SOMA Living November 2025

COLUMBIA’S LIFE BEYOND THE SCHOOL COLUMBIA’S LIFE BEYOND THE SCHOOL: AUTUMN SEASON GROUP CHATS

At Columbia High School, every club, sports team, and friend group maintains a group chat. Students make plans, conduct business, and help each other with homework at 11 p.m. In September and October, clubs welcome new arrivals and fall sports begin, making autumn the most exciting and chaotic season of the school year. Apps such as Messages, GroupMe, and Snapchat support the weight of group chats. Club conversations start with simple intentions; a few moments later, students share screenshots, send random messages, and ask how they can get involved. Silence never occurs. If you step away, you return to a flood of miscellaneous messages. Yet, the chaos defines the autumn club and sports spirit:

communal, fresh, and thrilling. Group chats keep Columbia buzzing after the end of the day and throughout the night. Students from all grades share comments and express their school spirit. These chats strengthen Columbia’s system of nerves. A sports captain sends reminders before a big game, and club members plan their next activity. The messages always reach their intended recipients. Every Columbia student understands their meaning. Columbia’s GroupMe, Snapchat, and Messages group chats fuel academic life. They serve as our version of Millennials’ “AIM” and Gen X/Baby Boomers’ folded notes. We unite in communicative chaos and school spirit.

Hatcher Niles is a junior at Columbia High School and a proud member of the class of 2027. This school year, he’s excited about the new FinTech club he is a co-founder of, is finding more ways to volunteer in our community, and is gearing up for college application season.

MEET THE MERCHANT

Get to know downtown Maplewood Village Alliance Merchants in this Q+A feature - this month, Inside Home, a beautifully curated design destination in the heart of Maplewood Village. What is your name and the name of your business? My name is Robert White and I own Inside Home, located in Maplewood Village. What is your USP? What sets your business apart from others? Inside Home is more than a home décor store, it is a creative space where design meets personal expression. We are the only store in the area dedicated exclusively to home decorating, and we take pride in offering thoughtful, hands-on guidance for customers who want to enhance their living spaces. Whether it is a full home makeover, or a few key updates, we tailor each project to reflect the homeowner’s individual style and budget. What really makes us unique is that I bring my background as a fine artist into the mix. I create original abstract artwork in a working studio right inside the shop, and that energy carries over into the design process. Every item in the store, from the lighting and rugs to the furniture, art, and accessories, is carefully chosen to inspire and reflect a range of aesthetics. What inspired you to get into this business? I have worked as an interior designer for over 40 years,

and design has always been both my profession and my passion. When I moved to Maplewood, I felt the timing was right to create the kind of boutique I personally enjoy shopping in, one where people can browse, feel inspired, and find truly unique pieces they would not see anywhere else. Why Maplewood Village? I moved to Maplewood about seven years ago and was instantly charmed by the

Village. It really is a “small wonder.” There is a warmth and vibrancy here that is hard to find elsewhere. When I decided to open Inside Home, there was no question in my mind that Maplewood Village was the place to do it. I wanted to be part of the creative and entrepreneurial fabric that makes this neighborhood so special. It is a community that values individuality, artistry, and meaningful connection, and that aligns perfectly with the spirit of Inside Home. Where are you located? Inside Home is located at 101 Baker Street, in Maplewood Village. @insidehomemaplewood | insidehomenj.com

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