SOMA Living April 2023

VOL.8-4 APRIL 2023 MAGAZINE

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APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 3

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PUBLICATION TEAM

FACES IN THE CROWD

In February the Maplewood Chili Cookoff raised over $13,000.00 for MEND . This was due to the generous support of the sponsors who funded the cookoff and the volunteers who gave their time to make it possible, all of our event proceeds went directly to the MEND food pantry network. Pictured are the 1st place winners: Team Chili Nelson, James McDuffee & Jen Grady. Congrats Champs!

Publisher: Michael E. Goldberg

Editor: Karen L. Driggs

Contributors: Cathy Roma, Dr. Stephen Levine, Gary T. Jones, Dr. Daniel Roig, Director of Human Resources: Fudge P. Goldberg

Advertising Sales Michael E. Goldberg I 973.271.4306 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com Victor Delapa, Natalie Farrell, Doug Huebner, Jill Cohen, Yoni Kreger, Kerry Cordero, Julie Perlow- Greene, Norah Salazar, Lee Seidenberg, Alan Levine

PET OF THE MONTH Sponsored by Jennifer McManus Real Estate

Design by: GRANDSTAND DESIGN

(973) 232-6025 www.grandstanddesign.com

Sandy is the beloved two year old “mini Double Doodle” for the Smith family. She loves playing with her yellow ball in the back yard, sitting on the couch to monitor the front yard, and running in the Reserva tion with her Dad. While Sandy loves everyone, she will always take a shine to anyone with a little beef jerky from Pet Wants.

Family Photography by: LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

jamie@livelovelens.com www.livelovelens.com

Kristine Foley

time to book your spring photos!

livelovelens.com | @livelovelens | jamie@livelovelens.com

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APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 5

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Want to sell but feeling overwhelmed with so much to do? Kim & Doug's Boutique Service is the answer.

We offer you:

Design Services - defer the costs of remodeling to update your home to sell. We take care of the details and you pay the costs at closing.

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Here's what our recent Home Sellers had to say about us:

"We highly recommend Doug and Kim. They made recommendations for minor upgrades and painting, did amazing staging and through their complimentary cleaning service made the house look beautiful. We got multiple offers, all above our asking price." "TIRELESS! Kim and Doug are so very impressive as agents. Their dedication to preparing for and ensuring a sale for me exceeded my expectations."

"Doug and Kim put in the sweat equity to get our home sold. They were there for us, answered all questions and we had a lot! They were very knowledgeable about the market. We are happy with our choice and think you will be too!"

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MEET THE HILDEBRAND FAMILY

Photography by Jamie Meier

They share the same name and a fierce passion for raising their family in SOMA. But to get here, Lauren M. and Lauren A. Hildebrand took very different paths. Lauren A. is a third-generation Maplewoodian, a graduate of Columbia High School, and always recognized around town. Lauren M. moved around many times as a child. She was born in Minnesota and moved to Connecticut and Massachusetts before landing in New Jersey for high school and college. “I was accustomed to being the new kid and having to adapt,” she shares, “It shaped who I am today.” But that all changed when the two Laurens were introduced by a mutual friend in Hoboken almost 20 years ago. Lauren M. was right out of college, working in marketing at Conde Nast and heading toward a career in luxury fashion and advertising. “She was unlike anyone I’d ever met before; all charisma and confidence, yet with this really earnest yearning for ‘home’ that was apparent pretty quickly as I got to know her,” says Lauren A., who was in graduate school at NYU, working at US Green Building Council, and moonlighting as a bartender at her hometown pub (St. James Gate). “When I met Lauren, it was this quick and wonderful dose of terra firma,” Lauren M. said. At first, the couple lived in Hoboken and then rescued a dog and moved to Brooklyn. Their son Wesley was born in 2014. They’d regularly visit Lauren A.’s family in Maplewood, dog and baby in tow. Soon they realized they wanted a house with a yard. For Lauren A., SOMA was calling. But Lauren M. wanted to explore more options. They spent weeks looking in Montclair and SOMA, and lost out on five offers. When they walked into what would

