SOMA Living June 2022

VOL. 7-6 JUNE 2022 MAGAZINE

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PUBLICATION TEAM

FACES IN THE CROWD

Autumn Jones is a local singer - songwriter from Maplewood. She is a Columbia H.S. graduate, recent graduate from Berklee College, and faculty member of Mark Murphy’s Music. She and her band recently performed at the Under Cover Mu sic Festival in South Orange.

Publisher: Michael E. Goldberg

Editor: Karen L. Driggs

Director of Human Resources: Fudge P. Goldberg

Advertising Sales Michael E. Goldberg I 973.271.4306 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com Contributors: Cathy Roma, Jen McManus, Dr. Stephen Levine, Gary T. Jones, Dr. Daniel Roig, Jill Cohen, Yoni Kreger, Kerry Cordero, Julie Greene, Norah Salazar Lee Seidenberg, Dr. Alissa Gardenhire

PET OF THE MONTH • Sponsored by Jennifer McManus Real Estate

Design by: GRANDSTAND DESIGN

(973) 232-6025 www.grandstanddesign.com

Freddie Carramar is a 10 year old pug who likes eating, sleeping, his stuffed doughnut, sun bathing, and hanging out with people... in that order. He allows his dads, Thomas Carragher and Brian Dittmar, to live in his home in Maplewood as long as they promise to keep his Chewy auto-ship orders coming. Originally from Oregon, Freddie has lived in Harlem, Kansas City, San Francisco, and now Maplewood. He loves living in Maple wood; Except, when it’s too cold or hot outside (so basically in April and October). Freddie enjoys spending time with his friends at Preferred Pets. Follow Freddie on Instagram @heresfreddiethepug to stay up-to-date on his adventures!

Family Photography by: LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

jamie@livelovelens.com www.livelovelens.com

Kristine Foley

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INTRODUCING THE LESTER FAMILY

Photography by Jamie Meier

Irina Lester describes her family as being among the early pioneers that migrated from Brooklyn to South Orange in the new millennium. She explained, “I never thought I would move to New Jersey. Growing up in Brooklyn, the Jersey we knew was industrial and crass. Suburban towns like Maplewood and South Orange were never even mentioned.” Irina met her husband John at a house party in Park Slope. She joked, “It was a one-night stand that has lasted for 20 years.” The couple lived together in Sunset Park before moving to Park Slope when their oldest child started kindergarten. “By then we’d discovered a mutual love of fancy cheeses and figured we could get both the cheese and the school in one neighborhood.” The end of elementary school and the birth of their last baby coincided in 2012 and the Lester’s decided to move to South Orange and make it their home. “When we moved to South Orange, a decade ago, everyone we met from Brooklyn had stories about coming here thirty years ago,” Irina said. “SOMA still felt a little untouched for our generation; it felt like we’d discovered something really special.” She added, “We are happy and in love with living here. Watching my kids grow through the school system, with friendships that have lasted since kindergarten, is something you can’t put a price on.” Irina is more than just another transplant. She is an avid knitter and owner of The Local Yarn Store in South Orange. “Since opening the business, we inevitably run into people we know when we go out, which is something I secretly dreamed of even while I was growing up being too cool for New Jersey. I love that my kids are growing up with an expectation that kindness and cordiality is a normal thing.” Fourteen years ago, pregnant with her second baby, Irina had no idea she was about to learn the skill that would become her livelihood. Having been taught to sew by her grandmother, Irina explained “I was an intense nester while pregnant and wound-up sewing baby quilts, sheets, and a crib skirt. I’d made all of these things and still had a month to go in my pregnancy. On a whim, I walked to Barnes & Noble, scanned the craft section, and decided, ‘I’m going to learn to knit.’

