Years of the Maplewood NJ Senior (Older Adult)

The SOMA Two Towns For All Ages rest tent will be at Mayfest Tomorrow.  Please stop by to learn about what we are doing to make living in Maplewood easier for seniors.  Tell us what you would like us to focus on going forward.


SOMA Two Towns For All Ages invites seniors and their families to march with us in the Memorial Day Parade.  Please send me a PM if you are interested.


Thank you to everyone who stopped at the senior rest tent at Mayfest today.  Special thanks to those who said they would march with SOMA Two Towns For All Ages in the parade.  There is plenty of room for anyone who would like to join us.  Parade assembles at the CHS Student Parking Lot at 8:30 am and kicks off at 9:00 am.  Hope to see you there.


For those who signed up for the Spring Lake trip tomorrow (May 29, 2019), I just received an email from Michelle stating that the trip has been rescheduled for June 13, 2019.  Reason given is threat of thunderstorms tomorrow.  Thankfully, the Seward Johnson sculptures should still be on display on June 13th.


Here is the June 2019 Event Calendar from SOMA Two Towns For All Ages:

Its Farmers Market Season!

Enjoy the freshest food New Jersey has to offer!

·         Mondays, 2 - 7pm, 1848-1852 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood (between Yale & Oberlin Streets)

·         Wednesdays, 2 - 7pm, Sloan Street Parking Lot, South Orange (across from the train station)

 

Volunteers Needed!

Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA), one of the largest non-profit adult literacy organizations in the country, is holding an 18-hour tutor training course at the Hilton Branch Library, Tuesdays & Thursdays form  9am-noon, June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, & 20.  Volunteers work once per week for two hours or more and earn a certificate as tutors of Basic Literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages. For more information, contact LVA at 973-566-6200, ext 217, via email emartin@lvaep.org, or register at www.lvaep.org.

 

June is PRIDE Month

South Orange and Maplewood will host over a dozen events in celebration of PRIDE month. Several are listed below. For full schedule and details for activities, go to www.somapride.com.

 

The Converation of Your Life (COYL) series continues with events on June 17 and 21 – free and open to all but registraiton required.  If you missed last month’s events on Personal Values, Guardinaship and the Conversation Project, you can get information on www.SOMATwoTownsforAllAges.org under the COYL tab.

 

Saturday, June 1

Hilton Branch 60th Anniversary Celebration, Hilton, 10 am – 2pm

·         Cake & Raffles, Create Space Maker Project, Concert in the Gazebo, Art Exhibit & Talk by Cathleen McCoy Bristol.

 

HAPI Fest, The Woodland, Noon – 5pm

·         Celebrate the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a family-friendly community celebration, food, music, dance, and activities.

 

Art & Music Reception: Franck Lazare Goldberg, Maplewood Main Library, 3pm

·         Live music with Felisha George. Artist’s talk at 3:20pm

 

Downtown After Sundown, Spiotta Park, 7 - 10pm

·         Under Cover Music Fest

 

Sunday, June 2

Equality March & Rally, 10 am - noon

·         NJ's only annual PRIDE grassroots MARCH! Gather at Ricalton Square for Flag Raising, March through Maplewood Village to Town Hall, Rally at Town Hall, SOMA Joint Pride Proclamation, keynote speaker Ann Northrop..

 

Youth Pride Family Picnic, Springfield Ave Gazebo/Hilton Branch Library, noon - 3pm

·         family fun, youth entertainment & activities, bring a blanket, food trucks, FREE pizza (first come first served), water & snacks, flag raisings (first time on Springfield Avenue!)

·         FREE event, open to all    

 

Monday, June 3

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

 

Tuesday, June 4

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

 

Wednesday, June 5

Ziti Lunch, Maplewood Senior Center, 11:30 am

·         free and open to all but register by calling (973) 763-0750 by June 3

 

Wednesdays At The Movies, South Orange Public Library, 1pm

·         "If Beale Street Could Talk"

 

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

·         Our June title is The Birdwoman’s Palate by Laksmi Pamuntjak.

 

Thursday, June 6

Library Lecture Series, South Orange Public Library, 1pm

·         Robert Pallitto, Chairman of Dept. of Political Science & Public Affairs and Dr. Laura Melendez-Pallitto, Director of the Center for Community Research and Engagement, both at Seton Hall University.

