June Events Calendar
Please note that the list below is a reflection of the events planned as of today, May 31st. Check the South Orange Village website and the Maplewood Township website for more events as they are finalized throughout the month. All events are open to Maplewood and South Orange residents, and many are open to seniors from neighboring towns.
In June this year, SOMA Two Towns is focused on Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness, The Great Outdoors, Eating More Fruits and Vegetables, Listening to Audiobooks, LGTBQ+ Pride, and Juneteenth. You will find events on the calendar where you can learn, enjoy and participate in experiences related to these themes.
Our June-July SOMA Two Towns Newsletter has a number of articles providing information on cognitive challenges and brain health. The newsletter is available on line at our website now, somatwotownsforallages.org and should arrive in hard copy this week. As we stressed last month, we will continue to encourage all to get out, walk, and explore the wonderful parks and outdoor spaces in our communities. The Great Outdoors, whether a local park or the expansive South Mountain Reservation, is just a short walk or drive away. Take advantage of this easy access!
As June is National Fruits and Vegetables Month, we invite you to visit our local weekly farmers markets beginning June 1st in South Orange and June 6th in Maplewood. Each of these markets will continue weekly through the summer and into the fall. Audiobook instruction will be provided by both town libraries this month. Be sure to join those meetings so you can download the apps and listen to books during your walks.
Our towns will celebrate Juneteenth and Pride this month with several different activities for all to enjoy, adults, teens, and families.
Enjoy the month of June!
Wednesday, June 1st
Creative Writing: outdoors (weather permitting), 1 pm Free
South Orange Public Library
Join the library for a writing session that will get your creative juices flowing.
South Orange Farmers Market, Every Wednesday, 2 to 7 pm
Sloan Street Parking lot, South Orange
Come and get your farm fresh vegetables, honey, homemade sweets and other local delights.
LGTBQ Pride Month Flag Raising, 6 pm Free
South Orange Flag Pole, South Orange Ave and Irvington Avenue
Join residents and town officials as the rainbow flag is raised in honor of Pride Month.
Saturday, June 4th
Reservation Hike, 5-6 miles
Turtle Back & Hemlock Falls Hike w/ Ruth Borgenicht, 8 – 11 am
Registration is required. Register Here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-trails-day-turtle-back-hemlock-falls-hike-tickets-340799950827](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-trails-day-turtle-back-hemlock-falls-hike-tickets-340799950827) (registration closes Fri., June 3rd @ 5 pm)
ArtBender, 9 am to 5 pm Free
All Around South Orange
The final schedule including a full day of ArtBender and SoundBender events and performances happening in and around South Orange will be available soon. For a complete list of confirmed events and locations, please visit https://www.setonvillage.org/artbender-2022. A printable schedule of all art and music events will be available also.
Trail Work Crew Volunteer Day, 9 am – 12 pm Free
South Mountain Conservancy at the Reservation, Locust Grove Parking Lot, Millburn, NJ
The group will work on — and hopefully finishing up — the swampy trail extension up near the Crest Drive loop. This project with 100+ feet of new trail began in April. As the area is exposed to direct sunlight, to inhibit weed growth, volunteers will build a trail bed with a weed-suppressing fabric covered by a mixture of stone and sand.
Reservation Hike, 4-5 miles
Summer Hiking with Janine Beer, 9:30 am to 12 pm
Details & Registration Here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-trails-day-get-ready-for-summer-hiking-tickets-340828646657](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-trails-day-get-ready-for-summer-hiking-tickets-340828646657) (registration closes Fri., June 3 @ 5pm)
Tech Teens Helping Seniors, 10 am or 10:45 am Free
Need help using your gadgets? Let one of our teen volunteers help! Remember to charge and bring your tech device with you. Please call to make an appointment for the 10 am session or the 10:45 am session, 973-762-0230.
Signs of Pride, 11 am - 1:00 pm Free
The Woodland Parlor, The Woodland
Maplewood Arts and Culture presents Signs of Pride, a sign-making event for the MAPSO Equality March. Join us for some food and music and to make your own sign for the Sunday march!
Sunday, June 5th
North Jersey Pride Run, 9 am in South Orange, Free
Runners and walkers of all ages, speeds, and styles are welcome to participate in the Pride 5K! The run begins in Grove Park on South Orange Avenue. Registration is open, https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/SouthOrange/NorthJerseyPrideRun. For more details, visit North Jersey Pride Run | northjerseypride.
MAPSO Equality March, 12 pm - 1:30 pm Free
Maplewood Village
Meet in Ricalton Square at 12 pm and march through Maplewood Village to Town Hall. This event will be immediately followed by the Youth Pride Picnic at the Gazebo on Springfield Avenue.
Monday, June 6th
Maplewood Farmers Market, 2 pm – 7 pm
Springfield and Indiana Avenues, every Monday
Get farm fresh vegetables, fruits, and other homemade treats.