57 Academy Street,

APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 7

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become their home in South Orange, they both knew that was “it”. Today, Lauren M. is a Business Strategist for Sotheby’s International Realty® and knows the benefits of living in SOMA well. Wesley (age 8) and Margaret (age 6) attend South Mountain Elementary. Among their favorite activities: visiting the bench in town dedicated to Virginia and William Hildebrand, their great-grandparents, and lifelong Maplewood residents, active Essex County philanthropists, and social justice leaders. Most days, you can find the Laurens out running or exploring SOMA. They are both active members of the SOMA Fox Running Club, and they donate and volunteer as members of the South Mountain Conservancy. The Laurens say their life in SOMA surpassed their wildest dreams, being part of this community and being close to their family, friends, and neighbors. “Friendship is like family to us. Our doors are always open to our friends and family,” Lauren A. said. “I have roots here, but I’ve also got perspective – I’ve lived abroad, I’ve spread my wings, but this has always been home.” So much so, that not only has Lauren A’s younger sister recently moved back with her husband and daughter from the Upper East Side, many of both of their childhood friends have also made SOMA their home. “We like to gently pitch this area to the people we love, but the truth is, it sells itself.”

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THE RESOURCE HOME SHOW The Resource Home Trade show returns to The Woodland in Maplewood on April 23. Initially launched in 2018, The Resource Home Show emerged to address a community need for information on caring for our beloved antique homes. Carla Labianca, co-producer, explains, “Online hubs like Houzz.com and local Facebook pages are wonderful for photos and recommendations. But we thought, ‘What if we could give our community a one-stop place to meet and have face-to-face conversations with industry professionals?’ And RHS was born!” imPerfect Studio The Inspired Garden KCB Curated KRA Insurance Liquidscapes Liz Curry Studio Maplewood Historical

Preservation Commission Maplewood Mercantile Neolith Paul Blizzard Landscaping

2023 EXHIBITORS INCLUDE: 2 Guys From Newstead Aesthetic Engineers All Pro Home Inspections

Penchant for Pretty Ricciardi Brothers

Rumbolo Art Services Sarah Gee Interiors Screen Mobile of Maplewood Studio Envie, Studio J Glass Trinity Solar Walden Interiors

Lisa Danbrot & Carla Labianca

California Closets Clawson Architects Clawson Cabinets

Design New Jersey Magazine Danbrot+Labianca Properties Grit + Honey Home Organizing Guaranteed Rate Gutter Helmet by Lednor Home Solutions

The Resource Home Show is produced by Lisa Danbrot and Carla Labianca and sponsored by Guy Aboutbul of Guaranteed Rate . For more information on exhibiting or attending, please visit: https://theresourcehomeshow.com .

APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 9

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SOMA DREAM TEAM MAKEOVER

This month’s Dream Team feature is MC Makk MC owns and operates SOMA MVMT alongside her husband since 2014. They specialize in group

lifestyle of balance and joy. I’m looking forward to learning more during one of her classes at SOMA MVMT! Julie Perlow-Greene- Retail Therapy - MC brings her own sense of the style to the table, but was open and gracious when presented with a somewhat different vision. She leaned into my ideas and opened up to a more artistic edgy dress picked for her. As she made herself more accessible to different fashions, I believe her inner beauty was expressed more clearly. This is in keeping with her desires to reach a more diverse group of women, as she becomes an influencer in her career and life work.

classes for busy professionals. She is passionate about all aspects of health - not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. Through serving their clients, she noticed there is a need to bridge the gap between the mental and physical and She is proud to provide a space to help serve our community with both. After building and seeing the impact of combining both the mental and physical side of health, she decided to obtain her Masters to become a therapist to further her education and ability to better help our community.

Jill Cohen, TheCannaBossLady During my CBD consultation with MC Makk, it was clear how devoted she is to cannabis and wellbeing. Our shared enthusiasm for the plant enabled us to connect over similar experiences and outlooks on life. Her expertise extended beyond edibles, vapes, and mushroom powders - inspiring me in her mission towards a balanced

Brianna Chin, Makeup Artist - To easily transform the looks as she changed outfits, I began with a universally loved bronzed, sculpted complexion. MC loves a lifted, elongated eye shape, so I used a gradient of matte brown shadows, and a soft winged liner. Starting with a plum lip liner, I then layered all the lip looks over it- from

