b'We keep you smiling! nating events. posi-Giventhe tiveresponseand the growing number ofplayers,SOMA Everyeffortismadeto Hoopshasclearly ensure the utmost comforttapped into a com-for each patient. munity need. How-Enjoy a modern profession- ever,thatgrowth al environment and a caringdoes not come with-staff. outitschallenges. The goal[is] to As a former faculty memberTwo Hoopsters put their Team Time skills into action dur- serve every child in of Fairleigh Dickinson Den- ing a fast-paced game.SOMA,gradesone tal School, Dr. Wisz now de- through12,[who] votes all her time to privatewhat middle school is all about whenwantstoplayrecreationalbasket-practice. Im done with my first year.ball,saysGray.Thechallengeis gymspace.Therecent Wendy Wisz, DMD renovationoftheBaird Centerhashelpedand SOMAHoopsalsouses General, Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry theSouthOrangeMid-dle School court. But the programcouldoutgrow the capacity.250 Millburn Avenue | Millburn Still,theleadersof 973-467-0077 SOMAHoopsremain Saturdays and Evenings Available committed to their goal. On site parking | Convenient location They want to make bas-SOMA Hoops coaches and players collaborateketball accessible so that with Manhattans Steady Buckets program, deep-ening their commitment to growth, learning andeverykid,regardlessof community impact. ability or experience, has aplacewheretheycan Thispastyear,theBoostersplay the sport, be a part of a com-awarded a referee scholarship to a kidmunity and feel like they belong. whorepresentstheprogramsmis- Registration opens on September sion of creating a better community.22.Togetreminders,visitsoma-The first one was given to graduat- hoops.com and click the pre-register ingColumbiaHighSchoolseniorbutton. Ari Wasserman for his contributionsAlthough Esme Krais, a rising junior on and off the court. He spent theat Columbia High School, doesnt play last two years refereeing for SOMAbasketballherself,sheenjoyswriting Hoops and is also an athlete, campstories about it. counselor and creator of a short film. SOMAHoops requiresmany volunteerstorun smoothly. This year, theprogramhad 170coachesand 240volunteers. Anyoneoverthe age of 13 can vol-unteer, with oppor-tunitiesincluding setting up and tak-ing down the gym, SOMA Hoops teams partner with SOMA Kids Feed Kids to helping with fund- learn about food insecurity in the community and help raising and coordi- pack bags for families in need.32/ matters magazine / school 2025'