ellencdonker
AN UNCOMMON HOLIDAY TRADITION by Rick Gilman
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...
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STORIES
Our stories are all about the interesting people, places and things in Maplewood.
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ellencdonker
Nov 26, 20216 min read
THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR by Sara Courtney
Creating some magic this season and organizing your life are not mutually exclusive As fall turns to winter, it’s time to turn our...
ellencdonker
Nov 26, 20213 min read
WHAT MATTERS THIS SEASON by Ellen Donker
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...
ellencdonker
Oct 1, 20213 min read
CHANGING COURSE by Sonya Kimble-Ellis
JESPY House embraces the challenge of virtual fundraising Since March of 2020, changing course has been the order of the day for many...
ellencdonker
Oct 1, 20213 min read
THE NIGHT I ASKED THE WORLD TO SEND MY SUMP PUMP GOOD JUJU by Donny Levit
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...
ellencdonker
Aug 13, 20213 min read
THE JOBS OF SUMMER By Ellen Donker
They’ll have value past August This summer, my kids gave me a gift: All three of them found employment. I exhaled a big sigh of relief...
ellencdonker
Jun 11, 20213 min read
SAYING GOODBYE TO OUR HOUSE, WITH LOVE By Tami Steckler
Thank you for these 21 years Dear House, I remember the first time I saw you. To be honest, I didn’t love you then. I thought your rooms...
ellencdonker
Jun 11, 20217 min read
FROM DIZZY GILLESPIE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN, JOHN LEE IS A SOUTH ORANGE JAZZ ALL-STAR By Donny Levit
The bass player and Grammy-winning producer knows how to play it local Let’s take a moment to revisit Thursday, February 27, 2020. John...
ellencdonker
Jun 11, 20213 min read
IS BASEBALL CALLING MY NAME By Ellen Donker
I’m learning to read the signals It’s baseball season and I think this may be the year to throw myself into the sport. That’s what...
ellencdonker
Mar 12, 20213 min read
A YEAR OF HOME LOVE By Cassandra Ratkevich
Positive domestic outcomes of a time of pandemic The Year I Didn’t Go to School by Giselle Potter was once a favorite bedtime picture...
ellencdonker
Mar 12, 20216 min read
NESTING COMFORTABLY by Carla Labianca
Residents take on projects to make their homes work better Here we are, spending way too much time lusting after the perfect rooms on...
ellencdonker
Mar 12, 20212 min read
EASY MASON JAR TERRARIUM by Kelly Brown and Maya Haynie
Looking for a new planter for your succulents? How about a glass terrarium that you can make utilizing a Mason jar and other easy-to-find...
ellencdonker
Mar 12, 20215 min read
BOTH SIDES NOW By Tia Swanson Photography by Julia Maloof Verderosa
A restoration lends a carriage house purpose 125 years later When New York native Christine Llewellyn Ohemeng and her husband, Kwame...
ellencdonker
Nov 27, 20206 min read
CHANNELING A LOVE FOR COOKING by Ellen Donker
Seth Boyden fourth grader hosts his own cooking show Jacob Case never expected to be sharing cooking videos on Facebook. After all, he’s...
ellencdonker
Nov 27, 20206 min read
MAKING HOLIDAY TRADITIONS SUSTAINABLE by Georgia Madiba
How to map the road to eco gift-wrap and more When you’re a child, you aren’t able to understand and appreciate each layer of your...
ellencdonker
Nov 27, 20204 min read
NEED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP FINDING JOY THIS SEASON? by Adrianna Donat
SOMA’s own Angeli Elliott brings you a festival of elves Angeli Elliott has a special connection with the holiday season. In love with...
ellencdonker
Nov 27, 20207 min read
A GAMER'S PARADISE IN SOUTH ORANGE by Donny Levit
Chris Donnell’s basement “museum” chronicles decades of electronic gaming South Orange resident Chris Donnell is comfortably seated on...
ellencdonker
Aug 14, 20203 min read
EDUCATING KIDS ON TRASH by Georgia Madiba
A summer walk turns into a waste audit Playgrounds reopened in July after being closed due to the pandemic and, naturally, my two...
ellencdonker
Jun 19, 20202 min read
HONORING OUR COMMUNITY by Ellen Donker
Finding our way forward At Matters Magazine, we’ve always adhered to the purpose of sharing content that is upbeat and positive, running...
ellencdonker
May 1, 20203 min read
REAL MEN SEW MASKS by Gary Jones
Finding a way to be a helper I had never sewn in my life. But five years ago, when I bought a sewing machine for my daughter, it was...
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