SOMA Living October 2021

VOL. 6-10 OCTOBER 2021 MAGAZINE

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PUBLICATION TEAM

FACES IN THE CROWD

Former cover family Eddie Bennett and Todd Warner, known for their Ukulele Wednesday performances on social media @euphorian54, were a hit at Maplewood’s Porchfest in the Hilton neighborhood.

Advertising Sales Michael E. Goldberg I 973.271.4306 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com Dr. Stephen Levine, Sarah Maloney, Elizabeth Kubany, Gary T. Jones, Dr. Daniel Roig, Yoni Kreger, Robert Hubsmith Contributors: Cathy Roma, Dr. Daniele Merlis, Kate Elliott, Editor: Brenda Langan Director of Human Resources: Fudge P. Goldberg Director of Public Relations: Marli Craig Founders & Co-Publishers: Michael E. Goldberg & Juliet Bowen

PET OF THE MONTH

Design by: GRANDSTAND DESIGN

Harley Rox is a park playing, football catching, porch hanging, car riding, lap running, stick eating, toy destroying, heart stealing, cuddly, wild, amazing pup! She is a mini bernedoodle full of love, energy and a little bit of mischief! She came into our world in Nov 2020 and has made us all so much happier but exhausted. Her happy place is Memorial Park and the South Mountain Reservation Dog Park. Harley just turned ONE and we fall more in love each day. —David and Jamie Meier

(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

MEET OUR TEAM REALTOR-ASSOCIATES

Daria Knarvik 973-704-6718

Vaughn Smith 973-876-0544

Dustin Steiner 646-306-1539

Jacqueline Hunter 973-634-1357

Jennifer “Jen” Lieberman 973-477-2301

Randy Goldstein 917-685-9175

Laura Auer 908-577-7821

Nancy Gould 917-626-2176

Rodney Fontil 914-473-7493

Valarie Tart-Williams 973-641-3358

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

Distinctive Properties Group Carrie Schwartz, Kathleen Nittolo,

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

Reviews

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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MEET THE FAMILY

Photography by Jamie Meier

Like so many South Orange and Maplewood residents, Ritu Pancholy and Darshan Bachhawat made the natural migration trend from the boroughs ten years back. “As soon as we found out I was pregnant, we decided to leave the city and were considering either Jersey or Brooklyn. But being a Jersey girl (exit 5 off the Turnpike!) along with having friends at Gaslight Commons in South Orange Village, it only made sense for us to move there as well. Already drawn to South Orange, we liked that the apartment building was in the middle of town next to the train station and would be an easy place for our parents to visit. We ended up staying for a few years and met so many fabulous people. There were a handful of us who were pregnant at the same time and we’ve continued to be friends through the years. We recently reconnected with a family through soccer and another couple we always saw on the elevator and train now live across the street,” Ritu shared. Darshan added, “It ended up being really helpful that we rented before buying our home because we realized that walkability into town was a necessity for us. Going to Jackie & Sons, the Yellow Rose and the Order are a few of our favorite destinations and we love seeing familiar faces wherever we go. We also got lucky when we moved into our home because so many of our neighbors had also just moved in. Our kids – Devan who’s in fourth grade and Simran who’s in second grade at South Mountain Elementary – had made friends before we finished unpacking.” Ritu and Darshan have since become immersed and involved in the community in various ways. “This is one of the many things I love about our town and the brilliance of our community. Back in 2016, a group of SOMA residents met in someone’s living room to discuss ways to create

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an outlet for progressive change. Fast forward five years, SOMA Action is now a burgeoning 501(c)(4) with over 2000 members. The heart of SOMA Action are the issues groups that include climate change, education, democracy action, immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights, and racial justice, and religious justice. While I wasn’t one of the founding members, I’ve been very active since 2018 and am currently serving as the President with executive oversight and involvement of the different issue groups,” Ritu shared. Darshan added, “I saw how active she was in the SOMA Action group and this made me want to get involved in an organization and give back to the community as well. Both of our kids play travel soccer with the Cougars so I joined the coaching team and it’s been such a rewarding experience. It is such a well-run organization with a strong sense of community and I’m really looking forward to Ritu joining us as a coach this year. We’ll actually be coaching some kids whose parents were our first friends at Gaslight Commons.” The Bachhawat family looks forward to many active years in the community and giving back in any way they can.

OCTOBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 7

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BEAUTY

FANTASTIC FANTASY COLOR FOR FALL

Vibrant, striking, fantasy color hair is not just for celebrities and rock stars. You see these bold looks everywhere, in lots of forms: whether it’s just on the tips, the bottom half of the hair, or even the whole head, more clients of every age and lifestyle are requesting bright hair colors than ever before. Before you decide to try out a bold blue, bubble gum pink, or purple pizzazz for yourself, there are a few important considerations to note. For optimal results, you and your stylist must first consider your natural hair color. If your hair is naturally dark, your stylist will first have to “lift” out the darkness; in other words, lighten it. The extent of the lifting will be further determined by the fantasy color you choose. For example, if you have dark chestnut or black hair, and you’re aiming for a hot pink outcome, your stylist will have to lighten it considerably, making your hair as close to white as possible in order to hold the tonality and eliminate any undertones that may affect the desired color. Remember, too, that vivids are a very high maintenance color. To maintain the vibrancy,

some rules must be followed. First, avoid going into any body of water that may strip the color, such as the ocean or a pool; salt and chlorine can dissipate the color and speed up the fading process. Home care is also a valued step in color maintenance. Selecting a color-safe shampoo and conditioner is your first step; be sure to choose one explicitly without sulfates and alcohol, which can also desiccate the hair and speed the fading process further. When rinsing your hair at home, the water should be cool or at most lukewarm, lest it also result in early fading. Cool water closes the hair cuticle and hot water opens it. These rules should help you maintain your lovely vivid color for as long as possible. If you choose not to follow them, or you cannot, you will probably have to revisit your stylist every three weeks. If you’ve been longing for a beautiful bold color, autumn is the perfect time to give it a try. For better or worse, our days in the ocean and in the pool are behind us (for now), and with the cooler weather comes greater potential for maintaining hair color and getting the most out of your visit to the salon.

Yoni Kreger 973-762-2900 info@yonikregersalon.com yonikregersalon.com

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SUPPORTING EMPLOYMENT FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

How can interested employers help? Consider opening the doors to your businesses to clients for job opportunities, trainings, or walk-throughs. The experience and opportunity are of great value. The WREE department provides clients with a number of services and support. As part of their Pre-Vocational services, clients who are not currently employed can learn job skills by engaging in one of JESPY’s Community Activity Sites. Through Job Placement, clients are paired with a WREE Job Coach who helps them become knowledgeable about employment opportunities and seeking a job that matches their area of interest. Once employment is gained, clients receive personalized Job Coaching that provides support as they transition into the workforce as well as while they are employed. For additional information about WREE services or to become an employer partner, please contact 973-762 6909, ext. 208 or email Lisa Fiore at lfiore@jespy.org. JESPY supports clients with I/DD who are age 18-73 in the areas of clinical & behavioral health, athletics & fitness, residential options, recreation, activities of daily living, and employment. Log on to jespy.org to learn more.

In addition to developing and enhancing the job readiness skills of clients, JESPY’s Work Readiness and Employment Engagement (WREE) department continues to build employer partnerships and highlight existing relationships. As JESPY recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, the value of inclusion in the workforce of clients with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) remains at the forefront of client support. During the pandemic, clients worked and continue to work in a variety of jobs at companies in Essex, Union, Somerset, Morris, and Hudson counties. A number of employers maintained employment for JESPY clients, rehired employees who were furloughed and offered new job opportunities over the past year. Some of the positions include mailroom clerk, machine operator, office worker, cashier, stock clerk, food service worker and customer service. Employers such as Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, Turtle Back Zoo, Prudential, Wal-Mart, East Orange VA Medical Center Administration, Bed Bath and Beyond, Panera, and The UPS Store, supported JESPY clients’ goals of employment, independence, and the ability to earn a living.

OCTOBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 9

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

PHOEBE HILL

• 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

Senior at Columbia High School Sport: Fencing (Epeé)

What do you love about fencing? I love the intensity and technique in fencing. It feels so good when I finally succeed in learning a new offensive move and perfectly implement it in a bout. In a bout, my mind and body become entirely focused on my oppo nent. There is no room for worrying about the task at hand. Fencing is the perfect outlet.

Why did you start fencing? I had always been a competitive soccer player, but after receiving my second concussion I realized I had to move on to a sport with less contact. In winter of my freshman year at CHS, I struggled to decide between track and fencing. Finally, knowing the impressive legacy of the CHS fencing and with much encouragement from my concussion specialist, I decided to try out fencing. I found an inclusive, hard working community at CHS fencing and I never looked back. Why did you choose Epeé Fencing? Most people don’t know that there are three types of fencing; Epeé, Foil, and Sabre. Each type has a different set of rules. There are different target areas and different weapon shapes. Unlike in Saber and Foil, Epeé fencers can score a touch anywhere on their opponent and have less restrictions when attack ing. I love the freedom that I have as an epeé fencer. Also, my height is an advantage!

Hobbies: I love to cook and bake with my family and friends. I’m a big reader and I love to go on runs around MAPSO.

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 patients.

(973) 378-2277 BASSFAMILYCHIRO.COM 491B VALLEY ST, MAPLEWOOD, NJ 07040

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

BACON & CHEDDAR JALAPENO POPPERS Prep Time: 30 min • Cook Time: 20 min • Servings: 8 These bacon and cheddar jalapeño poppers are the perfect grab and go appetizer, delicious when paired with a cold beer or part of a big spread. Made for tailgating, you can whip up a batch of these jalapeño poppers for a group or just a few as the recipe is very easy to scale up or down.

INSTRUCTIONS

intact. Use a spoon to scrape out the peppers! • I always take a piece off the bottom of the halved jalapeños so they sit flat and don’t tip over as they bake. • You can prep the jalapeños a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the cooking time if they’ve been chilled.

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Use a serrated knife to remove just a bit of the bottom of each jalapeno half so they sit flat on the baking sheet. Place the halved jalapenos on the baking sheet. 3.Reserve one cup of shredded cheese and one strip of crumbled bacon for the topping. Mix together the cream cheese, the remaining shredded cheese, bacon, scallions, garlic powder, salt and pepper. 4.In a separate bowl, mix the bread crumbs with one strip of crumbled bacon and one cup of shredded cheese. Stir in the olive oil so the crumbs are wet. 5.Fill each jalapeno half with the cream chese filling. 6.Spoon the bread crumb mixture on top, pressing slightly to adhere. 7. Bake until the filling is bubbly, the jalapenos softened and the bread crumb topping is golden brown, about 20 mins. Serve hot. RECIPE NOTES • Be sure to use jalapeños that are the same size so they cook evenly. • Removing the seeds AND membranes will lesson the heat dramatically in your jalapeño poppers. LOVE heat? Leave some membranes

INGREDIENTS

12 jalapenos, sliced lengthwise, seeds and membranes removed 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled 8 oz cream cheese, softened 8 oz Mexican cheese blend, shredded and divided (or

cheddar cheese) 2 scallions, sliced

1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup bread crumbs

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.

OCTOBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 11

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

APPLE CIDER BOURBON COCKTAIL

Who said fall has to be all about the pumpkin? Mixed with fresh apple cider, ginger beer, and just enough bourbon to warm you up on a chilly night, it’s the epitome of autumn and you need it in your life.

ROBERT HUBSMITH, CLTC Financial Services Professional

INGREDIENTS

• Apple cider

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.

• Bourbon

• Lemon juice

• Ginger beer or ginger ale

• Apple slice, thyme sprig and cinnamon stick for garnish

What type of bourbon should you use?