 

SAM Wine Tasting, the Wine Barrel (1886 Springfield Ave, Maplewood), 6:30 - 9:30pm

·         Enjoy unlimited samples of over 20 different varietals of the season’s hottest European wines, music, food from local eateries, all while supporting Springfield Ave. beautification efforts!

·         Tickets $25 in advance | $30 at the door (food sold separately) at The Wine Barrel (cash sales only) or online: https://samwinetasting.bpt.me

Backyard Birds: Who Is That at My Feeder? Maplewood Main Library, 7pm

·         This program introduces many tips and tricks to distinguish the approximately 32 most common backyard bird species, bringing to light the surprising diversity of birds in our backyards.

 

Friday, June 7

Downtown After Sundown, Spiotta Park, 7-10pm

·         Swing Town Big Band

 

Friday & Saturday, June 7- 8

Maplewood-South Orange Book Festival, The Woodland

·         MAPSO Book Festival brings together readers and authors in celebration of the joy and diversity of the written word.

·         Benefit for the libraries at 7pm on Friday, ticket required

·         Saturday events free and open to all, 10am – 4pm

·         Learn more at www.mapsobookfest.org

 

Saturday, June 8

Friends of the Library Book Sale, The Baird, 10am – 4pm

 

Yarn and Fiber Arts Group, Maplewood Main Library, 10am - 12

·         A gathering for people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider or do other creative things with yarn or fabric.

 

Downtown After Sundown, Spiotta Park, 7 - 10pm

·         Chuck Lambert Trio

 

Sunday, June 9

Friends of the Library Book Sale, The Baird, 10 am – 3pm

 

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, Durand Hedden House, 1 - 5pm

·         Juneteenth, an African American celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States, will be celebrated in collaboration with the South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race.

 

Pride Fest, Maplewood Memorial Park, Noon - 6pm

 

Monday, June 10

Try Something New, The Baird, 1pm

·         Line Dancing

 

Free Adult Health Screenings, Hilton, 3:30 – 5pm

·         Blood pressure and carotid bruit screening, medication, weight & health counseling, Open to Maplewood residents. Drop in.

 

Dementia Conversations for Families, Maplewood Main Library, 7pm

·         How to have honest and caring conversations with family members about navigating doctor visits and making legal and financial plans.

 

Wednesday, June 12

Maplewood Senior Club, Maplewood Senior Center, 10am

 

Creative Writing Workshop, South Orange Public Library, 1pm

 

PRIDE Month - Know Your Rights Training, Burgdorff Center, 7:30 - 9:30pm

 

Thursday, June 13

A Conversation with Darnell Moore, Words Bookstore, 7:30-9:30pm

 

Friday, June 14

Downtown After Sundown, Sloan St, 7-10pm

·         Carol Deminski & the Little Jazz Birds

 

Saturday, June 15

Downtown After Sundown, Spiotta Park, 7 - 10pm

·         The Howlin Poets

 

Pride Under the Stars! Sloan St., 8 - 11pm

·         Outdoor Dance Party on Sloan Street, South Orange

·         ticketed event, contact organizer: www.northjerseypride.org

 

Sunday, June 16

Downtown After Sundown, Spiotta Park, 6-9pm

·         Viva Flamenco NJ – Toni Messini

·         Come join us and have fun Flamenco Dancing

 

Monday, June 17

COYL Event - Preparing for Aging, The Woodland, 1 - 3pm

·         Presented by Garden State Equality. Many older adults are aging without a plan in place. Issues around caretaking, power of attorney, wills, and other legal issues begin to come up and many older adults are unprepared to tackle these issues. This preparation workshop will help older adults to start thinking about a plan that is tailored to their needs.

·         FREE and open to all, lunch provided, reservations required by signing up atwww.gsequality.org/aging_mw or calling (973) 558-0863

Elder Law, Maplewood Main Library 6:30pm

·         Learn from attorneys some of the strategies and tools that will allow you to protect and preserve your savings, your estate and your legacy.

