SOMA Living August 2022

VOL. 7-8 AUGUST 2022 MAGAZINE

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PUBLICATION TEAM

FACES IN THE CROWD

Publisher: Michael E. Goldberg

On July 9th the band “Deadful Greats” performed at Maplewoodstock. Maplewoodstock is back again after a 2 year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Editor: Karen L. Driggs

Intern: Shardai Smith

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, Gary T. Jones, Dr. Daniel Roig, Jill Cohen, Yoni Kreger, Kerry Cordero, Julie Greene, Norah Salazar, Victor Delapa, Lee Seidenberg, Linda S. Ershow-Levenberg

PET OF THE MONTH • Sponsored by Jennifer McManus Real Estate

Design by: GRANDSTAND DESIGN

(973) 232-6025 www.grandstanddesign.com

Gandalf loved rats. From the day we rescued him 10+ years ago, he chased rodents with gile. He was a good boy who loved his family, but mostly loved rodents. In May, we put Gandalf down and threw a send-off party/BBQ for him, where those who loved him joined us in tossing pieces of bar becued meat to the ground for him. It was just a fitting way to say goodbye to our beloved dog.

Family Photography by: LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

jamie@livelovelens.com www.livelovelens.com

Kristine Foley

Happy SOMA Summer!

@LIVELOVEMAPLEWOOD | LIVELOVELENS.COM

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THE LUQMAN-PASINOSKY FAMILY

Photography by Jamie Meier

The first thing you notice when meeting the Luqman-Pasinosky family is the joyful and loving energy of Alia and Theresa. You see the tell-tale signs of true love by watching the knowing glances between parents, the easy way they finish one another’s sentences. The two met at a party in Oakland, CA. They were invited by a mutual friend who was hoping to set them up. Theresa laughed, “She invited the only two lesbians she knew and expected us to become instant friends.” Theresa added, “It didn’t go well. Alia actually brought a date to the party!” Alia chimed in: “I instantly liked Theresa, but I didn’t want my date to think I was flirting with someone else.” Nonetheless, they managed to have just a 20 minute conversation where they discovered they both were originally from Southern California, had previously lived in Boston, and had moms from South America. Although they did not exchange phone numbers, they were both tagged in a picture on Facebook. At the time, Alia was pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of California, Berkeley. Theresa was working in marketing at a digital payments company in San Francisco. They met up in San Francisco’s Castro District for their first date where they went for brunch and the film, Milk. Simultaneously, they declared, “The rest is history!” Since then, Alia and Theresa welcomed three children: Malcolm, 9 years old; Leila, 7 years old; and Lucia, almost 2 months old. Alia and Theresa moved to the east coast after Theresa was offered a new job at Verizon in Basking Ridge, NJ. Alia lived in New York City for several years as an undergrad at Columbia University. She worked at The Center, an organization in The Village dedicated to the success of LGBTQ young people. Alia first learned about Maplewood from her colleagues there. Theresa wanted to live close to work, so they decided to make the move from Berkeley, CA to Morristown, NJ. Two months later, the pair, along with their two kids then, attended the North Jersey Pridefest in Maplewood. Alia explained, “Going to the Maplewood Pride festival was unlike any other Pride celebration we had ever been to. It felt like the whole Maplewood community had come together to celebrate Pride. There were so many kids there of all ages, and it was diverse in race, gender, and age.” Theresa quickly added, “It is important to us that our kids see themselves strongly reflected in the community in which they live. So, we decided right then and there that we HAD to move to Maplewood.” They immediately canceled their

