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Essex County

New York City Metropolitan Area

South Orange

New Jersey

Maplewood

Eric Kiefer

West Orange

Millburn-Short Hills

Newark

Livingston

Union County

Springfield

Bloomfield

Montclair

Summit

Cranford

Alzheimer’s New Jersey® will host its annual Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s® on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange. The event will begin at the Clipper Pavilion and bring the community together to raise awareness and funds for programs supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Day-of registration will open at 9:00 a.m. followed by a kick-off rally at 10:00 a.m. The walk will officially begin at 10:30 a.m. Participants will enjoy a scenic walk around the Orange Reservoir. There will be music, entertainment, refreshments, and door prizes.
Funds raised from the event will support Alzheimer’s New Jersey® programs, including a statewide Helpline, family support groups, community and caregiver education and the Respite Care and Wellness program. These services provide essential guidance, emotional support, and relief for caregivers navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. 
“We invite everyone to walk with us. There will be lots of energy and fun,” said Ken Zaentz, President and CEO of Alzheimer’s New Jersey®. “More than 600,000 people in New Jersey are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Families rely on Alzheimer’s New Jersey® for personal and confidential assistance, education, and support. As the number of families impacted continues to grow, community support is more important than ever.”
As part of Essex County’s Essex Cares program, Alzheimer’s New Jersey® will offer event attendees a special benefit on the day of the walk only. With proof of participation, attendees will receive $5 admission each to the Turtle Back Zoo, Mini Safari Golf, and Codey Arena.
There is no fee to register for the walk; however, fundraising is strongly encouraged and vital to sustaining the organization’s programs. All registered walkers will receive a promotional item the day of the event, and those who raise $75 or more will receive a complimentary event t-shirt. Dogs are welcome, provided they are leashed.
Participants can register in advance by visiting <a href="https://www.alznj.org/walk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.alznj.org/walk</a>.
For more information about the Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s® or Alzheimer’s New Jersey® programs, please call the toll-free Helpline at 888-280-6055 or visit <a href="https://www.alznj.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.alznj.org</a>.
About Alzheimer’s New Jersey®
Based in Roseland, Alzheimer’s New Jersey® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for New Jersey residents impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The organization works to improve quality of life and ease the challenges that caregivers face in caring for loved ones with the disease. Alzheimer’s New Jersey is not the Alzheimer’s Association.

Local Event: Alzheimer's New Jersey® to Host Walk to Fight Alzheimer's®

Alzheimer's New Jersey® to Host Walk to Fight...

Alzheimer’s New Jersey® will host its annual Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s® on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at South Mountain Reservation...

Alzheimer's New Jersey® to Host Walk to Fight Alzheimer's®

1886 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040

Sunday, May 17, 2026 • 11 AM – 5 PM 
Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ (Prospect St to Rutgers St) 
GPS: 1886 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040
<h2>What's Happening!</h2>
Springfield Avenue comes alive for the Annual MayFest Street Fair, a full‑day Live Music Singer Celebration hosted by Lynette Sheard. Enjoy Jazz, Blues, Broadway, and original music from beloved local bands while exploring ten blocks of food, vendors, and family fun.
The fair draws over 2,000 visitors annually, making it one of Maplewood’s most vibrant community events.
<h2>Music &amp; Entertainment</h2>
<ul><li>Emcee: <a href="https://lynettelive.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lynette Sheard</a></li><li>Genres: Jazz • Blues • Broadway • Original Music</li><li>Sound Support: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/newjerseydjservices/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">New Jersey DJ Services LLC</a> (all‑day coverage)</li><li>Special Feature: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWbV0bKDlxH/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The NY/NJ Soccer Bus</a> — on site with giveaways and fan engagement throughout the day.</li></ul>
<h2>Live Music Performances</h2>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.alleycatsax.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alex Desrivieres Jam Band</a></li><li><a href="https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/manuela-zapata-singer/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Manuela Zapata</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/yasmeena.atia/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Yasmeena Sharif</a></li><li><a href="https://www.badiafarha.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Badia Farha</a></li><li><a href="https://lynettelive.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lynette Sheard Live</a></li><li><a href="https://www.laurievega.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Laurie Vega</a></li><li><a href="https://www.davideaston.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">David Easton Band</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nwkjazzyjohnson/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jacqueline Harmon Johnson</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/newjerseydjservices/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">New Jersey DJ Services LLC</a></li></ul>
Live Music: Produced by <a href="https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/all-gregory-burrus-productions-events/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gregory Burrus Productions</a>