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Knitting was a natural next step in my creative process.” She started with baby hats and found she couldn’t put her knitting needles down. “As soon as I learned to knit, I became an uber geek and had to understand all of the intricacies of the craft. I wanted to know and master everything I possibly could. I started knitting all the time and got to knit samples for my neighborhood yarn store. Then I was knitting samples for designers and the joy just never ended; I was never bored or underchallenged. Knitting was easy to do while watching my kids. I could put my work down and walk away, or engage with my kids with yarn in hand.” Within a year and a half of starting she was knitting full time and dreaming of opening her own yarn store someday. “My husband jokes that I opened the store to meet other knitters and make new friends, and he’s not wrong about that. Sharing something that brings me so much happiness with other people is the reason I wanted to start this business.” Her husband, John, always encouraged her dream and would regularly ask her, “When are you opening the yarn store?” When their youngest started kindergarten, Irina contacted her realtor, found a location, and it all evolved from there. The Local Yarn Store features yarn brands that share both Irina’s business and social values, “I choose to work with companies that are inclusive, supportive of the American wool industry and fair to their employees.” If you’re interested in picking up knitting or crochet, you can find class listings on the store website: www.thelocalyarnstore.com. Open Yarn Night is every Friday from 5pm to 7pm at The Local Yarn Store and is a chance to share a table with other knitters, laugh, and improve your craft (socially distanced seating is available both inside and outside the shop). While Irina runs The Local Yarn Store , John works in digital healthcare as a partner at Oliver Wyman in NYC. “He’s a great father and wonderful partner. He’s a master of the Dad joke, and is still the smartest person I’ve ever met,” said Irina. The Lester’s have three children: Vivian, 10, who attends South Mountain School and loves performing comedy and improv. Isabel,13, who attends South Orange Middle School and is interested in drawing and painting, and Peshi, who is 20, passionate about LGBTQIA+ issues and attends FIT as a fashion major. The Lester family’s favorite restaurant is The Fox and the Falcon. “They are right next door to my shop and we’ve become pretty good friends with the family that owns it. They do so much for South Orange and continue to inspire me to invest in our community in every way I can. The food and cocktails ain’t too bad either.”

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DREAM TEAM

THIS MONTH’S MAKEOVER IS AUTUMN JONES

I had the pleasure of meeting with Autumn Jones, Singer Songwriter, Performer, & Music Business Entrepreneur to discuss CBD therapy and how it could enhance her well being After listening to her story and some of her health issues, I suggested she take NFZD Focus mushroom & CBD powder in her coffee every morning. This will help her with ADHD and stomach issues. For “end of the

This month’s feature is Autumn Jones, a singer-songwriter from Maplewood, New Jersey, and an Alumni of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. She has had success performing in notable venues in Boston, New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Spain, and the

annual Maplewoodstock festival! Autumn has also had the amazing opportunity to open for R&B Artists Vivian Green and Jon B. at the acclaimed South Orange Performing Art Center. This month you can catch Autumn Jones performing at the Maplewood Pride festival on June 12th and for the Juneteenth celebration in Maplewood Memorial park on June 18th. Follow her at autumnjonesmusic.com, @autumnjonesmusic, as well as on Spotify and Apple Music.

day” anxiety and to help her fall asleep, I gave her High Tea “Good Night Irene” Sleepytime Tea. When she is working on songwriting and music, I gave her Tribetokes disposable vape pen in Sativa NYC Diesel Strain to get her elevated and more creative. - Jill Cohen, TheCannabossLady. To give extra definition and shine to Autumn’s gorgeous curls, we applied a White Diamond treatment, a smoothing service that leaves the hair feeling silky and buoyant while enhancing the integrity of her curls. For added lift and vibrancy, we layered her locks without sacrificing length, to compliment her knockout cheekbones and beautifully full eyebrows.. - Yoni Kreger, YK Salon Autumn came to us with a desire to co-create within the wardrobe styling process. She loves fashion and enjoys expressing herself through her choice of clothes. This made our job easy in some ways

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and challenging at the same time. How do you take a self-possessed, young singer/entertainer to a new level? Well, it took 2 things; a style analysis by Kerry Cordero using her own amazing “Dress Your Dreams” style cards and the availability of Julie’s inspired curated vintage and current collection that Autumn absolutely loved browsing and picking through for “try ons”.

hues, shapes, and types of fabrics that can enhance her authentic sense of style.. - Julie Perlow-Greene, Retail Therapy & Kerry Cordero, Dress your Dream Professional Portraits of Autumn are coming soon online at @somalivingmagazine and in the July issue of SOMA Living Magazine. We’re looking for interesting females for upcoming issues. If you’d like to work with our Dream Team and like to be featured, please contact us at somalivingmagazine@gmail.com.

