SOMA Living January 2024

VOL.9-1 JANUARY 2024 MAGAZINE

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JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 3

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PUBLICATION TEAM

FACES IN THE CROWD

Publisher: Michael E. Goldberg

Editor: Karen L. Driggs

Advertising Sales Michael E. Goldberg I 973.271.4306 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com Correction: December Family Story. Nadia and Sadie Springer are co-presidents to the Class of 2024, not student council. Contributors: Cathy Roma, Dr. Stephen Levine, Gary T. Jones, Dr. Daniel Roig, Victor Delapa, Natalie Farrell, Douglas Huebner, Kate Dawson, Jill Cohen, Juvens Exantus, Nancy Gagnier Director of Human Resources: Fudge P. Goldberg

Congratulations to SOMA resident Dionne Warwick, who received a 2023 Kennedy Center Honor. Now in its 46th iteration, the Honors has steadily been morphing from a staid affair to a full-scale entertainment spectacle befitting the nation’s highest honor bestowed for artistic achievement.

PET OF THE MONTH Sponsored by Jennifer McManus Real Estate

Design by: GRANDSTAND DESIGN

(973) 232-6025 www.grandstanddesign.com

Hi- my name is Macaroni and Cheese -aka -“Mac”! I have 3 sisters and love to play, eat and sleep; and I especially love to love people! I am a therapy dog and I put many smiles on people’s faces. My favorite place to go is the South Mountain Reservation and Able Baker for a yummy treat! I hope you choose me to be featured in your magazine! Woof!

Family Photography by: LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

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JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 5

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JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 7

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THE YARD DOGS: A PROFILE OF DEDICATION AND DISTINCTION

Photography by Jamie Meier

As part of what makes South Orange and Maplewood special, local families quickly develop programs and activities to meet the unique needs of residents. In 2021, a group of passionate parents and young athletes came together to form a baseball team unlike any other – the Yard Dogs. With a shared love for baseball and a desire to compete at the highest level, this dedicated group created a unique opportunity for local children to pursue their dreams on the diamond. As they prepare to participate in the upcoming Cooperstown tournament, the Yard Dogs’ journey is one of unwavering commitment and the pursuit of excellence. What sets the Yard Dogs apart from other local teams is their year-round dedication to the sport. While most towns offer seasonal recreational leagues, the Yard Dogs recognized the need for a more comprehensive baseball experience. By providing year-round training and playing opportunities, they ensure that their players remain competitive and continue to develop their skills throughout the year. “We wanted to create a program that gives our kids the chance to train and play at a high level, regardless of the season,” explains Christopher Schwegel, a team parent and coach. “Our goal is to provide a pathway for young athletes in South Orange and Maplewood to compete against top talent and showcase their abilities.” The Yard Dogs had an impressive Spring 2023 season earning an 8-2 record and tying for the division lead. All of the players work together and contribute to every game. Team highlights for the

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Spring 2023 season are significant. Yard Dogs’ pitchers threw a combined no-hitter in one game and a complete game shutout in another, demonstrating their exceptional skills on the mound. Three players hit their first home runs, injecting excitement into the team’s performance. The team consistently reached base and put pressure on their opponents, boasting an impressive 0.360 batting average and a remarkable 0.477 on-base percentage overall. The Yard Dogs also showcased their defensive prowess with several double-plays throughout the season. With the help of Coach Rafael Cruz, the Yard Dogs are gearing up for the highly anticipated Cooperstown tournament. This prestigious event brings together hundreds of teams from across the nation, offering a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and create lifelong memories. For the Yard Dogs, it represents a chance to make history as the first team from SOMA to participate in this renowned tournament. The team is holding fundraising activities to ensure every player, regardless of financial circumstances, can travel to Cooperstown. “We are practicing tirelessly for the Cooperstown tournament,” says Schwegel with pride. “Our players show immense dedication and passion for the game. This tournament is not just about the competition; it’s about creating lasting memories and fostering a tradition of excellence within our community.”

To learn more about the Yard Dogs and support them in their journey, visit their website at www.yarddogsbaseball.com.

