b'Events That Matter WinFtaelrl the program. Everyone was so welcoming,andyoucanfeel Friends of the South Orange Publicthe passion they have for help-Library ing these kids when talking to them. February 7 11AM-4PM Valentines Jewelry Sale:Thefamilieswhowere one-day sale featuring select jewelry at reasonableinvolvedwiththeprogram prices to benefit the South Orange Public Library were very happy that ACEing March 711AM-5PM Verbal appraisals of yourAutismwasavailableintheir antiques and treasures by senior appraiser Jon Felz,Valentine\'s Jewelry Sale backyard.KatieRumleyisa up to three items appraised; $20 cash, $21 credit card motheroftwowhosefamily haslivedinMaplewoodfor DETAILSBaird Community Center, 5 Mead Street, South Orange; sopl.org/friends-of-sopl morethan20years.Shewas passionate about finding a lo-Outpost in the Burbs calcommunityprogramfor her son, Sean, 14. He attends February 148PM An Evening with Josh Ritter: Aanout-of-districtschool,like Book of Gold Thrown Open. Encompassing the wholemanyfamilieswithchildrenTy\'Asia Bullock, director of the Division of Vol-of Ritters two-plus decade career, including hiswith autism. We are so happyunteer Efforts Service Learning at Seton Hall recent album, "I Believe In You, My Honeydew" that Sean attends a wonderfulUniversity, with Sandy LoPiccolo.DETAILSFirst Congregational Church, 40 South Fullerton Avenue,school where he is so well sup-Montclair; 973-954-6489; outpostintheburbs.thundertix.com Josh Ritter ported in an environment where hewas an overwhelming sense of grati-can thrive, but it does make it dif- tude at how everyone came together South Orange Arts and Culture ficultforhimtofeelsociallycon- to support us, says Sandy. February 266:30-8:30PM Pierro Gallery presentsnectedtohisSOMApeers,saysPhilipMilburn,presidentof Rumley. I was hopeful Sean wouldACEingAutism,isproudofthe "Female Hysteria," an exhibition that confronts andmake friends, and he did!SOMAchapter.Programleaders redefines the historically misogynistic diagnosis usedBeth Cosentino, whose 11-year- of terrific ACEing clinics bring their to pathologize womens emotions, voices and bodies olddaughterMaeisa6thgraderheart, mind, compassion and relaxed DETAILSPierro Gallery inside the Baird Community Center, 5at Maplewood Middle School, feelsmindset to meet the individual needs Mead Street, South Orange; pierrogallery.org "Female Hysteria" veryluckythattheresachapterofeachchildthatstepsoncourt. hereinSOMA.TheatmosphereThey know how to create a relaxed South Orange-Maplewood Adultthat is created by the directors, theenvironment for fun, fitness and for School tennis pro and all of the volunteerskids to make new friends. I just de-February 267PM "To All Gentleness: Williamis very positive. The focus is on con- scribed Sandy, Matt, their kids and necting with the players where theyYoofi, says Milburn.Carlos Williams, the Doctor Poet." Author Dr. Neilare. Its a very uplifting experience,Success shows on the smiling fac-Baldwin will discuss the life and poetry of thenottomentionalotoffun,sayses on the court. I love ACEing Au-Rutherford-born poet and doctor, $25 Cosentino.tism because the volunteers are really March 11, 18, 257-8PM Buddhist Art andASouthOrangemotherofanice and I get to see my friends. It Architecture of South Asia. Sayyid Tirmizi (M.A.,William Carlos Williamschildwithautism,whopreferstomakes tennis really fun for me, says M.B.A., Ph.D.). Lecture conducted online, $50 author talk remain anonymous, says, ProgramsMaddie LoPiccolo. March 127PM "On This Ground: Hope & Hardshiplike ACEing Autism dont just cre- Registration for the spring 2026 at the Toughest Prep School in America." Authorateaccess;theyreshapehowcom- series is expected to begin in early Anthony DePalma speaks with Richard Roper aboutmunitiesseeinclusionnotasanMarch. For more information, you St. Benedicts Prep and the community of monksexception, but as the standard. ThecancontacttheACEingAutism that refused to let its childrens education become aprogramisincrediblywellorga- SouthOrangechapteratacein-casualty of a growing racial divide, $25 nized and thoughtfully run. Theres agautism.org/programs/south-orange-DETAILSColumbia High School, 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood;strong sense of relationship betweennj/oremailSandyLoPiccoloat somadultschool.org "On This Ground"author talk volunteers, participants, parents andsouthorange-nj@aceingautism.org. coaches. The structure creates some- FollowtheprogramonInstagram Achieve Foundation of South Orangething that is not only fun but also@aceingautism_southorange. and Maplewood highlyconnective,communicativeJudie Hurtado helps women manifest Beginning March 7and ongoing throughoutand deeply community oriented.theirdesiresthroughhypnosis,intui-Overall,theresultsofACEingtive guidance, astrology readings and the month, join hundreds of locals as they gather atAutismsfirstseasonattheBairdother spiritual tools. Growing up, she events hosted by Achieve supporters in their homesCenterthisfallexceededexpecta- wantedtobeatherapistandJudy DETAILSFor more information call 973.762.5600 extension 1851 or visit achievefoundation.org/spring-fundraiser. To host antions. The program had 10 studentsBlume. Writing for Matters Magazine event, email 100dinners@achievefoundation.org. Achieve Foundation events in each age group with a waitlist. Itis a dream come true.34/ matters magazine / winter 2026'