 

Tuesday, June 18

Healthy Avenues Van, Maplewood Town Hall, 10 – noon

·         Men’s health education, BMI and glucose screening

 

Caregiver Education Program: “Walkers, Canes and Hearing Aides – Why Won't They Use Them and What Can I Do?” Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center (1 Bay Avenue, Montclair) 6 - 8pm

·         This dinner presentation is for family caregivers and reservations are necessary. Please call to reserve your spot at (973) 993-1160, x209

 

Wednesday, June 19

Summer Kick off BBQ, Maplewood Senior Center, 11:30am

·         $5, rsvp to (973) 763-0750 by June 15

 

Wednesdays At The Movies, South Orange Public Library, 1pm

·         "On the Basis of Sex”

 

Thursday, June 20

Library Lecture Series, South Orange Public Library, 1pm

·         Speaker: Jose Alejandro Vazquez, UN Representative for International Federation for Family Development

·         Topic: Intergenerational Relations in an Aging World

 

“From Selma to Stonewall”, The Woodland, 7 - 10pm

·         Documentary showing and talkback

·         ticketed event, contact organizer: www.northjerseypride.org

 

Friday, June 21

COYL Event -SAGE Table, Dinner & Screening of "Gen Silent", The Woodland, 6-9pm

·         Presented by Garden State Equality. Why SAGE TABLE? Our goal is to draw our community closer together, to alleviate the loneliness common to many LGBTQ seniors and to share stories and ideas.

·         FREE, open to all, dinner provided, reservations required: https://www.gardenstateequality.org/sagetable_maplewood   or call (973) 558-0863

 

Downtown After Sundown

·         Spiotta Park, 6 - 9pm - The Accelerators

·         Sloan St, 7-10pm - Lynette Sheard Trio

 

Saturday, June 22

Downtown After Sundown, Spiotta Park, 7 - 10pm

·         David Easton Band

 

Sunday, June 23

G-Fest Community Day and Art Celebration, 11am – 3pm

·         This new event will include a hi-end car show, a community art mural project, exhibits of our new murals, music at the Gazebo and food trucks.

 

Monday, June 24

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

·         "Behold the Dreamers"

 

“Unbound: Transgender Men and the Remaking of Identity,” Words Bookstore, 7 – 9pm

·         Book talk and signing with author Arlene Stein

 

Tuesday, June 25

Spirit of NJ Lunch Cruise

·         Leaves from the Maplewood Senior Center at 10am

·         $90, reserve yoru seat by calling (973) 763-0750

 

Wednesday, June 26

Creative Writing Workshop, South Orange Public Library, 1pm

 

Senior Bus Trip to Ocean Grove, leaves 9am

·         seats limited, reserve by calling (973) 763-0750

 

Friday, June 28

Downtown After Sundown, Sloan St, 7-10pm

·         Leonike Scheuble Trio

 

Rainbow Pop Up Dinner, Maplecrest Park Parking Lot, 7-11pm

·         Pride-themed outdoor communal table, full dinner, dancing & entertainment inspired by international Diner en Blanc- adult only event, alcohol served

·         ticketed event, proceeds to benefit local charity providing independent living to persons with disabilities - https://www.progressivetheater.com/rainbow-event

 

Saturday, June 29

Downtown After Sundown, Spiotta Park, 7 - 10pm

·         Al Gold Blues Jam, singers welcome

 


Free tickets at Garden State Art Center.


Senior Concert Series, including Bobby Rydell, Cousin Brucie Tommy James and Darlene Love


GSAFOUNDATION.ORG


Thank you for posting this!


Email from Cathy Rowe received yesterday:

I’d like to draw your attention to some interesting and important events coming up next week:

 

Monday, June 17

“Preparation for Aging,” 1- 3pm, The Woodland

Presented by Garden State Equality. Many older adults are aging without a plan in place. Issues around caretaking, power of attorney, wills, and other legal issues begin to come up and many older adults are unprepared to tackle these issues. This preparation workshop will help older adults to start thinking about a plan that is tailored to their needs. RSVP to Mayes@GardenStateEquality.org or 973-558-0863

 

Wednesday, June 19

Summer Kick off BBQ

11:30 AM at the Maplewood Senior Center

$5, rsvp to (973) 763-0750 by June 15

 

Open House at Lester Senior Living

If you or your loved ones have been thinking about moving into a community that offers both independent and assisted living, come to June open house from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tour our distinctive residence and see what the Lester lifestyle is all about.