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JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 9

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COALITION ON RACE THE COMMUNITY COALITION ON RACE HOSTS TWO BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROJECTS

As Black History Month 2024 approaches, The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race organizes two vital projects to foster unity and deepen

understanding of racial justice issues within the community. The first project, titled “Coming to Jersey: Black Families Share Their Stories,” is a collaboration with Durand- Hedden House in Maplewood.

Black residents of SOMA can share their family stories, recounting their journey to New Jersey and their personal experiences. The project concludes with a gathering on February 11 at 1 p.m., featuring genealogy, photos, oral storytelling, and conversation. To participate, SOMA residents may submit a summary write-up to Audrey Rowe at audrey.rowe@ communitycoalitiononrace.org by 1/19/2024. RSVP at www.durandhedden.org/event-details/telling-our-stories. The second program focuses on Black Maternal Health Issues in New Jersey, highlighting significant racial disparities in maternal deaths, complications, and treatment. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions to the presenters. For more information, visit www.communitycoalitiononrace.org.

Nancy Gagnier is the Director of Community Coalition on Race. She as designed anti-racism trainings over two decades. nancy.gagnier@communitycoalitionrace.org www.communitycoalitiononrace.org

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CHSSF COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Columbia High School Scholarship Fund (CHSSF) celebrated its momentous 100th anniversary on September 23, 2023, with the most successful fundraiser in its history. The event was a “Red & Black” themed cocktail party at The Maplewood Club uniting a supportive crowd of donors, trustees, scholarship recipients, and community leaders. Founded in 1923 by a Columbia High School teacher, CHSSF operates as a volunteer-run 501c3 organization. Its mission is to provide need-based scholarships to CHS graduates. The funds awarded support various post-high school educational pursuits, including two-year or four year colleges/universities, vocational programs, certificate programs, professional licensing programs, and graduate school. Students have the opportunity to reapply each year while in school. Many of CHSSF’s scholarship recipients blaze a trail within their families as they become the first to pursue higher education after high school. Throughout its 100-year history, CHSSF granted thousands of scholarships, totaling millions of dollars. For the current school year, 115 students receive $258,000 in support. The organization remains committed to assisting CHS graduates with the financial burden of higher education for years to come. For additional information about CHSSF, please visit our website at www.chssf.org

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JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 11

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

INSTRUCTIONS

CREAMY CHICKEN TORTELLINI SOUP

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot until hot but not smoking. Add the onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 mins. 2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 mins. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute. 3. Deglaze with the white wine and continue to cook until wine is reduced by half, about 3-4 mins. 4. Add the tomato sauce and stock. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. 5. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and gently simmer until the tortellini is cooked through and the kale is wilted and tender, about 15 mins. 6. Ladle into bowls and serve topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Servings: 6

Dreamy, creamy chicken tortellini soup is the ideal weeknight meal. Even though it tastes like it simmered on the stove all day, it cooks in just 30 minutes with minimal prep time.

RECIPE NOTES • Be sure to use fresh, not dried or frozen, tortellini. • I use poached chicken breasts, but thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken would also be delicious. • Can’t find baby kale? Lacinato kale is a great swap. Just be sure to remove the tough stems and rough chop the leaves before adding to the soup. • The tortellini will absorb the liquid as it cooks. Add additional stock to thin if necessary. • 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 necessary.

INGREDIENTS

10 oz FRESH tortellini, (1 package) 5 oz baby kale, (or 1 bunch kale, stems removed and rough chopped) 1/3 cup fresh basil, torn 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (+ additional for topping)

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, diced small 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp tomato paste 3/4 cup dry white wine 15 oz tomato sauce (1 can) 6 cups chicken stock

1 1/2 lbs cooked chicken, shredded

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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DRINK OF THE MONTH

PIMM’S NO 1 PUNCH

If you’re anything at all like me you’re over all this cold and day-dreaming about those warm summer days…and maybe a bathing suit or 2. I’m thinking lots of fresh fruit, cold vodka and good vibrations. Let’s smash up a good old-fashioned Punch, shan’t we?! Grab your favorite lemon

vodka and a bottle of Pimm’s, aaand some sunglasses and get ready to be transported somewhere with sunny skies. Cheers guys, see you at the beach!