(201) 704-7872 rhubsmith@thejgagency.com

Any mid-range bourbon will work for this recipe. I used Jim Beam and loved it, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand, or whatever brand you prefer. You could also swap out the bourbon for any other dark liquor you prefer if bourbon isn’t your liquor of choice. I would stay away from the clear liquors like vodka or gin though because you really need the flavors that dark liquor brings to make this cocktail have all those great fall flavors we love. This recipe is easy as pie and will give you ALL of those fall feelings. You only need a few simple tools and it can be thrown together in minutes. So, if you randomly get in the mood for a fall cocktail this season, you’ll want to keep everything on hand to make this cocktail. To mix up this creation you’ll just fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the cider, bourbon and lemon juice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Then top it off with ginger ale or ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick and thyme sprig. How to make this easy cocktail

SOMA BLOCK PARTY SPECIAL All Summer $350/4 hrs Extra hrs $75/hr

Sarah Maloney is a longtime Maplewood resident who is known to make a refreshing drink. She is the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate and enjoys spending time with her four children in her downtime.

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REAL ESTATE FLIPPING OUT

RAISE THE ROOF!

Over time (and not just due to COVID) the SOMA housing market has become one of the most desirable and fastest selling in the state. In the last 10 years the median sales price in SOMA has gone from $482,000 to $775,000, and the number of houses sold each year has gone from 392 in 2011 to 736 in the last year. From a property value perspective, this is exciting! While there are several reasons for this increase, today we will examine how the trend of restoring homes or “flipping” has contributed to these stats. If you are anything like me, HGTV is on a loop at your house. Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, Rehab Addict - these are all binge worthy depictions of how people can earn a living by restoring older homes. In a competitive marketplace like SOMA, this is a movement we are seeing take flight, but it is important to understand how this is affecting property values. When I am listing a house that is being restored, I spend quite a bit of time on site. This affords me the pleasure of meeting many of you as neighbors. In many instances these homes are in severe disrepair. Perhaps they have been vacant, sometimes for years, and they can attract pests, pose safety concerns with unattended structures or trees, and generally be a drag on the curb appeal of the street. The majority of conversations I have with people who live in close proximity to homes that are finally getting the TLC they need are very positive! They are grateful to have the property cleaned up, happy to relinquish the responsibility of “keeping an eye” on the property, and excited to have new neighbors! As far as a monetary effect, if the restored house then sells at a price higher than the street average, the value of the houses surrounding it increases, a real estate phenomenon known as Progression. Progression doesn’t only apply to houses that are fully renovated. It also helps increase the value of homes that have fewer updates, or that need to be completely restored. If an end user sees that they can purchase a house, make some updates and then the resale value is still there, they recognize it as a sound investment. For homes that are candidates to be “flipped,” an investor will pay more to purchase these houses if they see a greater profit potential – and they often buy in cash, waive inspections and offer terms that are favorable to a seller. So, knowing that property values are on the rise in SOMA, you may be wondering what the highest and best use may be for your house. Identifying how to maximize the sale value, (should you sell to an investor, are there steps you can take to warrant a higher price from an end user, etc.) is the first step that I take as a Realtor to educate you about the process of selling your home. If this information would be valuable to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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.

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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ARTIST OF THE MONTH

But it is calibrated artist’s eye that makes his photos what they are. His compositions juxtapose the haves and the have nots, high style and street style, humans and the urban fabric. His photos are perfectly lit, using only sun, shadows and reflections off the city’s architecture. His photos are candid, fresh and straightforward within the context of the chaos of the urban environment. He shoots with a Leica with a 50mm Summicron APO lens, a Pentax 67and a medium format digital camera, often on his lunch break, usually around the intersection of 57th Street and 5th Avenue. He captures the energy, humor, beauty and pathos of the widest possible array of socio-economic backgrounds, generations, tourists and locals who inhabit the city’s storied sidewalks. There are, to be sure, elements of journalistic documentation and sociology in his work. “You can’t help that when there’s a homeless man outside of Bergdorf Goodman and a wealthy socialite is walking in front of him,” he says. His subjects are often outlandishly dressed, but what you notice is their expressions and the emotions they belie. Ultimately, his work is about the rich and iconoclastic tapestry of people that makes up New York City.

