SOMA Living April 2022

VOL. 7-4 APRIL 2022 MAGAZINE

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APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 3

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PUBLICATION TEAM

FACES IN THE CROWD

Publisher: Michael E. Goldberg

Editor: Karen L. Driggs

Director of Human Resources: Fudge P. Goldberg

Advertising Sales Michael E. Goldberg I 973.271.4306 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com Contributors: Cathy Roma, Doug Huebner, Dr. Stephen Levine, Kim Kassnove, Elizabeth Kubany, Gary T. Jones, Dr. Daniel Roig, Jill Cohen, Yoni Kreger, Kerry Cordero, Julie Greene Lee Seidenberg, Dr. Alissa Gardenhire

John Meade, owner of St. James Gate, with wife Donna and PIX newscaster Dan Mannacino on St. Patrick’s Day.

PETS OF THE MONTH • Sponsored by Jennifer McManus Real Estate

Design by: GRANDSTAND DESIGN

(973) 232-6025 www.grandstanddesign.com

Pepperoni is a 3-year-old dachshund who is a lover, not a fighter. He loves every dog, cat, and person he meets. He wants nothing more than to be on your lap. Favorite past times include: knocking over garbage cans, garbage-surfing, hoarding your shoes and clean ing your plate when you turn your head and look the other way.

Family Photography by: LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

jamie@livelovelens.com www.livelovelens.com

Kristine Foley

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APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 5

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MEET CHRISTINA SWARNS & AMINA

Photography by Jamie Meier

“I intentionally picked Maplewood because of the diversity of the community. I also felt the values perspective taught in the SOMS School District would be great for Amina!”, states Christina Swarns. Nine years ago, Christina and Amina moved from Washington Heights to Maplewood. “I could not imagine living anywhere else”, Christina mentions. Both mother and daughter enjoy the amount of space they have in their home, compared to their one bedroom apartment in Washington Heights. They also find it wonderful to have a backyard and local parks to enjoy green space! Christina just recently returned to commuting into NYC and down to Tribeca. She is the Executive Director of the Innocence Project. “When I started the job back in April 2020, we were only having Zoom meetings. Just recently I’m finally able to meet my staff face to face,” said Christina. “I love my job. There are no words to explain how extraordinary it is to exonerate an

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innocent person.” She added “Even though they have experienced such trauma, our clients have amazing optimism and grace. After release, many dedicate themselves to help others who are also wrongfully convicted.” Amina and Christina enjoy traveling. Recently they went to the Bahamas over Spring Break for Amina. They both enjoy going to Broadway shows. Two notable favorites are “Hadestown” and “Hamilton”. When they are not traveling, or seeing Broadway Shows in the City, you may find them in Maplewood enjoying local restaurants. Since the pandemic, you may find them dining with friends at Coda. Amina is currently in 8th grade at Kent Place School. She has been at Kent Place for 7th and 8th grade. Next year, she plans to return to SOMS and attend Columbia High School. Her athletic interests include Lacrosse, Basketball and Soccer. She is an avid reader who enjoys Stephen King novels. Amina, like her mother, is a supporter of social justice. Coincidently, Amina’s favorite book is Between the World and Me , written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Amina and Christina recently viewed the Columbia High School’s production of “Newsies”. “We both love what SOMA has to offer and that Maplewood is our home!” Christina shared.

APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 7

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DREAM TEAM

This month’s feature is Rachel Zorel. Rachel is the Founder and Creative Director of 7 Layer Studio, an award-winning agency specializing in brand identity systems with clients in a wide range of industries. She is a leader with extraordinary focus of vision guided by honesty and trust. With nearly two decades of experience, Rachel finds her passion helping brands hatch an idea and bring it to life through comprehensive

design thinking and a memorable aesthetic. Rachel’s commitment to creative excellence can be seen in her work for clients both large and small, and she uses her perspective as a female-founded design firm to affect positive change for both her clients and their audiences.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Rachel Zorel to discuss CBD therapy and how it could enhance her mental health and body. She’s a wife, mother of four, and the Founder of 7 Layer Studio, a design & branding agency in South Orange.

