Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Columbia High’s new schedule impact Maplewood students this year?

Also check out KNIFE: The Attempted Murder of Salmon Rushdie (documentary) on the Maplewood Patch calendar

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Hello Maplewood! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Columbia High's new schedule impact Maplewood students this year?
  • When county trucks will collect Maplewood's curbside leaf piles this fall
  • How SOPAC plans to keep South Orange–Maplewood's arts scene thriving.

Also on today's calendar: KNIFE: The Attempted Murder of Salmon Rushdie (documentary) and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A passing afternoon shower, with a high of 84 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 71, low: 55.
  • Sunday: Chance of a little p.m. rain, with a high of 64 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Student Reps Relay Effects of CHS Scheduling Changes on AP Courses, Lunch Logistics (villagegreennj.com) — Columbia High School students in the South Orange-Maplewood district say this year's new schedule is cutting AP instruction time and creating hot, overcrowded, and sometimes unsanitary lunch conditions that especially affect Maplewood families. District leaders are weighing how to balance equity goals, academic rigor, and basic needs like lab time, seating, and cleanup as winter approaches and more students stay on campus for lunch.
   

2. When Will Essex County Pick Up Leaves? See the 2026 Schedule. (montclairlocal.news) — Maplewood residents on Essex County roads can start planning fall cleanup now that the county has set leaf pickup for Nov. 2-6, Nov. 30-Dec. 4, and Dec. 28-31. You can either bag leaves in biodegradable bags or rake them to the curb, but be sure to keep piles away from storm drains and only put them out within a week of collection.
   

3. SOPAC's Doors Are Open: South Orange Performing Arts Center Reaffirms Its Commitment to Artists and Community (villagegreennj.com) — South Orange Performing Arts Center is reaffirming its role as a cultural home for South Orange, Maplewood, and nearby towns, with its 21st season in full swing. Residents can enjoy concerts, comedy, family shows, gallery exhibits, and school programs, all designed to keep world-class arts close to home and support the local South Orange–Maplewood economy and community life.
   

4. SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts New Jersey (Nov 13 – Nov 22, 2026) (broadwayworld.com) — Maplewood theater lovers can catch a full production of Sweeney Todd this November, presented by the long-running Maplewood Strollers at the Burgdorff Center. With discounted tickets for students and seniors, the volunteer-run company aims to keep high-quality live theater accessible while strengthening Maplewood's arts scene and community connections.
   

5. 50th Anniversary Screening of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW with LIVE Shadowcast! at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts New Jersey (Nov 7, 2026) (broadwayworld.com) — Maplewood film and theater fans can celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadowcast screening hosted by the Maplewood Strollers this November. With audience participation kits, costumes encouraged, and a special nod to Tim Curry, the volunteer-run troupe aims to deliver an energetic, affordable night out that keeps live arts vibrant in Maplewood.
   

📸 Around Maplewood

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Maplewood

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📣 Maplewood Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • CHS Field Hockey celebrates its 50th year —Nicky Lazar Read on Patch
  • BATHHOUSE posted a job opening for Women's Locker Room Attendant in Maplewood. Apply here.
  • Albertsons Company posted a job opening for Deli Clerk in Kenilworth. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Maplewood here.

Ok Maplewood! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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