1. Gather the ingredients 2. Muddle fruits and veggies in Mason Jar 3. Fill Mason Jar with Ice INGREDIENTS: 1.50 ounce Pimm’s No.1 1.00 ounce Lemon Vodka 2 cucumber slices

2 strawberries 2 lemon wedges Top with Ginger Beer

4. Pour Pimm’s & Lemon Vodka over ice 5. Top with Ginger Beer 6. Remove sunglasses

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

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PHYSICAL THERAPY Specializing in Pelvic Health, Oncology, Lymphedema, and Wellness.

Pre-natal and Post-partum Care Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Pelvic Pain Urinary Symptoms Bowel Issues Orthopedic Issues related to Pelvic Health Oncology Breast Oncology Lymphedema

318 Main Street, Suite 200A | Millburn, NJ 07041 973.671.5855 | Book Online: 5pointpt.com

JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 13

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STRAIN OF THE MONTH

MANDARIN ORANGE

Mandarin Orange, crafted by Fernway, is a delightful strain with a unique and zesty flavor. Its sweet citrus taste comes from Fernway’s exclusive blend of naturally occurring terpenes, created from scratch. This strain offers a refreshing and invigorating essence, reminiscent of freshly squeezed orange juice. Mandarin orange is especially fitting for the New Year, as Chinese culture embraces mandarins for good luck and prosperity during New Year festivities. Its tangy pungency pairs wonderfully with champagne, making it a perfect companion for toasting into the New Year! Aside from its delicious orange zest, Fernway’s Mandarin vape pen is easily accessible and enjoyable indoors. Instead of braving the cold for an outdoor toke, you can peacefully indulge while watching the ball drop with loved ones, embracing traditions and starting the year on a positive note. Whether you’re looking to enhance your New Year’s celebrations or kickstart your resolutions, Mandarin Orange by Fernway is an excellent choice. Its dominant sativa effect will keep your party going all night long! With its vibrant flavor and energizing effects, it’s the perfect companion for ringing in the New Year. Written by: Juvens Exantus, Budtender, Elevated CannaBoss Lady Dispensary About: Elevated by the CannaBoss Lady Licensed Dispensary & CBD Boutique, located in Maplewood Village at 9 Highland Place and owned by Jill Cohen, a local SOMA resident. She is a cannabis enthusiast, educator, advocate, and philanthropist, who curated a luxury cannabis experience for those with refined tastes.

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC GREGORY L.

• 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

Gregory L., is a talented 56 year old athlete who excels in various sports. His primary sport is ten nis, a game he has played for an impressive 40 years. Gregory’s dedication and skill in tennis earned him recognition, including winning the gold medal at the Special Olympics NJ summer games in tennis. Additionally, he had the oppor tunity to compete in the US Open Unified Games.

Apart from tennis, Gregory also enjoys playing golf, volleyball, basketball, and participating in track and field events. He is a versatile athlete who thrives in individual and team sports. When he’s not participating in athletics, Gregory enjoys reading, watching movies, and visiting parks. He values spending quality time with his JESPY family and engaging in various hobbies that bring him joy and relaxation. JESPY House is an organization that provides support and services for adults with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities. It offers a range of programs and activities to empower individuals and help them lead fulfilling lives within their community. Gregory’s involvement with JESPY House highlights the or ganization’s commitment to promoting inclusivity while supporting its resi dents with meaningful activities and offering a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and athletic competition. For more information visit www.jespy.org.

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

JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 15

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FINANCIAL FOCUS DOES YOUR FAMILY KNOW YOUR ESTATE PLAN? Consider organizing a family meeting to discuss your estate plans. Sharing your intentions with loved ones is crucial and best done while you’re still in good health, even if implementation is years away. What key topics should you cover? Start by discussing your wishes and those of your family. Share your estate plans and explain your goals, such as leaving money to your family and supporting causes. Consider fairness, addressing income disparities among children or the needs of a special-needs child. Listen to family members’ desires, as they may have surprising perspectives. A study found that over 80% of millennials prioritize their parents’ financial security during retirement over a larger inheritance. Next, address the estate planning documents—will, living trust, power of attorney, etc. Provide a general overview without discussing specific inheritances. Inform loved ones about the professionals involved, such as your attorney and tax advisor. Lastly, discuss roles. Identify an executor for your will and potential trustees for your living trust. Consider competence and reliability when selecting people to avoid conflicts within the family. Convey that the initial meeting isn’t the end of discussions. Encourage questions and ongoing communication. You may need subsequent meetings, but by laying the groundwork, you’ll take a significant first step in establishing your desired legacy. By involving your family in the process, you can ensure that your estate plans reflect your wishes and provide clarity for your loved ones.