Through this process, we put together 3 amazing looks that reflect Autumn’s authentic style; playing with her “fire” elements in her personality she found an elegant and sensual body-con red vintage gown, and two other looks, both of those reflecting her love of Bohemian 70’s inspired style. The style cards allowed her to discuss what feels important to her including her love for her community and support

of inclusive role models for young women. Finally, she shared with us some personal challenges, and how her style choices can help her to reach higher levels of self-love, by reclaiming aspects of her appearance she may have been previously less comfortable with. Such a successful style journey and she also walked away with new ideas about color

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE!

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

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH

BARBARA BICKART

Barbara Bickart is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and activist and is the founder of Fire In the Belly Artmaking. Please describe your work, your medium/media, and your tools.

I am passionate about creating spaces where people of all ages come together to make process-based art that’s an expression of who they are and what they care about in one way or another. I’ve spent my career doing this through making project-based work that engages communities of people and ideas of social justice, through teaching, as well as making my own interdisciplinary work which includes video installations, video-performance and, in recent years, working on a smaller scale in mixed media with paper, gouache, water color, graphite, salt and eggshells. Plus, I play and make work alongside my Fire in the Belly Artmaking I founded Fire in the Belly Artmaking in 2019 and then began to offer workshops regularly at the beginning of the pandemic, when many families were eager for their children to have artmaking opportunities with other kids. I teach the workshops out of my studio, where I have a range of materials at my fingertips, allowing me to generate a broad range of curricular offerings. Once the content and framework for the workshop is introduced, everyone is working at their own pace, developing their own vision. I am in the role of mentor and guide, just as when working with undergraduate and graduate students who have done independent studies with me. At the end of every workshop session with the student-artists, we set up a gallery and invite parents and families to come see the work and hear the artists give a talk about their work. No matter how young the artists, they always have something to share about what they learned or did in any particular piece of work. I love working with students to teach them that being an artist is about a way of thinking and learning to see, as much as it’s about learning to manipulate materials and to transform them from one thing into something else. What is your process of creation? I have always felt that art is a conversation and that making art is about beginning a conversation – sometimes I am in conversation with myself and, when working on collaborative, community-based projects, with many others. Sometimes I start a piece or a project with a big idea or a big question I have that I want to explore and dig into deeply through the process of making. I start the action of making with whatever I’m most drawn to – sometimes that’s about putting color on a surface or tearing paper or just getting my hands moving with a graphite stick or painting over an old photograph. It’s through the act of getting my hands moving that I’m able to bump my internal editor out of the way and to immerse myself in the flow of my practice without being self-conscious. This is perhaps a long way of saying that my process is very organic. And this is the way I teach, working to support students to move past their internal editors and judges, so that they too can discover new aspects of their creative voices that they didn’t know were there. What other artists do you draw inspiration from or are you interested in? Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell – both process-based artists. Lately I’ve been obsessed with the work of Mark Bradford and his layers and layers of torn paper. I love the lyrical video work of Mona Hatoum, the simplified forms and colors of Milton Avery, Jennifer Packer’s political sassiness with beauty that knocks you out, Calder’s playfulness always. And I’m inspired by Simone Leigh’s power - what she’s celebrating and the range of mediums she works in. Have you always wanted to be an artist? Yes. I have always been obsessed with making things. I love to invent with materials. making all manner of things - making things alone and making things in collaboration with other people has always been my way of tapping into the joy of being alive and finding my voice, in response to the world we’re living in. students in many different mediums. Tell us more about Fire in the Belly!

973-632-0302

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

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

SPICEDOATMEAL COOKIE ICE CREAMSANDWICHES Prep Time: 15 min • Cook Time: 20 min • Yields: 18 ice cream sandwiches I have a two-fer recipe for you today. My favorite oatmeal cookies (which are perfectly delicious on their own) can also be made into kid (and adult) friendly ice cream sandwiches. They are packed full of spice (including a hint of black pepper) and they are soft and chewy. They also bake off nice and flat which makes them ice cream sandwich ready. These cookies keep well in an air tight container and the ice cream sandwiches store beautifully, well-wrapped in the freezer, for the ideal make-ahead dessert!

