We are pleased to present the
February 2022 Calendar of Events
Our February/March Newsletter is in the mail, you can read it now at www.somatwotownsforallages.org, click on Publications.
Save the Dates for March
Senior Technology Assistance, mid-March, 3 pm to 4 pm Free
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages is pleased to work with Seton Hall University again to deliver technology assistance for our older adult SOMA community. The spring session will begin mid-March and run for approximately 3 weeks. Each class will include a 10-minute presentation followed by 1:1 assistance with questions on any topic. These classes are interactive so please bring your device with you! Details with registration information will be available in early March. Feel free to call the SOMA Two Towns office if you have questions, 973-558-0863.
All School Musical Dress Rehearsal Returns, Newsies, March 10th, 5:30 pm Free
Columbia High School Auditorium, 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood
Come and enjoy the dress rehearsal for this year’s musical. If history prevails, this will be another awesome performance. Proof of vaccination and masks are required. Social distancing can be easily accomplished given the size of the auditorium.
Month-Long February Events
February 1st – 28th
Spotlighting South Orange Downtown Black Owned Businesses
South Orange Downtown
Our Black business owners not only contribute to the cultural diversity of our community, but also help us keep a healthy mind, body and soul. For Black History Month 2022 we are spotlighting our Black Owned business owners and showcasing how their businesses benefit the health and wellness of the South Orange Downtown community. To learn more about South Orange Black businesses go to Black Owned Businesses — South Orange Downtown.
February 1st – 28th
LIGHT [+ SOUND] By Patrick Hilaire Art Exhibit, Monday-Saturday, 12 – 6 pm Free
The Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC, curated by Jeremy Moss
There will be a reception on Thursday, February 17; 5 – 8 pm
Celebrate Black History Month with the photography of local notable, Patrick Hilaire
This display showcases Hilaire’s stunning black-and-white portraits of Jazz musicians. His life’s work has focused on capturing the relationship between images and sound. Known as the man behind the camera at many Jazz happenings, Hilaire has photographed performers from SOPAC’s Jazz & Blues in the Loft series as well as the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band at the Blue Note in New York City. If you are interested in making a purchase, please contact Linda Beard at (973) 382-1035 or lindab@sopacnow.org.
February 1st – 28th
"My America: Scenes celebrating African American past, present, and future", (virtual any time) Free
Presented by The Strollers and Ivy Hill Vailsburg Center for Arts Culture and Community Activism (ACCA)
Drawing from published and original poetry, prose, and plays, My America showcases the unique perspectives and contributions of African Americans to our national identity. The selections presented endeavor not only to honor the strength and struggles of African Americans through time, but also to extol the passion and creative brilliance emanating from this heritage, texturing the American experience at every step. Click for Theatrical Performance And Discussion.
February 1st – 28th
Black History Month Walk of Heroes, A Self-Guided Tour Free
Sponsored by Springfield Avenue Partnership and Maplewood Village Alliance
Take a stroll along the Black History Month Walk of Heroes featuring educational posters of African American historical figures on display in various storefronts on Springfield Avenue and Maplewood Village.
February Events
Tuesday, February 1st
Evening with a Panther (Ms. Akua Njeri), 5 - 7:30 pm Free
Seton Hall University
Akua Njeri was the partner of the late Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. The major motion picture, Judas and the Black Messiah, was released last year, depicting the events surrounding the assassination of Fred Hampton, leader of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. The discussion will feature Akua Njeri, the partner of Fred Hampton, who was by his side when he was assassinated. Ms. Njeri will discuss Hampton’s life, her life of activism, and the Black Panther Party. Join using this link, Zoom. Meeting ID: 896 0670 8952 and Passcode: 239899.
G(r)ay Matter Book Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our Black History Month title is How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir by Saeed Jones
A stunning coming-of-age memoir about a young, black, gay man from the South as he fights to carve out a place for himself within his family, within his country, within his own hopes, desires, and fears. Register here.
Wednesdays, February 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd
NJAAW Housing Series, 4 pm weekly (virtual) Free
NJ Advocates for Aging Well
Aging is not a one-size-fits-all journey. There can be several steps from living independently in one’s home to needing assisted living. Housing needs are not clear-cut or consistent. They are a continuum of needs, finances, preferences, and opportunities. This 4-sessions series, every Wednesday at 4 pm, will bring experts in the realm of NJ housing together to explore options at each stage and need for housing.
Session 1, 2/2: Planning and Adapting to Stay in Your Home
Session 2, 2/9: Help in the Home
Session 3, 2/16: Senior Residential Options
Session 4, 2/23: Policy & Plans for New & Innovative Solutions
Register here once for all 4 sessions
Wednesday, February 2nd
“Acquired Taste: Contributions of the African Diaspora to Food Culture in the Americas” Newark Public Library, 6 pm (virtual) Free
Food historian, writer, chef and James Beard Book Award winner Michael Twitty will examine the history and continued legacy of African and African American contributions to cuisine, eating and food culture. View on Zoom or Facebook.
