b"concept was embraced by my female clients, Duncan says. They included people like art dealer Robin Hutchins, the first woman Maplewood Chamber president, real estate agent Carol Gil-ligan, and retailers Lena Zajac, Ellen Davenport, and Debbie Belfatto.Hutchinshadhergallerywhere Words Bookstore is now. Though she subsequently retired to New Mexico, shehasremainedaloyalreaderand supporter. She recalls how Duncan in-spired others with her vision. Karen had tremendous energy and a wonder-fulpersonality.Shelikespeopleand One of Matters Magazine's first issues. Itpeople like her. She would say, What was called Maplewood Matters until 2000youredoingshouldbeknown,and when its reach was expanded to Southyoull be helping the community. AndAwesomeness Orange residents. when she expanded it beyond Maple-seekingsubscriptionswasntgoingwood, she was able to make everyone to meet her goals, but Duncan had afeel local, to knit all these communi- for All Ages!plan.Deliveringtoeveryhouseholdties together.inMaplewoodinthemail,andnotDuncansfirstofficewasat6 on the driveways, was vital to me: thatHighlandPlace,wheresheworkedInspiring Fun in SOMA Since 2008the distribution be to every householdwithonestaffmember,AidaJones. counted in 07040 and then in 07079.Later they moved to 9 Highland Place9 VILLAGE PLAZA, SOUTH ORANGE | (973) 821-5227Always has been, and was when Ellenandin1994ReneConloncameon took over, and still is. board. Says Duncan, They were bothsparkhouse.netcurbside pick-up availablefree gift wrapWhile,predictably,therewerehighly creative, organized and believed doubters, Duncan had her championspassionatelyinthevision.Conlon from the start, includingfortunatelystayed with her for 20 years, becom- her husband. Doug has been andingmanagingdirectorandhandlingWe keep you smiling!still is my best friend and huge sup- bookkeeping, ad sales and administra-port to my endeavors, she says. Thetion. She too has moved down South, Chamberremainedasupportertoo.settling in Charleston, SC, but is still And advertisers followed. The largeractive with the magazine. Everyeffortismadeto ensuretheutmostcomfort for each patient.Enjoy a modern professional environmentandacaring staff.As a former faculty member of Fairleigh Dickinson Dental School, Dr. Wisz now devotes all her time to private practice.Wendy Wisz, DMDGeneral, Restorative & Cosmetic DentistryMatters' first offices were at 6 Highland Place, upstairs from Celebrated Food, where250 Millburn Avenue | MillburnTandoori Chef is now located and over Palmer Video, now occupied by Coda. Next door was Peters Bakery, now Wild Ginger. Duncan's advertising agency rented this973-467-0077space in 1988 and started Matters Magazine within the agency in 1990. The locationSaturdays and Evenings Availableoffered a great rooftop view for fireworks. In 1994 Duncan moved across the street to On site parking | Convenient location9 Highland Place. feature story /39"