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep Ice Cream Line 1 - 9 x 13 inch pan and 1 - 8 x 8 inch pan with plastic wrap. Spread ice cream into a 1 inch layer in the pans, cover with plastic wrap and place the pans in the freezer to refreeze. Spiced Oatmeal Cookies 1.While ice cream re-freezes, make the cookies. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 2.Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, and salt. Set aside. 3.Beat the butter with an electric mixer for 1 min and then add the brown sugar. Continue to beat until light and fluffy, 2-3 mins. 4.Add the egg and beat until well blended. 5.Add the in the flour mixture and mix on med/ low speed until just combined. 6.Mix in the vanilla and rolled oats until just combined. 7. Using a 1 1/2 Tbsp ice cream scoop, measure out 36 scoops of dough. Place 12 scoops on each cookie sheet and bake for 10 mins, turning midway through baking. 8.Bake off the remaining dough on the same sheets once the other cookies are baked and

removed to a wire rack (let baked cookies set for about 5 mins on the sheet before removing them to the rack.) Ice Cream Sandwiches 1. Match up cookie bottoms and tops in pairs so they fit with little overlap. You will have 18 pairs. 2.Remove the ice cream from the freezer and use a 3 inch round cookie cutter to quickly cut out ice cream rounds. You will likely get 16 rounds, but you can pull together the scraps and reform them to reach 18. 3. Place one round on top of each bottom and top with the matching cookie. Pop the ice cream sandwiches back in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. Recipe Notes • Special Equipment: 1 1/2 Tbsp ice cream scoop, 3 inch round cookie cutter • Recipe yields 36 cookies. • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days and ice cream sandwiches can be individually covered tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the freezer for up to one week.

INGREDIENTS

Spiced Oatmeal Cookies 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground cardamom 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

pinch of cloves 1/2 tsp kosher salt 8 oz unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) 1 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

Ice Cream Sandwiches 36 spiced oatmeal cookie (recipe above) 2 quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened

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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DRINK OF THE MONTH

This June Bug cocktail is a beautiful bright green color, deliciously sweet, and plenty potent. To make this bad boy, combine melon liqueur, coconut rum, creme de banana, lemon juice, and pineapple juice, then garnish with a pineapple wedge for extra fruity cocktail vibes. JUNE BUG

SOMA BLOCK

PARTY SPECIAL

All Summer $350/4 hrs Extra hrs $75/hr hrs $7

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

• 2 oz. (60ml) Melon Liqueur

1. Add ingredients to an ice filled glass and shake well to mix. 2. Add ice to serving glass and strain mix on top. 3. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and straw.

• 1 oz. (30ml) Coconut Rum

• 1 oz. (30ml) Creme De Banana

• 2 oz. (60ml) Lemon Juice

• 6 oz. (180ml) Pineapple Juice

• Garnish: Pineapple Wedge

DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

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FROM THE DOCTOR

Do I Have a Throwers Shoulder?

Baseball, Tennis, Golf, Pickleball season is in full swing and you or a family member may be a competitive player and uses a shoulder excessively. There is a lot of stress placed on this joint as the shoulder is asked to do a lot during sports play. A shoulder must be lax enough to allow a lot of external rotation but stable enough to prevent the head of the humerus from popping out of the joint, so therefore it requires a delicate balance between mobility and functional stability. When this doesn’t happen injuries can occur. Injuries to the shoulder of a throwing athlete can typically present with one or more of the following findings due to the inability to maintain functional stability and/or movement throughout the throwing motion: increased shoulder external rotation passive range of motion, decreased shoulder external rotator strength, bony adaptations, scapular muscle imbalances, poor posture, change in shoulder mechanics and working through fatigue. The shoulder motion can be broken down to different phases and from there you can find out what is injured based on the phase. Each phase brings with it different possible tissues that are injured as well as how likely they are to be injured There can be multiple paths for treatment of the different shoulder injuries that throwers sustain. It can be anywhere from surgery to conservative treatment. First method of treatment is activity modification. A simple changing your daily routine and avoiding activities that cause symptoms can go a long way. Next is ice. Applying icepacks to the shoulder can reduce any swelling. Most doctors will prescribe Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen to help relieve pain and inflammation. A course of physical therapy is warranted to improve the range of motion in your shoulder and strengthen the muscles that support the joint. Physical therapy can focus on muscles and ligament tightness in the back of the shoulder and help to strengthen the structures in the front of the shoulder. This can relieve some stress on any injured structures, such as the labrum or rotator cuff tendon. Throwing mechanics can be evaluated to correct body positioning that puts excessive stress on injured shoulder structures. Although a change of position or even a change in sport can eliminate repetitive stresses on the shoulder and provide lasting relief, this is often undesirable, especially in high level athletes. If rest, medications, and physical therapy do not relieve your pain, an injection of a local anesthetic and a cortisone preparation may be helpful. Cortisone is a very effective anti-inflammatory medicine. Injecting it into the bursa beneath the acromion can provide pain relief for tears or other structural damage. Conservative care is always a best first start before doing anything invasive. An evaluation from an experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy is best.