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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REAL ESTATE 2024 SOMA BUCKET LIST

As a new year approaches, it’s easy to wonder where all the time goes. In 2024, I resolve to prioritize my experiences within our own community. I created a checklist below, and I invite you to join me in participating in these local activities and visiting places in SOMA throughout the coming year. *Take a scenic hike in the South Mountain Reservation. * Support local farmers by purchasing fresh produce from a SOMA Farmers Market. * Enjoy a day in Memorial Park, Meadowlands Park, Grove Park, or any of the beautiful parks in the area. *Dine at a restaurant you haven’t tried before. * Meet people and acquire new skills by joining a community club like The SOMA Fox Running Club, South Orange Maplewood Adult School, or The Maplewood Garden Club. * Give back to the community by volunteering at SOMA for Animals, the South Mountain Conservancy, The Achieve Foundation, or MEND. * Immerse yourself in the arts by attending a live performance at SOPAC. May these experiences enrich your journey through 2024 and strengthen your connection to the South Orange and Maplewood community.

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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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JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 17

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HOME DESIGN “Um… best described, it’s messy and dirty and, quite frankly it can be a bit painful”. “Really”, she murmured. “Yes, but it’s oh so great when you finish.” I said slyly. I was at the SOMA Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party talking to a colleague about…kitchen renovations. “So how do you get started? What’s the first step?” she asked. “Well the first question I ask my clients is how long do you plan on living in the house. If they say over 7 or 10 years, I say great we’ll do what you want. By then no matter what you do it will be somewhat outdated, or at least in need of a refresh.” “But you could an all-white kitchen, those never go out of style.”, she said. “I hate to say this, but all-white kitchens are out. Nobody really wants them anymore. Ever since the pandemic changed our thoughts about home, all-white kitchens are seen as cold and sterile. Not the warm cozy nest people now crave.” “So, what if they want to move in less than 7 or 10 years?”, she asked. “Then we have to have an eye toward resale. Not that you can’t do what you want or make the design totally your own. But my job, and this is where 17 years as a Real Estate agent comes in handy, is to help my client understand what buyers are looking for in a kitchen. So that when they go to sell. They’ll still get the best price for their house.” (to be continued…)

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INTERIOR DESIGN Happy New Year, decor lovers! I don’t know about you, but I often feel a bit down after the holidays. The festivities are over, and we’re all aware of the long, dreary months of cold, gray weather ahead. However... this situation presents the perfect opportunity to inject some excitement into your home! Plus, if you went overboard with holiday spending (no judgement), here’s some good news: adding flair to your space does NOT have to break the bank! One of the services I offer on my website is a membership program we affectionately call “The Whorehouse.” When people want a completely revamped and professionally designed look but lack the funds to hire a designer, I always recommend this option. Each month, our members receive a complimentary mood board that carefully lays out all the elements for a beautifully curated space. Whether it’s bedrooms, dining rooms, home offices, kids’ rooms, or holiday tablescapes, we eliminate all the guesswork, thereby saving you precious time! In addition to the free mood board, we showcase three previous projects. These projects include the links to any items you fancy and wish to purchase independently. We even include the paint colors! Additionally, you’ll get the “Behind the Scenes” insights, filled with details and design tips from each TransWHOREmation. Yes, it truly is that simple! Take a peek at the pictures posted here, and you’ll see what I mean! It’s like a drive-thru service, but for decorating!

For more pics and tips… check out my IG: @KateTheDecorWhore Kate@decorwhore.com www.decorwhore.com

JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 19

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WOMEN IN SPORTS

COLUMBIA WOMEN IN SPORTS CLUB

Scarlett Levinson and Charlotte Klepesch are 11th-grade students at Columbia High School. As avid softball players and members of the Columbia Softball program, the pair co

SCARLETT & CHARLOTEE

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.

