SOMA Living November 2025

SOMA SNAPSHOTS

My name is Skylar Mass. I am 10 years old and in 5th grade at Golda Och Academy. I love figure-skating, playing ice hockey, and playing the flute in my school band. I have a younger brother and a younger sister. My family moved to South Orange in 2020. Even though we moved during the pandemic, it was easy to meet neighbors and friends because of how friendly everyone is. I love so many things about living in SOMA but some of my favorite things are the location, the food, the people, and Halloween. SOMA has a lot of public transportation and is near many highways. I can easily get to NYC and the Jersey shore. There are so many things to eat and do right here. I love the peach pie at Able Baker and the salmon roll at Ariyoshi. The people who live and work in SOMA are so nice. I got to meet so many of them through Girl Scouts. My Girl Scout Troop learned first aid at the South Orange Rescue Squad, held a book club meeting at the South Orange Public Library, and sold cookies in downtown Maplewood. We also took a dance class at Motion Arts and a karate class at Maplewood Karate/Master Toledo. My troop does a lot of community service in and around SOMA. My favorite activity is donating teddy bears to people in need. In SOMA, people go ‘all out’ during Halloween. There is a ton of candy, people in costumes, and awesome decorations. Some people even set up mazes on their lawns. I have so much fun trick or treating with my friends! We go through the mazes over and over again. SOMA is a great place to live and I am lucky to be here!

Skylar Mass is a proud SOMA/MapSO kid most often found at an ice rink, reading a book, or hanging out with family and friends. She has lived in SOMA for half her life! Photo credit: Jessica Reiss Photography

This monthly column gives kids from South Orange and Maplewood a chance to share their insights and experiences for three consecutive issues. We hope you enjoy seeing SOMA through the eyes of our young writers! To apply to be a writer, please submit a 250 word essay with an introduction and your feature of a special place, activity, or event in SOMA to: somalivingmagazine@gmail.com

A Wilderness Canoe Tripping Camp for Boys Ages 7-16 camppathfinder.com

est. 1914

NOVEMBER 2025 | SOMA LIVING 25

@somalivingmagazine