Age Friendly SOMA Dec 2nd Happenings!

Maplewood Township, NJ

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This week’s weather forecast indicates nightly weather temperatures will fall below 32 degrees, prompting Essex County to declare a Code Blue for the following dates: Monday, December 1, 2025, thru Monday, December 8, 2025 (Nights Only: 8pm - 8am).

During regular business hours, residents in need of warmth are encouraged to head to our new Maplewood Memorial Library (51 Baker St., www.maplewoodlibrary.org), Hilton Branch Library (1688 Springfield Ave., www.maplewoodlibrary.org), or Town Hall (574 Valley St., www.maplewoodnj.gov).

Any resident in need of a heating center overnight can take refuge at the Municipal Court/Police Headquarters (1618 Springfield Avenue). Visitors will be directed to the court room until the overnight warming center at the DeHart Community Center is open and staffed, and residents can be transported over.

Residents may also call the Police Department to report others who are without adequate heat or shelter and may need assistance. In emergency situations please call 9-1-1. In non-emergency situations please call Maplewood Police Department’s non-emergency line at (973) 762-1234.

Please save this information for future reference on Code Blues throughout the season; and you can also find this information on our website at www.maplewoodnj.gov/residents/code-blue.

Meet the New SOMA Social Worker, Alli Joseph

As the year draws to a close, there are still new beginnings to celebrate. SOMA has a

new part-time social work case manager for older adults, Alli Joseph!

Alli is an MSW (Masters in Social Work). She is also a Maplewood resident for almost 14 years and has raised her family here. With a background in journalism and oral history preservation, Alli loves hearing clients’ stories! She puts her listening skills to use as a social worker assisting older adults in maintaining their independence - while utilizing professional and volunteer support within the community. Working collaboratively with the South Orange and Maplewood Health Departments, Administration, SOMA Two Towns for All Ages, and other programs in the area for older adults, Alli will help connect residents to home assistance, community and government resources, local activities and events, financial

assistance, transportation, housing assistance, mental health and medical services and assistance combating food insecurity. She looks forward to meeting all of you, and can be reached at 973.986.4321, or via email at SOMASocialWorker@southorange.org

Alli’s hours in SOMA are Mondays, 9 am-5 pm and Wednesdays 9 am-5 pm

She is taking meetings by appointment.

3-5 PM - Holiday Moments & Santa Photos:

Join us at Village Hall Restaurant 101 S Orange Ave (upstairs) for a fun filled afternoon and get your free photo with Santa by professional photographer, Samori Etienne. Enjoy themed games, crafts, and a holiday education station presented by the South Orange Public Library.

5 PM- Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festivities continue with our annual tree lighting ceremony in front of 76 S Orange Ave. Starting at 5PM, there will be special performances from the Columbia High School Choir and the dance team at Concepts Dance Academy. The tree lighting will begin at 5:30PM. Plus don’t miss hot chocolate and treats back at Village Hall immediately following the tree lighting.

Maplewood Township, NJ

These are events in both South Orange and Maplewood. We hope to see you

out and about!