Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Step inside Maplewood’s new ‘Delightfully Strange’ art show this October

Coming up on the Maplewood Patch calendar: Stand With the Formosa 2! Oppose Plastic Pollution & Support 2 Activists Arrested at Formosa…

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Good day Maplewood! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Maplewood PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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In today's newsletter:

  • Step inside Maplewood's new 'Delightfully Strange' art show this October
  • How Maplewood is bracing for SNAP and Medicaid changes this week
  • How Maplewood is celebrating 50 years of Rocky Horror this fall

Also on today's calendar: Stand With the Formosa 2! Oppose Plastic Pollution & Support 2 Activists Arrested at Formosa Plastic and 13 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a one-legged Big Foot? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Variable cloudiness, with a high of 70 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Pleasant with periods of sun, temps: high: 75, low: 60.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and more humid, with a high of 80 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The Art Generators Present 'Delightfully Strange', Opening Oct. 2 on Newark Way (villagegreennj.com) — Maplewood art lovers can explore "Delightfully Strange," a new group exhibition opening Friday, October 2, from 6–8 p.m. at The Art Generators' pop-up gallery on Newark Way. The free show, running through October with evening hours Thursday–Sunday, highlights unusual and affordable works by local and regional artists, and TAG is already inviting Maplewood creators to submit pieces for November's "Roots" exhibit.
   

2. Local Safety Net Programs Brace for Cuts in SNAP and Medicaid as Oct. 1 Nears (villagegreennj.com) — Maplewood residents relying on Medicaid or SNAP should prepare for October 1 federal changes that could cut coverage and food benefits, while putting more strain on local services. The Maplewood Health Department is expanding Community Food Access hours, free health screenings, and partnerships at its Community Support Center and Senior Center, and nonprofits across Essex County are bracing to serve more neighbors in need.
   

3. Maplewood Strollers presents 50th Anniversary Screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" with live Shadowcast (newjerseystage.com) — Maplewood residents can plan ahead for a raucous night out when the Maplewood Strollers host a 50th anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast at the Burgdorff Center on Saturday, November 7. The interactive show starts at 7 p.m., with $10 tickets, audience participation kits, and special recognition for anyone dressed as Frank-N-Furter.
   

4. Essex County Daily Buzz: Sep. 28, 2026 (jerseybee.org) — Maplewood residents have several key events this week, including a mobile MVC unit at the Maplewood Community Center and a youth art workshop at the 1978 Maplewood Arts Center, both on Oct. 2. Maplewood Avenue will also close for a 'Summer Streets' pedestrian plaza on Oct. 3, alongside library programs and a South Orange-Maplewood social skills group for young children.
   

5. R&B Singer SZA Inducted To New Jersey Hall Of Fame (hot97.com) — Maplewood can claim a new Hall of Famer: R&B star SZA, who grew up locally and attended Columbia High School, has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame's Class of 2026. Her honor recognizes multiple Grammys, record-breaking tours, and billions of streams, tying Maplewood's name to one of contemporary music's most influential artists.
   

📸 Around Maplewood

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📣 Maplewood Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Three October workshops invite New Jersey adults to explore pottery and mixed media collage —Express Yourself Studios Read on Patch
  • Bluemercury posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Sales Associate, Millburn in Millburn. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew Member Overnight in East Orange. 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: Hop Squatch! (Thank you Terri R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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