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Morristown lease and, two months later, moved to Maplewood just in time for their Malcolm to start Kindergarten. The party of five recently moved to a new home in Maplewood. The family’s two older kids proudly attend Seth Boyden Elementary School. Malcolm is a rising 4th grader. He enjoys swimming, playing video games, and attending Camp Half-Blood. Alia shared, “Malcolm is particularly loyal to Maplewood and extremely proud of going to Seth Boyden. He single-handedly convinced us to stay in Maplewood when we were considering going back to California. He loves it here so much he says he is going to Seton Hall University for college.” Leila is a rising 2nd grader. Leila is currently on the Makos swim team and enjoys doing gymnastics at the YMCA. The last two years she played MSO Softball while Theresa volunteered to be the team coach. Theresa shared, “Leila loves trying new things. From fashion class at Oh Canary! to sewing class at the Woodland, to summer swim team at the Maplewood town pool, she wants to try it all. There is so much amazing variety to choose from across the two towns that Leila can truly live her best life.” The family’s newest member, Lucia Mini, is just three weeks old in these pictures. The parents shared, “She’s doing her thing: eating, sleeping, and gaining weight. It’s a little chaotic around here these days with the summer schedules and the pending move, and she just goes with the flow.” Amidst the chaos, Alia and Theresa are both pursuing their careers and volunteering locally as much as possible. Ask them about the SOMA Shares Coat Drive and Seth Boyden PTA. Alia is a psychotherapist in private practice. Theresa continues to work at Verizon in marketing. The Luqman-Pasinosky family is at home in Maplewood. Alia finished the interview by saying, “It’s the most beautiful town I have ever lived in. Springtime in Maplewood is simply incredible! Coming from California, I love how the architecture here compliments the seasons. I still can’t believe you can live in a place so gorgeous and quaint and be so close to New York City.”

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DREAM TEAM

desire to refine and sweeten her look with pale colors, high-quality fabrics, and well-designed garments. We took the creative Water card off the table as that is a part of her that she is not really focusing on right now. We left the fun-filled Fire card and the athletic and graceful Wood card on the table because we all know of her athleticism and joyful, smiling way! The yellow striped halter top outfit was perfect for representing her sunny and bright strength. And it showed off her

This month’s feature is Denise Posnak Gaffney.

Denise is the founder of MyBOD Wellness, a boutique Pilates service in Maplewood and online. She trained under Joseph Pilates’ protégé, Romana Krysanowska, and combines classical Pilates with various somatic practices like yoga, dance, Alexander, and Feldenkrais to offer a fresh

height and physique. The black dress was feminine and polished. And the red leather jacket with striped jeans was perfect for a comfortable, cool nighttime outing at her tennis club. Clothes were locally sourced from West Village Clothing and Retail Therapy - South Orange. - Kerry Cordero, Dress your Dream

yet grounded approach to Pilates. In her 20+ years of teaching, she has developed a CORE Philosophy that spans beyond the physical - helping clients find balance, wellness, and peace in all aspects of life. I had the pleasure of meeting with Denise Posnak Gaffney for a CBD consultation. We discussed CBD therapy and how it will enhance her well-being. After listening to her story about being a business owner and mother of two young children, I suggested Bhumi Goddess tincture oil with CBD, black cohosh, and quai root to help with balance, anxiety, and symptoms related to perimenopause. To keep her mind sharp and

Denise likes a no-fuss, yet polished look, so I focused on using products that would quickly emphasize her best features. I used a powdered mineral foundation to even out her skin and a creamy concealer to brighten and soften the appearance of her eyes. A bronze eyeliner added sparkle, along with a strategically-placed highlighter. The cherry on top a matte rosy-nude lipstick that will take her from day to night and really brighten her whole face - Lyn Lynch, Makeup artist, Lyn your Face For Denise’s new look, I wanted to create something fun and bright to match her creative spirit. I retouched her roots and applied diffuse babylights, which are delicate, seamless highlights that mimic a naturally sun-kissed look without the dramatic contrast sometimes achieved through traditional highlights. For her cut, I similarly wanted to avoid a radical approach, choosing instead to maintain the length but

focused, I recommend NFZD FOCUS Mushroom powder with a blend of CBD, Cacao, and adaptogenic mushrooms. One teaspoon a day in coffee or her favorite beverage helps restore cognitive brain function and cleanse her gut for better digestion. - Jill Cohen, TheCannaBossLady.

