Our annual SUMMER CAMP GUIDE is here with lots of options for you little ones!
See the link below:
https://bit.ly/4bOlUyt
Wishing all the moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day!!!
#mothersday2024 #happymothersday #momsrule #maplewoodmoms #southorangemoms #somamoms
Fun for the summer is just months away!
There are so many incredible local camps to choose from – see the link below for our annual summer camp guide filled with a wide range of options to suit your child's interests!
https://bit.ly/4bTvJvR
#summercamp #SummerFun #Camp2024 #2024camp #summerscoming #summercampguide #localcamps #njcamps
The Matters Magazine Winter Issue is Here!
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll find:
In Heart of the Matter, publisher and editor in chief Ellen Donker reflects on her beautiful piano and her desire to start playing again while encouraging my husband to continue learning with lessons from my daughter.
If you've noticed Baker Square in Maplewood Village, you will have seen a giant thermometer showing the fundraising status of the Maplewood Foundation. Mason Levinson tells us about this new organization and how it is helping local nonprofits.
The Unbiased Science Institute is a relatively new nonprofit organization headed by Maplewood resident Dr. Bill Gallo that partners with experts to provide straightforward public health information. Writer Donny Levit explains how its mission is to help people make better decisions about their health and well-being and to bust many of the myths surrounding health and science
There's a new band in town and it's called the Essex Funk Collective, made up of nine local residents. Writer Brian Glaser describes them as a dance band that covers soul, disco, funk and R&B classics. And because its members are varied from an age and race perspective, they draw from a broad range of styles.
Writer Malia Rulon Herman tells us about a new practice in Millburn that focuses on female health care. Called HerMD, it provides women with gynecological care and aims to make sure they are seen and heard in an unhurried atmosphere.
Our last story highlights Maplewood resident Sarah Densen who just turned 100. Her son shares the qualities that make his mom so special as well as her accomplishments over so many years.
During this season, when it's customary to renew attention to health and wellness, we interviewed several practitioners about favorite moments. Read about their memories of when they made a profound difference in a patient's or customer's health.
Do you have children who will be attending camp this summer? Be sure to take a loo
Happy New Year!!!
Wishing a happy and healthy 2024 to all of our friends and neighbors! #grateful #happynewyear #happy2024
The Matters Magazine Holiday Issue is HERE!
It is officially holiday season! Time to map out your holiday shopping with our local gift guide and to celebrate some of the remarkable people in our towns. Here's what you'll find in this issue:
Our publisher and editor in chief Ellen Donker enthusiastically recommends taking a day trip and reflects on the latest one where she visited Beacon, NY on a warmish Saturday in November.
Our downtowns are full of merchants who are stocked with fabulous gifts for everyone on your list. We highlight a sampling of items for all ages and price levels. Be sure to support our retailers who play a big part in making our towns so charming and relevant.
The holidays are a great time to hear music and that got us thinking that it was time to check in with the Maplewood Glee Club. Adrianna Donat tells us about this group that has made music for 77 years. Their holiday concert is scheduled for December 10.
Donny Levit interviewed power couple and South Orange residents Marc Morial and Michelle Miller. Morial was the former mayor of New Orleans and currently leads the National Urban League while Miller is a journalist and co-host of CBS Saturday Morning. It's a fascinating read on their backgrounds and their life together.
If you've lived in town long enough, chances are you're familiar with Mila Jasey and her work as an assemblywoman. This South Orange resident has retired and speaks with Tia Swanson to reflect on her life and family.
Writer Malia Rulon Herman introduces us to the Maplewood couple behind Señor Sangria. Rick Martinez and Maria Camelo launched their bottled sangria business, patterned after Martinez' homemade recipe, nearly 15 years ago. Now they are expanding their product line.
Our last story highlights the work of Kim Sleeman, founder of the Warehouse NJ, which provides furniture and decor for unhoused people moving into new apartments. She and her volunteers have recently completed their 1,000th move.