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

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

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

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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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FROM THE DOCTOR

Improving Your Balance for Better Function and Performance

Balance issues are one of the top concerns of individuals and health care providers due to the dangers and results of falls. Approximately 40% of Americans will experience balance problems. Poor balance not only restricts your movements but can also restrict your activities of daily life. Maintaining an upright stance (posture) requires constant communication between the sensory signals from the feet, legs and spine to the brain. These signals are sent to the brain and then back down to make adjustments to your body that will keep you upright and stable in a variety of activities. However, injury, surgery and the aging process can disrupt the communication process, which can lead to unsteadiness while in motion or at rest. If left unchecked, this can drastically increase your risk of falling and potential injury. Balance is an important aspect of fitness that impacts our ability to perform everyday tasks. Excluding balance-related issues caused by vision, cognition, medication or problems affecting the inner ear, many of the difficulties we face with balance arise from a lack of strength. That’s where exercises to improve balance come in handy. Balance is not something that you inherently have or don’t—it’s something you have to practice and actively work to improve. According to Harvard Medical School, maintaining a sound, responsive and enduring sense of balance is one of the best ways to prevent falls. How does a Chiropractor help? A Chiropractors’ job is all about balance, alignment and the communication between the brain and the rest of the body through the function of the nervous system. With specialized technics and protocols utilizing vibrational therapy which is designed to rehabilitate proprioception throughout the body and improve balance and coordination in people of all ages. Check with us at South Orange Chiropractic to see if we can help. If yours is a chiropractic case we will tell you, if not, we will tell you that too.

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

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

WWW.SCALORA.COM 973.313.3912

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FINANCE

So far, 2022 has not been a good year for investors. In fact, we’re moving into bear market territory. What should you know about bear markets? And how should you respond? To begin with, a bear market occurs when a stock market index, such as the S&P 500, falls at least 20% from its most recent high point. You might think this type of drop is rare, but that’s not actually the case. Historically, bear markets have occurred every few years and are a normal feature of the investment landscape. We experienced a bear market fairly recently, from mid-February 2020 through late March of that same year. What causes bear markets? Each one is different, but the current one is largely the result of several factors, including high inflation, rising interest rates, the war in Ukraine and global supply chain problems. When will the financial markets again start moving in a positive direction? No one can say for sure, but in any case, it’s not really a good idea to make investment decisions based on what may happen next in the financial markets. Instead, consider these moves: • Be patient. It can be challenging to look at your investment statements during these days. But you’ll help yourself by taking a long-term view. Consider this: From March 2009 until the end of 2021, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained more than 460%. So, if you’ve been investing for a while, compare where you are now to where you were 10 or 12 years ago. You’ve probably made pretty good progress over this time – and 10 years from now, the current downturn may not look like such a big event, either. • Review your risk tolerance. If you’re having a hard time coping with investment losses – even if they’re just “paper losses” for now – you may want to review your tolerance for risk and see if it’s still the same as it was when you began investing. Even without a bear market, people’s risk tolerance can change, especially as they approach retirement. • Review your goals. A bear market is not meaningless, but by itself, it shouldn’t cause you to change your long-term goals. And if your goals haven’t changed, neither should your investment strategy. • Look for buying opportunities. During a down market, you can find quality investments at attractive prices. So, you could take this opportunity to fill gaps in your portfolio or add shares of investments that you already own and that you believe have good prospects for growth. • Get some help. When trying to navigate a lengthy market downturn, it can be useful to get some support and guidance. Consider this: Among investors who work with a financial advisor, 84% said that doing so gave them a greater sense of comfort about their finances during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey conducted in 2020 by Age Wave and Edward Jones. And getting professional help may provide the same type of reassurance during the current market turmoil. A bear market is never enjoyable. But taking the long view and making moves appropriate for your needs can help you get through this period and look ahead to better days. HOW SHOULD YOU RESPOND TO A BEAR MARKET?

