SOMA Living February 2023

SOMA ADULT SCHOOL

SOMAS CELEBRATES NINE DECADES OF LIFELONG LEARNING…AND FUN

South Orange-Maplewood Adult School Association, SOMAS, is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2023.

Started in the midst of the depression, local leaders created SOMAS as an evening school for adults. Out-of-work teachers developed affordable classes to entertain and/or train our under-employed citizens. SOMAS is the oldest operating adult school in New Jersey. It is nationally renowned and, in 2000, recognized as “A Local Legacy” by the Library of Congress. The Adult School remains a non-profit, non-governmental agency funded by class tuitions, gifts from its Friends Campaign, and contributions from Sponsors, most of them local businesses. SOMAS is marking those nine decades with a celebratory 90th Anniversary logo, new initiatives, and a renewed focus on its ongoing mission, “to offer our communities a wealth of opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun,” explains Board President Bonnie Kenselaar. Annually, this includes 2500 students, aged 5 to 90+ enrolling in 250 courses, lectures, and special events. Each designed to, “enrich the mind, exercise the body, and feed the soul.” Offerings include art, music, business and finance, fitness and recreation, languages, and technology. Children’s after school programming includes fitness classes and Suzuki violin lessons. “The 90th Anniversary spotlight shines most brightly on our students,” said Kenselaar. “Special thanks to our students and to those who take a class, attended a lecture, an event, or a trip. You are the reason the South Orange-Maplewood Adult School exists. And the reason we keep growing.” With over 100 classes in our NEW SPRING 2023 catalog, there’s something for everyone!

Choose from creative arts,

health & fitness, home & garden, technology, day trips and much more! somadultschool.org 973.378.7620

FEBRUARY 2023 | SOMA LIVING 21

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