destroying News And How We Can Save It. Joe Strupp’s book details cutbacks in resources, revenue and in-depth reporting, along with over coverage of non-stories.

SOMA GranNannies, Ethical Culture Society, 7:30 pm

Thursday, February 14

Truffles & Puppies, Maplewood Senior Center, 11:30 am

• rsvp (973) 763-0750

Library Lecture Series, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• Guest Speaker: John Wargacki, Prof. Of English At Seton Hall University
• Topic: Shakespeare's Sonnets And Other Love Poems

Classic & Contemporary Book Discussion Group, Maplewood Main Library, 7 pm

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Saturday, February 16 at 2pm & 8pm;  Sunday, February 17 at 2pm,

“The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin”, Burgdorff Center

• Live performances with a race-related talk-back discussion on Sunday led by the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race.
• Seniors $15.

Sunday, Feb. 17

Jazz in the Loft: Greg Bufford presents a Tribute to Billie Holiday, SOPAC, 7 pm

• Tickets $20.

Monday, February 18

Presidents Day - Municipal offices & Buildings closed

Tuesdays, February 19

Overlook Health Van, Maplewood Town Hall, 10 am - noon

• Heart health, BP and glucose screening provided

Wednesday, February 20

Creative Writing Workshop, South Orange Library, 1pm

Thursday, February 21

Blood Pressure Screening, The Baird, 9:30 am

Senior Circle, The Baird, 11 am

Coffee with a Cop - Operation Blue Angel, South Orange Library12:30 pm

Library Lecture Series, South Orange Library, 1 pm

• Guest Speaker: April Grier, Prof. of Africana Studies at Rutgers University
• Topic: Reminiscing Through Jazz

IT'S OSCAR TIME!!!, South Orange Library, 7:30 pm

• Join Arts Writer Charles Paikert For A Discussion Of This Year's Academy Award Nominees!
• All Are Welcome And Refreshments Will Be Served

Celebrate the Writings of African-American Poets, DeHart Community Center, 7:30 - 9pm

• Join this poetry circle and take turns reading some of the greatest poems by Black poets, as well as by some of the lesser known writers. Whether you are a poetry lover or not, you are sure to be moved by the thoughts of these historical poets.

Friday, Feb. 22

“Central Park Five” Screening, The Woodland, 7 - 10 pm 

• Filmmakers Ken Burns, Sarah Burns & David McMahon analyze the well-known case of 5 teenagers wrongfully convicted of raping women. Panel discussion afterwards.

Weekend of February 22

“Intimate Apparel”  A play by Lynn Nottage, Burgdorff Center. Fri/Sat, Feb 22 & 23, at 8 pm; Sun, at 3 pm: 

• Follow Esther, a black seamstress in 1905 NY who uses her hands & sewing machine to refashion her dreams and make them anew from the cloth of her life's experiences.
• Tickets $19

Saturday, Feb, 23

Great Ancient African Civilizations, Maplewood Main Library, 11am

Sunday, February 24

Society of Musical Arts Free Concert: A Celebration of Classical Viennese Masters, JCC Metrowest, 760 Northfield Ave, W. Orange, 3 pm

• Maplewood-based Society of Musical Arts invites Maplewood and South Orange music-lovers to travel a tiny bit further to their new concert venue at JCC Metrowest.

Juilliard @ SOPAC, Juilliard Jazz Ensemble, 3pm

• $15 Tickets for Seniors

Monday, February 25

Mah Jong Mondays, Maplewood Senior Center, 1 - 3 pm

• Drop-in for mah jong. We have the tiles, the coffee & the cookies.
• For beginners, experts and everyone in between.

Computer Class, South Orange Library, 10 - 11:30 am

• Drop-in- no registration necessary

Book Discussion Group, South Orange Library, 7 - 8:30 pm

• "A Prayer for Owen Meany," by John Irving

Tuesday, February 26

Newcomers' Breakfast, The Baird, 9:30 am

• New to town or new to retirement? Want to learn what South Orange & Maplewood have to offer ? Join us to learn what's going on and how to get involved.
• Rsvp to (973) 558-0863 or SOMA2towns@gmail.com

Wednesday, February 27

Coffee with a Cop, Maplewood Senior Center, 11am

• Learn about Operation Blue Angel, ask questions and bring your concerns to the Community Police officers.