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shimmery bronze, to a red orange, to an earthy brown. An unexpected pairing, but the plum gave the looks depth and accentuated MC’s sunshine smile! Yoni Kreger, YK Salon - My main objective was to maintain M.C.’s beautiful length while enhancing the overall flow with texture and movement. To frame her face, I took her contagious smile as the focal point, using

hair to her natural straight texture, before finishing with some dry cutting. Soft beach waves showcase her hair’s new movement. M.C.’s hair is the perfect example that sometimes less is more! Lee Seidenberg Photography - MC brought a lot of incredible energy to our shoot. She’s a mind-body fitness instructor, and we wanted to capture that essence in her portraits. For the flowing brown dress, we shot her with

a gentle slide cutting technique to connect the length to her face frame. Precisely cut medium layers throughout her hair— using a technique called point cutting—helps remove weight from the layers, allowing the hair to fall softly. Once the layers were perfected, I blew out her

a slow shutter to create a hint of motion blur. For the patterned dress, we had fun photographing her against a patterned rug. Lastly, for the lacy top, we opted for good old-fashioned window light and a warm smile.

IT’S BOILER SERVICE SEASON!

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APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 11

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

TREYVON TSIOULCAS-SHERMAN

• 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

Treyvon Tsioulcas-Sherman is an eight year old second grader who plays forward for Community First Soccer/Boys’ warrior team and is also a fast sprinter with the Garden State Track Club/Orange Youth Enclave (coached by Bobby and Emily Brown in South Orange) . He shared, “Bobby makes us work really hard. He also taught me to visualize the track, and know ex actly what to do in a race.” The visualization is clearly working for Treyvon. In June 2002, he traveled

to New Brunswick for the AAU state championship and captured gold med als in the 200M & 400M. These wins qualified him for the USA Track & Field National Youth Outdoor Championships where he took 4th place in the 100M & 400M finals and 3rd place in the 200M finals. When he’s not on the track Treyvon plays piano, creates and solves math problems, and loves a friendly pillow fight. His soccer coach, Sharif Elzein, inspires him to learn new moves and continue to improve as part of a team.

ABOUT DR. BASS If one word were used to describe Dr. Wayne J. Bass, it would be “community.” As one who has served on the Maplewood 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 his patients. (973) 378-2277 BASSFAMILYCHIRO.COM 491B VALLEY ST, MAPLEWOOD, NJ 07040

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

¡QUE GUAPA

BETTER BANKING DIFFERENT. SMARTER. Hassle-Free Mortgages, Free Checking, and Low Rate Loan are right around the corner

How beautiful she is indeed! She’s exotic & as strong as she is sweet. Everything you’ve dreamed of in a…. Summer Cocktail! This tropical libation will surely bring you back to palm trees and summer fun!

Ingredients

.5 fresh Strawberry .25 fresh Lime 1.5-ounce Hennessy Cognac

2 ounces guava juice .5-ounce dry curaçao

Steps

1. Gather the ingredients 2. Muddle strawberries and lime in a cocktail shaker 3. Pour in Hennessy,

4. Shake vigorously 5. Double strain in a rocks glass with fresh ice 6. Garnish with a whole strawberry on the side of the rim 7. Enjoy your Que Guapa!

Guava juice & Dry Curacao in cocktail shaker filled with ice

GardenSavings.org | (973) 576-2000

About Victor Delapa and MoonShine Supper Club: Victor is the owner, mixologist, and creator of Moonshine Supper Club, founded in 2011. Stop by the lounge or restaurant for a truly spectacular experience! 55 Main St., Millburn www.moonshinesupperclub.com 973-218-6042

We are excited to announce the merger of the CPA firms of Couto DeFranco, CPAs and Marco DeLuca, CPA.

Nelson Couto, CPA, CFP ® and Anthony DeFranco, CPA, CFP ® , MS (Taxation) — Partners; Couto DeFranco, P.A.

Marco DeLuca, CPA

Offices in West Orange & Maplewood

APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 13

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

INSTRUCTIONS

EASY BANANA CAKE Prep time: 15 mins • Cook time: 55 mins Servings: 8

BANANA CAKE 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch pan (round or square) with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper (for easy removal). Set aside. 2.Cream butter and both sugars with an electric mixer on med/high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. 3.Combine mashed banana and buttermilk in a seperate bowl and add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and beat on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute. 4.Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in small bowl. 5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Will be lumpy. Stir in vanilla, being careful not to over mix. 6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

This easy banana cake is an adaptation of my go-to banana bread recipe, but with a decidedly more cake-y, dessert-like feel. The cake is light, super moist and packed with banana flavor.

