Local Business Spotlight: A Paper Hat – Maplewood, NJ

A Paper Hat is one of Maplewood’s most beloved creative shops — a warm, inspiring destination for artists, students, and anyone who loves beautifully crafted stationery and gifts. Located in the heart of Maplewood at 410 Ridgewood Road, this independently owned shop has become a true community favorite.

Since opening in 2016, A Paper Hat has focused on curating high-quality art supplies, journals, greeting cards, children’s craft materials, pencils, pens, and unique designer gifts. Each item in the store is chosen with purpose, creativity, and artistic joy in mind.

Their motto, “hello creativity,” reflects their mission: to inspire imagination in people of all ages, from young makers to seasoned artists. Customers love the shop for its friendly vibe, its beautifully displayed products, and its commitment to keeping creative expression alive in Maplewood.

A Paper Hat is also an enthusiastic supporter of the SOMA community — offering local delivery, participating in local events, and promoting shopping small during the holidays and year-round.

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Sponsor Spotlight: Visit A Paper Hat — Maplewood’s Creative Gem!

Looking for the perfect place to spark creativity this season? A Paper Hat, right here in Maplewood, is the community’s go-to shop for beautiful art supplies, unique gifts, journals, cards, and everything you need to bring inspiration to life.

Whether you’re an artist, a parent looking for quality kids’ craft materials, or simply someone who loves thoughtful stationery, A Paper Hat offers a charming selection you won’t find anywhere else. Every item is carefully curated with creativity and joy in mind — making it the ideal spot for holiday shopping, school projects, or a little personal inspiration.

When you shop at A Paper Hat, you’re also supporting a small, locally owned business that gives back to our community in meaningful ways. They participate in neighborhood events, uplift local creators, and help keep Maplewood’s creative spirit thriving.

✨ Stop by, explore, and say hello — creativity is waiting for you at A Paper Hat!
410 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, NJ

Maplewood & South Orange Community Spotlight

✨ Hello, Maplewood & South Orange!

As we move through this festive season, our community continues to shine with inspiring achievements, arts celebrations, standout student success, and exciting local developments. Today’s issue brings together uplifting stories, youth milestones, real estate insights, and wonderful holiday events happening right in our backyard.

Grab a warm drink — here’s what’s happening around SOMA this week! 

🌟 FEATURED ARTICLES

🎶 Join the South Orange Symphony for a Festive “Messiah” Sing-Along

A seasonal favorite returns! The South Orange Symphony invites the entire community to join in a joyful holiday sing-along. Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or simply love Handel’s iconic masterpiece, this event promises a heartwarming musical night for all.

🏡 Realtor Allison Ziefert Highlights Surge in $2M+ Home Sales in SOMA

Local real estate expert Allison Ziefert shares new insights on the dramatic rise in luxury home sales across Maplewood and South Orange. The trend reflects a strong demand for the charm, culture, and community strength our towns are known for.

🎓 CHS Ultimate Founders Day 2025: Celebrating Legacy & Leadership

A cherished Columbia High School tradition continues! Founders Day honors decades of teamwork, mentorship, and the powerful spirit of the CHS Ultimate community — bringing together alumni, students, and families in a celebration of excellence.

🏃‍♂️ Columbia High School Cross Country Team’s Historic 2025 Season

The CHS cross-country team has made school history with record-breaking performances, team unity, and standout individual achievements. A proud moment for Cougar Nation — and the entire SOMA community.

🦅 Four Scouts from Maplewood’s Troop 5 Earn Eagle Scout Rank

A huge congratulations to the four outstanding young leaders from Troop 5 who have achieved the highest honor in Scouting! Their service projects and commitment to the community reflect the very best of Maplewood youth.

Why did the Maplewood Shout Outs cross the road?

To give a shout out to the other side!

The South Orange Symphony welcomes the community to a festive sing-along of Handel’s 'Messiah' on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:30 PM.

This beloved tradition will be held at the First Presbyterian & Trinity Church, 111 Irvington Avenue, South Orange.

