b'Matters Ken Stanek is a local watercolor documentarian and has created illustrations of nearly 100 local busi-nesses, plus innumerable portraits of pets, people and homes. His go-to ice cream combo is extreme choco-late and minty mint chip. See more of his work at studionumbernine.net or on Instagram @studionumbernine.MAGAZINE TheMagazineofMaplewoodandSouthOrangecontentsVol. 36 Issue 4 Summer 2025in every issue in this issueHeart of the Matter8 10A Tour of New and Classic Iceice cream memories Cream ShopsEvents that Matter9 getting treats with my kidsaround the towns14Collecting the Voices of HistoryNew Businesses9 the calling of a historical documents dealersay hello20Realtor ProfilesBook Report18 first jobs that influenced their careersexplore these book recommendations 23Reducing Plastic at the SchoolLanguage Matters18 Levelthe evolution of "and i\'s"it started with two fifth gradersFood Matters28 24Grow, Share Ideas and Give Backvietnamese summer rolls community gardens bring residents togetherFinding Home32 30Learn to Swim, Save a Lifefriend, realtor, sponsor classes teach everyone water safetyResource Guide33 14local sourcesFinal Matters34reflections from being in a rock band10 23 24 30Take Matters Magazine with you. Read us online.6/ matters magazine / summer 2025'