7. Bake for about 55 mins or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 8. Let the banana cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to cool on a wire rack. Cool to room temperature. CREAM CHEESE ICING 1. Beat (do NOT whip) the room temp/softened cream cheese and butter together on med speed with a paddle attachment until smooth and silky. 2. Gradually add in confectioners’ sugar, mixing well to combine. Stir in vanilla extract until incorporated. The icing should be smooth but not fluffy. 3.Ice the Cake 4. Once the cake is completely cooled, spoon the icing on top and spread in a thick layer.

INGREDIENTS

BANANA CAKE 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 8 oz unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) 2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 1 1/2 cups mashed banana, (about 4 very ripe bananas) 2 1/2 cups AP flour, sifted 1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp kosher salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla extract CREAM CHEESE ICING 4 oz cream cheese, softened (brick, not whipped) 4 oz unsalted butter, softened (1 stick) 8 oz confectioners sugar (1/2 box) 1 tsp vanilla extract

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.

Irish

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FROM THE DOCTOR IS A COMPUTERIZED ADJUSTMENT RIGHT FOR YOU? The first thing most people think of when they hear the word “chiropractor” is an image of a doctor pushing and pulling on your body to crack (adjust) your spine. This is an accurate, albeit a little oversimplified, description of a chiropractic adjustment. However, it is not the only way a chiropractor can adjust your spine. Many chiropractors take advantage of newer and safe computerized adjustment systems. These systems make advanced evaluations of individual joints before and after the adjustment. This allows for precise care on each visit. This technology does not change the standard definition of chiropractic care (An application of pressure on certain areas of the body to realign dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system). The Chiropractor’s goal is always to relieve the pressure on a nerve so the body can resume natural flow and function. Compressed nerves can cause a number of ailments such as: pain; muscle soreness; muscle weakness; limit mobility; numbness, tingling or tightness in extremities. Manual techniques apply pressure, quick movement, and release to relieve the pressure in the spine. Once the pressure is released, proper blood flow is restored to the nerves and thus restored to other areas of the body. Most people see pain relief rather quickly. Some need subsequent visits to help the body keep the spine in alignment and establish a new muscle memory. Both manual and computerized adjustments have been used by chiropractors for decades. Either method works and the goals are the same. Have a conversation with your doctor to determine which of these methods is right for you and your needs.

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

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.

Stephen Levine D.C. South Orange Chiropractic Center SouthOrangeChiropractic.com Phone: 973.761.0022

APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 15

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FROM THE DOCTOR

LOW BACK PAIN VS HIP PAIN

Hip pain and back pain are different injuries but sometimes one can cause the other. There are times where low back pain is truly coming from the back and sometimes it is coming from the hip. Likewise, hip pain can come from the hip but there are times that it comes from the back. The difficult thing for most patients is determining the source of the problem. Each region has telltale signs of pain. For instance, if it is a back problem the pain is most often in the buttocks and travels down the back of the leg. There is also some centralized pain across the lower back and there may be some numbness involved. For hip problems, the pain is usually in the front of the hip joint around the groin and travels down the front of the leg (but not past the knee). There is stiffness and discomfort, especially with transfers to standing. Once the patient gets moving, the hip joint gets lubricated, and the pain or stiffness decreases. The best way to identify each condition is with a complete examination along with X-rays and MRIs. There are both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat back or hip pain. In my opinion, it’s better to start with non surgical treatments first. This includes rest or physical therapy. Depending on the specific cause of the issue, a physical therapist will tailor a program specific to your needs. In some cases, the pain can be caused by a pinched nerve or disc. The safest treatment for this condition is core strengthening activities as well as lumbar decompression. This method takes pressure off of the nerves and rehydrate the discs to allow healing and blood flow in the joint space. Tightness in the hip muscles requires flexibility exercises and soft tissue work. Different modalities can help with pain. PTs can use KT tape to stabilize the joint and promote proper motion. Or, they can use cold laser (if available) to help decrease inflammation and promote healing. In most cases, cold laser is effective at handling hip bursitis to shrink the inflammation of the bursa. Whether you have back or hip pain, or a combination of both, it is always a good idea to see a licensed physical therapist. The PT will work with you to identify the source of the problem, address your concerns, and create the best treatment plan for your unique needs.