Keep trac
We hope you're enjoying the warm weather and are able to spend some time relaxing, hopefully with a copy of Matters Magazine. In this issue:
Our publisher and editor in chief Ellen Donker reflects on a bike ride she took in Manhattan with a good friend on a picture-perfect day. They started in Washington Heights, the neighborhood of Last Call at Coogan's (more on that later!)
Our cover story, written by Donny Levit, introduces us to the Cervantes family - Miguel performs the title role of Hamilton on Broadway - and their courage dealing with tragedy.
Ellen interviews Maplewood resident Jon Michaud about his book Last Call at Coogan's, and learns the impact this 35-year old legendary saloon in Washington Heights had on the surrounding community.
Pastor Brenda Ehlers is moving from leading the youth at Morrow United Methodist Church to being senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Montclair. Writer Tia Swanson explains her impact on youth here.
Adrianna Donat introduces us to Cara Mertes, who has been telling impactful stories about the marginalized through documentary film.
Keep track of the events in our towns with our Events that Matter section. And if you need a recipe that screams summer, head on over to Food Matters where food writer Olivia Mack McCool shares her recipe for delicious creamsicles with just three ingredients. In What's New Review, we introduce you to two new businesses. And in Finding Home, read how realtors Robert Northfield and Kathleen Kroll found the perfect home for a family.
If you need a good book recommendation, the Maplewood Library has some great suggestions that tie in with the stories in this issue.
Our local realtors are busy people, but like us they also need to take vacation. Some of them share their favorite trips in our POSTCARDS feature.
Lastly, in Final Matters, Jim Robertson reflects on the five songs that opened his eyes to other music.
If you're an advertiser, thank you for supporting Matters Magazine
Still figuring out summer plans for the kids?
Our 2023 Summer Camp Guide has lots of options for a variety of ages and interests.
Find it in our Spring 2023 issue, in homes now or at the link below:
bit.ly/3Iutjqo
#njsummercamp #njdaycamp #summercamp #camp2023 #njcamps #funforsummer #summerfun☀️ #summerfun2023 #whywelovesoma
#goodnewsstories
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Fun for the summer is just months away!
Sign up early for the best opportunities.
Our Summer Camp Guide can be seen in our Winter 2023 issue, in homes or at the link below:
http://bit.ly/3KYzCES
#summercamp #njcamp #njcamps #summerfunnj #summerfun2023 #kidscamp #localcamp #summercampguide #essexcountynj #essexcountycamps
#whywelovesoma
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Welcome to our Winter issue and hello, 2023!
Matters Magazine here, with a quick preview of the good news stories about your SOMA friends and neighbors included in our brand new issue, out this weekend.
Our issue begins with our publisher and editor in chief Ellen Donker sharing her tale of virtual jury duty in her Heart of the Matter Column.
Our cover story introduces the South Mountain Conservancy. Writer Tia Swanson explains the important work of this group that probably very few of us know, even if we are regulars at the South Mountain Reservation.
Did you know Jar Jar Binks attended CHS? In this issue we meet Ahmed Best, class of 1991 and best known as the first lead CGI character in a motion picture, who recently returned to his alma mater to speak to the students.
Writer Sara Courtney checks in with Tara Connell, who is celebrating 10 years in business as owner of CKO Kickboxing in Maplewood. Connell explains what drew her into kickboxing and encourages us all to try something new. Courtney also introduces us to Jay Cooper a Maplewood resident who has found his calling as an author and illustrator of more than 20 books. Cooper loves nothing better than spreading humor, creativity and literacy by visiting independent bookstores, book fairs, and elementary schools.
Ellen Donker spoke with Diane Malloy, executive director of YouthNet, about its student internship program. Once again, she is looking to sign up businesses for this summer program that gives CHS students real life experience in the work world. She also chatted with Dan Kaslow who recently wrote a Maplewood Compendium that captures "written snapshots" on many aspects of the town's history.
For Food Matters, food editor Olivia Mack McCool invites us to use beets in our cooking more often. Describing them as a superfood, she provides us with three yummy recipes to try. Speaking of health, in our Why I Care feature, some of our wellness practitioners tell us what drew them to a caring prof
Is it possible that the holidays are upon us?