Contact David Rozen to learn more.

davidr@jchcorp.org or 973-929-2725.

Can’t make it this month? Call to arrange a personal tour.

 

Thursday, June 20

The Bridges of Madison County (PREVIEW)

7:30PM, South Orange Performing Arts Center

Tickets $19 with code ATGSOMA

Box office open Monday – Saturday, Noon – 6pm

Online: www.sopacnow.org

Phone: (973) 313-2787

 

Join us for a pre-show reception at 6:30

Park early, enjoy coffee & dessert

Rsvp to (973) 558-0863 or SOMA2towns@gmail.com

 

Need transportation?  Use the phone or email above by noon on June 20.

 

Friday, June 21

SAGE Table: Dinner and screening of “GenSilent,” 6- 9pm, The Woodland

Presented by Garden State Equality. Why SAGE TABLE? To draw our community closer together, to alleviate the loneliness common to many LGBTQ seniors and to share stories and ideas. This is a space to begin a conversation about how we relate to people across age boundaries in our community, and how we can take action together. RSVP to Mayes@GardenStateEquality.org or 973-558-0863

 

Cathy Rowe

Coordinator

973-558-0863

www.SOMATwotownsforallages.org


Following are some statements of particular relevance to seniors that were made at last evening's 4th of July Committee meeting held for community partners :

1.  A combination afternoon evening pass for the day's festivities is now available for $10 at all of the following bricks and mortar locations:  Town Clerk's Office at Maplewood Town Hall, Hilton Branch Library, and either the Maplewood or the South Orange branch of the BCB bank.  You do not have use the Internet to take advantage of early bird pricing.

2. The Civic House on the north field will be open for seniors on July 4th.  The building is fully air conditioned and offers real bathrooms.  Please stop by.  There is no admission charge for entering the north field at any time during the event.

3. Golf carts will be available to transport seniors and the mobility challenged between locations in Memorial Park. If you have need of this service, please ask a volunteer to assist you.

4.  I have been promised that there will be senior parking and handicapped parking available on July 4th at Memorial Park.  However, I was not given any details as to where that parking would be located.  If I learn anything further, I will post it here.  

Any questions about senior-friendly services and programs available on the 4th of July, please contact the 4th of July Committee directly.


Summer Schedule For The Senior Center (Source: June 2019 edition of the Spotlight)

Mondays: 9:00 am - Aerobics; 10:00 am - Resistance; 1:00 pm - Mahjong (drop in, no charge)

Tuesdays: 9:00 am - Zumba; 10:00 am - Barre/Bal; 11:00 am - Meditation; 12 pm Yoga; 1 pm - Clay

Wednesdays: 9:00 am - Pilates; 10:00 am Sr. Fitness, 11:00 am - Chair Yoga; 1 pm - Acrylics

Thursdays: 9:00 am - Zumba; 10:00 am Toning; 11:00 am - Chair Yoga

Fridays:  10:00 am - Sr. Fitness

With the exception of Mahjong, there is a fee for attending these classes and registration is required.  

Register with the South Orange Department of Recreation for the 10:00 am and 11:00 am Wednesday classes and the Friday 10:00 am class.  For all other classes, check with the Maplewood Department of Recreation.


There will be a cooling station for seniors in the Civic House on July 4th from noon to 4 pm.  Please stop by to cool off on a what promises to be a very hot day, talk about senior issues, or learn about the programs and services offered by the town which are of special interest to seniors.


July 2019

Go to our website for detailed and up-to-date informationwww.SOMATwotownsforallages.org

 

Check out the local Farmers Markets!

  • Mondays, 2 - 7pm, 1848-1852 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood (between Yale & Oberlin Streets)
  • Wednesdays, 2 - 7pm, Sloan Street Parking Lot, South Orange (across from the train station)

 

South Orange Summer Nights 2019

The Wednesday Art in the Park & Summer Concerts are bigger and better than ever! All activities held in Floods Hill Park, South Orange.  Art in the Park 6-8pm, Concerts in the Park 7:30 – 9:30pm. The SOMA Two Towns for All Ages tent and chairs will be set up for seniors and their guests to enjoy the shows.  In the case of inclement weather, activities will be canceled.

