SOMA Living January 2022

VOL. 7-1 JANUARY 2022 MAGAZINE

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JANUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 3

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PUBLICATION TEAM

FACES IN THE CROWD

Founders & Co-Publishers: Michael E. Goldberg & Juliet Bowen

Editor: Brenda Langan Director of Human Resources: Fudge P. Goldberg

Advertising Sales Michael E. Goldberg I 973.271.4306 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com Contributors: Cathy Roma, Kate Elliott, Dr. Stephen Levine, Kim Kassnove, Elizabeth Kubany, Gary T. Jones, Dr. Daniel Roig

Kendra Orta, Dr. Beverly Lynn, Pamela Taylor, Diane Anglin, Barbara Hamilton, Hilda Puente

On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Jordan Baris Real Living SOMA was the site for the annual toy and food gift card distribution hosted by Programs for Parents, Inc with gift card donations from the Toy Bureau of the Oranges and Maplewood and the Maplewood Rotary.

PETS OF THE MONTH

Design by: GRANDSTAND DESIGN

Minda and Pax are adorable and friendly 5 year old huskies from Michigan. They relocated here 2 years ago with their owner, Lydia, from Michigan and have never been happier. SOMA is such a dog friendly place and they love South Mountain Reser vation for the dog park and trails. You will often see them running around town with Lydia and through out the reservation for miles and miles as they never tire! During the day they sit on the front lawn and porch to watch everyone go by…always wanting to play, engage and howl.

(973) 232-6025 www.grandstanddesign.com

Family Photography by: LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

jamie@livelovelens.com www.livelovelens.com

Kristine Foley

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THE LEADING BOUTIQUE BROKERAGE IN SOUTH ORANGE AND MAPLEWOOD

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Lichtman Rabney Group Francine Lichtman, Randy Rabney & Mary Ellen Dawkins 646-734-3718

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Nichole Mariette, Maggie Axelrod-Calister, Mark Truscinski, Chris Danuser, Laura Wilson 973-368-3188

Over 250 Homes Sold in 2020! Thank you for supporting your local boutique real estate brokerage. Industry leading technology, advertising and marketing. 0% Seller Home Repair Financing Program Selling? Contact us for a consultation today!

Joshua Jacobs, Broker of Record Office: 973-913-5055 • www.HearthRealtyGroup.com

Hundreds of

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If you are in an exclusive brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. *Financing provided through Hearth Financing. 0% for those who qualify. Terms and conditions apply. Market position for offices physically located in South Orange or Maplewood 1/1/2020-12/31/2020 according to Marketview Broker via GSMLS. Boutique Brokerage with no franchise or corporate affiliations.

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ROBERT HUBSMITH, CLTC Financial Services Professional

I help my clients (at no cost to them) get the best Medicare insurance plan to fit their unique health care needs and at the best price. Navigating the Medicare system can be confus ing and overwhelming, whether you are currently enrolled in Medicare or are newly eligible, so let me answer your ques tions, create a knowledge-based foundation, analyze options and ultimately guide you to an informed decision.

(201) 704-7872 rhubsmith@thejgagency.com

973-632-0302

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

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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

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

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

WWW. JOHNBHOUSTONFUNERALHOME .COM

JANUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 7

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH Claire and Jeremy Weiss are photographers; at the heart of their relationship, the pair are story tellers. Their work has a sense of honesty, authenticity that comes through in every frame. They have been shooting together professionally for the past 15 years, and describe their work “bringing ideas to life, visually.” In addition to the art they create, they have collaborated with a range of clients and creative partners, including: HSBC, Levi’s, Microsoft, Pepsi, Samsung, Converse, Nike, Intel, Apple, Adidas, American Express and others.

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

I’m a photographer, a storyteller and an observer. I hope that the casual intimacy of my images evokes both a sense of familiarity and mystery.

What is your process of creation?

What did you do before?

When I’m taking pictures, I look for interesting light, composition and emotion.

I was a waitress at several different restaurants for over 10 years.

What is your inspiration?

Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I’m inspired by creative people, human connection, nature and seeing the world through my children’s eyes.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an athlete. Being active energized me. After meeting Jeremy, I had an urge to create and surround myself with creative people. The struggle has always been finding the balance between participating and documenting. I’m always present, but sometimes I have a camera in front of my face.

Do you work at home? If so, do you have a dedicated studio space?

All of my editing, printing and retouching happens at home. I do not have a dedicated studio space. I like to take pictures of people in their environment.