Denise and I met in her sun-filled My BOD Pilates Studio, where she offers sessions for private clients. The space was perfect for styling with tons of natural light. In Denise’s Style Card Reading, we pulled the Earth card for her identity to show her deeply caring way and family-centered lifestyle. The Metal card was also pulled to show her

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AUGUST 2022 | SOMA LIVING 9

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adding dimension and movement through layers that frame her face. Lastly, I created loose waves for a soft, yet semi-glamorous vibe. Yoni Kreger, YK Salon

We had a lot of funwith Denise. Shewas easygoing, open to different ideas, and tall. In these portraits, we wanted to show off her strength as well as her femininity. Posing her was easy. Denise is from sunny California, so for the halter top shot, we wanted to make it seem bright and sunny. We chose a small strobe and yellow backdrop. We thought a blue backdrop would make her stripe pants and red leather jacket pop. For the black dress, wewent in tight with bright, flat light to bring focus on her makeup and hair, and of course, her smile. - Lee Seidenberg Photography

We’re looking for interesting people for upcoming issues. If you’d like to work with our Dream Team and like to be featured, please visit somadreamteam.com.

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

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

SmasHit

This song…ummm, we mean Cocktail is guaranteed to be a SMASH HIT! Fresh fruits & herbs balance out a dose of good ‘ol fashion White Lightening to create a summer sipper that’ll really get you groovin’. It’s pure Rock & Roll baby! Ingredients: 2-ounces Midnight Moon Raspberry Moonshine

4 fresh Raspberries 2 Tarragon Sprigs

.5-ounce fresh raspberry puree .5-ounce fresh squeezed lime 3 dashes cherry bark vanilla bitters

1. Gather the ingredients

4. Shake vigorously

2. Muddle raspberries, tarragon sprig & bitters in Boston shaker 3. Pour in Moonshine, Raspberry Puree, & lime juice in Boston shaker filled with ice

5. Double strain in a rocks glass over fresh crushed ice 6. Garnish with a fresh tarragon sprig & raspberry on a stick

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! 973-218-6042 55 Main St., Millburn • www.moonshinesupperclub.com

AUGUST 2022 | SOMA LIVING 11

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

GARDEN VEGETABLE AND PANCETTA PANZANELLA Prep Time: 20 min • Cook Time: 10 min • Yields: 6 servings

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Toss the tomatoes with a teaspoon of salt in a bowl and set aside. 2. Cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain, reserving the drippings in the pan. 3. Add 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the pancetta drippings and heat over med/high heat. Add the cubed ciabatta to the pan and season with salt and pepper. 4. Toss the bread in the pan and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 5 mins. 5. Drain the tomatoes and reserve the tomato water for the dressing. 6. Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl except for the oil. Slowly whisk in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. 7. Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. You can serve immediately or (my preference) allow to sit at room temperature for 30-60 mins before serving to allow the flavors to marry.

Panzanella is a crispy, crunchy, salad of toasted (or stale) bread tossed with fresh vegetables and a simple piquant vinegar-based dressing. Magnifico!

INGREDIENTS

10 oz ripe tomatoes, chopped 4 oz pancetta, cubed 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 10 oz ciabatta bread, torn or cut into 1 inch cubes (1 loaf) 1 English cucumber, seeded and sliced into half moons 8 oz mozzarella perlini, or whole mozzarella, diced 1 cup fresh basil, chopped or torn

RECIPE NOTES •Tossing the tomatoes in salt and reserving the juice amps up the tomato flavor while taking out excess water. Don’t skip this step! •Watch the temperature as you cook the pancetta. You’re looking for a golden brown crispness, but not burnt.

1 cup fresh chives, minced tomato vinaigrette dressing

Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing 2 tbsp reserved tomato water 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard Kosher salt and pepper 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

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.