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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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC MATTEO KREGER

• 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

Matteo Kreger is a 9-year-old swimmer and lacrosse player. He’s placed in the top 3 in nearly ev ery heat he’s ever raced, with but terfly and breaststroke as his best strokes. Last summer, he swam with the South Orange Dolphins. This year he joined the JCC Metro Mar lins, where he continues his strong performance on the Silver Team. He is wrapping up his first season with Maplewood Lacrosse, and he can be found most afternoons practicing drills in his yard. He’s a three-time veteran of the Newstead 5K race. He often harangues his aunt, a professional bodybuilder, for strength building exercises to improve his game, (much to her delight). When he is not practicing or working out, he enjoys making comic books and building worlds in Minecraft with his friends.

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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REAL ESTATE I come from a background in theatre, dance, and choreography. Several years ago, I hung up my dancing shoes to jump into the world of real estate. I was nervous. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure my arts background would translate. Years removed from taking that leap I can honestly say, it not only translated, but prepared me to succeed. Let’s face it, real estate is a performance. I might not be doing jazz hands as I show off the remodeled kitchen, but I am still choregraphing a show. Consider a homeowner that wants to sell their home. A common misconception in a hot market like this one is to take some quick pictures and throw the listing online. It may work for a few select buyers, but that’s not building an audience. The best of shows, captivate the crowd’s imagination. It requires rehearsal, design, lighting, an engaging script, and when the curtain goes up, outstanding execution. I bring these lessons into my business. Rehearsal is preparing the home to shine. I put the work in to make sure every home is ready for lights. Design is staging. Broadway shows usually have spectacular sets and model homes sell for a reason. When I prepare a listing, I’m inviting the audience to envision themselves in the home. This is an art, not a science. On the stage, lighting is crucial to set the mood or help move the audience’s eyes to where you want them to focus. Real Estate photography is exactly that. It’s not about just taking pictures. My photographers tell a story and I take the time to choregraph this story to leave the audience wanting more. The script is what drives the plot. In real estate, this takes the form of a property listing. The best of scripts bring life to words and my job is to bring lifestyle to the forefront. Remember, people don’t just buy four walls and a roof; they buy a vision of backyard barbecues, sipping glasses of wine in front of the woodburning fireplace or hosting holidays for the extended family. Every home has a lifestyle story and I make sure that story is narrated with intention. Opening night is all about building the audience. Open houses, mailers, teaser videos, tv commercials, color newspaper ads, email campaigns, targeted online advertising, social media ads, and more…The marketing team always makes sure the room is full. Finally, the execution. Performing under pressure? I know it well! Being comfortable showing homes and knowing what to say to leave the audience walking away feeling good helps ensure your home is the hottest ticket in town. In the immortal words of William Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” I feel extremely fortunate to have my love for theatre play such a pivotal role in my clients’ success. Thinking about bringing your home to market, I’m ready to make your sale a box-office smash but without all the drama.

Jennifer McManus Coldwell Banker Realty 917-837-2192 (Moblie) • 973-378-8300 (Office) We want to hear from you! Cover Family Meet the Artist Charitable Acts Athlete of the Month Events Meet the Merchant 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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EDUCATION Hi! I’m Dr. Alissa Gardenhire and I’ve been operating Best in Class Education Center in South Orange for 5 years now. I came from a background of research, looking at social and educational policy for 20 years prior. I moved into entrepreneurship and running this tutoring business because the policy work I did showed that education was the primary lever to move people out of poverty. I also gravitated toward education because I have 4 generations of teachers in my family, and I couldn’t avoid teaching any longer! I used to think teaching was a “boring” career as a younger person, so I avoided it, but it is the most fun and impactful work I’ve ever done. I feel like I’ve been “talking” with you all about academic preparation, enrichment classes and private tutoring as tools to keep students “afloat” regardless of what happens in the classroom, for years. For me it has always been learning over school, skills and mastery in math and English first. Although it is a good message and we have served hundreds of students over the years, I’m certain now it has not been because of my “lecturing” you here. My message is “a stitch in time, saves nine,” get support before problems get bigger; but I would say more than half of my clients have come to us because the whole seam has ripped! Their child is behind or struggling with as aspect of their learning. That is what motivates many parents, and there is nothing wrong with that. Although, I would prefer that parents bring their kids to Best in Class before there is a significant problem, because it is easier and less painful for the student that is not what always happens. However, we joyfully serve kids who come in with big (or small) deficits and LOVE when we stabilize their academics and get them stronger and more confident. So, I’ll keep saying, “Bring them to us before there is a problem, please.” And we’ll keep serving whoever comes through our door at 71 Valley Street. This summer we are offering tailored, individual solutions for rising K-12th students in math and English. So whether you want to fill a gap, develop a new competency, or get ahead for the coming school year, call me anytime to discuss your child’s summer academic needs at 973.327.9775.