What are you working on now?

Do you collect/barter with other artists?

I’ve connected with a bunch of local business owners, and am taking portraits of them in their space. It’s an on-going project that I don’t see ending anytime soon, as there are so many interesting people in this town that I still need to meet and photograph.

I love to barter. I’ve photographed many small business owners and in return they’ve gifted me with their art/products/services.

What other artists do you draw inspiration from or are you interested in?

When I was studying photography in school, I loved Diane Arbus. I wanted to find the type of characters she found. The people that stuck out. The weirdos. I’ve been lucky to have made friends with so many interesting people throughout the years and draw inspiration from all of them. Musicians, painters, chefs, athletes, gardeners, film makers, writers and anyone who’s kind and passionate.

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

How long have you been a full-time working artist?

It has been more than 15 years without a source of income outside of my photo career. I started taking pictures after meeting my now husband Jeremy in 1995.

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

CHICKEN MEATBALL SOUP Prep Time: 15 min • Cook Time: 35 min • Servings: 6 Chicken meatball soup is quick, easy, hearty and the perfect meal as temps get chilly. I’m mildly obsessed with soup, but not every soup feels like enough for dinner. This soup, with a big helping of chicken meatballs and tender orzo, solves that problem. The bonus? While filling, it’s low in calories and packed with veggies. Easy prep and plenty of hands-off time make this a winner for a weeknight meal and the leftovers freeze beautifully and can be reheated for a satisfying lunch.

INSTRUCTIONS

Chicken Meatballs 1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine (I recommend mixing with your hands). Take care not to overmix or the meatballs will become tough. 2.Roll out heaping tablespoon-size meatballs and set aside (you should have about 24 meatballs). Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot and add meatballs to the pan. 3.Brown the meatballs over med heat, 3-4 mins. Remove to a plate and reserve. Make the Soup 1. Add the remaining olive oil to the pot without cleaning, just scraping up the brown bits. Add the onion to the pot and saute until softened, about 3-4 mins. 2.Stir in the garlic, celery, and carrots and cook for 2-3 mins. Deglaze with the white wine and continue to cook until wine is reduced by half, about 3-4 mins. 3.Add the stock, orzo, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cover, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 mins or until the orzo is cooked through.

4.Uncover and gently stir in the meatballs. Simmer on low until the meatballs are heated through. Serve topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Recipe Notes • Keep the meatballs round and uniform in size so they cook evenly. • Don’t worry about fully cooking the meatballs as you brown them, they will finish cooking in the soup as it simmers. • The orzo will absorb stock as it cooks. Add additional stock to thin. • Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. • This soup will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Gently rewarm and thin with additional stock if desired.

INGREDIENTS

CHICKEN MEATBALLS 1 lb ground chicken 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/4 cup whole milk 1/3 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning 1 tsp garlic powder 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

CHICKEN MEATBALL SOUP 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 medium onion, diced small 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 stalks celery, chopped 8 oz baby carrots (2-3 chopped carrots can be substituted) 3/4 cup dry white wine 5 cups chicken stock 1 cup dried orzo 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp black pepper parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

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.

JANUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 9

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC DEREK MINGMONGKOL • Junior at CHS

• 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

FAVORITE THING ABOUT WRESTLING The thing I love the most about wrestling is the fact that not only is it a team sport but also an individ ual sport. This means competing by ourselves, but still having each other to rely on when we need it. Unlike most sports, when you’re competing it’s individual; that means the work you put in during practice directly reflects in the match. When you put in hours of hard work and have your arm raised at the end of the match, the satisfaction that comes with knowing the hard work was worth it is the best feeling in the world. WHY YOU CHOSE WRESTLING I remember the day vividly. It was early November in 2013 and my family and I were in the car driving around in Hawaii when my mom asked if I want ed to wrestle. Like most children that age, the only thing that came to my head was pro wrestling such as WWE and I thought that sounded like a blast. However, during my first practice I soon realized this was not the case and it was completely differ ent than TV. After my first year, I fell in love with the sport and the intensity that came along with it. COACH WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST The coach who has inspired me the most is my cur rent high school coach. Coach Freedman has not only helped me on the mat by staying after practice

with me and pushing me in the weight room but in other aspects of life as well. He has taught me dis cipline which has helped me stay focused in school and to not get affected by distractions in life.