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

• 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

He is a 7 year old scholar ath lete of the SOMA district. Jack son not only plays basketball for two teams (Team Impact/ local, Garden State Warriors/ AAU) but he also participates in SOMA baseball, Maple wood Lacrosse club, and Bra zilian Jiu Jitsu (with Sheridan BJJ). Jackson started playing basket ball at 4 years old with Coach Fred and the team at the South

Mountain YMCA. Fast forward a few years, and Jackson is leaving first grade while playing and scoring against 4th and 5th graders. He is de scribed as “an awesome teammate and student both on the court/field and in the classroom.” Mom, Dad, little sister, and his village of local family and friends couldn’t be more proud.

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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AUGUST 2022 | SOMA LIVING 13

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REAL ESTATE

GET YOUR LIGHTS RIGHT!

As a Real Estate agent in our towns, I see a lot of houses and in various conditions. Some are “move-in” ready, while others need “love.” The one constant I see is that a good percentage of homes haven’t paid attention to the lighting. Lights that are placed where they shouldn’t be, lights that missing and the biggest offender is the wrongful use of color temperature. Lighting is such an integral part our life. It contributes to our wellbeing, our mood, and our sleep cycle (circadian rhythm) to name a few, that it should be as carefully planned out as say a kitchen layout. Light bulb temperatures are measured in Kelvin (K) and the most used bulbs are in the 2,700K to 5,000K range. A 2,700K bulb gives off a soft, cozy warmth. This tends to be a popular choice because of its flattering color and can be used all over a house, but is best used in bedrooms, dens, and family rooms – places where you want an inviting, comfortable feeling. A bulb rated in the 3,000K to 4,000K range gives you a bright, but neutral white, that is best in areas where you need a bright, clear light, like the kitchen, bathroom, or powder room where it’s important to see details. Bulbs in the 4,000K to 5,000K offer extra bright light. These daylight bulbs emanate a blue cast and are perfect for workspaces like garages or basements. Getting the right light bulb for the correct application is the first step. Where you place that light is a whole other story…

Your full-service, any carrier shipping, printing & business services store Graphic Design, banners & more (973) 275-1144 71 S Orange Ave • South Orange, NJ 07079

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.

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FINANCE

In just a few weeks, students will be heading off to college – and parents will be getting out their checkbooks. Without a college-bound student in your home right now, you might not be thinking much about tuition and other higher education expenses, but if you have young children, these costs may eventually be of concern – so how should you prepare for them? It’s never too soon to start saving and investing. Unfortunately, many people think that they have a lot of “catching up” to do. In fact, nearly half of Americans say they don’t feel like they’re saving enough to cover future education expenses, according to a 2022 survey conducted by financial services firm Edward Jones with Morning Consult, a global research company. Of course, it’s not always easy to set aside money for college when you’re already dealing with the high cost of living, and, at the same time, trying to save and invest for retirement. Still, even if you can only devote relatively modest amounts for your children’s education, these contributions can add up over time. But where should you put your money? Personal savings accounts are the top vehicle Americans are using for their education funding strategies, according to the Edward Jones/Morning Consult survey. But there are other options, one of which is a 529 plan, which may offer more attractive features, including the following: • Possible tax benefits – If you invest in a 529 education savings plan, your earnings can grow federally income tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. (Withdrawals not used for these expenses will generally incur taxes and penalties on investment earnings.) If you invest in your own state’s 529 plan, you may receive state tax benefits, too, depending on the state. • Flexibility in naming the beneficiary – As the owner of the 529 plan, you can name anyone you want as the beneficiary. You can also change the beneficiary. If your eldest child foregoes college, you can name a younger sibling or another eligible relative. • Support for non-college programs – Even if your children don’t want to go to college, it doesn’t mean they’re uninterested in any type of postsecondary education or training. And a 529 plan can pay for qualified expenses at trade or vocational schools, including apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. • Payment of student loans – A 529 plan can help pay off federal or private student loans, within limits. Keep in mind that state-by-state tax treatment varies for different uses of 529 plans, so you’ll want to consult with your tax professional before putting a plan in place. Despite these and other benefits, 529 plans are greatly under-utilized. Only about 40% of Americans even recognize the 529 plan as an education savings tool, and only 13% are actually using it, again according to the Edward Jones/Morning Consult study. But as the cost of college and other postsecondary programs continues to rise, it will become even more important for parents to find effective ways to save for their children’s future education expenses. So, consider how a 529 plan can help you and your family. And the sooner you get started, the better. 529 PLANS: UNDERUSED BUT VALUABLE

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.