Thursday, February 3rd
Winter Stargazing, 7 pm (virtual) Free
The Newark Museum of Art
The northern hemisphere’s winter sky hosts some of the most amazing constellations, star clusters and deep-sky objects seen from Earth. During the program, facilitated by April Whitt of the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, GA, you can explore the current night sky and view some amazing sights with a telescope (weather permitting). This program will be available on Zoom and live on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Twitch. Register here
Seton Hall University Lectures
Dr. Yanzhong Huang Book Talk: Toxic Politics, 4:30 – 6 pm (virtual) Free. Dr. Yanzhong Huang will discuss his book Toxic Politics: China’s Environmental Health Crisis and Its Challenge to the Chinese State published by Cambridge University Press last year at this virtual event hosted by the School of Diplomacy. Register here Toxic Politics
Dr. Murzaku to Speak on Mother Teresa, 7:30 – 8:30 Free
Ines Murzaku, Ph.D., Director of Catholic Studies, has been invited to give a lecture on Mother Teresa! Click here to join the live presentation, Mother Teresa
God, Sex, and the Radical Demands of Love, 8 – 10 pm Free
Seton Hall, Jubilee Hall
This talk will address some of the most pressing questions we all face: Who are you? Why are you here? How do you live your life in true happiness and joy?
The New Negro Renaissance Chat Free
Presented by Hilton Neighborhood Association and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Curator Chats, a collection of video portraits compiled by NMAAHC curators, provide insight and anecdotal information about exhibitions at the museum and upcoming projects. Times and links will be available on the Hilton Neighborhood Association website, Hilton Neighborhood Association.
Friday, February 4th
Special Conversations with Michael Schein, 1 pm, (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with distinguished guest speaker, Michael Schein, Author of The Hype Handbook and Founder & President of Microfame Media. His topic is Marketing is for Morons: Using Hype to Attract Attention to Your Work. Click HERE to join.
Saturday, February 5th, 12th, and 19th
Erasing South Orange Boarders Run/Walk Free
Presented by Erasing Essex's Borders
Join resident Stephanie Lawson Muhammad, founder of Erasing Essex’s Borders, on an exploration of the historical borders that defined the boundaries of South Orange within Essex County and how those borders have impacted African Americans over the last 150 years. Each route will cover approximately 3.1 miles (5k) and incorporate locations and landmarks significant to the African American experience.
Limited Spaces/Registration Required. Register Here!
Scheduled Times (Must Register):
Saturday, February 5th, 8:00 am (Running)/1:00 pm (Walkers)
Saturday, February 12th, 8:00 am (Running)/1:00 pm (Walkers)
Saturday, February 19th, 8:00 am (Running)/1:00 pm (Walkers)
Saturday, February 5th
Make Your Own Homemade Dumplings, 12 pm (virtual) Free
Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Newark Public Library
The Vailsburg Branch Library and the Greater Newark Conservancy present this hands-on/virtual experience. Dumpling wrappers will be available for participants to pick up the week before at either the Greater Newark Conservancy, 32 Prince Street or the Vailsburg branch (75 Alexander Street, Newark, 07106. Register Here in advance.
Monday, February 7th
Explore the Leonard J. Buck Garden, 7:30 pm, (virtual) Free
Maplewood Garden Club
Kathleen Podgalsky will explore this woodland-and-rock garden with a virtual stroll among rocky outcrops, ponds, shady paths, and open meadows. She will reveal the many faces of the garden through photographs taken throughout the garden year, showing the beauty of nature in all seasons. Kathleen’s presentation will follow a brief business meeting and conclude with a Q&A session. For meeting details, please go to MGC’s website, www.maplewoodgardenclub.org.
February 8th – April 14th
Tuesdays and Thursdays (By appointment only)
Get your taxes done for free!
South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ 07079
AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program will again be offering free basic tax preparation for moderate income and elderly taxpayers. The service is open to any taxpayer with no residency restrictions. Similar services are being offered at other libraries on different days and at different times. For additional locations and times go to TaxAide. To make an appointment in South Orange, call the library reference desk, 973-762-0230.
Beginning Tuesday, February 8th
NJ Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA)
If you need help paying your mortgage, ERMA provides up to $35,000 to eligible homeowner facing foreclosure and displacement. The application portal opens Tuesday, February 8th, at NJ ERMA. Also, free housing counseling is available at njhousing.gov. For additional information: (855) 647-7700 or HAFservicing@njhmfa.gov
Wednesday, February 9th
Creative Writing, 1 pm (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library every other Wednesday for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Click here to join.
