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STORIES
Our stories are all about the interesting people, places and things in Maplewood.
Read some here or page through our online issues.
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SAYING YES TO HAWAII By Ellen Donker
This time I didn’t overthink my decision I admit that I am a homebody. I don’t especially invite change, even when I know it’s good for...
ellencdonker
Mar 8, 20243 min read


HOW TO BREATHE LIFE INTO A ROOM By Rose Bennett Gilbert
Collecting the antique and the unexpected from the far corners of the world Left: Braderie de Lille, France, 2023: Do-it-yourself...
Rose Bennett Gilbert
Mar 8, 20245 min read


TRANSFORMING UNUSUAL SPACES INTO TREASURED PLACES
Words and Photographs by Joy Yagid How four homeowners created beloved gardens As winter fades into spring, it’s natural to start...
Joy Yagid
Mar 8, 20246 min read


INTEREST-FREE LOANS HELP DRAW BLACK FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS TO TWO TOWNS By Mason Levinson
Community Coalition on Race creates pilot loan program to promote integration The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is...
Mason Levinson
Mar 5, 20245 min read


GET DOWN WITH THE ESSEX FUNK COLLECTIVE By Brian Glaser
A multigenerational band wants to make you dance Some of the members of the Essex Funk Collective, L-R: Jonathan Glasser plays guitar and...
Brian Glaser
Jan 26, 20244 min read


I DOUBLE DOG DARE YA by Donny Levit
You and your canines can beat the winter blues T-H-W-A-C-K! I usually reserve spelling out that word when making a comic book reference...
Donny Levit
Jan 26, 20244 min read


ARE YOU ONE, ARE YOU TWO? by Ellen Donker
Maplewood resident turns 100 Rob Densen admits that he may be biased when it comes to his mother. He’s entitled to it given that she has...
ellencdonker
Jan 26, 20242 min read


THE MAPLEWOOD FOUNDATION GROWS $1.1 MILLION CHARITABLE FUND by Mason Levinson
New organization awards $50,000 in grants in its first year As the remnants of Hurricane Ida ripped through Maplewood and South Orange on...
Mason Levinson
Jan 26, 20246 min read


SPREADING THE SCIENTIFIC TRUTH FROM HIS MAPLEWOOD HEADQUARTERS by Donny Levit
Dr. Bill Gallo presents the Unbiased Science Institute Maplewood and South Orange have long been home to talented authors, theater...
Donny Levit
Jan 26, 20244 min read


NOT YOUR TYPICAL DOCTOR’S OFFICE by Malia Herman
HerMD offers a new approach to female health care Waiting for an appointment at HerMD is not like sitting in any hospital or doctor’s...
Malia Herman
Jan 26, 20246 min read


HOPING FOR A PIANO REVIVAL by Ellen Donker
My New Year’s resolution may start today My husband never got the chance to take music lessons. Growing up, he desperately wanted to play...
ellencdonker
Jan 26, 20243 min read


A LEGEND EXITS, ON HER OWN TERMS by Tia Swanson
Mila Jasey set to leave the Legislature to pursue life as a full-time grandma If you have lived in the two towns for any length of time...
Tia Swanson
Nov 24, 20235 min read


MAKE THE HOLIDAYS SWEETER by Karen Donovan
How to host a successful cookie exchange I love cookies. I love baking them, and I love eating them. But mostly I enjoy spreading “cookie...
Karen Donovan
Nov 24, 20236 min read


MAKING EACH DAY COUNT by Ellen Donker
Kim Sleeman helps create welcoming homes for unhoused families Four years ago, Kim Sleeman was facing a birthday milestone and began...
ellencdonker
Nov 24, 20235 min read


MEET THE COUPLE BEHIND SENOR SANGRIA by Malia Rulon Herman
Maplewood residents turn favorite party drink into a popular bottled beverage It all started because Rick Martinez couldn’t cook. Instead...
Malia Herman
Nov 24, 20235 min read


A FORMER NEW ORLEANS MAYOR AND AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST CELEBRATE MILESTONES by Donny Levit
Husband and wife Morial and Miller have made history Ask Marc Morial about the time he served two terms as New Orleans mayor and he will...
Donny Levit
Nov 24, 20236 min read


HARMONY ACROSS THE AGES by Adrianna Donat
The Maplewood Glee Club’s brotherhood of song and fun If you find joy in singing, you’ve come to the right place. The Maplewood Glee Club...
Adrianna Donat
Nov 24, 20234 min read


IN PRAISE OF THE DAY TRIP by Ellen Donker
Appreciating nearby small towns At the end of a busy week, I love the sight of a blank calendar for the coming weekend. A homebody at...
ellencdonker
Nov 24, 20233 min read


TURNING OUR FAMILY'S 'BOOK PROBLEM' INTO A COMMUNITY WELLSPRING by Donny Levit
Launching the Little Free Library that could We admit it: Our family has a book problem. My wife, Nicole, and I suffer from a terrible...
Donny Levit
Nov 24, 20233 min read


"FRIDGE CLEANOUT" VEGETABLE EGG SKILLET by Jessica Fox
The throw-together meal for when your brain is fried. Every year, without fail, fall’s busy schedules come as a rude awakening in our...
Jessica Fox
Oct 5, 20233 min read
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