b'Local NonprofitsCelebrate MilestonesWe applaud their important workBY ELLEN DONKER100 The Columbia High School Scholarship Fundprovides CHS graduates with need-based scholar-ships that can be used toward any kind of post-secondary education, including graduate school. Impact:Over the past 25 years, CHSSF has awarded 1,991 scholarships totaling over $2.4 million to CHS graduates pursuing post-secondary educationoffsetting nearly $3 million in student debt.y e a r s ! How its celebrating: Save the date for a 100th anniversary cocktail reception at the Maplewood Club onchssf.org September 23.90 The South Orange-Maplewood Adult Schoolwas founded in 1933 during the Great Depression and serves as a community-based school for all ages dedicated to lifelong learning. Named a Local Legacy in 2000 by the Library of Congress, it is the oldest operating adult school in NJ. The school offers more than 150 classes and lectures in the fall and spring, a modified schedule in the summer and a childrens summer program.y e a r s ! Impact: Each year, the Adult School runs 250 courses, lectures, and special events, each designed to enrich the mind, exercise the body, and feed the soul, annually attracting more than 2500 people, aged 5 to 90+. For the past 50 years, itsomadultschool.org has also sponsored a childrens summer enrichment program.How its celebrating:In March, the Adult School hosted a new take on the always popular Likely Stories readings, retitled The Best of Likely Stories. They will also present Peabody-winning radio journalist Nancy Solomon with the cov-eted SOMAS Gus and Thelma Sickles Award for Lifelong Learning. 45 JESPY Housesupports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from across the country by guiding them in various areas along their journey to independence and leading fulfilling lives. JESPYs philosophy is to promote self-direction, choice, and independent community living. Impact:JESPY House currently supports 260 adult clients with services and programs that include Day Habilitation y e a r s ! and Engagement & Enrichment programs, Clinical & Behavioral Support Services, Athletics & Fitness, Case Manage-ment, Community-Based Supports, Residential Services, and Work Readiness & Employment services.jespy.org How its celebrating:In March, during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Town Hall Deli in South Orange featured and sold a special JESPY 45 sandwich wrap. Elitist Coffee displayed client photography and other forms of art with several photographs being sold during an art reception. JESPY will also conduct a 45 for 45 food drive to collect 45 bags of select items that will be donated to MEND (Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity).20 Greenwood Gardensis a 28-acre public garden and historic site located at 274 Old Short Hills Road in Short Hills. Serving as a private estate for nearly 80 years and owned by the Day and Blanchard families, today Greenwood offers the visiting public self-guided tours and engaging programs at the nexus of nature, beauty, and history. Impact:Each year, Greenwood Gardens hosts thousands of visitors, and hundreds of members, serving as a vital re-y e a r s ! source for people seeking to connect with nature in a beautiful and historic environment. Membership and visitation have doubled since the renovation of the Main Axis in 2020.greenwoodgardens.org How its celebrating:Visitors to the garden can attend a variety of surprise pop-up events as well as guided tours, storytime in the garden, art events, and more. 24/ matters magazine / spring 2023'