New York Magazine often has arresting covers, but the image on the December 2019 “Reasons to Love New York” issue is so memorable, that it is practically etched in my brain. Daniel Featherstone captured an elderly man crossing 7th Avenue right in front of Penn Station with a line of traffic behind him waiting for the light to turn. It is a moment of frisson that we’ve all witness dozens of times. Will he make it across the street before the light changes? The man appears small and fragile, while the cars seem so menacing. When I look at that image now, I still find myself hoping for his safety, even so far after the fact. Featherstone is a street photographer whose day job is working as a graphics director in the fashion industry. Born in Great Britain, Featherstone has lived in the U.S. since the early 1990s and calls New York City the essential ingredient in his work. “I don’t think I could ever find what I find in New York in any other city,” he says. He says it is a “transient hub of diversity” where “the characters that I interact with range from the plastic surgery aristocracy to naïve tourists to the underprivileged homeless.”

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

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ANTI-BULLYING

MALLORY’S ARMY

Mallory’s Army was formed in July of 2017, after the tragic, unforeseen death of Mallory Rose Grossman. At the young age of 12, Mallory took her life after months of bullying, both at school and online. We believe the old mantra of ‘sticks and stones’ must change to illustrate to our community that hurtful words can be just as painful as thrown stones. The mission of Mallory’s Army Foundation is based upon the 4 following pillars: Empower kids to be amazing people, Educate parents, Enrichment programs for schools, and Enhance communities and bring people together. ABOUT MALLORY’S ARMY FOUNDATION One warm summer day, a family friend sat by the creek Mallory played in, trying to grapple with the loss of Mallory. She sat with the now famous blue band on her wrist, and decided to put it around one of the rocks from the stream. She rested the stone on her knee and a quick picture was taken. This picture, now seen by people from all over the world, became a symbol and reflection of Mallory’s Army’s goal: to use these blue bands, emblematic of love and kindness, to cover the ‘stones’ of the world. Words can be just as hurtful as sticks and stones, so we seek to wrap these stones with our blue bands. This is our vision for a better life. TELLING MALLORY’S STORY Many pieces come together to tell Mallory’s story, honor her memory and represent Mallory’s Army Foundation. Butterflies. We released butterflies on the day of Mallory’s funeral and every anniversary since, signifying that without change, there can be no butterflies. Forget-Me-Nots. Our flower and our way of not forgetting how fragile life is. If we forget how Mallory was treated, we can never change our behavior. The color Blue. Blue stands for confidence, loyalty, and optimism. With our Blue Bands, blue also means kindness, love and standing up for what is right. Mallory’s Day. Mallory’s Day is in honor of Mallory’s Birthday and also happens to be Earth Day. April 22nd is our National Remembrance Day. Mallory’s Handwriting. The font we’ve used across our website is actually a lovingly handcrafted recreation of Mallory’s own handwriting, synthesized from her own letters and notes. Where Angels Play & Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds . One of our ambassadors, the Where Angels Play foundation, built an incredible playground in Mallory’s honor at Rip Van Winkle campgrounds, where she spent many summers. The playground there incorporates many elements listed here, the color blue, the butterflies, and more. We’re beyond honored to have such a beautiful landmark dedicated in Mallory’s name. All proceeds are used to raise funds to support the Mallory’s Army Foundation and the Grossman family in their ongoing fight against bullying. Thank you for helping us Blue out Bullying and becoming a soldier of Mallory’s Army.

Don’t Just Teach Kindness, Be Kindness! United Together in the Fight Against Bullying Mission: • Empower kids to be amazing people • Educate parents • Enrichment programs for schools • Enhance communities and bring people together