HOBBIES My hobby is fishing and I’m the leader of the CHS Fishing Club with my great friend Alex Crosby. The Fishing Club goes on trips to the Orange Reservoir together and we actually just finished a food drive where we raised canned fish for the less fortunate. The reason that I care so much about fishing is be cause it’s an amazing hobby that lets one really connect with nature. I want to share this passion with other people so they can enjoy it too.

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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FROM THE DOCTOR

THE SMART WAY TO DO LAUNDRY

TENNIS ELBOW

Now that it is cold weather, most sports have been shifting to an indoor location. One sport in particular that is played inside during the winter months is tennis. With tennis there are injuries that one can sustain but the most common one is lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is a painful condition that occurs when tendons in your elbow are overloaded, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Usually it is due to swinging a tennis racket however it can be an overuse of that specific area. Some of these jobs can include painters, plumbers, carpenters and butchers. It can happen to people who play sports other than tennis, but it’s most common among tennis players. While there is pain associated with this condition there is also weakness and sometime burning that can be felt. This weakness will affect a person’s ability to grip objects such as a cup of coffee or shake a hand as well a turn a door knob. In order to diagnose and treat this condition, an MD or therapist will need to do a full assessment of the motion and strength especially in the elbow. There is pressure placed over the bony prominence at the outside of the elbow and that usually will cause pain. MRI’s and X-Rays are used to rule out other conditions. Upon arriving at a diagnosis, a referral for physical therapy is usually given by an MD. There are various exercises to strengthen the weak tissues. Ultrasound, cold laser and E-Stim along with ice are also commonly used for this condition. It is also good to check with your PT or MD prior to starting any kind of rehab activities. To prevent tennis elbow, always stretch your forearms and wrists before and after playing sports. Make sure you exercise regularly and build up some strength in the forearm. If you start to feel any arm pain while you’re playing, stop. Form also plays a part in injury prevention as if you are not utilizing the proper strokes, you could injure yourself. Speak to your Physical Therapist on specifics at South Orange Rehab & Wellness, 973-761-0077.

LAUNDRY PICKUP & DELIVERY SERVICE

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

JANUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 11

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REAL ESTATE

THE HONEY-DO LIST

Welcome to 2022! While you’re solidifying those resolutions, think about making a commitment to keeping on top of some easy home maintenance items. Paying attention to smaller problems can save you major headaches and expense later, which will keep the value of your home up. New and experienced homeowners alike - dust off those notebooks and pick a few tasks to cover each season! Gutters and downspouts that aren’t properly connected and stuffed with leaves can lead to costly leaks or water in your basement. Be careful on that ladder if you’re doing the cleaning yourself and check out some online DIY videos. Or, if dangling from the roof isn’t really your thing, there are several companies in town who will perform this service at a very reasonable price. (Reach out for recs!) Did you know there’s a difference between a boiler and furnace? While many people use these terms interchangeably, they are very different systems - the former using water & steam through radiators & baseboard and the latter forcing hot air through ductwork - both requiring regular maintenance. If your boiler produces steam heat, you’ll want to regularly clean out the sediment that accumulates in the system. This is a simple process where you’ll put a bucket under the drain valve and run the water out until it becomes clear. Be sure your heat is down and the system is cooled before you add water back in. If you perform this operation regularly, it will keep your system running more efficiently and save you from having to say RIP to your (expensive) boiler prematurely. For those of you with forced hot air (which is often the same system you use for central air), you can prolong the system life and improve your air quality by changing the filters and cleaning the air vents every few months. Of course there are plenty of great plumbing and HVAC pros who will come service your systems annually, so whether you’re a home hack hero or you’d rather go pro, it is important to keep it on your list. Make sure you have those smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors installed and ready! Starting in 2019, New Jersey homes are supposed to have 10-year sealed battery detectors. If you haven’t invested in the upgrade, I would definitely recommend it! When people purchase a home, they almost immediately remove that unsightly fire extinguisher that was required by the town to be mounted in the kitchen. Like I did! And then I couldn’t find it when I set a tray of French fries on fire….. Locate that sucker and check to make sure it isn’t expired! For a more complete list of regular maintenance items to help keep your home happy, reach out! We’d be happy to give you more tips on how to protect that awesome investment of yours. GUT YOUR GUTTERS BE HOT & COLD SAFETY FIRST!