Tuesday, June 7th
Maplewood Senior Center and Library Lunch and Learn, 11 am Free
Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Avenue
Come and learn about the summer events and activities at the library. Get hands on assistance with creating digital and audio accounts to read and listen to books. Please call the Maplewood Senior Center to register, 973-763-0750.
G(r)ay Matter Book Group 7 – 8 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
Their Pride Month title is Spellbound: a Graphic Memoir by Bishakh Som. Register in advance, https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkf--hqD4iGtdU_k1dkmnA3WP9R72TpTEJ.
Wednesday, June 8th
Ziti Lunch, 12 pm, $10
DeHart Community Center
Join the Maplewood seniors for a delicious lunch and great conversation with friends and neighbors. Please call the Maplewood Senior Center to register, 973-763-0750.
Thursday, June 9th
Special Conversations lecture series, 6 pm Free
South Orange Public Library
Carley Moore, Novelist, author of Panpocalypse (Feminist Press, 2022) will talk about "Panpocalypse: Centering LGBTQ+ Voices at the End of the World”
All sessions are hybrid unless noted, in-person and virtual (Zoom ID: 395 843 189)
Books Now and Then Book Group, 7 pm (in-person and virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
The Pride Month title is Just Kids by Patti Smith. Register in advance, https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcO6ppz4vEtx7F5Bs9kj8IAg9QKLNqpK4.
Friday, June 10th
Big Queer Prom, 7 – 10 pm Free
The Woodland, Maplewood
Maplewood Arts and Culture, in partnership with Rainbow Youth Alliance and North Jersey Pride, present Big Queer Prom, a free, public party for LGBTQ+ folks and allies of all ages. An evening of food, music, and community. Come show your pride and dress to impress.
Saturday, June 11th
Yarn & Fiber Arts Group, 10 am –noon Free
Maplewood Library Hilton, Branch, 1688 Springfield Ave
An in-person gathering for people who knit, crochet, quilt, sew, embroider or do other creative things with yarn or fabric. Bring your project with you.
The Future is Queer: Challenges and Triumphs, 5 – 7 pm Free
The Woodland, Maplewood
This program features a roundtable discussion with LGBTQ+ activists Reginald Bledsoe, Danielle Scott, Kristyn Scorsone, and Kevin Valdes and their perspectives on what the future holds for queer and trans people in the arts, academia, civil service and family life, the progress made in these respective fields, as well as the challenges faced going forward.
Sunday, June 12th
North Jersey Pride Festival, 12 – 6 pm Free
Memorial Park Amphitheatre, 580 Valley St, Maplewood
Enjoy the live stage, 100+ merchant vendors, and the famous 5-star food court featuring outstanding fare from local culinary artisans, plus a huge Rainbow Kids Zone with inflatables, games and a live interaction kids stage! Check out this link for a schedule of events throughout the day, The 2022 North Jersey Pride Festival! | northjerseypride.
Monday, June 13th
Computer Class: Microsoft Word Basics, 10 am to 11:30 am Free
South Orange Public Library
Learn how to use Microsoft Word to create documents. Please call to register, 973-762-0230.
Tuesday, June 14th
Six Pillars of Brain Health, 11 am Free
Maplewood Senior Center, 106 Burnett Ave, Maplewood
Lifestyle has a profound impact on your brain health. What you eat and drink, how much you exercise, how well you sleep, the way you socialize, and how you manage stress are all critically important to your brain health. Learn how to manage them to enhance your brain health. You will get a brief overview explaining dementia, followed by a deeper dive listing its types and most common forms. Included will be the causes and risk factors of this disease. The 6 Pillars of Brain Health offers an approach to combat the onset of dementia. The program identifies six simple but effective lifestyle changes individuals can take to reduce their risk of dementia.
Fact or Fiction: How to Find Accurate Health Information Online, 7 – 8 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
How do you know which of the many sites in your search have reliable information? Join the library to learn how to:
- access authoritative health websites
- evaluate health information shared on social media
- check your doctors’ licenses and board certifications
- find reliable alternative medicine websites
Presented by Brittany Haliani, Director of Library Services at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. REGISTER HERE.
Wednesday, June 15th
West Orange Walk in O’Connor Park for Older Adults, 9:30 am Free
Meeting location will be available soon. This is a great way to meet seniors from neighboring towns and to become familiar with new parks. Water and breakfast bars will be provided.
Mini Hearing Health Fair, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Free
SOPAC Loft, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange
Learn about the latest technology available to assist with hearing and get a free hearing screening to determine your potential need for assistive devices. Contact SOMA Two Towns to schedule a screening appointment, soma2towns@gmail.com or 973-558-0863.
Read Around the World: Cambodia 7 – 8 pm (virtual) Free
Maplewood Library
The Pride Month title is Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So.
Thursday, June 16th
Sister Act at the Paper Mill Playhouse, 11 am, $70
Based on the hit film, this feel good musical comedy is filled with great music, incredible dancing, and a compelling story that will touch your heart. Call 973-763-0750 to register.
