Ways to give locally This is the time of year when we show generosity to one another with gifts, our time, even a meal. It's also a great...

Some might call it ingenious When I was 12 years old, my stepmom entrusted me with the job of watering our Christmas tree. Little did I...

Morrow Church looks to lessen the divides between rich and poor Like many congregations, Morrow United Methodist Church in Maplewood has...

Dr. Mike finds inspiration in his hardcore band life It all started about two decades ago when a Craigslist ad caught the eye of Mike...

A holiday centerpiece and irresistible cookies to match I just love the notion that so many of the foods we love (think boeuf bourguignon...

Creating some magic this season and organizing your life are not mutually exclusive As fall turns to winter, it’s time to turn our...

Honoring our traditions even as they shift As the holidays are upon us, I’m looking forward to any excuse to be with family and friends...

Ken Gagne’s memoir chronicles his youth, home and family Ken Gagne’s father had a lot of pithy sayings. They were nuggets of wisdom –...

It helps me check in with my soul It’s fall and by now I thought I’d be writing about easier times. But as the pandemic is still with us...

Changing the world, one child at a time Lorraine Kerry Barnett grew up poor in the Central Ward of Newark during the dark period that...

Introducing the SOMA Chamber of Commerce Two local organizations have made history. The Maplewood Chamber of Commerce and the South...

Rescuing pets in SOMA Christel Hyden knows fostering pets makes a difference. One of her success stories is about a group of adorable...

It’s all-female, but that’s beside the point Congregants of Oheb Shalom, a Conservative Jewish temple in South Orange, gathered this...

JESPY House embraces the challenge of virtual fundraising Since March of 2020, changing course has been the order of the day for many...

Now Sally Reaves makes history Sally Reaves is not one to turn down a challenge. Her friend Paulette, a corrections officer, found that...

Tropical storm Ida’s most unwelcome visit Do not underestimate the power of water. Best to respect and fear the wet stuff.” So said my...

Maplewood’s Lizzy McGlynn helps guide the film’s context August 15, 1969. You may not be able to remember the date, but you certainly...

Maplewood resident creates a new kind of art gallery As an art therapist, Beth VanDusen is always creating. Having seen many of the Free...

The Newark Museum of Art not only survived the pandemic, it thrived As has become painfully apparent over the last several months, the...

One of the most moving exhibits at the Newark Museum of Art is its 2021 New Jersey Arts Annual. The 50 works on display – chosen from...