SOMA Living November 2024

MEET THE BOWIN FAMILY The Bowin family is a vibrant unit that blends a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and global experiences. Alison and her husband Nitai, along with their two energetic children, Cole (6) and Liv (3 1/2), create a welcoming environment for relatives and a wide circle of local and international friends. Their transition from Manhattan to Maplewood narrates a tale of love, adventure, and a deep dedication to both local and global causes. “We decided to relocate from the Upper West Side during the peak of COVID-19, seeking a place where our double stroller wouldn’t catch on scaffolding anymore,” Alison chuckles. “Maplewood’s charm and sense of community won us over immediately.” Alison and Nitai’s journey commenced in 2010, as volunteer English teachers for the Peace Corps in Ukraine. “Our paths crossed in Kyiv while we were studying Russian in preparation for our service,” Alison shares. “I was stationed south of Kharkiv, and Nitai was assigned to Crimea. Both locations hold significant memories for us.” Their bond with Ukraine remains strong. “During a recent trip to Germany, we reunited with a former Ukrainian colleague – assisting them in finding a new home after fleeing the conflict, witnessing their recovery was truly remarkable,” Alison recounts. “Ukraine has given us so much, and we cherish the connections we maintain there.” Nitai’s upbringing in a multicultural household on the west coast adds to their diverse background. “My parents relocated to California from Israel 45 years ago,” Nitai explains. “While I occasionally miss the forests of Northern California, Maplewood evokes memories of my hometown, Nevada City.”

Photography by Jamie Meier

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