Taking a Closer Look at Reparations, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Join expert panelists Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and Laurie Beachum, the Director of Communications for the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice as they share background and updates on Reparations. Panelists will discuss the history supporting reparations and New Jersey efforts to address the issue. Panelist will engage in Q&A’s with attendees. Register in Advance.
Thursday, February 10th
Special Conversations with Mona Awad, 7 - 8 pm, (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with their distinguished guest speaker, Mona Awad, Author of All’s Well, Bunny, and 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl. Her topic is All’s Well: A Novel of Shakespeare, Chronic Pain, and Dark Wish Fulfillment. Click HERE to join.
Books Now and Then Book Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our Black History Month title is Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead. A keen-eyed and very funny, novel about race, power and the history of Harlem, all disguised as a thrill-ride crime novel. Register HERE.
Cultural Expressions Chat Free
Presented by Hilton Neighborhood Association and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Curator Chats, a collection of video portraits compiled by NMAAHC curators, provide insight and anecdotal information about exhibitions at the museum and upcoming projects. Times and links will be available on the Hilton Neighborhood Association website, Hilton Neighborhood Association.
Friday, February 11th
Reggae Soca Night with The Verdict, 8 pm, doors open at 7:30 pm Free
The Woodland Great Hall, 60 Woodland Road, Maplewood
Groove to the sounds of this high energy band as they rock with Caribbean flavor. Broritos food truck will be on the premises for your dining delight.
Saturday, February 12th
Yarn & Fiber Arts Group, 10 am to noon Free
Maplewood Library
For people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider or do other creative things with yarn or fabric. Work on your projects and get feedback and advice from fellow crafters. All skill levels are welcome! Bring your own supplies and materials. No registration needed. For meeting location, go to Yarn & Fiber Arts Group.
Sunday, February 13th
“Open Hearth Cooking: Explore African American Foodways" with Chef Jesse Jones, 2 pm (doors open at 1 pm) Free
Durand-Hedden House & Garden, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
Join Chef Jesse Jones for an afternoon dedicated to African American cooking by our historic open hearth. For more information go to American Foodways or Facebook at Facebook.com/DurandHedden.
The Harlem Chamber Players, 4 pm-5:30 pm Free
Black History Month Concert at the Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood
Seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program includes William Grant Still Lyric Quartette, Nkeiru Okoye Three Movements for String Quartet, Jessie Montgomery Strum, and Antonin Dvorak String Quartet No.11 in C Major, Op. 61, B 121. Featured musicians are Ashley Horne, Violin, Claire Chan, Violin, William Frampton, Viola, and Wayne Smith, Cello.
Wednesday, February 16th
St. Valentine's Day Lunch, 12 pm, $10
Maplewood Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood
What says love better than pasta in pink vodka sauce and chocolate? Come and enjoy a decadent lunch to celebrate St. Valentine's Day. Register by calling 973-763-0750 or going to https://maplewood.recdesk.com/Community/Program. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required.
Read Around the World: Senegal, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Our Black History Month title is At Night All Blood is Black by David Dio. The story is hypnotic, heartbreaking rendering of a soldier alone in the midst of the savagery of war, whose mind is hurtling towards madness. Register HERE.
Poetry in the Round: Megan Fernandes, 7 pm (virtual) Free
Seton Hall University
Join on Crowdcast to hear Megan Fernandes read poetry. Click on Crowdcast to join and attend the poetry reading.
Thursday, February 17th
Sports: Leveling the Playing Field Chat Free
Presented by Hilton Neighborhood Association and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Curator Chats, a collection of video portraits compiled by NMAAHC curators, provide insight and anecdotal information about exhibitions at the museum and upcoming projects. Times and links will be available on the Hilton Neighborhood Association website, Hilton Neighborhood Association.
UN Secretary-General Guterres’ Agenda, 7:20 – 8 pm (virtual) Free
Seton Hall University
Peter Reid, Director of Strategic Communications for the Secretary-General of the United Nations will discuss the priorities and challenges of United Nations Secretary-General Guterres. Register here, UN Secretary-General Guterres.
Friday, February 18th
Special Conversations with Laurie Alvandian, 1 pm – 2 pm Free
Join the South Orange Public Library for a virtual discussion on Zoom with our distinguished guest speaker, Laurie Alvandian, US-born librarian and library advocate at National Library of Armenia (and former Maplewood local). Her topic is Libraries and Democracy: Lessons from Armenia. Click HERE to join.
A CNN Film – John Lewis: Good Trouble, a documentary screening Free
Doors open 7:30 pm and the show starts 8 pm
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood
An intimate account of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis’ life, legacy and more than 60 years of extraordinary activism — from the bold teenager on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement to the legislative powerhouse he was throughout his career. He organized Freedom Rides that left him bloodied or jailed, and stood at the front lines in the historic marches on Washington and Selma. He never lost the spirit of the “boy from Troy” and called on his fellow Americans to get into “good trouble” until his passing on July 17, 2020.