973-440-8657 info@mallorysarmy.org

OCTOBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 15

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FROM THE DOCTOR THE CAUSE OF CHRONIC PAIN MAY BE THAT OLD INJURY An auto accident, sports injury or a simple slip and fall can be traumatic. Even if you don’t have any obvious injuries from an accident, you may have an injury that doesn’t surface until days or weeks after the incident. Because there is potential chaos and upheaval surrounding most events, many people don’t connect the pain they experience today with the injury they had weeks or months ago, and they fail to seek treatment or consult with a professional. Generally, the more severe your injury, the longer it will take for your body to heal. Some injuries, like a muscle pull or spasm or whiplash, may seem minor at the outset but can have lasting repercussions for months. Your specific recovery will depend on the extent of your injuries and the nature of the accident you endured. Back and neck injuries can take longer to heal, while brain injuries and significant spinal issues can take months to fully recover from. Left untreated, injuries from an accident can cause debilitating chronic pain and suffering long after the event has faded from memory. Whether you are dealing with a concussion, back or neck pain, muscle strains, a herniated disc, whiplash, a spinal injury, or tissue damage, untreated injuries can have long-term repercussions. Wherever you are in the timeline following a car accident, your chiropractor can help you on your road to recovery. You can read more about recovering from your accident-related injury in our recent blog post at SouthOrangeChiropractic.com or call us to get more information from our team. Most importantly, 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

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

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LIFE COACHING

What do Zombies and your office’s return to work policy have in common? They are sucking the life out of you! Some of you might be ready for this change in pace, however if you’re anything like my clients, you are either: 1. Quitting your job. 2. Contemplating quitting your job.

KIM KASSNOVE

3. Telling the office you plan to come back, and are actually “buying time” until they have to delay re-opening again. When they do finally re-open, you intend to quit your job. Our nation is in the midst of “The Great Resignation”. According to the US Department of Labor, during April, May and June 11.5 million people quit their jobs. Gallup reports that 48% of current employees are actively looking for new opportunities. Despite this national backdrop, droves of people are reluctantly entering the Twilight Zone known as “Working in an Office Again!” - even though this might not be the life they want to be living. The horror! They look like they’re doing ok from the outside - They wear pants with buttons, they’ve cut their hair, and they’ve begun to shower regularly; But something is off. Something is different from the last time they commuted. Something is lurking beneath the surface... They’ve been happily cultivating their hobbies. They’ve spent quality time with their family, and learned the value of flexibility. Without a commute, they’ve had time to do things like exercise, bake bread and adopt dogs. Their zest for life was renewed in this past year, and now their mind is a bubbling cauldron! The taste of something different made them crave more, and so riding the trains and going back to the way things were before has turned them into...Zombies! I have great news SOMA - I am a Zombie Slayer. I support my clients to transform by holding space, allowing them to dream and getting them into action to create the life they crave. What’s stopping you from doing the same? Reach out and schedule a complimentary Discovery Call to learn more: www.kimkassnovecoaching.com or kim@kimkassnovecoaching.com. Happy Halloween!

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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What Should I Consider When Choosing Medicare Coverage Annually? • Did my monthly premiums increase? FROM THE AGENT

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period- October 15th – Dec. 7th Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP), is coming up on October 15th and runs until December 7th. You can make changes to your current Medicare coverage during this period. Changes made at this time will have an effective date of January 1st of the following year. What Changes Are Allowed During the Medicare AEP? • Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare • Disenroll from Original Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan • Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another • Change from one Medicare Supplement plan to another • Sign up for a Part D prescription drug plan • Change from one Part D prescription plan to another • Cancel your prescription drug coverage Why Change Your Medicare Coverage During the AEP Window? Medicare Advantage and Part D benefits change each year. This means your premiums can increase and your benefits may change. Here are some common reasons you may want to change your coverage: • Your premiums are increasing • The Advantage plan no longer has your doctor in the network of your plan • The drug formulary drops your medication off the list of covered drugs You’ll receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANoC) in September from your provider. The ANoC will explain any changes to your current policy that will take effect the following year. If you’re unhappy with the changes shown in your ANoC, you can change your coverage during the AEP.