 

Summer at the Maplewood Senior Center The Senior Center activities are open to all residents of both South Orange and Maplewood. South Orange seniors pay the Maplewood residents rate. All fitness classes held at the DeHart Community Center are moved to the Senior Center for the summer.  PLUS, senior fitness classes held at the Baird with Robin Webber are moving to the Senior Center during the Baird renovation.  See below for classes and times. Questions? Call (973) 763-0750.

 

Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

9am

Aerobics

Zumba

Pilates

Zumba

 

10 am

Resistance

Barre Balance

Senior Fitness with Robin Webber

Toning

Senior Fitness with Robin Webber

11am

 

Meditation

Chair Yoga with Robin Webber

Chair Yoga

 

1pm

Mah Jong

 

 

 

 

                       

New Mahjong Class! Learn how to play this summer in a 6 week class at the Maplewood Senior Center.  Thursdays starting July 11, 2 - 4pm.  Cost is $35.  Sign up with your Recdesk account or call (973) 763-0750.                                                                                                           

July Events

Wednesday, July 3

Wednesdays At The MoviesSouth Orange Public Library, 1pm, TBA

 

Art in the Park, Floods Hill, 6-8pm

  • Slime Party Exploration Station and Leaf & Inchworm Mural

 

Concerts in the Park, Floods Hill, 7:30-9:30pm

  • Exodus Supreme playing a unique blend of Reggae, R&B, Latin, Pop & Rock from the 60’s to today

 

Friday, July 5

Downtown After Sundown presents: Whitney JacksonJazz On Sloan, 7-10pm

 

Saturday, July 6

Downtown After Sundown presents: Flip Da Skrip BandSpiotta Park, 7-10pm

 

Tuesday, July 9

Adult Health ScreeningMaplewood Town Hall, 10 am - noon

 

Wednesday, July 10

Creative Writing WorkshopSouth Orange Public Library, 1pm

 

Beach Blanket Bingo, Maplewood Senior Center, 1pm

  • Join friends for a fun day - $1 per card

 

Adult Health ScreeningHilton Library, 3:30-5pm

 

Super Summer Organizing: Tackle Your Garage, Porch and Yard! Maplewood Main Library, 7pm

  • Professional Organizer Eileen Bergman will tell you how to get started.

 

Art in the Park, Floods Hill, 6-8pm

  • Orbeez Exploration Station and Lightening Bug Jar Mural

 

Concerts in the Park, Floods Hill, 7:30-9:30pm

  • Mark Murphy and Friends

 

Thursday, July 11

Library Lecture SeriesSouth Orange Public Library, 1pm

  • Speaker: Bill Pace, Professor of Media Studies at Seton Hall University
  • Topic: The Creative and Practical Making of the Film, "Third Party Witness"

 

Maplewood Community MusicMemorial Park, 6 - 9pm

  • In the event of rain, concert will be held in the Woodland,

 

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) InvestingMaplewood Main Library, 7pm

  • Learn the basics of responsible investing, and how to align your financial goals with your values

 

Friday, July 12

Downtown After Sundown presents:  Big Band Eddie BrownSpiotta Park, 7-10pm

 

Saturday & Sunday, July 13-14

Bag-of-Books Sale, Maplewood Main Library, 10am - 4pm

  • Sponsored by the Friends of Maplewood Library, find many wonderful books in all genres, as well as CDs and DVDs. Fill a bag (provided by Friends) with your choice of material (items also sold individually).

 

The 16th annual Maplewoodstock Music & Arts Festival in Maplewood's Memorial Park.  Performances start at noon and the SOMA Two Towns for All Ages tent and chairs will be set up for seniors and their guests to enjoy the shows.  Tent will be on the north side of the park - enter from the top of the hill near the train station and bear left on the path, or enter from Oakview and go right and uphill on the path.