Wednesdays At The Movies, South Orange Library, 1pm

• "THE WIFE"

Brain Games: Keep Your Mind Sharp, Hilton Branch, 2 pm

• Learn games and exercises to stimulate different areas of our brain and keep memory strong. Diet, physical exercise and proper rest will also be covered. Presented by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield

Thursday, February 28

Library Lecture Series, South Orange Library, 1pm

• Guest Speaker: Douglas Simon, Prof. Emeritus Of Political Science At Drew University
• Topic: World Political Update

Ageless Grace ~ Timeless Fitness for the Body & Brain, Maplewood Senior Center, 1pm

• AG is a cutting edge brain fitness program based on neuroplasticity that activates all 5 brain functions. The movements are designed to be done while seated.
• Limited to first 20 participants; rsvp to (973) 763-0750. There is a waiver.

Chef Jesse Jones Talk & Tasting, Hilton Branch Library, 6:30 pm 

• Jesse will share techniques and tips, followed by a tasting of his inspired Seafood Creole Soup.

Black History Month Presentation, South Orange Library, 7:30pm

• Marvin E. Johnson, Author/Writer Of 'Nuggets Of Wisdom For Life's Journey',
• All Are Welcome And Refreshments Will Be Served

Operation Blue Angel is now live.  If you are a senior who lives in Maplewood and who either lives alone or has a debilitating medical condition and frequently finds himself/herself frequently alone in the house, you may want to consider calling the non-emergency number for the MPD (973-762-3400 x 7913 to schedule an appointment to have a lockbox installed on the exterior of your house.  This box will contain a key to your house, which you supply.  Only the police department will have the code required to access the key.  Code will only be used in the event of emergency when first responders need to gain access to your home and you are physically incapable of opening the door to let them in.  In the event of an incident such as a fall or fire, this can be lifesaving.  For additional information, check out the cover story on the February - March 2019 edition of the Olde News. Please consider applying.

Please join the Maplewood Seniors Advisory Committee on Saturday February 9, 2019 at the Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Avenue from 10 am to noon.  Tell us ways in which we can work to improve life for seniors in Maplewood as our seniors try to age in place for as long as possible.  All are welcome: seniors, children of seniors, soon to be seniors, and any others who are interested in being part of the solution.  Want to help with our initiatives?  We will gladly speak with you about volunteer opportunities. Hope to see many of you there.  

Just received this information by email:

What: The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors

Where: Columbia High School, 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood

When: Friday, March 22, 2019 at 7 p.m.

How: Tickets are FREE at EventBrite:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/us-army-jazz-concert-tickets-56286828419

The Jazz Ambassadors is the United States Army’s premier big band. This 19-member ensemble, formed in 1969, has received great acclaim both at home and abroad performing America’s original art form, jazz. They have performed in all 50 states as well Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and Europe, and in joint concerts with the Boston Pops, National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and at Carnegie Hall.  Concerts include something for everyone, from classic big band standards to instrumental and vocal solo features, patriotic favorites, contemporary jazz works, and original compositions. For this concert only, several Columbia High School jazz musicians will sit in with the band! 

While the concert is free, you must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are available online at EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/us-army-jazz-concert-tickets-56286828419 

More information: deborah.gaines@gmail.com

Local seniors are invited to a special performance:  Dress rehearsal of Mary Poppins, Thursday March 7th 5:30 - 7:30 pm, CHS auditorium.  Admission free.  Refreshments available for purchase.  Questions?  Need transportation?  Contact SOMA2towns@gmail.com or call 973-558-0863.

SOMA Real Property Tax Appeal Seminar with Craig Smith, Appraiser and Tax Appeal Expert.  March 5, 2019 from 7 pm to 9 pm at Maplewood Senior Center 106 Burnett Avenue.  Free.  All welcome.  Registration requested but not required.  For additional information, email info@adamsonramsey.com/taxappeals.