<h2>Community Partners</h2>
This year’s live music celebration is supported by:
<ul><li><a href="https://www.njpac.org/about/community-engagement/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Community Engagement Jazz Advisory Council</a></li><li><a href="https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/newark/visit-study/institute-jazz-studies" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rutgers University–Newark, Institute of Jazz Studies</a></li><li><a href="https://www.mhanj.org/about-lynette-sheard/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Inc.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.springfieldavenue.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Springfield Avenue Partnership (SAM)</a></li><li><a href="https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/all-gregory-burrus-productions-events/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gregory Burrus Productions</a></li></ul>
<h2>Plan Your Visit</h2>
Come early walk around, secure a meal, bring a chair, relax, and enjoy the music with friends and family. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot.
Admission: Free &amp; open to the public
Parking: Street and municipal lots nearby

Local Event: MayFest 2026: Live Music Singer Celebration on Springfield Avenue

MayFest 2026: Live Music Singer Celebration on...

Sunday, May 17, 2026 • 11 AM – 5 PM  
Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ (Prospect St to Rutgers St)  
GPS: 1886 Springfield...

MayFest 2026: Live Music Singer Celebration on Springfield Avenue

First Lutheran Church of Montclair

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! NO&nbsp;AUDITIONS. Summer season starts Tuesday, May 19, 7pm, at the First Lutheran Church of Montclair. This summer our theme is “Music From the Movies”, including Footloose, Grease, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing, James Bond, Hair, and many more.&nbsp;Come try it out risk-free! Find your voice. Feed your spirit. Make new friends. For more information, visit our website RockVoices.com

Local Event: Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY...

Join the 18+ community choir that ONLY sings rock music! NO AUDITIONS. Summer season starts Tuesday, May 19, 7pm, at the First...

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Morristown United Methodist Church

Supernatural: The Play, is a powerful, funny, and insightful production exploring the lives of seven Black women as they confront their definitions of beauty, identity, and self-acceptance through their relationships with their hair. Rated one of L.A.’s top shows to watch by Stage Raw, the production has played to sold-out audiences across New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Maryland, and California. Now, after a COVID hiatus, an updated reading returns to the stage on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Morristown United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall.
Supernatural: The Play weaves together stories of triumph, humor, and self-discovery making audiences laugh while challenging them to reflect on identity, beauty, and belonging. At its heart, the play examines the cultural and legal battles Black women have faced over their hair. From school and workplace discrimination to the legislative fight behind the CROWN Act, the show celebrates the resilience and self-love that define the journey.
Often described as “The Vagina Monologues—but about hair,” the play brings together rich, real-life experiences of women who have struggled with and ultimately embraced their natural selves. Guided by a dynamic narrator, audiences meet a diverse group of women, including a cancer patient, a woman of Jewish heritage, a YouTube personality, and others, each navigating deeply personal hair journeys that reveal larger truths about identity and acceptance.
Since its debut in 2012, the production has traveled across the country. Leads in the play have included actress Kim Coles (Living Single) and the late Suzzanne Douglas, (When They See Us, How Stella Got Her Groove Back). The production continues to resonate with theatergoers, reminding us all that “everyone has a hair story.”

Local Event: Supernatural: The Play

Supernatural: The Play

Supernatural: The Play, is a powerful, funny, and insightful production exploring the lives of seven Black women as they...

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Alzheimer's New Jersey® to Host Walk to Fight Alzheimer's®

MayFest 2026: Live Music Singer Celebration on Springfield Avenue

Join Rock Voices, the community choir that ONLY sings rock music!

Supernatural: The Play