 

Tuesday, July 16

Shakespeare's at the LibrarySouth Orange Public Library, 7pm

  • "The Shrewd Mechanical Performing performing works of Shakespeare."All ages welcome,

 

Origami BoxesHilton Branch Library, 6:30pm

  • Learn to create beautiful (and useful!) origami boxes with Mary Kao

 

Wednesday, July 17

Wednesdays At The MoviesSouth Orange Public Library, 1pm, TBA

 

Shadows of Doubt: Author TalkMaplewood Main Library, 7pm

  • Authors Brendan O’Flaherty and Rajiv Sethi will discuss their newly released book. Shadows of Doubt Stereotypes, Crime, and the Pursuit of Justice. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.

 

Art in the Park, Floods Hill, 6-8pm

  • Sand Exploration Station and Lady Bug Circles Mural

 

Concerts in the Park, Floods Hill, 7:30-9:30pm

  • Xol Asul Band: Represents the new Latin Rock in both Spanish and English

 

Friday, July 19

Downtown After Sundown presents:

  • Frank Noviello & Tomoko OhnoJazz On Sloan, 7-10pm
  • Deadful Greats Nathaniel KnightSpiotta Park, 7-10pm

 

Saturday, July 20

NxStage Todd CobbsSpiotta Park, 7-10pm

 

Sunday, July 21

New Jersey DJ Services 80’s Night Dance Jimmy ButtrosSpiotta Park, 6 - 9pm

 

Monday, July 22

Book Discussion GroupSouth Orange Public Library, 7 - 8:30 pm, "Unbroken"

 

Origami LotusMaplewood Main Library, 7pm

  • Make your own Lotus and enjoy the beauty it will bring into your life. With Mary Kao.

 

Wednesday, July 24

Creative Writing WorkshopSouth Orange Public Library, 1pm

 

Art in the Park, Floods Hill, 6-8pm

  • PlayDough Exploration Station and Honeycomb Bees Mural

 

Concerts in the Park, Floods Hill, 7:30-9:30pm

  • Take Two: Performing tracks that cover the 70s to today in high energy nonstop party mode.

 

Thursday, July 25

Library Lecture SeriesSouth Orange Public Library, 1pm

  • Speaker: Donna Ritter, Professional Weaver, Topic: The Story of Weaving

 

Friday, July 26

Downtown After Sundown presents: NJPAC Weekend Jazz Jam James Austin Jr.Jazz On Sloan, 7-10pm

  • All Jazz Musicians / Singers Welcome

 

Saturday, July 27

Downtown After Sundown presents: Inspired Dance Eyesha MarableSpiotta Park, 7-10pm

 

Wednesday, July 31

Wednesdays At The MoviesSouth Orange Public Library, 1pm, TBA

 

Arts in the Park, Floods Hill, 6-8 pm

  • Floam Exploration Station and Snails and Squares Mural

 

Concerts in the Park, Floods Hill, 7:30-9:30pm

  • Deadful Greats: Playing the best of the Grateful Dead

 



Just a thought: Perhaps this thread needs a new name since it is well past a year ... actually about two and a half.  Hopefully it is a permanent thing, not a "Year of ..."


Good point.  What would you suggest?


"Where's my damn discount?"


or


"Get off my damn lawn."


Formerlyjerseyjack said:
"Where's my damn discount?"

You need to apply for a Classic Card to get your discounts at participating Maplewood and South Orange businesses.  Contact Cathy Rowe at the Senior Center or go to the Recreation Department at town hall.  


sac said:
Just a thought: Perhaps this thread needs a new name since it is well past a year ... actually about two and a half.  Hopefully it is a permanent thing, not a "Year of ..."

I made a minor change to the thread title at your request.  Since a significant number of lurkers, who are not MOL regulars, have told me they refer to this thread on a regular basis, I do not the thread title to be so different that they will be unable to find the thread going forward.


joan_crystal said:
There will be a cooling station for seniors in the Civic House on July 4th from noon to 4 pm.  Please stop by to cool off on a what promises to be a very hot day, talk about senior issues, or learn about the programs and services offered by the town which are of special interest to seniors.

 This post is edited to add that thanks to a volunteer the cooling center will now be staffed from 10 am to 4 pm. If anyone else wants to take a shift, let me know and we should be able to have it open for even longer.


A very limited supply of the Seniors Resource Guide referred to in the summer leaflet will be available tomorrow at the Civic House in Memorial Park , beginning at 10 am.  Get them while they last.  We will also have indoor bathrooms, air conditioning, literature of interest to seniors who reside in Maplewood or South Orange, and staff on hand who can answer your questions or take your input on senior goods and services - existing and wants/needs.  Please stop by if you are in town.