ASTOR PLACE THEATRE BLUEMAN.COM

AUGUST 2022 | SOMA LIVING 15

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The Reform Congregation in South Orange

Find Community. Deepen Connection. Take Action.

We are an inclusive Reform congregation, committed to developing and supporting a lifelong Jewish experience. The diversity, respect and warmth of our community are hallmarks of TSTI and help people feel at home from the moment they enter the temple building.

12 Taylor Street - Millburn, NJ 973-376-0739 Follow us on @neighborhoodhousemillburn www.neighborhoodhousenursery.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Beth Blackman 973-763-4116 or bblackman@tstinj.org

432 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ | www.tsti.org

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FROM THE DOCTOR

How Many Chiropractic Visits will I Need?

We live in a society where instant gratification is the norm. But there’s nothing instant about pain relief. This can be one of the frustrating parts about chiropractic adjustments. We want instant results, but we must settle for gradual healing. We know the harmful side effects of popping pills that may alleviate pain, but not the underlying problem. At your initial appointment, your chiropractor will get an extensive history. In addition, Your personal lifestyle is one component. This includes: your work day, ergonomics for your workstation, physical activity, sleep position, how many pillows under your head at night, water intake, diet, supplements, etc. Your chiropractor’s goal is to treat not only the pain but the underlying condition that is causing it. There may be other factors that will affect how many adjustments you need before you feel better. These include your:

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

• Age, weight, occupation • Fitness level • Injury history (duration of pain, number of episodes) • Surgery and medication history.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic number of adjustments that will make everyone feel better. It takes whatever your body needs to repair itself. With every adjustment, whether you feel it or not, you are on the road to recovery. To learn more, check out our latest blog post at www.southorangechiropractic.com.

RAISE THE ROOF!

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

INTRODUCTORY HOME EQUITY LOAN RATES AS LOW AS

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*All loans subject to approval. Rate determined by credit score. Garden Savings is an equal opportunity lender.

AUGUST 2022 | SOMA LIVING 17

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FROM THE DOCTOR Meniscus tears are a common part of a knee injury. Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at risk for meniscus tears from quick turns or impact. However, anyone at any age can tear the meniscus. Tears are classified by appearance and location. The most common tears include bucket handle, flap, and radial. They are medial (inside) or lateral (outside) the meniscus. The most common symptom of a torn meniscus is feeling and hearing a pop. The pain can be severe. Most people can still walk or play sports with a tear. Over the next 2-3 days pain, stiffness, and swelling can occur. There are other symptoms, such as a catching or locking sensation or the knee feeling like it is going to give out. Often the knee can’t bend or extend through the full range of motion. When patients come into the doctor or therapist’s office with complaints of knee pain a full examination includes a range of motion assessment and strength testing. There are also special tests to put strain on the injured tissues. Most meniscus tears will show up on MRI. Treatment for meniscus tears depends on your age, symptoms, and activity level as well as size and location of the tear. Treatment may be surgical or non-surgical. Many meniscus tears will not need immediate surgery. If your symptoms stop, with no locking or swelling, non-surgical treatment is usually recommended. Take a break from the activity that caused the injury. Your doctor may recommend using crutches to avoid putting weight on your leg. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage. To reduce swelling, recline when you rest, and put your leg up higher than your heart. Your doctor may inject a corticosteroid in your knee joint to eliminate pain and swelling. Physical therapy is also recommended to strengthen the joint and decrease the swelling. What is a Meniscus Tear?