Saturday, February 19th
"Is This What We Paid For", tickets $21.99
First show 3 pm, doors open at 2:30 pm, Second show 6:30 pm, doors open at 7 pm
The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd, Maplewood
This is a (1) act stage-play that poses a simple question. If activists who perished during the civil rights era were all to come back present day to see how African Americans currently live, would they feel their sacrifice was worth the fight or was it all in vain? To purchase ticket, go to What We Paid For.
Tuesday, February 22nd
Everything You Need to Know, 6 – 7 pm (virtual) Free
Present by The Apothecarium NJ Outreach Team
This presentation is for prospective patients who may be considering medical cannabis as part of their health and wellness regimen. Program attendees will learn about the NJ Medical Marijuana Program and The Apothecarium Dispensary. Presentation topics include: Introduction to the Apothecarium, Overview of the NJ Medical Cannabis Program, Approved Conditions for Medical Cannabis in NJ, Overview of the Endocannabinoid System/How Medical Cannabis Works, Efficacy and Safety of Medical Cannabis, How to Obtain a Patient or Caregiver Card in NJ, Approved Forms of Consumption, and Opportunity for Q&A with the Apothecarium Team. Link for virtual event will be available soon.
“Jubilee! A Celebration of Black Composers”, 7 – 8 pm Free
The Woodland, Woodland Rd, Maplewood
An enlightening and inspiring selection of great music, featuring top student ensembles of Maplewood and South Orange. Harambee Chamber Orchestra and Columbia High School Virtuosi perform works by Florence Price, William Grant Still, Hanna Benn, Stephen Spottswood, Adolphus Hailstork, and James Weldon Johnson!
Akwaaba Gallery: Newark’s Hidden Gem, 7 – 8 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Trinidad native Laura Bonas Palmer is the owner of Akwaaba Gallery, located in Newark’s Fairmont neighborhood. Opened in 2019, the thriving gallery has become the art hub of the West Ward. Akwaaba is the city’s only Black-owned commercial gallery, and Palmer is one of very few Black women gallery owners in the United States. She will talk about the gallery’s inception, its diverse and eclectic exhibits, and how it is changing the face of the community. Register here.
Wednesday, February 23rd
Creative Writing, 1 pm (virtual) Free
Join the South Orange Public Library every other Wednesday for this virtual creative writing session on Zoom. Each week we’ll introduce a prompt, write for a few minutes, and then share what we’ve come up with! Click here to join.
Pay It Forward: A Guide to Giving Back, 2 – 3 pm (virtual) Free
Seton Hall University
Our lives are shaped by the kindness of others. We can’t always pay them back, but we have the power to pass it on. From small random acts to volunteering, you have a chance to make life better for others. In this seminar, we’ll explore the possibilities, how to get started, and the many benefits of doing good. To register, click Pay It Forward Presented by Cigna Employee Assistance Program.
Thursday, February 24th
Double Victory: The African American Military Experience Chat Free
Presented by Hilton Neighborhood Association and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Curator Chats, a collection of video portraits compiled by NMAAHC curators, provide insight and anecdotal information about exhibitions at the museum and upcoming projects. Times and links will be available on the Hilton Neighborhood Association website, Hilton Neighborhood Association.
Friday, February 25th
Why Is We Americans? (2020), directed by Udi Aloni and Ayana Stafford-Morris. (102 min). (105) Not rated. 7 – 9:30 pm Free
Newark Museum of Art, Billy Johnson Auditorium, 49 Washington Street, Newark
Why Is We Americans? is an in-depth, cinematic exploration of Newark’s legendary Baraka family. As we connect with the iconoclastic poet Amiri Baraka, his wife, Amina, and their son, Ras, a portrait of a city emerges with an inspiring call to arms in the fight for class and racial justice. This film and panel are part of Express Newark's Community Media Center Film Series. Proof of vaccination and masks are required.
Saturday, February 26th
BLM Route Art Run, 8 am Free
Presented by SOMA Fox Running Club & Erasing Essex Borders this run is a collaboration between two organizations to create a running map forming the letters BLM in support of Black History Month and the creation of equality among all. For more details or to sign up, please go to SOMA Fox Running Club and click on Club Events.
Monday, February 28th
Book Discussion Group, 7 pm (virtual) Free
South Orange Public Library
Join the group to discuss Never Caught by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. This is a powerful narrative of Ona Judge, a runaway slave who had served George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon and during his presidency in Philadelphia and the lengths to which the Washington’s went to recapture her. Click here to join.
Black Queer Reading, 7 pm (virtual) Free
A Black History Month celebration of Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Questioning authors shared in community. Register here.
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