Our Mission:
To identify, develop and coordinate resources, policies, programs and services
that support and empower all residents of Maplewood and South Orange
to age in place as full members of the community.
Vaccination News - Group 1B expanded in NJ - Seniors get your shot!
Effective January 14, individuals 65+ years of age will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Where do I register to be vaccinated?
You can register to be vaccinated at www.essexcovid.org or by calling Essex County COVID Call Center at 973-877-8456.Even if you registered on the State website, use www.essexcovid.org to make an appointment for the vaccine.
- YOU NEED AN EMAIL TO REGISTER! Even if you call the call center, you will need to provide an email so they can notify you of your appointment.
- Once registered, you will hear back with date & time to go to the vaccine distribution site at Livingston Mall.
- Appointments will be made available as the county receives vaccine doses from the state.
- As more vaccine doses become available, other options will be offered. Summit Medical Group, Vanguard and other large practices are getting vaccines to distribute to their patients, but check with them to see when they will be starting.
What do I do if I need transportation to a vaccination site?
The preferred option is to drive yourself or go with someone who has been in your “COVID bubble.” We are currently working with county officials to pool our collective resources into transportation options for residents who do not drive (i.e. using our jitneys and their buses). We hope to confirm transportation plans shortly and will get the information to you by email, Facebook and our website.
Please make note of the following existing resources:
Essex County Special Transportation Services (the blue bus) and Access link. YOU MUST BE REGISTERED IN ADVANCE TO USE EITHER SERVICE. Once registered, you can make reservations:
Essex County Special Transportation Services
For residents 60+, Essex County provides free, handicap accessible transportation to all towns within the county. Call (973) 618-1280 to register and set up an appointment. Once you are in the system, you can begin scheduling rides.
Access link
Access Link is for people with disabilities. Service shadows local fixed route buses and light rails, with pick-up and drop-off points within 3/4 mile of an eligible bus route or light rail station.
NJ Transit to Vaccine Site at Livingston Mall:
1. Take the train from either Maplewood or South Orange, and transfer to the #70 bus at the Summit Train Station OR
2. Take NJ Transit #70 Bus from Springfield Ave (bus stops are along the entire length Springfield Ave), running approximately every 20 minutes and takes 1 hour to get to the Livingston Mall OR
3. Take NJ Transit Bus #92 from the South Orange train Station or the corner of Valley & South Orange Avenue towards “Branch Brook Park”. (There are bus stops along Scotland Rd) Change buses at Day St/Main St for the NJ Transit Bus #73 to Livingston Mall. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes and would take an estimated 1 hour and 20 minutes from South Orange Ave
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about vaccination
plans for our area by clicking here: Vaccine Overview
News & Updates
Join Sing for Hope every day beginning January 1, 2021 and Explore, Immerse, Engage, all from the comfort of your own space.
Eblasts Moving over to Civic Plus
If you were receving the eblasts from [email protected], you have been switched over to the new system, which will say it is from “SOMA Two Towns for all Ages”. Depending on your email provider, you will most likely, receive a one-time email to confirm your subscription.
To sign up for eblasts, please go tohttp://southorange.org/list.aspx and choose the "Senior Citizen Community Calendar"
South Orange and Maplewood COVID-19: SOMA Senior Support Fund
If you are an older resident in need of assistance due to COVID, please call (973) 558-0863 or email [email protected] All information will be kept confidential
A Time Before Vaccines
Last year, local photographer Joy Yagid, interviewed several older residents, capturing their stories of growing up in a time before vaccines. Some of the stories seem familiar, especially now, with shutdowns and quarantines. To see the video, click here: "A Time Before Vaccines" or join us on January 15 at 11am for a screening and Q&A. See calendar of events for link.
Proud member of the AARP Network of Livable Communities
Events Calendar
- Jan 18 2021 9:00 am - Balance Class with Yvonne
- Jan 18 2021 2:00 pm - Yoga with Yvonne
- Jan 19 2021 9:30 am - Caregivers Support Group
Support
SOMA Two Towns for All Ages is supported through the generosity of
The Grotta Fund for Senior Care