Following is information from Cathy Rowe regarding an Introduction to Bridge class at Adult School.  If enough seniors are interested in forming a bridge group once enough persons learn how to play a group may be held at the Senior Center on a regular basis.

INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE

Bridge stimulates your brain, encourages teamwork and is a wonderful social activity. The “Cards on the Table” method is used to demonstrate hands and deals. Students will play bridge from the very first lesson. Little or no bridge experience required. ROBIN GILLETT, ACBL Ruby Life Master, Accredited Teacher and Tournament Director.

Fee: $126. Nine Thursdays, Sept. 26-Dec. 12 (skip Oct. 31, Nov. 7 & 28), 7-9pm, CHS, A143

Note: for Maplewood and South Orange seniors who do not drive at night, I can arrange for transportation through Gogo grandparent.              


Calling All Athletes for the NJ Senior Olympics!

Woodbridge Township will be hosting  the New Jersey Senior Olympic games on September 6,7,& 8, 2019.   The games include competitions in 23 sports by age divisions, starting at age 50.  

Opening Ceremonies will be on Saturday, September 7, at 10 am at the Woodbridge Community Center.  The 2019 registration deadline is August 26.  (note: the archery deadline is August 3).  Some events have capacity restrictions and have filled up early in the past. Pickleball, Golf, and Billiards usually reach their limit; register early!  Initial registration fees are $30 and cover entry to 3 events.  Some events have additional fees and athletes can sign up for more at $10 per event.

 

The NJ Senior Olympics is part of the National Senior Games Association which, every other year, sponsors national Senior Olympic Games at venues across the country.  Looking ahead, the next National Senior Games will be held in 2021 in Orlando, Florida.

For more information or to register, go to: https://www.njseniorolympics.com/  or call the NJ Senior Olympics Headquarters at (973) 618-1111.

Games include:

 

  • Archery                                 
  • Basketball 3 on 3
  • Basketball Accuracy & Foul Shooting
  • Billiards
  • Bocce
  • Bowling
  • Cornhole
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Fencing
  • Golf
  • Horseshoes
  • Mini Golf
  • Pickleball
  • Racquetball
  • Softball
  • Swimming
  • Table Tennis
  • Team Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

For the poster who asked about senior discounts (Source August-September Newsletter from SOMA Two Towns For All Ages):

E-ZPass Discount Program

Drivers age 65+ can take advantage of an off-peak discount program on Parkway and Turnpike tolls. To qualify, you must:
 be 65 or older,
 have a NJ E-ZPass account, a valid driver’s license, and a vehicle registered in your name,
 identify the one E-ZPass tag/transponder that will be used exclusively by the person enrolling in the program.
 be in the vehicle at the time the transaction occurs.

The discount is not valid during “peak hours” which are: Monday - Friday, 7–9 am and 4:30 - 6:30 pm,
and all day Saturday and Sunday. 

For more information go to: https://www.ezpassnj.com/en/about/plans.shtml or 

call (732) 750-5300 .


More discount information for seniors 65+ who reside in Maplewood or South Orange:


The Classic Card Continues to Expand!


The SOMA Two Towns for All Ages Classic Card is very successful senior discount program, free to
residents age 65+ in both Maplewood and South Orange. Participating businesses decide on a discount or other special offer, which will be honored when a customer presents the card. Residents must
be able to show proof of age and residence to receive a Classic Card. We welcome our newest business partners that helped us expand in Maplewood:


 St. James Gate - 167 Maplewood Ave - 10%
 Cactus Charly - 6 Highland Place - 15% Discount Monday – Thursday
 Tandoori Chef - 6 ½ Highland Place - 10%
 Village Wine Shop- 163 Maplewood Ave - :5% off one bottle/ 10% off 6/ 20% off 12 (Wines Only)
 Palmer's Sweetery & Café - 1 Highland Place -15% Off In Store Purchases, Tues-Fri
 Chick Pea - 175 Maplewood Ave - 15%
 Toy Division - 101 Baker St - 10%
 The Bread Stand - 419 Boyden Ave - 10%


Applications are available online at www.somatwotownsforallages.org/classic-card or in person at:
South Orange Village Clerk’s Office, the South Orange Public Library or the Maplewood Senior Cente


This is a fantastic resource.  I strongly recommend that affected parties obtain a copy ASAP:

SOMA Two Towns for All Ages is pleased to present the Senior Resource Directory. This directory is designed to make it as easy as possible for older residents of South Orange and Maplewood and those
who care for them to find and use local resources designed for them. 