To help you prepare, our Holiday issue features our annual gift guide so you can see the wonderful items local merchants are offering this holiday season (including gift cards in case you still just don't know what to buy!).
The holidays can be exhausting and in Heart of the Matter, our publisher and editor in chief Ellen Donker talks about how her children and their cousins are old enough to take partial responsibility for the festivities...especially the cleanup!
Our first feature story is on Rebecca Turner and Scott Anthony who run Storybook Sound. Donny Levit tells us how they came to establish a state-of-the-art professional recording studio as well as a place to nurture local, regional and national talent, right in their home.
Levit also brings us a story about South Orange resident Michael Gillespie, who recently translated, and had published, a previously banned book that explored gay life in early 20th-century Germany.
Sara Courtney brings us behind the scenes of Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" and its holiday show, thanks to Maplewood resident Scott Weinstein, who has been working there for 26 years.
You may have heard about some of the local bands such as the Maplewood Community Concert Band, Swing Town, Bones Unlimited, and more, but did you know that they are under the umbrella of Maplewood Community Music? Read Sue Kaplan's story about the roots of this organization (and then be sure to check out the bands!).
Food editor Olivia Mack McCool invites us to welcome a forgotten holiday tradition back to the table: dinner rolls. She pairs her recipe for toasted sage compound butter to bring a high-impact flavor to the rolls.
In Finding Home, first-time homebuyers Krista Santucci and Corey Gallitelli worked with Dennis Hepworth to land a sweet home in Cedar Grove.
If you want to read more in depth about any of our topics, take a look at the book recommendations in Book Report brought
IT’S HERE!!!
Our highly anticipated Fall 2022 issue, featuring local women in business, will be arriving this weekend!
Can’t wait?? Read it now online at the link in our bio.
@ellendonker @juliamaloofverderosaphoto @tamisteck @tiaswanson9 @oliviamackmccool @dolphinbreath
#womeninbusiness #girlboss #womanownedbusiness
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Enjoying the stories in our School 2022 issue?
Explore topics further with these books in our Book Report, brought to you by the Maplewood Library.
Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School by Kendra James
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
The Year I Stopped Trying by Katie Heaney
Those Kids From Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly
The Year We Learned to Fly, by Jacqueline Woodson
Read the full School 2022 issue at the link in our bio.
@maplewoodlibrary
@jacqueline_woodson #theyearwelearnedtofly @erinentrada#thosekidsfromfawncreek @misskathleenglasgow @lzlwsn#theagathasbook #theagathasreadalong @katieheaney#theyearistoppedtrying @kendrajames_#admissionsamemoirofsurvivingboardingschool #goodreads#booksofinstagram #readthesebooks
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Did you know that 80% of computers end up in landfill? And that it will take anywhere from one to two million years for them to decompose into their basic elements - many of which are toxic?
Learn how Columbia senior Caleb Diegnan and Recylable Tech can help dispose of your electronics in a safe, convenient and environmentally friendly way in Adrianna Donat's "Electronic Afterlife, One student’s effort to save the environment in SOMA- and the world,” a must-read story in our School 2022 issue, in homes now or at the link below:
https://bit.ly/3Bc01s7
Adrianna Ahern Donat #recycleelectronics #electronicrecycling #saveourearth #savetheearth #savetheenvironment #savetheenvironment♻️
#whywelovesoma
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Don't miss your chance to be part of our annual Women In Business feature!
Be seen by 16,000 SOMA residents who receive Matters Magazine.
Spread the word about your business as you share how you got to where you are today with this year's theme "Connecting the Dots to My Career Story."
Celebrate women-owned businesses with your peers and our community!
Stories written by our publisher and editor in chief Ellen Donker
Photographs taken by Julia Maloof Verderosa
DON'T MISS OUT!
Contact your Sales Representative or call 973-763-4900 for details.