Friday, June 17th
Special Conversations lecture series, 1 pm (virtual only) Free
South Orange Public Library
Fred Swanson, former Executive Director of Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center, will talk about "Reflecting on 20 Years Leading an LGBTQ+ Center"
Paint & Sip: Juneteenth Community Art Project, 5 – 7:30 pm Free
Spiotta Park, 20-32 Village Plaza, South Orange
You’ll be given a 12”x12” board which is your pixel of the larger piece of art commemorating Juneteenth. Experienced leaders will guide and inspire you in painting your piece with patterns or images representative of Juneteenth. DJ Roc will provide music to paint and groove to. Dancing is absolutely permitted! All supplies provided. Bring your own refreshments. Registration is required, Juneteenth Community Paint and Sip Tickets, Fri, Jun 17, 2022 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite. This event culminates on Sunday. See June 19th events.
An Evening with Blue Sphere Jazz in the Village, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Free
Maplewood Village
Bring a chair or blanket, order some take-out, and enjoy the Maplewood Village Summer Streets with Blue Sphere Jazz!
Saturday, June 18th
Tech Teens Helping Seniors, 10 am or 10:45 am Free
Need help using your gadgets? Let one of our teen volunteers help! Remember to charge and bring your tech device with you. Please call to make an appointment for the 10 am session or the 10:45 am session, 973-762-0230.
MAPSO Celebrates Juneteenth, 5 – 9 pm Free
Maplewood Memorial Park Amphitheatre - Opposite the Maplewood Train Station.
Readings and performances by Ras Heru, Donyah Michelle, Rachelle Parker, SOMA Justice, Jane, Autumn Jones, and more. Food, fun, and fireworks. Bring a blanket and enjoy the evening.
Sunday, June 19th
Celebrate Juneteenth, 1 – 6 pm Free
Durand-Hedden House and Garden, 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood
Bring the whole family to celebrate Juneteenth and the end of slavery. Learn about the history of slavery in NJ, learn from Nubian quilters, enjoy musical performances, making paper quilts, face painting, storytelling and historical reenactments.
Juneteenth Community Art Project Unveiling, 2 – 4 pm Free
SOPAC Lobby, South Orange
Join Paint & Sip participants and the community for the Juneteenth Community Art Project Celebration and Unveiling. Come see how your individual creation contributed to the finished project. Live music with Dre Barnes Trio. Light bites, and refreshments available.
Tuesday, June 21st
Positive Aging Lunch and Learn, 11 am Free
Come learn ways to modify your lifestyle to enhance your wellbeing as you age. The presentation will be followed by a healthy lunch. Please call the Maplewood Senior Center to register, 973-763-0750.
Wednesday, June 22nd
Beach Meditation Day at Avon-By-The-Sea, 9:30 am – 4 pm
Enjoy a peaceful day at the Jersey Shore. Transportation is free. You will be on your own for lunch. The bus leaves from the DeHart Community Center. Call 973-763-0750 to reserve a spot.
Thursday, June 23rd
In Person Author Talk with Sara Farrington, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Free
Maplewood Hilton Branch, 1688 Springfield Ave
Join the library for a talk with the author of The Lost Conversation: Interviews with an Enduring Avant-Garde.
Special Conversations lecture series, 4 pm Free
South Orange Public Library
Speakers are Joy Peskin,Editorial Director of Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers and Division Vice President of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Michael Barakiva, novelist, author of One Man Guy and Hold My Hand. Topic is "Queer Love Scenes and Cross Collaborations". All sessions are hybrid unless noted, in-person and virtual (Zoom ID: 395 843 189)
Poetics of Pride, 7 – 9 pm Free
The Woodland, Maplewood
Celebrate the lived experiences of queer and trans folks through poetry, giving word to their resistance and resilience. Open Mic to Follow.
Friday, June 24th
Maplewood Drag Dance Party, 7 – 9 pm Free
Maplewood Village. Prizes for the best drag outfit!
Monday, June 27th
Computer Class: Digital Books and the South Orange Public Library, 10 – 11:30 am Free
Get hands on assistance with creating free digital and audio accounts to read and listen to books at your convenience. Come and learn about the summer events and activities at the library. Please call to register, 973-762-0230.
Summer Reading 2022: Celebrate Reading with Oceans of Possibilities Free
South Orange Public Library, South Orange
More than 80 programs for all ages, beginning Monday, June 27. Check out the Library website for more information, Events for June 2022 – South Orange Public Library (sopl.org).
Tuesday, June 28th
In Person Book Discussion Group, 7 pm Free
Read the compelling novel, "American Dirt," by Jeanine Cummins, and enjoy the lively discussion. The meeting will be in person in the library meeting room. Please email Nancy Janow with questions, njanow@sopl.org.
Wednesday, June 29th
Navesink Queen Paddle Wheel Boat Lunch and Lighthouse Tour, 10 am – 4 pm, $70
The day includes a light lunch on a genuine paddle boat with a tour of the Historic Twin Lights in the Highlands and weather permitting the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. The bus departs from the DeHart Community Center. Call 973-763-0750 to reserve a spot.
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