 Good morning, Maplewood - we hope your 2026 is off to a good start. If you saw the article this week on local residents struggling with rising healthcare premiums, our Health Dept. has created a quick facts sheet that outlines available resources which you'll find under News & Notes this week. Meanwhile, the Township is drumming up a summer of local fun surrounding the 2026 World Cup which lands in nearby East Rutherford this summer. Read the full press release here.
2026 TC MEETINGS SCHEDULE
In 2026, resolve to be in the room where it happens. Twice a month, our Township Committee meets at Town Hall to discuss local laws, budgets, zoning & more - and every meeting has a designated public comment period for residents to weigh in. If you cannot make it in person, you can join us by Zoom @MaplewoodNJ.gov/Zoom or view the recording later on Youtube @MaplewdoodTownshipTV.
2026 Christmas Tree Pickup is happening this month. Details, map & rules from our friends at Dept. of Public Works (DPW) can be found here.
NOMINATE A LOCAL (S)HERO
Know that local lady who goes above & beyond in our community? SOMA wants to hear about her. Nominations are open to the public for SOMA’s 2026 UNSUNG SHEROES—an annual celebration recognizing local women who make a difference in their fields and our community. Categories include Advocacy, Public Service & Community Impact; Arts & Culture; Education; Business, Entrepreneurship & Leadership; and Youth Leadership. Submit your nomination here by Jan. 31.
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SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Fun fact: you don't need to be a senior to join our Senior Advisory Committee! This vibrant, all-ages committee is currently on the hunt for 6 new members ranging in age. The committee meets at 6pm every other month on Thursdays (by Zoom in the winter and in person the rest of the year). Apply online here or call the Maplewood Clerk's Office at (973) 762-8120 for more information on our Township Boards & Committees.
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JUST LIKE A GIRL*
Just Like A Girl* is back! The Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture invites young female artists, ages 10 - 20, to submit their artwork for Just Like A Girl*, a collaborative exhibition at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center in celebration of Women’s History Month. The exhibition, running from March 7th - March 29th, 2026, aims to challenge stereotypes and showcase the creativity, strength, and vision of young female artists. Apply here today.
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2026 SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
As Mikie Sherrill prepares to serve as governor of New Jersey, she leaves a vacancy in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. The Special Primary Election is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, and the County has posted early voting locations here. Find key dates, deadlines & more on our Clerk's Office 2026 Election Quick Facts page.
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TOWNSHIP 101: IRVINGTON AVENUE CORRIDOR
In a December Township 101, Mayor Nancy Adams took us us on a whirlwind tour of one of Maplewood’s under-the-radar business districts, the Irvington Avenue Corridor (where Parker Ave. connects with Clinton Ave. & Irvington Ave. on our Eastern border). From delicious sushi to cozy Italian and a beloved barber shop, Mayor Adams shows us the rounds. Check out the video here.
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Narnia, The Musical
This January, the Strollers present Narnia, the Musical. Four children—siblings—stumble upon (and through) a wardrobe and into the magical kingdom of Narnia. In this spellbound landscape, filled with creatures of myth and fable, the children face temptation and fear, but learn deep lessons of courage, unselfishness & wisdom that help them grow in spirit and prepare them for life in our world. Based on the magical book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, and directed by Beth Seales Hanson. Buy your tickets today.
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MPD LAUNCHES BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM TO ASSIST DRIVERS WITH AUTISM: Maplewood Police Department is launching the Blue Envelope Program this January to create safer interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism during routine traffic stops. Autistic drivers are issued a distinct blue envelope to store essential driving documents (e.g. driver’s license, registration, insurance information), which serves as an immediate visual cue to the officer to modify their communication approach. To receive a Blue Envelope, stop by the Police Department at 1618 Springfield Avenue; or email Officer Byron Lewin at Blewin@maplewoodnj.gov (Subject Line: Blue Envelope).
NJ HEALTH INSURANCE QUICK FACTS: Understanding the state health insurance application process is daunting, but it's important to take advantage of the open enrollment period, which runs through Jan. 31, 2026. To support residents, the Health Dept. has created a state insurance quick facts sheet that outlines available resources, including information on free health insurance navigators who can assist with applications. For more information, visit Get Covered NJ.
2026 JITNEY & PARKING PASSES: Planning on taking the Jitney or driving your car to the train station this year? Make sure you purchase your 2026 passes today.
2026 RECYCLING CALENDAR: The 2026 Recycling Calendar is now in printable format for thy fridge. For weekly reminders on recycling, follow us on social media or download TC Member Nancy Adams' favorite recycling reminder app: https://www.recyclecoach.com.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER MONTH: Did you know January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month? Find treatment plans & resources that work for you at www.findtreatment.gov. Whether you are thinking about starting your recovery journey or supporting a loved one, visit Maplewood Township's dedicated Substance Use and Mental Health landing page (https://www.maplewoodnj.gov/government/public-health-social-services/health-topics/alcohol-tobacco-drug-abuse) for a list of organizations that can assist with the recovery process.
2026 PET LICENSES: Pet licenses are required by ordinance in Maplewood. 2026 applications are open, and due by January 31, 2026. Head to www.maplewoodnj.gov/pets to get your application in today.
To stay connected to Maplewood Township, follow us on Instagram and Facebook & sign up for Official Township News here. On our town website, you'll find a running list of our Township's resolutions & ordinances, as well as agendas, minutes, upcoming meetings and more.
Our Division of Arts & Culture is always humming with events. To stay up to date on their lineup of events, head to their website to sign up their newsletter & follow them on Instagram.
Interested in youth sports, recreation, the Maplewood Pool & senior services? You'll want to sign up for the Community Services newsletter to stay up to date on this department's many fun offerings for seniors, kids and adults. Their website is here & you can follow them on Instagram.
Want to follow Maplewood Library? Head to their website where you can sign up for their newsletter & follow them on Instagram here.
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