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

WWW.SCALORA.COM 973.313.3912

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

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JESPY HOUSE

JESPY Battle of the Chefs Event a Big Success!

Late June, Orange Lawn Tennis Club in South Orange was abuzz with JESPY House supporters, clients, board members, and foodies. All were there to attend Battle of the Chefs: A Benefit for JESPY House.

973-632-0302

The competing chefs, turned the Orange Lawn venue into a culinary playground! Chef Ivan of Orange Lawn Tennis Club and Chef Tony of Edgewood Country Club. Prior to the start of the event, the chefs shared their reasons for participating in the competition. “I have someone who is close to me who has a disability,” shared Chef Ivan. “So I know the importance of showing that you care and doing whatever you can to help others.” The premier chefs each created an appetizer spread and delicious entrees. Guest judges included Samantha Pinto, Executive Chef and Owner of The Order, David Massoni, Owner of The Fox & Falcon, and John Zerega, Manager of Miti Miti – all located in South Orange. Chef Ivan was the winning chef, taking home a gift certificate to Kitchen a la Mode, a kitchen supply and home goods establishment in South Orange. In addition to offering up great eats, Battle of the Chefs honored three JESPY families – The Cottingham Family; The Oppenheimer Family; and The Plotnick Family. The client members of each family – have all found their independence at JESPY through employment, advocacy, friendships with others, and active participation in JESPY programs. Each family received a beautifully-engraved glass plate award.

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

The successful benefit, raised over $300,000, with a Silent Auction.

AUGUST 2022 | SOMA LIVING 19

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WAYS TO SHOW THAT YOU LOVE YOUR FAMILY

A few years ago, my husband and I sat down with all of our children and their spouses for a family meeting. It started with, “Our plan is to live forever. But just in case….” Then we proceeded to tell them about our new estate plan; who would have which responsibility, where important data is kept, who takes care of things for us, who our doctors are, and who to call if something happens. We told them where the documents are kept and where they would find our passwords. If you’ve never made an estate plan, now is the time. Failing to make a plan often results in chaos, uncertainty, disputes among surviving next of kin, and expensive, time-consuming legal proceedings. Also, the Plan that was fine when you signed it might not be so fine with new circumstances. Estate plans must be in writing. What’s in an estate plan? Powers of Attorney & Health Care Proxy are vital because they enable someone to step in to handle things for you if you are injured or otherwise unable to manage. The Will appoints someone to handle the Estate, can appoint a Guardian for your minor children , and divides your assets. It can also include Trusts , which are especially important if your beneficiary is young, disabled, unable to manage their own affairs, or in the throes of financial troubles. Life insurance can be a fantastic tool to provide cash to fund such a Trust. Your Will can also include protective provisions for dividing Real Estate among your heirs. Remember to evaluate assets that have beneficiary designations (such as IRAs) to make sure they fit your overall plan. Our lives are like locked boxes. At some point, it’s important to create clear documents and share your protected information with the ones you trust, so that they know how to open the boxes later .

This article is not intended to provide any case-specific legal advice, and is only general in nature.

The author, Linda S. Ershow-Levenberg, Esq is an attorney focusing on special needs planning, elder law, and estate planning. Her office is at 60 Walnut Ave., Clark NJ 07066 and she can be reached at 732-382-6070. Follow her blog at www.FinkRosnerErshow-Levenberg Marinaro.com

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FOX & FALCON

THE FOX & FALCON Located in the heart of downtown South Orange, you'll find The Fox & Falcon, by renowned restaurateur and South Orange resident David Massoni, featuring elevated American cuisine, an inviting and open atmosphere and artisanal cocktails.