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

Dr. Daniel Roig South Orange Rehab Wellness SouthOrangeRehab.com 973-761-0077

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COMMUNITY COALITION

For more than two decades, the Community Coalition on Race has hosted Conversations on Race, a community-wide dialogue among residents and neighbors on race-related issues of concern to our community and our nation. The 2023 Conversation will be held in person at The Woodland on Tuesday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. The focus of learning and discussion will be Rethinking the Racial Wealth Gap. This will include a definition of the racial wealth gap is; a review of how it was created and is perpetuated by laws and policies; and, witnessing this gap in personal experiences. The discussion will include a review of the narratives that mask the racial wealth gap as well as ideas for long term solutions to close the gap. Past discussion topics include: implicit bias, racial equity in education, the academic achievement gap, race and privilege, white supremacy, the invention of race, and most recently, critical race theory. The discussions take a variety of forms —from panel presentations to expert speakers, to a documentary film, and dramatic reenactments. The goal is always the same: to bring residents together in a safe space for facilitated dialogues to discuss race, increase understanding, build relationships across racial and cultural divides, and develop potential solutions with action steps to create a stronger community. For more details on the event and to register, visit our website at CommunityCoalitionOnRace.org. CONVERSATIONS ON RACE: RETHINKING THE RACIAL WEALTH GAP

We want to hear from you!

somalivingmagazine@gmail.com Cover Family Meet the Artist Charitable Acts Athlete of the Month Events Meet the Mer chant Community Groups School Activities Meet the Merchant Cover Family Meet the Artist Cover Family Charitable Acts Athlete of the Month Events School Activities Community Groups Cover Family

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APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 17

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FINANCIAL FOCUS PROTECT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FROM “CYBERTHIEVES” Cybercrime is booming. In 2021, the FBI reported that cybercriminals scammed nearly $7 billion from Americans — a figure slightly higher than the gross domestic product (GDP) of Switzerland for that year, according to research organization World Economics. How can you protect yourself from cyberthieves? • Watch out for “phishing” attempts. You may receive emails that appear to be from a legitimate firm, requesting information. Your financial institution will never email you to request: confirmation of an account number, password, Social Security number, credit card number, birth date, etc. • Think twice before clicking or downloading . If you are suspicious about an email, don’t click on a link or download an attachment — instead, go to your financial firm’s website or use their app to verify they sent the information or request. • Become adept with passwords. Use password management software, which generates passwords, stores them in an encrypted database and locks them behind a master password — which is the only one you’ll need to remember. • Use your own devices. Avoid using public computers or devices that aren’t yours to access your financial accounts. • Be cautious about using Wi-Fi when traveling. Avoid using public hotspots, such as wireless networks in airports, restaurants, shops, and hotels. These hotspots reduce their security settings to make access easier, which, in turn, makes it easier for cyberthieves to intercept your information. Advanced technology brings many benefits, but also many more opportunities for financial crimes. By taking precautions, you can help defend yourself from persistent and clever cyberthieves.

Jennifer.McManus@cbmoves.com @jennifermcmanus

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

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.

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HOME DESIGN “What’s with the squiggly lines?” asked Kim Kelly my real estate partner. “It’s art,” I replied while holding up a large abstract photograph. “Hmmmm... okay, if you say so,” she said while rolling her eyes at me. I held the piece up to a wall in the family room of our latest listing: a home I fully renovated in Maplewood. “At least it’s colorful, and it matches the décor,” she conceded. “It should. I created this piece specifically for this room,” I replied. “And just what is it?” she asked. “It’s actually a photograph of a stream that I manipulated in photoshop and added colors. I want to use pieces of art in this house that mean something to me and also fit in with the design story I’m trying to tell. A house isn’t a home

without art,” I declared. “How so?” she asked. “Art is an expression of the people who live there,” I opined. “And what about those people who can’t create their own art?” Kim questioned. “There’s plenty of places to find art. It doesn’t have to match the décor - it just has to make you happy. See…if you find pieces you love, because they speak to you, you put them in your home. Pretty soon you’ll have a home filled with self-curated art that means something to you and tells YOUR story. It’s what makes a home a home,” I stated. With the picture fastened to the wall, I turned to her and said, “So always remember…” I looked to Kim to finish my sentence. “…don’t forget the art!,” Kim huffed.