I began by listening to her story about what kept her up at night and how it made her feel. Impressively, Rachel seemed to have low anxiety for a mother of four; however, she desired to take the edge off while staying alert and productive. She also wanted to have fun. Furthermore, she expressed having dry skin and her love for a tea break in the afternoon. After getting to knowmore about Rachel, I explained the endocannabinoid system, a biological system, and how the benefits of the cannabis plant help reduce symptoms of inflammation, anxiety, and depression. I then suggested that Rachel try TribeRevive Gummy Bears (Isolate) to take the edge off. Potency no. 710 Gold Face Serum to hydrate her skin, and Purification CBD Tea for the afternoon; which is delicious as a chai tea. To top it off, Bhumi Delta8 chocolate peppermint bar to have some elevated fun. – Jill Cohen

973-632-0302

At the style session, Stylist Kerry Cordero, used her intuition and seasoned expertise to discover Rachel’s style. She advised Rachel to go with an edgier look to show off her business’s success and add accessories to express her generosity and charm. Julie

Improving South Orange/Maplewood one house at a time We offer weekly maintenance plans, landscape design services and hardscape construction www.slevingroupnj.com

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Perlow-Greene Wardrobe Consultant chose three looks from her curated collection of modern and vintage clothes. A fitted black blazer became the centerpiece of the looks and from there it all flowed. Julie then added two casual outfits to show off Rachel’s professional yet feminine side. Our interactive styling approach and listening session

fun playing with various lighting and backdrops to create an assortment of moods that complemented the outfits chosen. For one setup, we decided on an orange background to give the nod to the clean and colorful design of 7 Layer Studio and Lee Seidenberg. To see more images from the shoot, visit leeseidenbergphotography.com/somaliving.

allowed us to find Rachel’s authentic style and give her the perfect mix of confidence and comfort. – Julie Perlow-Greene & Kerry Cordero There are two primary factors I consider for every client : who they are—their personality, occupation, lifestyle; and their unique face—their geometry, features, and innate beauty.

As a graphic designer and busy mom of four, Rachel needs a look that conveys her eye for design — something that expresses style without requiring a time consuming routine at home. By adding layers on top, along with long bangs to draw attention to her naturally striking cheekbones, I created movement and dimension while maintaining the length that worked well with her neck/shoulder/chin ratio. The result is “the wolf cut,” a current Instagram trend. – Yoni Kreger I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Rachel for ten years and was excited to finally have her in front of my camera. We had several great outfits, a new hairstyle, and beautiful makeup design by the talented @tanyamarques. I wanted to capture her as a successful entrepreneur whose leadership style encompasses her bright and cheerful personality. We had a lot of

Makeup by Tanya Marques (tanyamarques.com)

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE!

scalora.com 973.313.3912 @ scalorabros • Masonry • Paving • Retaining Walls • Fence • Drainage • Pavers

APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 9

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

4 eggs, room temperature 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 Tbsp honey mustard 1 tsp kosher salt 1 1/2 cups AP flour 4 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled slightly, divided INGREDIENTS While homemade popovers may look complex, they are deceptively quick and easy to make. All puffed and golden, they are the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey or ham, delicious paired with a hot bowl of soup, or served with eggs and bacon for a holiday breakfast. While special occasion worthy, don’t wait for one to make em! HONEY MUSTARD POPOVERS Prep Time: 5 min • Cook Time: 35 min Servings: 6

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 450 o F and brush 1 Tbsp melted butter on the bottom and sides of the popover cups (using a six-cup popover pan or large muffin pan). 2.Using a whisk or an immersion blender, blend the eggs, milk, mustard and salt until well mixed and frothy.

• Be sure to use room temperature eggs and milk to create the best emulsion. Eggs can be placed in warm water and the milk gently warmed in the microwave to speed up the warming process. • A whisk, immersion blender , or blender can be used to mix the batter for the best results.

3.Add the flour and continue to mix, then add 3 Tbsp slightly cooled, melted butter and blend well. Be sure there aren’t any lumps and the consistency of the batter is like smooth, heavy cream. 4.Divide the batter evenly between the prepared popover cups and bake for 20 mins at 450 o F 5. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 o F and continue to bake for 15 additional mins. Immediately remove the popovers from the pan and pierce the sides with the tip of a paring knife to release the steam. 6.Serve warm with honey mustard butter if desired. RECIPE NOTES • Special Equipment: 6-cup Popover Pan (a muffin pan can be substituted) Honey Mustard Butter: whip together 4 oz (1 stick) softened, salted butter with 1 Tbsp honey and 2 tsp honey mustard.

