🌱 MAPLEWOOD DAILY: Everything That's Happening Today (Friday)

Hey, Maplewood! It's Friday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Clouds breaking and warm. High: 80 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Maplewood and surrounding towns:

1. Enter the SOMA Halloween Storefront Decorating Contest (Instagram)
2. SOPAC Gala To Be Presented Virtually And In-Person At Drew University (Baristanet)
3. Italian Culture Celebrated In Essex County (Patch)
4. Pet parades will be held in Essex County this month, including in Montclair (click here) and in Cranford (Patch)
5. South Orange Advertises for Bond Lawyer | SOMA, NJ News TAPinto (TAPinto.net)
6. Still Searching For Suspect In Case Of Maplewood Grandmother Killed In Newark (Maplewood Patch)

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Today in Maplewood:

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Maplewood Patch Notebook

• Maplewood Village: "Halloween Storefront Decorating Contest!! Enter the SOMA Chamber of Commerce Halloween Storefront Decorating Contest!👻 It's free and will give you a chance to show your spooky decor off! Plus, you'll be featured on our Interactive Map..." (Instagram)
• South Mountain YMCA, NJ: "It's that time of year- FLU SHOT time! We will be holding an OUTDOOR Flu Shot Clinic on Monday October 18th from 11am- 1pm in our ECLC parking lot located at 10 West Parker Avenue. For 18+ only- must bring insurance card and ID. Help kee..." (Facebook)
• Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter: "Thank you, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., for your special message of support for all participants of the Bergen-Passaic Walk to End Alzheimer's. Don't worry, there's still time to join us on October 17! Register today at: http://alz.or..." (Facebook)
• South Mountain YMCA, NJ: "Today, Oct. 11, marks National Coming Out Day and also the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Today we celebrate those who have come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Not everyone's..." (Facebook)
• Maplewood Village: "Are you ready for the @somachamberofcommerce Halloween House Decorating Contest 🎃 Local residents are invited to enter the "best decorated house" contest and be among the creepiest and and most frightful sights in SOMA. Click the l..." (Instagram)
• South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race: "Take time today to learn more about The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation here: https://nlltribe.com/about-us/" (Facebook)
• Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter: "Join us virtually on November 4, during National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, for a two-part program, roundtable and community discussion on the relationship between sleep and brain health featuring a presentation by Geriatrician..." (Facebook)
• The Valerie Fund: "This beautiful weather has us reflecting on a great day in Verona Park! Check out this awesome blog post for a great recap! #becauseofvalerie #forthekids http://blog.thevaleriefund.org/great-day-at-the-2021-valerie-fund-walk-5k" (Facebook)
• Maplewood Memorial Library: "Join @rocknessmusic for a unique, roof-raising celebration featuring live, original music, drums, guitars, world instruments, and dramatic play! Wed. 10/20 @ 4pm. This event will be held in person, outdoors outside the Hilton Branch Libr..." (Facebook)

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Events:

• "The Play That Goes Wrong" — Broadway's Funniest Smash Hit Is Back! (October 15)
• NJ's Guide to Medicare 2022: Webinar (October 18)
• Braven Health Medicare Advantage Plans (October 19)
• Clover Health Medicare Advantage Plans (October 20)
• Inktober Community Art Project (October 29)
• Add your event

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around. If you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe. — Caren Lissner

About me: Hi! I'm a lifelong New Jersey resident who grew up in Matawan/Aberdeen, Freehold, and Old Bridge. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in the 1990s and now live in Hoboken. After college, I spent 20 years as a beat reporter and editor at a newspaper chain in Hudson County, and have written for the Washington Post and Atlantic.com. I've also published two novels, one of which was adapted into a nerdy romantic comedy that's currently streaming on Netflix (called Carrie Pilby). I believe in the power of local journalism to do so much good in large and small ways. Reach me at caren.lissner@patch.com

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Maplewood Daily? You can email me at caren.lissner@patch.com.