BIG CHANGES AT THE FOX & THE FALCON

In June, Fox & the Falcon owner, David Massoni, announced that Chef Ruby Felix-Curtis is leaving the restaurant to join her husband in an exciting new venture: the opening of Next Door Provisions in Jersey City (146 Yale Avenue, in the West Side neighborhood). “It’s a bittersweet moment for us,” said Massoni. “We love working with Ruby, but we’re also happy to see her join her family on the next step in her stellar career.” At Next Door Provisions, Chef Ruby will draw from her grandmother’s home cooking, her French Culinary Institute training, and notable professional experience. With Chef Ruby’s departure, Massoni announced Kris Welz as the new executive chef of The Fox & The Falcon. He explained, “Just like Ruby, we’re ‘keeping it in the family.’ We worked together for about six years in New York.” Chef Kris comes to The Fox & Falcon following five years as Corporate Training Chef at the international STK Group, overseeing operations for all new venues. Kris’ culinary education includes a degree in pastry arts from L’école des arts Culinaire Lenôtre, Paris. The Fox & Falcon offers a solid, contemporary American menu of elevated and thoroughly approachable fare, and some delicious new additions for the season.

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19 Valley Street South Orange, NJ 07079 (973) 419-6773 TUE WED THU 12:00pm - 9:00pm FRI SAT 12:00pm - 10:00pm SUN 11:00am - 7:00pm

www.thefoxandfalconnj.com

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BOOK RELEASE

Corey Wolff’s award winning first book is The Journey of an Acorn . It was recognized by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and the Eric Hoffer Book Award. Recently, Wolff published a children’s picture book, Mikey McMonsterson Goes to School. Mikey is friendly to children, likes taking bubble baths, and enjoys smelling flowers. But this sweet little monster does not fit in the land of Monsterville. All of the other monsters tease him. Even his parents wish he would act like a proper monster. So Mikey runs away from home. A boy discovers Mikey living under his bed, and they become friends. Children will learn that monsters can be friendly, even the ones hiding in their room. The book is dedicated to Wolff’s son Caleb who, at age four, was scared to go to sleep because he thought a monster was under his bed. Wolffe shared, “I told him that it was a friendly monster named Mikey and the story evolved from there.” Filjana Miljkovic, an award winning artist from Serbia, contributed the illustrations. While English is not her first language, Wolff collaborated with her on the Fiverr platform. He added, “The book took years to complete, but was worth it. We created something beautiful, that can help children overcome a fear of monsters at night.” The book is self published through Ingram Spark and available both online and through independent booksellers. Local Award Winning Children’s Author Publishes His Second Book

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SOPAC

The South Orange Performing Arts Center honored its 50-person team of volunteers with a tropical-themed party and awards ceremony. At the ceremony, volunteers were presented with awards in several categories including Life Savers, Above and Beyond, Shining Star, 5+ Years, and more. The Veteran of the Year award went to Sandra Dickerson. “Volunteering has been one of the highlights of my retirement,” said Dickerson. Rookie of the Year was presented to Sharon Ginn. “What I love about volunteering is giving back to the community and being with an organization that provides quality care.” Nancy Frazier, who volunteered 169 hours during the 2021-2022 season, was named Volunteer of the Year. “I love SOPAC, I love the staff, I love the people, I love being here—I love volunteering. I’m honored.” In February, Luminello launched a volunteer of the month initiative to recognize a standout SOPAC volunteer. Honorees include: Nancy Frazier (February), Sandra Dickerson (March), Sharon Ginn (April), Tara Hobbs (May) and Linda Forsyth (June). “Most of our patrons don’t realize how many volunteers we have,” said SOPAC Board Chair Douglas Newman. “It’s the superpower of SOPAC. You should be proud because what you’re doing is very special.”

A mix of corrective treatments tailored to each individual’s particular skincare needs within the confines of a relaxing experience.

2202 Millburn Ave. Maplewood

(646) 832-6205 daniel le@daniel legambleskin.com Daniellegambleskin.com

To learn more about SOPAC’s volunteer program, visit SOPACnow.org/Volunteer/.

Jennifer McManus Coldwell Banker Realty 917-837-2192 (Moblie) • 973-378-8300 (Office)

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2022–2023 SEASON

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