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.

www.thecarpetgirl.com SELECTION, SALES AND INSTALLATION

Kate Elliott is the leader of The Kate Elliott Team at Coldwell Banker 646-662-6655 Kate.elliott@cbmoves.com Insta: @KeyToNewJersey

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Dreams2Reality Events & More, LLC, (a part of the Dreams group) is a full-service Event Planning and Management Services Centre, officially opened its doors on September 8, 2021. Marcia ‘Cia’ Harris, Owner/Director is no stranger to the SOMA community as she has been a household name to many families, in the capacity of Newborn Care Specialist Aka Baby Nurse.

and her team - especially her sister ‘D’ is conscious of the toll that putting a ‘dream’ wedding or event can have on a celebrant, hence their commitment to taking the stress away by joining forces with relevant vendors to give full service, all under their roof. Yes, as you step within our roof, we will make the necessary arrangements from invitations down to your last dance. While you sit and relax your weary feet, we promise to ease your troubled minds as we make your dreams into reality. Dreams2Reality not only offer Event Planning and coordination along with all the trims and frills but we also offer childcare services so you can have fun at your event.

We provide companionship childcare to your every event- weddings, parties, date night or your long- or short-term Baby Nurse needs. We also offer you our ‘Baby Ease’ a detailed hands on or newborn refreshers training for moms, dads and grandparents. We cover all you need to know as a new parent to boost your confidence. Please take a moment to stop in or give us a call. We anticipate meeting you! Marcia ‘Cia’ Harris-Author, Podcaster, Event Planner, Baby Nurse www.Rhymingwithmarcia.com

Marcia is also a Wedding Officiant and alongside this offers a wide array of services to make every wedding or event complete. Some of the many services offered are:

With over twenty (20) years in the industry Marcia

• Snow Removal, Essex County • Steps • Concrete Work • Fencing • Sidewalks & Curbs • Bluestone • Brick & Block • Retaining Walls • Railroad Ties • Keystone • Belgian Block • Stone Work • Masonry • Porches

• New Garages • Foundations • French Drains • Waterproofing Interior & Exterior • Asphalt & Paving

• Patios • Decks • Excavation • Mulching • Soil & Seed • Tree Removal • Top Soil

JANUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 13

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FINANCIAL FOCUS WHAT ARE YOUR FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR 2022? As you know, 2021 was full of challenges. We were still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains shut down and inflation heated up. So, if you’re like many people, you might not be sorry to see the year come to a close. But now it’s time to look ahead to a brighter 2022. And on a personal level, you may want to set some New Year’s resolutions. You might resolve to improve your health and diet, and possibly learn some new skills, but why not make some financial resolutions, too? Here are a few ideas to consider: • Prepare for the unexpected. If you haven’t already created an emergency fund, now may be a good time to start. Ideally, you’d like to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in this fund, with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account. (If you’re retired, you may want your emergency fund to contain up to a year’s worth of living expenses.) Once you’ve got this fund established, you may be able to avoid dipping into long-term investments to pay for short-term needs, such as costly home or auto repairs or large medical bills. • Boost your retirement savings. The pandemic caused many of us to reevaluate our ability to eventually enjoy the retirement lifestyles we’ve envisioned. In fact, 33% of those planning to retire soon said they started to contribute even more to their retirement savings during the pandemic, according to a study from Age Wave and Edward Jones. This year, if you can afford it, increase your contributions to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. • Reduce your debt load. The less debt you carry, the more money you’ll have available to support your lifestyle today and save and invest for tomorrow. So, this year, resolve to cut down on your existing debts and avoid taking on new ones whenever possible. You can motivate yourself by measuring your progress – at the beginning of 2022, record your total debts and then compare this figure to your debt load at the start of 2023. If the numbers have dropped, you’ll know you were making the right moves. • Don’t overreact to the headlines. A lot can happen during a year. Consider inflation – it shot up in 2021, but it may well subside in 2022. If you changed your investment strategy last year to accommodate the rise in inflation, would you then have to modify it again when prices fall? And inflation is just one event. What about changes in interest rates? How about new legislation coming out of Washington? And don’t forget extreme weather events, such as wildfires and floods. Any or all of these occurrences can affect the financial markets in the short term, but it just doesn’t make sense for you to keep changing the way you invest in response to the news of the day. Instead, stick with a strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You may need to adjust this strategy over time, in response to changes in your own life, but don’t let your decisions be dictated by external events. These aren’t the only financial resolutions you can make – but following them may help you develop positive habits that can help you face the future with confidence.