The directory lists government and non-profit resources including local, county, state and federal government services, charities, agencies and contracted services that are available to residents. Some services may be subject to income, age or residency status. 

Free copies are available at the South Orange Village Offices, the Maplewood Senior Center, Maplewood Department of Community Services (Town Hall) . It is also available to view on our website,
www.SOMATwoTownsforAllAges.org under the “Social Services” tab. 

If you would like a copy mailed to you, please call (973) 558-0863 or email SOMA2towns@gmail.com with your name and complete address.


joan_crystal said:

For the poster who asked about senior discounts (Source August-September Newsletter from SOMA Two Towns For All Ages):
E-ZPass Discount Program

Drivers age 65+ can take advantage of an off-peak discount program on Parkway and Turnpike tolls. To qualify, you must:
 be 65 or older,
 have a NJ E-ZPass account, a valid driver’s license, and a vehicle registered in your name,
 identify the one E-ZPass tag/transponder that will be used exclusively by the person enrolling in the program.
 be in the vehicle at the time the transaction occurs.


The discount is not valid during “peak hours” which are: Monday - Friday, 7–9 am and 4:30 - 6:30 pm,
and all day Saturday and Sunday. 
For more information go to: https://www.ezpassnj.com/en/about/plans.shtml or 
call 732) 750-5300">(732) 750-5300 .

 I know that you’re just the messenger, so it’s really directed to whoever set this policy.  It practically guarantees that seniors who have younger spouses/partners can’t take advantage of the discount at all unless the other one never takes the car on their own - not very realistic in many families.  I will be 65 three years before my spouse and, unless i’m misunderstanding it, this won’t do anything for me until we are both over 65.


sac said:
 I know that you’re just the messenger, so it’s really directed to whoever set this policy.  It practically guarantees that seniors who have younger spouses/partners can’t take advantage of the discount at all unless the other one never takes the car on their own - not very realistic in many families.  I will be 65 three years before my spouse and, unless i’m misunderstanding it, this won’t do anything for me until we are both over 65.

Realistic for multi-vehicle households in the situation you describe where the 65+ spouse is the exclusive driver of one of those vehicles or for those one vehicle households where the [older] 65+ spouse is the one who does all the driving on toll roads/crossings where the dedicated EZ Pass reader is used..  Intent is to ensure that the 65+ drivers are the only ones receiving the discount.


joan_crystal said:


sac said:
 I know that you’re just the messenger, so it’s really directed to whoever set this policy.  It practically guarantees that seniors who have younger spouses/partners can’t take advantage of the discount at all unless the other one never takes the car on their own - not very realistic in many families.  I will be 65 three years before my spouse and, unless i’m misunderstanding it, this won’t do anything for me until we are both over 65.
Realistic for multi-vehicle households in the situation you describe where the 65+ spouse is the exclusive driver of one of those vehicles or for those one vehicle households where the [older] 65+ spouse is the one who does all the driving on toll roads/crossings where the dedicated EZ Pass reader is used..  Intent is to ensure that the 65+ drivers are the only ones receiving the discount.

I get that, but in many (most) households, cars are shared and it is NOT realistic. Many are one-car families but even two-plus car families like mine often share use of the cars.  I suppose we could get two EZ Pass accounts and swap the devices, but that's a PITA.  In their zeal to make sure that no under 65 driver ever gets the discount, they are shutting out a lot of 65+ drivers from it.


Tickets for the Senior Pool Party on September 4th are now available.  Cost is $8 through August 15th and $10 thereafter.


For those who have had trouble using the senior van due to difficulty entering the vehicle:  Jean tells me that he now has a step stool for the senior van that may make it easier to enter/leave the vehicle.  If you try it, please report back here.  Hopefully, it will improve accessibility for those wanting to use Maplewood's Senior Transportation.


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