Under Susan Haig and guest conductors, participants can join in Part I of the oratorio, including the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.

Featured soloists are Caitlin Caulfield (soprano), Cornelia Lotito (contralto), Keaun Guy (tenor), and Sean Cooper (bass-baritone).

Guests are encouraged to bring their own scores, though extras will be available.

An optional chorus rehearsal begins at 6:45 PM.

Admission is free, with ample street parking.

South Orange also hosts its Hometown Holiday Celebration on December 6, offering Santa photos and a tree lighting, spotlighting the area’s vibrant holiday spirit.

South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA) are experiencing a dramatic rise in high-end home sales, signaling a notable transformation of the local real estate landscape.

In 2025, residential sales totaled 415, including 9 properties closing at $2 million or more—a sharp jump from prior years.

Fifty homes sold for $1.5 million or above, split evenly between the two towns, reflecting a shared upward trend.

Luxury buyers are drawn to a variety of neighborhoods: Maplewood’s Upper Wyoming and Roosevelt Estates for their impressive homes, and sought-after areas near Prospect Street for convenience.

In South Orange, Newstead and the Wyoming/Montrose neighborhoods are prized for their lot size, design, and charm.

Luxury demand spans several micro-markets and is no longer limited to isolated pockets.

Rising prices show both towns have matured into premier destinations for discerning buyers.

Over 250 players, alumni, and fans gathered at Maplewood’s Underhill Sports Complex for CHS Ultimate Founders Day, a spirited celebration marking the 1968 invention of Ultimate Frisbee by three Columbia High School students.

Legends like Paul Schindel, Jan Russak, and Geoff West returned, while World Champion and tech influencer Marques Brownlee and top coach Anthony Nuñez led a youth clinic inspiring over 50 young athletes alongside elite players and award winners.

Alumni faced off against current players in a lively, music-filled match, with the alumni team triumphing 21–9.

G.O.A.T. trophies honored standout performances, and official photographer Jennifer Voce-Nelson documented the camaraderie and sportsmanship.

The day continued with a hat tournament and a festive gathering at Pallet Brewery, bringing together players from across New Jersey and beyond.

CHS Ultimate, a vital local nonprofit, remains dedicated to youth development, inclusion, and the enduring spirit of the game.

The Columbia High School Cross Country team surged through the 2025 season under the direction of coaches Alex Simon and Michael Johnson, achieving new heights for the program.

In September, Keira Monagle finished second at the Roxbury Invitational, posting the second-fastest 5k in school history, while Leo Klint broke the boys’ 5k record with a standout performance.

Freshmen Cecily Taber-Kewene, Chloe Tarry, and Niko Reese set new freshman records, fueling a string of victories at the Super Essex Conference Championships.

Teams swept first in several divisions, with Leo Klint and Keira Monagle collecting individual wins and records.

The boys captured a rare sweep at the Essex County Championship, while both varsity and freshmen girls also shined.

Milestone qualifications followed for the NJSIAA Meet of Champions, including historic dual boys’ entries.

Awards capped the season as Keira Monagle and the boys were named SEC's finest, and Coach Alex Simon repeated as Coach of the Year, reflecting a remarkable year of dedication and triumph.

Four Maplewood teens from Troop 5 have earned the esteemed Eagle Scout Award, a distinction achieved by only 5% of scouts nationwide.

Samuel Mitchell Daley, John Graham “Jack” Ebert, Jesse Fryatt, and Alexander Lopos were honored at a ceremony at Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church, recognized for leadership, service, and character.

Each Eagle Scout completed a challenging service project: Samuel revitalized the Maplewood Community Pool’s teen area, Jack distributed $40,000 in medical equipment in his sister’s memory, Jesse refurbished local kiosks along Springfield Avenue, and Alexander upgraded music storage and instruments at Columbia High School.

The teens received accolades from Governor Phil Murphy and other dignitaries, celebrating their dedication and positive impact.

Troop 5, founded in 1920 and sponsored by the Maplewood Rotary Club, continues its tradition of building leadership and community spirit among local youth.