Habitatilist Group design studio renovation planning & interior design

My experience as a Realtor/Renovator has given me unique insight into the value of home. Looking to create your dream space or update your home for resale? From light remodeling to full gut renovations, we get you from concept to completion with a design tailored to achieving your goals and a crew that can get it done!

Call or write for a consultation (917) 676 - 2000 thehabitatilist@gmail.com

follow us on Instagram @h.g.designstudio

APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 19

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As we enter spring, and warm weather feels like it is on the horizon, anticipation builds for our community’s vegetation to blossom around us. SOMA’s beautiful spring foliage does not just happen on its own. It comes with help from the volunteers of the dedicated Maplewood Garden Club (MGC). The Maplewood Garden Club helps “greenify” our public spaces and private homes, since 1927. MGC is credited with potted plants at the Maplewood Train Station and town pool as well as for maintaining the Durand-Hedden Herb Garden and the Hilton Library Rain Garden. The Maplewood Garden Club’s youth program teaches children the fun of vegetable gardening and donates its harvest to local food pantries. Whether you are a gardening newbie, or have a certified green thumb, the Maplewood Gardening club can assist you with your home’s personal outdoor space. MGC hosts monthly demonstrations that range from flowerbed design to sustainable gardening tips. To help adorn your home’s landscape, the Club has its annual and perennial Plant Sale/Fundraiser located near the Maplewood Community pool on May 11th to 13th, just before Mother’s Day. The Maplewood Garden Club has strong roots in SOMA for 96 years. Find out more at: maplewoodgardenclub.org REAL ESTATE STOP AND SMELL THE SOMA ROSES

973-632-0302

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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In March, Maplewood’s “Windows for Women” returned for its third year to celebrate Women’s History Month. For the entire month, thirty-seven women business owners in three of Maplewood’s business districts showcased the works of women artists in store front windows or inside their businesses. “Windows for Women turns Maplewood into one big art gallery, showcasing the depth of women artists and entrepreneurs in the community,” said Nicole Dooskin Wallace, Executive Director of the Springfield Avenue Partnership. Women-owned businesses across three of Maplewood’s business districts–Maplewood Village, Springfield Avenue, and Ridgewood Row–are participating, as well as one location on Valley Street. “Building on the success of last year’s event, we had even more businesses and artists participating this year,” said Maplewood Village Alliance Executive Director, Cat Delett. She added, “Windows for Women lives at that distinctly SOMA crossroads where local shopping and dining meet to support the arts.” To learn more, or participate next year, visit https://maplewoodvillagenj.com/windows-for-women. The Windows for Women project is a joint project of Maplewood Village Alliance and Springfield Avenue Partnership with the support of Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture and SOMA Celebrates Women. This event is sponsored by Lara Liquori Real Estate and Robert Shaffron Real Estate. WINDOWS FOR WOMEN

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APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 21

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IDEAS FESTIVAL Maplewood Library’s Ideas Festival celebrates the talent and creativity of our community. All events will be in person, and are free and open to the public. FILMMAKERS PANEL April 18: A talk with Matthew Galkin and Razelle Benally, the directors of Murder in Big Horn, and its editor David Mehlman, with acclaimed film editor Tim Sqyres. Carol Buchanan Award for Outstanding Contribution to Civic and Intellectual Life April 19: Audrey Rowe and Nancy Gagnier will be recognized for their work with the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. NEW JERSEY TAP ENSEMBLE April 22: A fun-filled presentation with stories history, performances, and a chance for the audience to dance along. AMOL SINHA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NJ ACLU April 24: Sinha and his colleagues will discuss the impact of the ACLU as well as ongoing projects in New Jersey. Moderated by Robert Marchman. ELIZA MINOT, MAPLEWOOD LITERARY AWARD April 25: Minot is the author of two critically acclaimed novels. Her third, In The Orchard, will be released in April. SETH ABRAMSON AND TODD ABRAMSON: JAZZ VS ROCK April 26: Brothers Seth Abramson and Todd Abramson will discuss their lives in the music industry, where the genres intersect and where they diverge. MICHELLE MILLER April 29: Michelle Miller is an award-winning journalist who co-hosts CBS Saturday Morning. She is the author of Belonging: A Daughter’s Search for Identity Through Loss and Love. In conversation with Carolyn Minick Mason. Go to maplewoodlibrary.org for details.

