HELLO MAY!

THE SEASON OF COMMUNITY IS BLOOMING IN SOMA

Maplewood & South Orange come alive this month with spring events, local businesses, outdoor fun, arts, food, family activities, and fresh new beginnings all across our amazing community!

Spring has officially arrived, and our communities are buzzing with energy, creativity, and connection.

Whether you’re looking for family fun, live entertainment, outdoor dining, or community happenings, there’s something exciting for everyone this May.

•  Take a stroll through town and enjoy the beautiful spring flowers and warmer weather.

1.  Catch local performances and exciting shows at SOPAC and community venues.
2. Visit your favorite local coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants offering delicious spring specials.
3. Support local businesses that help keep Maplewood and South Orange thriving.
4.  Enjoy dog-friendly parks, outdoor adventures, and spring walks with the family.

☀️ THIS WEEK’S MAPLEWOOD SPRING WEATHER

“Perfect weather to explore Maplewood & South Orange this week — support local, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of spring in SOMA!”

🎭 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

This month, local arts and performances are taking center stage across SOMA!

Community theater, youth performances, live music, and family entertainment are bringing neighbors together and showcasing the incredible talent throughout our towns.

Be sure to check out upcoming events and support the performers, artists, and organizations helping keep our creative community strong.

Anticipation is growing in South Orange and Maplewood as the Class Act Performing Arts Studio readies its vibrant production of "The Wizard of Oz" at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), running from May 8 to May 10, 2026.

Audiences will follow Dorothy Gale's magical adventure from Kansas to Oz, with unforgettable songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead!”

Seventy talented young actors, ages 7 to 14, from local and nearby communities bring this classic tale to life with energy and heart.

After weeks of dedicated rehearsals, these students are ready to enchant viewers of every age.

Showtimes include Friday at 5 PM, Saturday at 11 AM and 5 PM, and Sunday at 1 PM.

Secure your tickets online and experience local talent shining in a beloved musical adventure.

Voters in Maplewood’s Districts 1, 3, and 6 will see a new polling location for the June 2 primary election.

Ballots will now be cast at the Maplewood Memorial Library’s recently updated community room, found at 51 Baker Street.

This move away from Maplewood Town Hall was made to improve voter privacy and comfort.

Township Clerk Liz Fritzen announced the location change at the April 21 committee meeting and highlighted plans for widespread social media updates.

The deadline to register for the upcoming primary election is May 12.

The community room, named after Vic De Luca, will have all references to his name covered during voting since he is a candidate.

Residents can find detailed voting information on Maplewood’s official website or by contacting the Township Clerk’s Office.

The South Orange-Maplewood School District has unveiled a proposed $200 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year.

The plan calls for cutting 23 full-time positions, mostly through attrition, and five via reductions in force.

A 6% hike in the local tax levy is included, surpassing the usual 2% cap because of rising healthcare expenses and larger student enrollment.

During the April 23 Board of Education meeting, Meredith Higgins called for more transparency in the budgeting process and urged that advisory committees become more accessible to residents.

Finance Chair Malini Nayar raised concerns about rushed timelines and asked for a standardized future process.

The district is navigating leadership changes as Business Administrator Imani Moody departs, with Frank Ceurvels taking over on an interim basis.

The public hearing and budget vote will happen May 4 at 525 Academy Street.

Residents are encouraged to participate, as these decisions will shape local schools and finances.

Maplewood marked Arbor Day with fresh urban forestry initiatives, bringing residents together to nurture greener neighborhoods.

On April 24, locals gathered in Maplewood Park for a tree planting ceremony, symbolizing the town’s focus on sustainability and reverence for nature.

This year’s celebration not only spotlighted Arbor Day but also paid tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States, emphasizing the continuous importance of trees throughout American history.

Officially designated a Tree City USA, Maplewood’s commitment to urban forest management stands out in the region.

The recognition highlights widespread community efforts to expand the local tree canopy, promising cleaner air and a healthier future.

Residents are invited to upcoming hands-on planting events and workshops to learn more about tree stewardship.

By joining in, community members support Maplewood’s ongoing journey toward a more vibrant, sustainable home for all.