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

JUNE 2022 | SOMA LIVING 19

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MAPLEWOOD FARMER’S MARKET

Join us for the 28th season of the Maplewood Farmers Market! Stop by between 2pm—7pm every Monday starting June 6th through November 21st. Enjoy an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, pickled goods, breads, sauces, microgreens, flowers, Peruvian street food, and selections from local breweries and distilleries. See you there!

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

ENROLLING FOR FALL 2022

EMBRACING ALL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

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

NEW Facial Studio

littlestages.com info@littlestages.com 973-762-2679 14 South Orange Ave. South Orange

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

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MEET THE MERCHANT LITTLE APPLE ARTS If you hear a chorus of vocal warmups coming over your back fence on a weekly basis…that’s us! If you wonder what those kids are doing in the driveway across the street in homemade costumes and face paint…that’s us! If your kid’s friend said they wrote a play with their friends…that’s us too! We are Little Apple Arts: Broadway At Play and we are having a BLAST! As we enjoy our transition into the next phase of fun, we would like to say THANK YOU! Thank you to the hundreds of kids who masked up, bundled in layers, slathered on sunscreen, gathered with old friends and bravely created new friends while letting their imaginations and artistic spirits run wild over this past year and a half. Thank you to the parents who made space in their driveways, yards, porches, and patios for us to work our magic with your kids. Thank you for indulging us with costume help and borrowed props and using your yard furniture as whatever set pieces they need to be for the current creation. Most importantly, thank you for sharing your amazing kids with us. Founded by Broadway actors, LAA is so proud to have found a delightful connection with the SOMA community. Now that the theatre world is back open, we look forward to the next chapter of fun and we can’t wait for your kids to learn, create, grow AND go see live theatre! As Stephen Sondheim wrote in Sunday In The Park With George: “There are only two worthwhile things to leave behind when you depart this world of ours: children and art.” Little Apple Arts treasures both and we couldn’t do it without YOU. Thank you!

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

www.thecarpetgirl.com SELECTION, SALES AND INSTALLATION

JUNE 2022 | SOMA LIVING 21

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SOPAC Receives Grant from Investors Foundation for Arts Education Programs The South Orange Performing Arts Center recently received a $5,000 grant from the Investors Foundation. The grant will help further SOPAC’s Arts Education Programs, which invest in students and future artists by providing arts instruction in alignment with NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards for the Performing Arts, enhancing the arts curriculum in local school districts. “SOPAC is thankful for the Investors Foundation’s support since 2012, which has funded access for thousands of children in the greater New Jersey area,” says Executive Director Dee Billia. Dance Residency – SOPAC partners with Alvin Ailey’s Arts in Education & Community Programs through Ailey Dance Kids to provide South Orange-Maplewood School District students with dance instruction in the elementary, middle and high schools. More than 100 students participated this year and celebrated the end of the course with a performance at SOPAC on Tuesday, April 5. Music Residency – Since 2015, SOPAC has assisted with music instruction for students in the community. This year, SOPAC expanded the initiative in Orange Township Public School District by providing two teaching-artists-in-residence to support nearly 100 students enrolled in the strings class. Aurora Mendez, fellow at the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, returned as the teaching-artist-in-residence for her fourth consecutive year with the residency. Zach Brown, a cello and chamber music faculty member at the Usdan Performing Arts Camp, The Larchmont Music Academy, and Riverfolk Music and Arts, was brought on to provide comprehensive cello instruction. School Performances Series – SOPAC shifted to virtual school performances in 2020-21 and continued to provide these opportunities this year. Approximately 10,000 students attended virtual school performances, which included productions of LUX Orchestra, How to Survive Middle School, Doktor Kaboom and The Wheel of Science!, From the Mix-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Jacqueline and the Beanstalk, and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day. Here’s what two teachers had to say: WHAT’S NEW AT SOPAC The three main components of SOPAC’s Arts Education Programs are:

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LAUNDRY PICKUP & DELIVERY SERVICE

“My students loved it and understood the message. Many had never seen a theatrical performance before.”