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SOMA ADULT SCHOOL NPR’s Nancy Solomon at The Woodland “New Jersey politics is not for the faint of heart. But the brutal killing of John and Joyce Sheridan, a prominent couple with personal ties to three governors, shocks even the most cynical operatives. The mystery surrounding the crime sends their son on a quest for truth. Dead End is a story of crime and corruption at the highest levels of society in the Garden State.” –Nancy Solomon, Dead End: A New Jersey Political Murder Mystery The South Orange-Maplewood Adult School is thrilled to host NPR’s Nancy Solomon on Thursday, April 27th at The Woodland. Solomon will talk about her true-crime podcast Dead End: A New Jersey Political Murder Mystery and will discuss how a political reporter came to make a true crime podcast, how she made it and what makes a podcast successful. After the talk, SOMAS will present Solomon with the Gus & Thelma Sickles Award for Lifelong Learning. Starting in 1962, SOMAS Trustee Thelma Sickles served on the SOMAS Board for over 40 years. Upon her retirement the Trustees created Thelma and Gus Sickles Lifetime Learning Award to recognize someone, either within our organization or the local community, whose contribution to lifelong learning is especially notable. Solomon moved to New Jersey in 2001 and has been covering the state ever since. She produced more than one hundred stories for NPR and was a 2008-09 Spencer Fellow in Education Reporting at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. In 2014, she won a Peabody Award for “Chris Christie: White House Ambitions and the Abuse of Power.” She lives in South Orange, NJ. The event will be followed by a wine-and-dessert reception. Thursday, April 27, 7-9pm, The Woodland. Tickets: https://www.ssreg.com/som/classes/results. asp?string=solomon

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APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 23

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HOLOCAUST REMEMBERED

The 46th Annual South Orange/Maplewood Interfaith Holocaust Remembrance Service will take place on Sunday, April 23, at 4 p.m at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (432 Scotland Road, South Orange). A Rally for Remembrance, including community leaders, will precede the service on the front lawn at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel at 3:15 p.m. The service will be held in person, with an option to watch via livestream: (www.RememberandTell.org/2023). SOUTH ORANGE INTERFAITH HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

This event features the incredible storytelling of Fred Polak, a child of Dutch Holocaust survivors, Jaap (Jack) and Ina. His parents fell in love amid one of the darkest moments in human history and miraculously survived. They brought their story of hope, love, and resilience to the United States in 1951. Their son, Fred, continues to spread the messages learned from their experiences.

FRED POLAK

The Holocaust Remembrance service also features music and reflections from different faith leaders, providing a space for hope, understanding and combating intolerance as a community. This includes an interfaith choir; comprised of adults and young people from Voices in Harmony, Kol Dodi, the Our Lady of Sorrows Adult, Children, and Youth Choirs as well as the Choir of St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church. The annual Interfaith Holocaust Memorial Service started in 1977 by Max Randall of Maplewood, Rabbi Jehiel Orenstein of Congregation Beth El in South Orange, and Sister Rose Thering from Seton Hall University. Maplewood resident and long-time Chair of the SOMA Interfaith Holocaust Remembrance Committee, Jim Ferruggiaro, will be honored with the Sister Rose Thering Holocaust Education Award

Written by: Alan Levine For more information, go to: www.RememberandTell.org/2023.