• Be sure there aren’t any lumps in the batter and it is smooth before pouring into the prepared popover pan. • I use a large liquid measuring cup to make pouring the batter into the popover pan clean and easy. • A popover pan will yield the best results, but a muffin pan can also be used. Your popovers will be smaller and not as high and you will get 10-12 smaller popovers instead of 6 large ones. Adjust the cooking time down about 10 mins (15 at 450 F and 10-15 at 350 F) and check to be sure they’re fully baked. • Don’t open the oven until the popovers are almost fully baked so they don’t deflate during the rising process. • Remove the popovers immediately from the pan and pierce the sides with the tip of a knife to release the steam, keeping the inside moist and airy and the exterior crisp.

www.WHATSHOULDIMAKEFOR.com

Cathy Roma’s food philosophy is simple: everything in moderation. She’s worked in restaurants, owned an online bakery, has a bordering-on-problematic cookbook obsession and is the writer, photographer and recipe developer for the blog whatshouldimakefor.com. She lives in South Orange with her well-fed family, overstocked pantry and mildly excessive collection of cookie cutters.

OPEN 7 DAYS: 12PM - WEE HOURS LUNCH: 12PM - 5PM • DINNER: 5PM - 11PM • WEEKEND BRUNCH: 11AM -3PM

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LIFE COACHING

If you know me, you know that carbohydrates are my weakness. The mouthfeel of the crunch then chew of a bagel is my comfort. Sourdough slathered in butter - yes please. When it’s my time, leave me in a field with a baguette and some olive oil, and I’ll die completely satisfied. This carby compulsion must be why the expression “Throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks”

KIM KASSNOVE

has always resonated with me. I’m a carbohydrate loving experimentalist. I am in love with the act of throwing metaphorical spaghetti, and even more than that, I love seeing what sticks. For me, trying new things is the spice of life, and most days you’ll find me flinging pasta, because inviting new things into my world lights me up. I’ve experimented with writing (stuck), running (stuck for a bit), yoga (stuck), podcasting (didn’t stick), creative visual arts (sticking as of now), and I’m better for all of it; even the partial sticks and the complete flops on the floor. You see, there is a particular kind of poetry in TRYING. The act of trying something new and then waiting to see if it works is brave. It takes courage. It can be scary. It’s always worth it. I work with people who are ready to fling pasta, and the only thing that stops them is fear! Fear of failure. Fear of the bottom falling out. Fear of rejection. When fear creeps in, I remind my clients that though we are flinging spaghetti, we are only flinging a few strands at a time. There is still a big bubbling pot on the stove, and plenty more spaghetti to try out if this one thing doesn’t stick. We wouldn’t dream of throwing the whole pot at the wall all at once! I help my clients sort out which strands they want to throw and when. I’ve got lots of opportunities for you to try out some new stuff this spring. For my writers, Write On! Groups launch at the end of April. For my crafty spring worshipers, a live event at Oh! Canary on April 30th, and my books are open to a few new 1:1 clients in April and May. Schedule complimentary time with me on my website: http://kimkassnovecoaching.com in order to learn more. Let’s throw some pasta this spring! I’m just an email away: kim@kimkassnovecoaching.com.

APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 11

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC ARTHUR MOORHEAD Photo by George Chin

• Treatment and Rehabilitation for Headaches • Neck and Back Pain • Sports and Gym Related Activities • Disc Problems and Neck Problems • Auto Injuries • Pregnancy Related Aches BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

Birthplace: Des Moines, Iowa Grade: BA, Journalism Nicknames: Artie Sports Played: Baseball, Track, Football, Tennis Athletic Achievements: AZ. State Cham pions, 160yd. Relay (middle school), Silvermedal, State Championships, 50 yd. dash, AZ. Teams Participated On: Arcadia Titans Favorite Pro Team: Dallas Cowboys

Person you’d like to meet: Roger Federer Do you have a teacher or coach who inspired you?Robert Larabell, Arcadia High Tips for student athletes: Love competi tion. Sports are a great social activity. But if you want to be a serious athlete, you need to love two things: competition and practice.

Hobbies: Tennis, History, NFL Favorite School Subject: History

Favorite Band: NRBQ Favorite Food: Tacos

Favorite Restaurant: Porter House, NYC When I grow up, I want to be: Center fielder for the SF Giants

ABOUT DR. BASS If one word were used to describe Dr.Wayne J. Bass, itwouldbe“community.” As one who has served on theMaplewood Chamber of Commerce for a number of years, Dr. Bass understands the needs of the community and strives to achieve excellence with every appointment. In fact, his business was founded on the principle of excellence in the community in 2006. While there are many chiropractors out there, Dr. Bass is one who truly cares about the well-being of patients.

