Thanksgiving Time in Maplewood: Sharing Kindness and Giving Back

As Thanksgiving time arrives, Maplewood is filled with that familiar blend of gratitude, good food, and neighborly warmth. The air feels softer, the streets glow with fall colors, and everywhere you look, kindness is quietly at work.

This week is the perfect moment to pause and appreciate our community — from the friendly faces at the Maplewood Farmers Market to the local nonprofits helping families enjoy a joyful holiday. Thanksgiving reminds us that small gestures often make the biggest difference.

💛 Here are three simple ways to share kindness this week:
• Support a local vendor or small shop — your purchase keeps our town thriving.
• Write a note of thanks to someone who brightened your year.
• Lend a hand or donate to a community food drive.

It’s a beautiful time to give back, reflect, and reconnect. Gratitude doesn’t have to be grand — it just has to be shared. Whether it’s offering a smile, volunteering, or passing along a warm meal, Maplewood’s strength shines through in its generosity.

From all of us at Maplewood Shout Outs, we wish you a peaceful, heart-filled Thanksgiving. Let’s celebrate with love, laughter, and gratitude for the wonderful people who make this town home.

Remember to always try to spread positivity and encouragement in your Maplewood Shout Outs – you never know how much your words can brighten someone's day!

The South Orange and Maplewood Studio Tour marked its 22nd year, giving art lovers an inside look at the creative processes of over 100 local artists.

Carol Cassel Baker stood out by inviting guests to her Maplewood studio, sharing her talent across oil paintings, pastels, charcoal, and unique greeting cards.

Baker is also known for her Giclée printing, a fine art reproduction technique using archival inks for vivid, lasting pieces.

Her recent exhibit, "Face to Face," captured striking emotional connections through portraiture, playing thoughtfully with color and light.

The Studio Tour remains a vital event, connecting SOMA’s artists with the community at venues like the Parlor at the Woodland and the Loft at SOPAC.

Many artists, including Baker, continue to welcome visitors for private studio visits, keeping the local art spirit alive all year.

Why did the Maplewood Shout Outs administrator go to therapy?

Because they kept shouting out their own praises too much!

The Columbia High School boys’ cross-country team claimed a strong fifth-place finish at the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 championships, held at Greystone–Central Park in Morris Plains on November 1.

Junior Levi Taber-Kewene led the way, finishing 14th with a time of 16:44.97.

Key teammates included Julius Marshall, Nathan Simonich, Thomas Walmsley, Leo Klint, Evan Waller, and Ethan Hart, all contributing to the team’s advance to the state championships.

The top five teams move on to the NJSIAA Group 4 state championships at Holmdel Park on November 8.

The girls’ team narrowly missed qualifying, finishing sixth, but senior Keira Monagle stood out with a fifth-place finish and a 19:09.52 time, earning her an individual spot at Group 4 states.

This marks the second straight year both the boys and Monagle will represent Columbia at the championships, reflecting the program’s ongoing strength.

Refresh your palate at Village Marketplace! Located at 1 S. Orange Ave., South Orange, NJ, Village Marketplace brings you fresh, locally-sourced groceries and a vibrant smoothie bar that’s all about flavour + wellness. Choose from fruit-bursting blends, nutrient-rich greens, protein-packed shakes or detox-style smoothies—each made to order with care and eco-friendly packaging. Whether you’re after a morning boost, a post-workout refuel or a delicious treat, Village Marketplace makes wellness taste amazing. Stop by, sip a smoothie, and fuel your day the healthy way.

Visit them today or call 973-762-5200 to learn more!