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MEDICARE

ENROLLING IN A MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN

The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is not the same as the Annual Election Period that occurs each October 15- December 7. Open Enrollment dates for Supplement plans vary from one individual to another, so it is important to understand when you can enroll. Here’s what you need to know: • Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment happens one time for most individuals. • Open Enrollment is not annual; once your opportunity is gone, it is gone. • Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment lasts for six months. • You might be subject to health questions if you ever want to change plans. • Federal law does not require insurance companies to accept you into a Medicare Supplement plan in most circumstances. Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment begins on the day that your Medicare Part B activates. The window for enrollment in a Supplement plan lasts for six months, and then closes. For most people that means you must enroll in a Supplement policy when you turn 65. However, if you delay Part B coverage because you’re still working, then your Supplement open enrollment window will occur later, when your Part B coverage goes into effect. Either way, this Open Enrollment period is the only time you will be able to enroll in a Supplement plan without answering health questions. At any other time, a health questionnaire will be required and you could be denied coverage. I am a licensed Medicare insurance professional and can offer you a no obligation consultation as your Open Enrollment window approaches and to understand your rights and responsibilities with regard to Medicare Supplement plans.

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APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 25

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MAPLEWOOD HEALTH DPT.

PLEASE DON’T FEED THE CATS

The US Department of Agriculture considers feral cats to be an invasive species. They pose a tremendous threat to native wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, but research indicates they are not effective in controlling other invasive species. In fact, cat “feeding stations” that are left out throughout the day attract unwanted rodents, raccoons, and other animals. Feral cats can contract and spread a wide variety of diseases and parasites to both people and other animals. Cats are the most common source of rabies in domestic animals. When people continue to leave food for them, they will come and bring more cats and other wild animals along with them. Maplewood and South Orange both have ordinances against feeding outdoor cats: No person shall provide, permit or maintain to be permitted food to stray unlicensed cats. No food for cats, licensed or unlicensed, shall be placed outside a residence where a stray unlicensed cat may have access to the food. According to South Orange Township Ordinance 170-3: Feeding and/or sheltering of either stray or feral cats on any public or private property located within the Township of South Orange Village is prohibited. Despite the best of intentions, leaving food out for feral cats does more harm than good. The best thing to do is to not feed the cats. If you have feral cats in your neighborhood, you can call a local animal shelter for assistance on getting them adopted. Call the Maplewood Health Department at (973) 762-8120 for more information. Maplewood Township Ordinance 113-30 states:

LICENSE YOUR PET FOR 2023 ALL DOGS & CATS MUST BE LICENSED ANNUALLY WITH THE TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD This helps ensure that all pets have a current rabies vaccine To license your pet online visit maplewoodnj.gov/pets To request a paper form call (973) 762-8120 x2006 or email HealthDepartment@maplewoodnj.gov $15 FOR SPAYED/NEUTERED $18 FOR NON SPAYED/NEUTERED A $7 Late Fee applies for licenses renewed after Jan 31st. and also supports animal control at both the local and state levels

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GET TO KNOW MEET: BECKY (GULSVIG) FISHER

Little Apple Arts is a theatrical enrichment program for children from age 4 through 5th grade. Participants enjoy a dramatic arts experience that encourages creativity, confidence, and teamwork. The program includes group theater games that offer life skills and foster imagination. With singing, dancing, and acting students grow both as artists and as young people. Becky explained, “We believe everyone deserves their moment to shine and the true

Becky (Gulsvig) Fisher is an award winning Broadway actor, local parent, and the founder of Little Apple Arts (LAA). Her twenty-three years of professional acting experience includes Broadway shows, national tours, and television appearances. You may even recognize her from playing Elle Woods in the productions of Legally Blonde, both on Broadway (2007) and the US National Tour (2008-2010). She also performed on Broadway in School of Rock (Patty), South Pacific (Ensign Nellie Forbush) and, most recently, Come From Away (Beverley and others). Becky treasures the joyful community building roots of theater that inspired her to pursue acting as a career. She created LAA to combine her love of theater with her love of children and provide an opportunity for young artists to be introduced to theater in a warm, fun, and playful environment.

BECKY FISHER

benefits of theatre are in the lessons we learn from creating together. We carefully craft each class to suit the needs of students by meeting them where they are and encouraging them to do their best.” She added, “We are so proud of our kids. Seeing students grow in confidence and creativity inspires us to keep spreading the love of arts. The best part of art is using it to connect with your community and we love our LAA families.”

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APRIL 2023 | SOMA LIVING 27

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2022–2023 SEASON

2022–2023 SEASON

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