• New and pre-owned bikes for sale

• Repair services • Bike accessories • Skateboards

“ Locally Owned and Operated” WINTER HOURS: Thurs-Sun • 12–4 All other seasons: Tues-Sun • 12-5

1673 Springfield Ave., Maplewood • 973-996-2080 www.maplewoodbikeshed.com

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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FROM THE DOCTOR 5 PILLARS OF HEALTH FOR BETTER LIFE AND VITALITY Wellness isn’t just about your physical health; it’s about your emotional and mental wellbeing as well. When we address our total, whole-body health, it can help us feel better from the inside out, and even discover the next steps to take to continue to improve and extend our lives for the better. We’ve broken down total body wellness into 5 Pillars of Health for Better Life and Vitality; different facets of your life that can help you feel your very best. The 5 Pillars of Health are: 1. Reviewing your current health and weight. Look for new changes, injuries, and your current health status to give you a sense of direction. Set a goal by first establishing where you are and know where you want to go and do it in small steps. 2. How do you choose to eat; what nutritional help or coaching do you need? 3. Evaluate your eating and drinking. Are you getting enough water? Are the foods you’re eating fueling your body or causing energy slumps or weight gain? 4. Work with a chiropractor. A chiropractor can help you improve your posture, movement, reduce pain and increase wellbeing and help you find ways to improve your fitness through proper exercises and stretches specific to your structure. 5. Examine your sleep habits. Are you getting enough sleep? Too much or too little sleep? Your sleep habits have a major influence on your physical and mental health. Is the sleep environment cool, dark and quiet? Do you have a comfortable supportive mattress and posture appropriate pillow? 6. Look at your mindset. Your frame of mind supports your total health and can help you adjust your daily habits. It all boils down to Eat Well; Sleep Well and Move Well. South Orange Chiropractic Center is here to help you achieve a better level of health and wellness and a happier, healthier life. To learn more about the 5 Pillars of Health, take a look at our latest video at Southorangechiropractic.com. What are your health and wellness goals for next year? What action steps do you need to take to achieve optimal health and vitality. It’s up to you to decide to be,”Healthy by Choice don’t leave it to Chance”. We are here to help you achieve your goals!

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

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

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

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

JANUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 15

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LIFE COACHING

There is a bit of known wisdom that most good writers employ - “Show, don’t tell”. If you don’t write, this advice means rather than tell your audience what is happening, you show them. For example, your protagonist isn’t “sad”, she’s a “weeping willow tree”. The house wasn’t vacant, it was a “voluminous chamber left empty but for the gusts of wind that made the abandoned curtains billow like nomadic ghouls on Old Hallows Eve”

KIM KASSNOVE

You get my drift. There are similar phrases that get bandied about such as “Your actions speak louder than words”, “Talk is cheap”, “There is no try, only do” (I see you Star Wars nerds), which serve a similar purpose in our collective world. Not only do these sayings urge us to “show, not tell”, they’re all code for “cut the crap! DO something already” Well kids, real talk here - It’s 2022 and it’s time to get your adorable tushies into action. Stop saying “This is the year I’m going to…” or “I really want to…”. Cut the crap and make your special brand of magic happen already! The world longs for you. It needs your voice and your beautiful creations. What the world doesn’t need is your excuses, your empty promises (to yourself), and your deferred dreams. Whether it’s finally hanging up that shingle, starting your band, or writing your novel, there is no time like 2022 to make it happen! Call a lawyer because I’m branding 2022 “The Year of DO!” There are so many ways to get yourself into action:

WWW.SCALORA.COM 973.313.3912

Join a networking group for entrepreneurs Post an ad for a drummer on the lounge Hire a coach to support you Join a Write On! group

If the last two bullets sound intriguing to you, make your first order of business to schedule time with me. With a 30 minute complimentary call we can begin to set your course of action for 2022. You need a cheerleader who believes you can do the incredible things your heart longs for. You need a cheerleader who tells you to cut the crap! I am opening my books to new 1:1 clients in February and Write On! Groups kick off in January. Make 2022 the year of DO. You can book time with me and register for Write On! on my website: http://kimkassnovecoaching.com. Reach out with questions at kim@kimkassnovecoaching.com

RAISE THE ROOF!

INTRODUCTORY HOME EQUITY LOAN RATES AS LOW AS

FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS

15 Scotland Road in South Orange, NJ

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

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RENOVATING HOMES FOR RESALE

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE!