(973) 378-2277 BASSFAMILYCHIRO.COM 491B VALLEY ST, MAPLEWOOD, NJ 07040

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DANCE SCHOOL

LYDIA JOHNSON DANCE SCHOOL SUMMER 2022

Lydia Johnson Dance School’s acclaimed Dance Program for Summer 2022 is for rising 5th graders through early high school students. It will meet Monday through Friday from 9:00am-12:00pm in the theater and outdoors at the Burgdorff Center in Maplewood for 2 weeks: July 18-22 and/or July 25-29. Register for 1 or 2 weeks. This unique program includes a daily dance technique class (Ballet Barre and Contemporary Center Combination), outdoor snack time and a full in-depth Choreography Workshop. The LJD Dance Camp offers a creative, fine arts approach as an alternative to commercial dance education. Every child is a dancemaker at LJD. Each year students at this esteemed camp find their own niche and blossom with confidence as they learn and experience the art of choreographing their own dances! The program is full of warmth, fun and exciting activities. LJD professional dancers will be with us at Camp as Guest Artists showing excerpts of Lydia’s work as well as teaching special classes. Teen Summer Internships As always, we are happy to invite interested teens to apply to be Dance Camp Interns who assist in classes, set up and help with snack time, and who also choreograph together a special dance to share with the students! Interns are paid a stipend as they learn leadership skills while expanding their own dance and choreography range. The warmth, talent and great spirits of our group of Interns are well known! LJD is a not-for-profit organization and offers a Scholarship Program so every child can study dance. Email: LJDanceschool@gmail.com • www.lydiajohnsondance.org

www.thecarpetgirl.com SELECTION, SALES AND INSTALLATION

WWW.SCALORA.COM 973.313.3912

APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 13

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

APRIL SHOWERS

Bright, refreshing, and just slightly dry, the April showers is a wonderful cocktail that’s sure to put you in a spring mood. INGREDIENTS • 2 oz vodka • 1/2 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed • 1/2 oz dry vermouth • Garnish: lime peel

STEPS

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Pour the vodka, lime juice, and dry vermouth in a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.

3. Shake well.

4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

5. Garnish with a lime peel.

Serve and enjoy!

Sarah Maloney is a longtime Maplewood resident who is known to make a refreshing drink. She is the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate and enjoys spending time with her four children in her downtime.

A mix of corrective treatments tailored to each individual’s particular skincare needs within the confines of a relaxing experience. Wed, Thurs and Sat 11 am – 6 pm 2202 Millburn Ave. Maplewood

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FROM THE DOCTOR

ACL TEAR

The knee, although it is a simple joint can have a lot of injuries. The most common injury of this joint is an injury to the ACL or anterior cruciate ligament. It can be torn or sprained as is common for most ligaments in the body. Tears are the more severe injury which require surgery usually. Athletes who participate in high demand sports like soccer, football, and basketball are more likely to injure their anterior cruciate ligaments. Depending on the activity level of the athlete or person injured as well as severity of the injury will determine if surgery is needed or not. A sprain to the ACL is less severe. Half of all injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament occur along with damage to other structures in the knee, such as articular cartilage, meniscus, or other ligaments. These injuries can be painful and restrict activity. Injured ligaments are considered “sprains” and are graded on a severity scale. Grade 1 Sprains: The ligament is mildly damaged in a Grade 1 Sprain. It has been slightly stretched, but is still able to help keep the knee joint stable. Grade 2 Sprains: A Grade 2 Sprain stretches the ligament to the point where it becomes loose. This is often referred to as a partial tear of the ligament. Grade 3 Sprains: This type of sprain is most commonly referred to as a complete tear of the ligament. The ligament has been split into two pieces, and the knee joint is unstable. Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament are rare; most ACL injuries are complete or near complete tears. A tear of the ACL can happen in many different ways such as changing direction rapidly, stopping suddenly, slowing down while running, landing incorrectly when jumping and a direct collision to the knee which usually happens during a football tackle. There are also studies that have been published that put females more at risk for ACL injury due to a number of factors such as strength, conditioning, neuromuscular control, pelvic and leg alignment putting stress on the ligaments and hormones. Symptoms of this condition will usually result in the patient hearing or feeling a “pop” followed by your knee giving out. There is usually swelling, tenderness along the joint line, loss of ROM. The pain and swelling will go away with rest but more severe injury may happen if the athlete returns too soon. Treatment of this condition will vary depending on if there is surgery or no surgery. A torn ACL will not heal without surgery. But nonsurgical treatment may be effective for patients who are elderly or have a very low activity level. If the overall stability of the knee is intact, your doctor may recommend simple, nonsurgical options. The first simple option is a knee brace to provide stability. To further protect your knee, you may be given crutches to keep you from putting weight on your leg. Physical therapy is another option as the swelling decreases it is common to build up strength to improve the stability of the knee. When surgery is an option most ACL tears cannot be sutured (stitched) back together. To surgically repair the ACL and restore knee stability, the ligament must be reconstructed. Your doctor will replace your torn ligament with a tissue graft. Grafts can be obtained from several sources. Often they are taken from the patellar tendon, which runs between the kneecap and the shinbone. Hamstring tendons at the back of the thigh are a common source of grafts. Sometimes a quadriceps tendon, which runs from the kneecap into the thigh, is used. Finally, cadaver graft (allograft) can be used. There are advantages and disadvantages to all graft sources. You should discuss graft choices with your own orthopedic surgeon to help determine which is best for the patient. Since regrowth takes time, it may be six months or more before an athlete can return to sports after surgery. Physical therapy is required and a strict protocol is followed to restore mobility, increase strength and the final phase is return to sporting activity. South Orange rehab and wellness is always available to talk with anyone about their current situation.