Ellen Donker Julia Maloof Verderosa Photographer
#womeninbusiness #womenownedbusiness #womenowned #womenownedsmallbusiness #girlsrule #girlboss #girlpower
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With SOMA schools and activities starting this week, things are about to get hectic!
Let us help make dinner easier for you while you impress your family with this delectable recipe for Stuffed Shells from our food editor Olivia Mack McCool. Components can be prepped ahead and assembled just before putting it in the oven, making it easy AND delicious!
Find the complete recipe in our School 2022 issue, in homes now or at the link below:
xhttps://bit.ly/3qbJvDE
Olivia Mack McCool #stuffedshells #weeknightdinner #weeknightdinners #dinnerideas #pastarecipes #pastalover #whywelovesoma #foodstylist #recipedeveloper #foodeditor
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Still looking for school or enrichment programs? Our annual Matters School Guide has lots of options whether you're looking for early & private education, music, art & enrichment programs, or educational services & resources!
See the comprehensive guide in our School 2022 issue, or at the link below:
https://bit.ly/3pOpWkA
Academy of Saint Elizabeth Far Brook School Montclair Cooperative School Mount St. Dominic Academy St Rose Of Lima Academy South Mountain Nature School Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel Weekday School Blue Life Karate & Kickboxing Centers Class Act Performing Arts Studio Concepts Dance Academy In Tune Lydia Johnson Dance School OhCanary Sew Leana So i Heard Music Little Apple Arts Theatrical Enrichment Seton Hall University
#whywelovesoma
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#njschoolprograms #learnnj #njclassesforkids #njclasses
Don’t miss your chance to be part of our annual Women In Business feature!
Matters Magazine is mailed to every household in Maplewood and South Orange, and enthusiastically read by residents who want to stay in the know about the towns.
Call your sales representative or visit our website, www.mattersmagazine.com for details!
#womeninbusiness #ladyboss #womenincharge #womenownedbusiness #femalelead #girlpower
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Although we hate to see summer pass by so quickly, at Matters Magazine we’ve been busy getting ready for the new season in preparation for our School issue. Here is a sneak peek at what you can find:
Our School issue kicks off with a retrospective by our publisher and editor in chief Ellen Donker. While cleaning out her basement in preparation for a renovation, she gave herself permission to keep technology pieces of the past and reflects on the memories tied to each.
In “What’s New Review”, we welcome Kitchen Table, a new culinary studio in Maplewood where Chef Lila shares her expertise and love of cooking with classes for two-year-olds through adults.
Tia Swanson introduces us to the Kean Scholar Academy. Thanks to a new program at Kean University, some of our rising ninth graders are getting the opportunity to take college courses while attending high school. By the time they graduate from CHS, they’ll be halfway through college! Photo credit Julia Maloof Verderosa Photographer
Local author Melanie Conklin recently released her latest book, “ A Perfect Mistake,” the story of a boy named Max, who is navigating the mysteries and hardships of middle school while facing up to his role in a troubled situation. Sara Courtney shares background on Conklin and how South Orange and Maplewood influenced her writing.
In "Back to School, Back to the Dinner Table,” food editor Olivia Mack McCool teaches us how to make stuffed shells that are packed with flavor and easy to prep ahead of time. It’s a must-try!
Tami Steckler’s “Stepping with Seth Boyden Students,” shares how educators are making magic happen at Seth Boyden Demonstration School by building cultural awareness, community and confidence through the African American art form of stepping.
Do you have old electronics lying around that you don’t know how to properly dispose of? Adrianna Donat introduces us to Caleb Diegnan, a rising CHS senior and president of Recyclable Tech, an
Summer is here!! Our Summer issue that is! Enjoy the weekend as you dive into good news stories about our two towns!
In-homes this weekend or at the link in our bio!
Cover Art: @eringopaint
@ellendonker @saracourtneywrites @tamisteck @dolphinbreath @njfromatoz @oliviamackmccool @tiaswanson9 @jaime.richter @dkronic #whywelovesoma #southorangemaplewood #somanj #mapsonj #southorangevillagenj #southorange #maplewoodvillagenj #maplewoodnj #summer2022issue
