6 / matters magazine / spring 2026
contents
Vol. 37 Issue 3    Spring 2026
Marcia Sandford Fishkind and Kelly 
Conover of All Paws In hold kittens 
rescued by their nonprofit. Read 
their story on page 12. Photo by 
Julia Maloof Verderosa.
The Magazine of Maplewood and South Orange
Matters
M 
A 
G 
A 
Z 
I 
N 
E 
Take Matters Magazine 
with you. Read us online.
in every issue
	
Heart of the Matter	 8
i took an unexpected road trip
	
Language Matters	 10
what does ai know about good writing? 
	
Events that Matter	 11
around the towns 
	
Book Report	 29
book recommendations to explore
	
Food Matters	 30
love is a spanish tortilla
	
Finding Home	 35
loyal for the long haul
	
Resource Guide	 48
local sources
	
Final Matters	 50
from salt lake city to soma
in this issue
12	 Local Duo Rescues Lost Pets
all paws in helps fur babies find their way home
16	 Inspiring the Next Generation of 		
	
Scientists
columbia high school’s science research program 
connects students and mentors
20	 Business Spotlight
business owners tell us why customers give them 
high ratings
26	 AI, Right Here in SOMA
small business owners keep their work human 
while taking advantage of the new tech
32	 School Profiles
find out what makes each school distinctive
36	 Local Lowdown: Hibernation 
	
Season is Over
time to thaw out and get it together
40	 Helping Art Grow All Around You
the quiet force behind maplewood’s arts scene
43	 SOPAC Celebrates 20 Years
immerse yourself in comedy, art and auction
45	 Summer Camp Guide
fun for the summer is just months away
12
26
16

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.