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

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APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 15

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FROM THE DOCTOR Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that decreases a person’s bone strength. When viewed under a microscope, the inside of a healthy human bone looks like a honeycomb. There are small gaps and holes in the bone itself. When a person develops osteoporosis, these holes get bigger and cause the bones to become weaker. This can lead to limited mobility, poor posture, falls, or even bone fractures. While dietary changes, nutritional supplements, weight bearing exercise, and prescription medications can help rebuild bone and lessen the effects of osteoporosis - Chiropractic care can also be an effective treatment. Spinal manipulation by a licensed chiropractor can help restore joint mobility. This allows patients to move better, and reduce the risk of falls and fractures. Chiropractic treatment may include the use of instruments, computerized adjustments, or traditional hands-on care. As bones are living tissues, they are constantly being broken down and then restored by cells called osteoblasts. During a chiropractic adjustment, these cells are stimulated and help reinforce the bones. In addition, chiropractic balance of the spine and hips can also help prevent falls. If you suffer from advanced osteoporosis, a chiropractor will use a gentle approach to relieve some of your symptoms and discomfort. Your treatment should be completely customized to fit your personal condition and disease progression. If you have osteoporosis and you’re interested in learning how chiropractic care may hP.lp yn11, please read more by visiting our blog post at: southorangechiropractic.com. OSTEOPOROSIS: A CHRONIC CONDITION

Meet the Natural Pain Relievers at South Orange Chiropractic Center Moving people from pain to wellness. Dr. Stephen Levine • Dr. Mark Roczey • Dr. Mark Sielski 60 First Street, South Orange, NJ 07079 973-761-0022 Go to SouthOrangeChiropractic.com to download our FREE E-book on Health and Wellness

Stephen Levine D.C. South Orange Chiropractic Center SouthOrangeChiropractic.com Phone: 973.761.0022 Email: Docdad230@aol.com

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BOOK FEST

Now in its 8th year, the Maplewood Library Ideas Festival celebrates the talent and creativity of our community. This year’s Festival will run from Monday, April 18 – Friday, April 29, and will include both in-person and virtual events. In-person events will follow Township safety guidelines and protocols. As always, all programs are free and open to the public. The full line-up of events follows below, but highlights will be the presentations of the Literary Award and Carol Buchanan Award. This year, the Library is pleased to announce Ibi Zoboi as the recipient of the Maplewood Literary Award. Ibi is the New York Times bestselling author of My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich , as well as the young adult novels, American Street and Pride , and co-author of Punching the Air with prison reform activist, Dr. Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five. Her most recent book is Star Child: A biographical constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler. Begun in 2021 to honor Maplewood’s beloved resident, the 2022 Carol Buchanan Award for Outstanding Contribution to Civic and Intellectual Life will be presented to Nancy Solomon, senior reporter and founding managing editor of New Jersey Public Radio. Nancy is a Peabody Award winning journalist who has produced more than a hundred stories for NPR and was a Spencer Fellow in Education. Stay tuned for details in the upcoming weeks on the Library’s Ideas Festival page. THE MAPLEWOOD LIBRARY IDEAS FESTIVAL IS BACK!

Theater Panel: Managing Creatively During the Pandemic Monday, April 18 7 pm

Sara Farrington, Becky Gulsvig and Sandy Rustin will talk about what kept their creativity and enthusiasm for their craft alive during the pandemic. In conversation with Amanda Eigen.

Food 52’s Emma Laperruque • Tuesday, April 19 at 7 pm

Emma Laperruque, the food editor at Food52, is and an award-winning columnist and author of Big Little Recipes. In conversation with Hank Zona.