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

JANUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 17

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MEET THE MERCHCANT

CHAISE FITNESS

At ChaiseFitness, we have introduced a new private studio space for one on-one training in body conditioning and injury rehabilitation. Besides our dynamic and fun Pilates-based fitness classes, we now offer private sessions in our newly renovated backroom using a Pilates Reformer and Chair as well as the GYROTONIC ® Expansion System Method. Before the pandemic our focus was on Pilates-based group fitness classes. While in lockdown, we realized that the needs of our clients were changing and as such, transformed our back room into a fully equipped private workout space with a separate entrance. We also outfitted the entire studio with a photocatalytic Air Sanitation System using NASA developed UV-light technology to kill 99.99% of all virus and bacteria particles in the air for the health and safety of our staff and clients. During the pandemic we saw a dramatic shift in lifestyle. As our community became stuck at home, not only did our clients feel safer training one-on one, but we really saw the need for more individualized programming to help our clients adjust to whatever their new normal had become. Offering individualized programs allowed us to better serve our client’s needs, getting fit and feeling good mentally and physically. Our clientele ranges from those experiencing neck and back pain, to those rehabbing after surgery, to amateur and professional athletes and dancers, to those who just want to get fit and improve their overall posture and well-being. Studio owner and head instructor Claudia Aarts-Schreiber has honed her knowledge of body conditioning through years of experience working with athletes and dancers, like prima ballerina Misty Copland. As a Pilates based studio, we focus on helping clients properly activate their core to improve posture and overall function. Additionally, we work on mobilizing, tractioning, and stretching the spine and joints to improve range of motion and decompress the body from everyday stressors. Our goal is to help clients feel better, stronger, and rejuvenated when they walk out of the studio each and every time. To book a session email ChaiseFitness at maplewood@chaisefitness.com or check our website www.chaisefitness.com/nj for more information.

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EDUCATION

ACADEMIC CONFIDENCE, BUILD IT EARLY!

The thing that underlies most supplemental instruction and tutoring is building academic confidence. Academic confidence is built by skill building but goes beyond the skills themselves to the development of the child within which those skills are built. In the end, despite concerns about Abby’s reading or Joshua’s multiplication skills, it is truly what parents are seeking when they are in search of academic support for their children. The earlier parents can help their children develop and sustain their academic confidence, the better, but it is never too late. When I talk to parents (and think of what I should have done) about investing in their children’s academics, my motto is “get the best you can afford to get from pre-K to 5th grade” for those are the foundational years for student learning and everything else after that is just variation on a theme. Either students have the tools in place to thrive in middle and high school or they’re likely to struggle more than need be during those years. I have had many conversations with parents about (and my staff and I have helped many students over the years) preparing for elite high school exams, high school admissions essays, and last-minute remediation for middle schoolers attempting to be ready for academically rigorous high schools. It’s part of what we do and we are happy to help, but in the back of my head I’m wishing these folks had invested more heavily in their younger child’s academic foundation so the stress of cramming, test prep, and “portfolio development” could be a bit (or much) less stressful. It’s hard to think of your cute little 4- or 5-year-old as a 15-year-old who has not quite had everything put in place academically during the elementary and middle school years and is facing a big hurdle to do well in high school (whether elite or the local public school). It feels like there’s time, and schools will certainly tell you that, but your kid will be facing high school in a blink of an eye. Thank goodness I’m too old to have another baby (whew!), but if I were to do it again I would “overinvest” in both social and academic development of my little one between (birth…) pre-K and 5th grade because that is where ALL the literacy and numeracy foundations are built. Teaching children to read stops after 2nd grade. Basics of number sense (how numbers interact with basic operators) is generally done by 3rd grade. Refinement, sophistication, critical thinking, expression, and creativity all come with those foundations in the subsequent grades, but the foundation stones are laid between pre-K3 and 3rd. Numbers and words, and facility with them are the foundation of science, social studies, and even the arts. Kids need these foundations to do well. And I don’t emphasize “doing well” relative to some standardized test or performance metric, although that’s part of it. I emphasize doing well to do with the emotional wellbeing of the child, the “I’m smart/not smart” self-assessment, the “I’m bad at math” or “I hate reading/writing” themes that emerge very early. The pain of those is a huge reason I believe early investment is so critical.

Dr. Alissa Gardenhire is the owner of Best in Class Education Center, named one of the three best tutoring centers in the region by 3 Best Rated dot com. Copyright 2021 © Dr. Alissa Gardenhire and Kids Win, Inc.

JANUARY 2022 | SOMA LIVING 19

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