LYDIA JOHNSON DANCE SCHOOL THE CREATIVE APPROACH Klepesh elaborated, “With the guidance of our advisor, Lindsay Clesmere, and the support of our club members, we successfully collected numerous donations of sports bras from the community and fellow Columbia students. For more information, please visit isupportthegirls.org founded and co-preside over Columbia’s Women in Sports Club. Their mission is to raise awareness about important issues and advocate for women in sports. This school year, Women in Sports Club organized a sports bra donation drive on behalf of the nonprofit organization, I Support The Girls . The intent was to address a significant barrier that many girls face when participating in athletics: the lack of access to affordable sports bras. These undergarments are essential not only for comfort but also to long term breast health. For girls who require extra support, they can be very expensive. Typically they are not considered as an essential part of a provided team uniform. Levinson shared, “We wanted to leverage our privilege to help ensure that everyone feels comfortable participating in sports.”

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FROM THE DOCTOR

Your body functions as a highly efficient machine, capable of performing complex tasks within seconds to maintain your movement and overall well-being. One crucial system responsible for governing various bodily functions is the nervous system. The nervous system serves as the communication network within your body. The brain acts as the central computer, controlling all bodily functions. It functions similarly to the internet, while the nervous system acts as the network, relaying messages from the brain to different body parts for appropriate responses. Any disruption in communication between brain cells and tissue cells is known as nerve impingement syndrome or subluxation of the spine. Such interference may lead to the development of various symptoms or conditions. You can take specific measures to safeguard your nervous system from potential conditions. Here are some lifestyle choices that promote nervous system protection: • Engage in regular exercise. • Avoid exposure to environmental toxins. • Get sufficient sleep. • Maintain a balanced diet. • Stay hydrated. • Consult a chiropractor. Regularly having your spine checked and adjusted, if necessary, by a chiropractor can help prevent nerve damage. This ensures that your spine remains in optimal condition, allowing uninterrupted and faster transmission of messages. Contact our professionals to explore how we can collaborate to optimize the functionality of your nervous system. Visit southorangechiropractic.com to learn more about our comprehensive evaluation process.

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

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

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

Offices in West Orange & Maplewood

JANUARY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 21

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FROM THE DOCTOR Weightlifting can be challenging when you have lower back pain. This is a common issue for many people, not just athletes. Typically, the instinct is to keep your back still and avoid movement to prevent pain. However, this approach may not facilitate recovery or allow you to resume your preferred activities. Research indicates that weight training, when performed correctly and under suitable conditions, can actually be safe and help alleviate pain. Prolonged back pain can lead to decreased muscle mass, increased fat content, and stiffness, making your back muscles fatigue easily and exacerbating the pain. Over time, this can result in a fear of movement, leading to further deconditioning and instability in the back. When using weight training to improve back pain, it’s important to follow certain guidelines. Ensure that the pain is not severe and seek guidance from a trained physical therapist (PT). Start with lighter weights and gradually increase intensity. If you have a history of fractures or surgery, weight training may not be suitable. Consulting with a PT will help you develop a personalized exercise program. Slower, lighter weights reduce the risk of injury, and bodyweight exercises or machines can be effective alternatives. Remember, always consult a licensed physical therapist before starting any weight training regimen. They will conduct a thorough evaluation and identify any contraindications, providing alternative solutions for strengthening your back. WEIGHT TRAINING WITH BACK PAIN

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.

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THE MAPLEWOOD FOUNDATION

THE MAPLEWOOD FOUNDATION SURPASSES FIRST-YEAR FUNDRAISING GOAL

The Maplewood Foundation is a philanthropic community foundation launched in 2022 to improve the quality of life for all Maplewood residents. On December 2, The

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Foundation held a sold-out event called “Celebrate Maplewood” to honor its founding donors and inaugural grant recipients. The special evening included a live auction that raised an additional $53,300 to bring the first year solicitation efforts to $1.15 million. Another highlight of “Celebrate Maplewood” was the ceremony to present seven nonprofit organizations with checks totaling $50,000. These grants will support the development of new programs or the expansion of agency services. “‘Celebrate Maplewood’ exceeded our expectations,” said Fred Profeta, president of The Maplewood Foundation board. “It gave us an opportunity to highlight the nonprofits that tirelessly serve our community and kick off our 2024 campaign.” To learn more, or support the foundation, please visit www.themaplewoodfoundation.org.

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