THE SMART WAY TO DO LAUNDRY

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein • Wednesday, April 20 at 7 pm

Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein is a Professor of the Practice in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he also serves as Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement. He is the Director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. In conversation with Emily Witkowski.

LAUNDRY PICKUP & DELIVERY SERVICE

Ibi Zoboi, Receiving the 8th Annual Maplewood Literary Award Friday, April 22 at 7 pm Christina Swarns, Executive Director of The Innocence Project Monday, April 25 at 7 pm

Christina Swarns is the Executive Director of the Innocence Project. The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate and equitable systems of justice for everyone. In conversation with Marie McGehee.

Tim Hwang: Silicon Valley and the Future of Innovation Tuesday, April 26 at 7 pm

Tim Hwang is a writer and researcher, currently the general counsel at Substack and author of Subprime Attention Crisis, a book about the online advertising bubble. In conversation with Jon Gertner.

Nancy Solomon, Receiving the Carol Buchanan Award • Wednesday, April 27 at 7 pm

In conversation with Deborah Goldstein.

Mandy Gonzalez…Fearless! A Program for Kids &Teens Friday, April 29 3:30 pm at Maplewood Town Hall

Meet the Broadway star and author of the Fearless books for middle grade readers. Children & teens will have a chance to win a copy of her latest book, Boulevard of Dreams. Mandy Gonzalez is currently starring in the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. She is best known for her emotional portrayal of Nina Rosario in the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, In the Heights, and starred as Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked.

APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 17

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FINANCIAL FOCUS As an investor, your decisions will be the biggest factor in your success. Nonetheless, you’ll always want to consider the power of external events. And today is no different - with the lingering effects of the pandemic, the geopolitical situation in Ukraine, the impact of inflation and the rise in interest rates, you might be grappling with feelings of uneasiness. How should you respond? First of all, remember that the financial markets have shown great resilience through wars, recessions, natural disasters and political crises – events as serious as what’s going on now. Nonetheless, you could still feel some discomfort when you’re bombarded by anxiety-producing news of the day. But you don’t have to go it alone. Many people have found support and guidance from a financial professional to be especially valuable in turbulent times. In fact, more than three-fourths of investors who work with a financial advisor are very or somewhat confident in their knowledge of the impact on the economy on their financial situations, according to a recent survey from Morning Consult, a research and data analysis company. By comparison, the same survey found that only about half of the adults in the general population have this degree of confidence. …Reduce the tendency toward emotion-driven investing – It’s usually not a good idea to let emotions be a primary driver of your investment decisions. For example, if you let fear drive your choices, you could end up selling quality investments – ones that still have good prospects and are still suitable for your needs – when their prices have fallen, just to “cut losses.” A financial professional can help you make informed moves appropriate for your goals. …Put investment results in context – You may wonder why your investment portfolio’s performance doesn’t track that of a major index, such as the S&P 500. But if you maintain a diversified portfolio – and you should – you’ll own investments that fall outside any single index. So, instead of using an index as a benchmark, you should assess whether your portfolio’s performance is keeping you on track toward your individual goals. A financial professional can help you with this task and suggest appropriate changes if it appears you are falling behind. …Recognize investment trends and patterns – If you invest for several decades, you’ll likely see all kinds of event in the financial markets. You’ll see “corrections,” in which investment prices fall 10 percent or more in a short period of time, you’ll see “bear markets,” in which the downturn is even greater, and you’ll see bull markets, in which prices can rise, more or less steadily, for years at a time. A financial professional can help you recognize these trends and patterns – and this knowledge can make it much easier for you to maintain a long-term perspective, which leads to informed decision-making. …Gain feelings of control – Most important of all, a financial professional can enable you to gain a feeling of control over your future by helping you identify your important goals and recommending strategies for achieving them. The world, and the financial markets, will always be full of events that can be unsettling to investors. But by getting the help you need, you can reduce the stress from your investment experience – and you’ll find it’s easier to keep moving in the direction you want to go. Specifically, a financial professional can help you…

email us at AtlanticConcepts@hotmail.com to schedule a free estimate www.atlantic-concepts.com (386) 344-3894 Atlantic Concepts is a family owned business that has been serving the SOMA community for over 10 years. Its founder, Eddie Cevallos and family are proud residents of Maplewood. Specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, etc, Atlantic Concepts would love to hear your ideas for your projects. Please give us a call for a free estimate.