“Thank you for a fun virtual field trip! The second graders of Room 214 really enjoyed Miss Nelson Has a Field Day! Can’t wait for the next trip!”

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It’s hard to imagine John B Houston Funeral Home (Paterson) without the close friendship and business alliance with the George E Cushnie Funeral Home (East Orange). The special friendship between Delores Cushnie, wife of George Cushnie, and Mr. Houston planted the seeds that would bloom into three funeral home GET TO KNOW JOHN HOUSTON

locations caring for families in New Jersey and New York today. Recent changes include streamlined branding with a single name for all three locations and Mr. Houston’s daughter, Kyla Nicole Houston, joining the business. Started in 1958, the George E Cushnie Funeral Home served as official morgue for the city of East Orange (prior to medical examiner services being regionalized). The George E. Cushnie Funeral Home was known for providing excellent funeral service for the families of East Orange and surrounding areas. The founder was George E. Cushnie, a native of the city who knew he wanted to become a funeral director at an early age. He attended the Bordentown School, known as the “Tuskegee of the North”. The school stressed entrepreneurship among African American children who attended. It was a leader in African Education from Reconstruction until the 1950s. Houston explained, “I met Delores Cushnie, wife of George Cushnie, in 1995 after enrolling in mortuary school at American Academy McAllister Institute in Manhattan. As a result of shared interests including music and Black excellence, we became close friends. Unbeknownst to me, I became her prime candidate for succession planning for the George E, Cushnie Funeral Home. Mr. Cushnie died in 1999. Mrs. Cushnie and her daughter, Gail Cushnie Bell managed the funeral Home until the sale to me in January 2004.” Since then, Mr. Houston continues to innovate and offer professional services that further distinguish the John B Houston Funeral Homes from other local funeral companies operating in the area. Houston explained, “I attended the funeral services of Lena Horne in 2010 and witnessed pallbearers shoulder her casket from the church to the awaiting hearse. This influenced my decision to provide a similar service to our community. The John B. Houston Professional Pallbearers were born in the 2010. We have provided pallbearing services from coast to coast and recently participated in the homegoing services of Cicely Tyson.” Today all three funeral home locations are being managed by Houston, from the original George E Cushnie Funeral Home (East Orange). In 2016, the facility was renamed Cushinie-Houston and serves as headquarters as well as the operational center for the three locations. Triboro Funeral Home (New York) is also part of the group. For 2022 and beyond, all three locations (Patterson, East Orange, and Triboro) will be known as Johh B Houston Funeral Homes. Changes in the business are not limited to corporate branding. In 2022, Houston announced the addition of his daughter, Kyla Nicole Houston, to the leadership team. Kyla Nicole Houston was graduated from Spelman College in 2018 with a BS degree in Biology. She is currently enrolled at American McAllister Institute School of Funeral Service as a student of mortuary science. Miss Houston has been working at the funeral home full time since college. Houston added, “I am energized and excited by her new role. Kyla was key to the funeral home successfully maneuvering through 2020 during the height of the COVID Pandemic.” If you’re interested in getting to know the John B. Houston Funeral Homes team and learning more about personalized, compassionate, and professional Funeral planning please call to schedule an appointment. There are also public community events to get to know the team. John B Houston offers quarterly cultural events that are reminders of African American contributions to this country and African American history. Visit the East Orange location at noon on Saturday, June 18, 2022, and celebrate Junteenth with an open house complete with refreshments and live music. All are welcome.

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

• Professional Pallbearers On Demand • Honorary Casket Guards • White Glove Services • Superior Restorative Art

John B. Houston Executive Director

“Serving with Excellence”

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

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

JUNE 2022 | SOMA LIVING 23

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