John B. Houston Funeral Home, Inc. “When you want the best for your loved ones’’

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John B. Houston Executive Director

“Serving with Excellence”

Gary T. Jones 973.821.4900 • g.jones@EdwardJones.com

Cushnie-Houston FUNERAL HOME 102 Sanford Street, East Orange, New Jersey 07018 Voice 973.678.1790 Fax 973.678.8023

JOHNB. HOUSTON FUNERAL HOME 236 Ellison Street, Paterson, New Jersey 07501 Voice 973.881.8200 Fax 973.881.8207

With over 25 years of experience, I work with individuals and businesses to help you achieve your financial goals. As a longtime resident of SOMA I am proud to serve the local community. To learn more about the content of this article or schedule an appointment to talk about your goals, please contact me in my Maplewood office.

Triboro Funeral Home 2274 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd., New York, New York 10030 Phone: 718-335-5613 Fax: 973.678.8023

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A commonly overlooked tax deduction, even if you don’t itemize, is the charitable contribution deduction. You can claim up to $600 of cash contributions as a deduction if you are married and filing jointly ($300 for all others). Remember to keep those acknowledgement letters from the qualified charities for both cash and property donations (including stock donations) if any individual donation was over $250. Remember that you have until April 18, 2022 to take advantage of a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or other tax deferred retirement account. The maximum amount of a contribution to a traditional IRA is $6,000 for individuals under 50 and $7,000 for those of you who are 50 or older. Self-employed people are eligible for higher income and deductible contribution limits by using a simplified employee pension plan (“SEP”) IRA. However, you may have limits to the deduction amount if you or your spouse are currently participating in an employer provided retirement plan, such as a 401(k). If you have questions regarding your taxes, feel free to contact us at 973-378-3300 or info@ coutodefranco.com. TAX TIP FOR APRIL SPONSORED BY COUTO DE FRANCO, CPA

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APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 19

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EDUCATION Time to think Spring! We are heading into the home stretch for this school year and anticipating summer (CAMP!). We, at Best in Class Education Center in South Orange, want to wish you well as you develop your summer plans for your children. Looking forward, summer is, and should primarily be a time for fun, enjoyment and family time. In our SOMA and Essex County home the town pools, diverse festivals, exciting concerts, and beautiful parks give us much to enjoy in the summer with our children. At the same time, summer can provide children with an opportunity to jump ahead academically in their core subjects: math and English. Many parents worldwide routinely use summer as a time to expose their children, through academic camps, to material they will face in the Fall when school resumes. This summer preparation pays off when their children can excel in their classes the following school year. Additionally, summer learning activities can also go a long way to stave off “summer slide” or summer learning loss. Most research shows that students can lose as much as a month’s worth of school year learning over the summer. That’s a lot! A few hours a week of enrichment can allow students to stay engaged with their academics without overtaking the whole summer. A tip from research on summer learning suggests that any approach taken will be most effective when children attend to it consistently (week-by week) and spend more academic time on task. Learning doesn’t (and shouldn’t ever) feel like a burden. Whether you choose to assign a few minutes of math practice online daily, read a book a week at home, or enroll your children in a summer program with an academic element, you’ll go far to give your child the benefit of ongoing academic engagement.

Whatever activity you choose, keep your children’s minds exercised or let Best in Class do it for you.

Alissa Gardenhire, Ph.D., Owner of Best in Class Education Center, South Orange. We are excited to offer our awesome summer camp (see our ad). For 2nd to 6th graders we are offering intensive Summer Enrichment Classes in math and English to give them a real boost and provide strong readiness for next school year. Our half day camp is fun, curated to your child’s needs and your wants, and most of all effective. Visit Bit.ly/thebrainzone to register.

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REAL ESTATE

“Ugh!” “It’s terrible!!”

“Why is it so yellow.” “We can’t keep this….”

So started the conversation between me and my wife I as we looked at the newly painted primary bathroom of the house we’re renovating for resale. The walls were covered in our favorite go to white, “White Dove” by Benjamin Moore. Normally it’s all creamy and delicious but yet, somehow in this room, it was both yellow and sour to the eyes. Actually, it was my own fault. I broke my own rule: Never fully paint a room without seeing what the color is really going to look like in the space. And I don’t mean holding up a 1” x 1” chip against the wall. I mean go to the paint store, buy a sample jar and paint some on the wall. Or, if painting isn’t your thing go to www.samplize.com. Here you can order painted sheets that you can stick on a wall to get a good idea of what the color will look like. I get questions all the time like, “What color should I paint my dining room?” Or, “What’s a good color for my living room?” Well, since I couldn’t make a bathroom look good using the world’s most beloved white paint color, I’m clearly not the person to answer those questions! But no one is. Because the answer is, “I’ll tell you when I see it on the wall”. I’ve taken seminars taught by Amy Figueroa of Benjamin Moore on how light effects paint color. There’s sunlight, and more specifically, from which direction is that light coming into the room. A northern facing window’s sunlight is vastly different than a window facing south. Now days the color temperature of a light bulb can be anywhere from 2700K to 5000K, each will also skew the color of paint. So, after spending a Saturday testing different whites on our bathroom walls and seeing how the changing sun effected the color, we settled on B.M.’s “Dove Wing”. This leads me to another point. When are you going to be seeing the room the most? I know with work from home being so prevalent that answer may be, ALL THE TIME! But if there are spaces that get used at certain periods of the day, make sure that the color you pick looks it’s best at that time. So the lesson: Never assume you know what the paint is going to look like on the wall, until it’s actually on the wall! My next challenge, finding the perfect blue for the primary bedroom walls (pictured).

APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 21

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH Maplewood resident Michael David Adams is a multi-faceted artist with a wide range of talents. Although he works primarily as a photographer and film/video director in both the fine art and commercial worlds, Michael is also an accomplished painter and visual artist.

MICHAEL DAVID ADAMS

has her own performance show / venue in Brooklyn called Moonrise. Prior to the pandemic I had a very successful solo gallery show at OVO Gallery in South Orange. I’m also proud to have created and painted the “I am Maplewood” Mural on Springfield Ave. The most recent boost of inspiration was in 2010 on my honeymoon with my wife, Viktorija, in her native Croatia. Her hometown friend introduced me to underwater photography, and while standing at the bottom of 12 feet of Mediterranean water watching the fish swim by, I realized I needed to begin shooting underwater with models, creating captivating imagery. It’s been a driving force ever since. What is your inspiration?

Please describe your work, your medium/media, and your tools.

I work in a variety of mediums, although mostly photography. My photography spans from my work with models underwater and on location around the world, as well as digital compilations for my conceptual work. I also enjoy painting murals and other art pieces.

What is your process of creation?

Whether with my photography or paintings, I do lots of research first, and then make physical and digital sketches. The next step is to make a plan on how to go about creating the work. I sometimes work with a crew of

people to create my art, and will provide them with the sketches and meetings prior to the shoot day(s). Tell me about your most recent projects/ exhibitions? The pandemic has been difficult because a lot of my time had to be devoted to helping my child with school, but I did manage to do some projects. I photographed a talented performance artist formerly of Cirque Du Soleil’s Amaluna show. This performer now

Elizabeth Harrison Kubany is founder of KUBANY, LLC, a communications firm established on her lifelong belief in the power of architecture, design, and art to make the world a better, more beautiful, and more equitable place. She is also the co- founder, with her husband, of Winterhouse Projects, an online gallery platform that promotes the work of emerging artists. @ElizabethKubany

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GET TO KNOW Established in 2003, Michael Volpe III a 3RD generation electrician with a vast background in residential, commercial and industrial electrical services.

All City Electrical’s main focus is on their customers. Paying close attention to small details and always maintaining a clear line of communication ensures they are able to fully understand the needs and expectations of each customer. Being true professionals means every team member completes a full background check, drug screening and receive on going continuing educational training and customer service training.

Michael was introduced into the industry as a child and was mentored by both his grandfathers and father. Michael spent many years learning not only the trade but the actual business side of what was involved with owning and operating an electrical company given both his father and grandfather were both small business owners. By doing this Michael was able to thoroughly understand the industry and its never ending demands. Michael was taught clear core values that he has carried along with him throughout his career. This has helped build, shape and mold All City Electrical into building and maintaining a Superior Business Model today. All City Electrical offers a broad range of Electrical Services to help customers save time, money and stress.

MICHAEL VOLPE III, All City Electrical

All City Electrical stays in touch with and on top of all of the latest industry trends so customers continue receiving the best products and solutions available. All City Electrical is a Certified Generac Dealer, Tesla Charging Partner, as well as, NJ/NY Energy Partner, Lighting & Electrical Supplier. Michael and his family are former Maplewood & South Orange residents.

Service Uprades & Panel Replacements Recessed Lighting & Landscape Lighting Interior & Exterior Lighting & Design

New Construction & Renovation Stand-by & Portable Generators Cable/Phone & Network Wiring

Electrical Vehicle Chargers Knob & Tube Remediation Bathroom & Ceiling Fans Roof & Gable Attic Fans Pool & Hot Tub Wiring Electrical Inspections

Electric Heating Troubleshooting TV Installations Camera Systems Fire Alarm

410 Chestnut Street Union, New Jersey 07083 License #17313

APRIL 2022 | SOMA LIVING 23

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