• Are my medications still listed on my drug formulary? • What are my predicted annual medical costs going to be? • Is my doctor still in my plan’s network of providers? • Do I plan on traveling this year? • What ancillary benefits do I have? • What are my plan ratings? Your Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Checklist 1) Make sure you are eligible to make coverage changes

If you’re newly eligible for Medicare, or delayed coverage for one reason or another, and are not yet signed up for Part A and Part B, this is NOT the enrollment period for you. You won’t be eligible to make changes at this time unless you’re within your Initial Enrollment Period or are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. You’ll need to wait until the General Enrollment Period to enroll in Original Medicare. 2) Decide if your current coverage is what you want I encourage you to take a deeper look into the coverage you currently have. Think about your health situation, and what you are currently getting the most use out of. Then, try to figure out how you may be able to supplement or reduce your total out-of-pocket costs. 3) Contact me to compare plans for the upcoming year This may be considered one of the most important steps. Oftentimes, you may be able to find a lower premium for the same benefits or you may be able to find a plan with more benefits for the same monthly premium you’re paying now. Comparing your Medicare coverage annually or semi-annually is a good practice, Just like you would compare your car or home owner insurance premiums. There may be an opportunity to save money somewhere.

Robert Hubsmith Pinnacle Financial Services (201) 704-7872 rhubsmith@thejgagency.com medicaresolutionsjga.com

I have over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. I help my clients make informed and meaningful decisions based on their unique values, needs and priorities. Please call me at the number referenced above to schedule an appointment to talk about your Medicare and Long-term Care panning.

means you have an assigned project manager to your flooring project. Your assigned Carpet Girl is just a phone call away and ready to address all your installation needs.

SELECTION, SALES AND INSTALLATION

www.thecarpetgirl.com

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FINANCIAL FOCUS October is National Retirement Security Month. But what does retirement security mean to you? And how can you work toward achieving it? WHAT DOES RETIREMENT SECURITY MEAN TO YOU? • Build your resources. While you’re working, save in tax-advantaged accounts such as your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. In your 401(k), contribute at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered, and increase your contributions whenever your salary goes up. Remember, especially early in your career, time is often your biggest asset. Be sure to save early, since the longer you wait, the more you’ll need to save to help reach your goals. • Look for ways to boost retirement income. When transitioning to retirement, you can take steps to align your income with your needs. For example, consider Social Security. You can start collecting it as early as 62, but your monthly payments will be much larger if you can wait until your “full” retirement age, typically between 66 and 67. (Payments will “max out” at age 70.) So, if you have sufficient income from a pension or your 401(k) and other retirement accounts, and you and your spouse are in good health with a family history of longevity, you may consider delaying taking Social Security. You also might want to explore other income producing vehicles, such as certain annuities that are designed to provide a lifetime income stream. • Prepare for unexpected costs. During your retirement, you can anticipate some costs, such as housing and transportation, but other expenses are more irregular and can’t always be predicted, such as those connected with health care. Even with Medicare, you could easily spend a few thousand dollars a year on medical expenses, so you may want to budget for these costs as part of your emergency savings, and possibly purchase supplemental insurance. You may also want to consider the possibility of needing some type of long-term care, which is not typically covered by Medicare and can be quite expensive. The average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is more than $100,000, and it’s about $55,000 per year for a home health aide, according to Genworth, an insurance company. To address these costs, you may want to consider some form of protection, such as long-term care insurance or life insurance with a long-term care component. • Do your estate planning. It’s hard to feel totally secure in retirement if you’re unsure of what might happen if you have an unexpected health event, become incapacitated or die earlier than expected. That’s why you’ll want to create a comprehensive estate plan – one that might include documents such as a durable power of attorney, a will and a living trust. A review of your insurance coverages and beneficiaries can also help protect your assets and ensure they are distributed the way you want. In creating your plan, you will need to work with your financial advisor and a legal professional, and possibly your tax advisor as well. Thinking holistically about your retirement security and developing and executing a strategy aligned with your goals may help free you to enjoy one of the most rewarding times of your life. Here are some suggestions:

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.

OCTOBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 19

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FALL VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER JESPY House is nearing its second Virtual Fall Fundraiser, IT’S A JESPY DAY, which will take place on November 2nd at 7pm. The South Orange based organization supports adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (age 18 and up). The fundraiser will raise much-needed funds to support JESPY clients and programming. Proceeds will also provide access to resources that JESPY clients need to learn daily life skills, problem solve, build social connections, have a successful work life, and increase their independence. “We are especially excited about this year’s fundraiser because it will give online attendees a unique view of JESPY and the importance of our services. . .expressed directly from our clients who will relay their experiences,” explained JESPY Executive Director Audrey Winkler. IT’S A JESPY DAY will also honor JESPY Board Member Judy Peskin. The nonprofit was recently notified that it will be receiving a challenge grant of $75,000 where the donor will match gifts JESPY receives for the fundraiser. This great opportunity allows all community members to help JESPY benefit from this dollar for dollar match. To become an event sponsor, make a donation, or register to attend the IT’S A JESPY DAY Virtual Fall Fundraiser, or to learn more about JESPY, visit www.jespy.org. JESPY’s wellness programs provide support in the areas of clinical & behavioral health, residential options, recreation, athletics & fitness, activities of daily living, and employment.

THE SMART WAY TO DO LAUNDRY

LAUNDRY PICKUP & DELIVERY SERVICE

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REPAIR CAFÉ What do you do with a broken toaster? Or a lamp? Or a bike with wheels out of alignment? How about a vase or jewelry you can’t wear because it needs repair?

• 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

Bring it to the Repair Café of course!!!! The Repair Café is a community gathering place where people

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

bring beloved broken items for repair, free of charge, by skilled volunteers who might also be your neighbors. The goal is to keep useful things useful and out of the landfill/incinerator. The next Repair Café will be held on Saturday, October 16 at the Senior Center, 106 Burnett Ave, Maplewood, from 1-4 pm. Rain date is Saturday, October 23. To keep participants as safe as possible, we ask all potential “customers” to make an appointment in advance by contacting Tracy Carroll at 973-558-0863 or soma2towns@gmail.com to let us know what they need repaired. We need to do this so that the repair volunteers have adequate time and space to do their magic and so that attendees have minimal wait time. Contact us to reserve your spot today!!

• 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

OCTOBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 21

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FROM THE DOCTOR Getting outdoors can be very fulfilling especially if you are a runner. What is not good is when you are on a run or are playing a sport and have pain in the area of your shin. Shin splints usually happen to distance runners but can be present with soccer and basketball. As your feet strike the ground repeatedly, the shins absorb a lot of shock that can damage your muscles, ligaments, and bone. The most common symptoms are pain and swollen shins. Should you happen to experience the pain in your shins it is best to rest and avoid any upright running activities. Shin splints are a more common problem than people realize. Some of the causes are from: Flat feet -- when the impact of a step makes your foot’s arch collapse (your doctor will call this overpronation), Shoes that don’t fit well or provide good support, Working out without warmup or cooldown stretches, Weak ankles, hips, or core muscles. So as we can see there are ways to help prevent shin splints from becoming more severe over time, however proper care should be taken in order to give you the best chances to avoid getting them. Strengthening exercises for your feet, ankles, calves, and hips can help you avoid shin splints. By strengthening your core muscles, you create a more stable base that can stay strong and support your body during long runs. It is always good to stretch properly prior to a run so the muscles are nice and loose and warm. In regards to healing and treatment studies have shown that shin splints may often heal on their own. In some cases you may receive a through exam with x-rays taken to make sure there are no fractures or any other issues that may cause compensations. Another way to get them to heal is with proper rest. Icing your shins to ease pain and swelling is another form of treatment to help decrease the inflammation. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone. Some people may use insoles or orthotics for your shoes. Shoe inserts -- which can be custom-made or bought off the shelf -- may help if your arches collapse or flatten when you stand up. In most cases shin splints are not permanent, however when they go away depends on the individual as in some cases they can go away in 3-6 months. A round of PT isn’t out of the question to help deal with shin splints. As was mentioned before, core strength and hip strength building will help to prevent further injury in your shins. A Physical Therapist will look at all aspects of the lower extremity in regards to strength and flexibility and they will even look at running form. Once the evaluation is over they will then devise a through plan of exercise and treatment to get you back in full form and injury free. South Orange Rehabilitation and Wellness takes your individual situation seriously and with our state of the art facility and three full time doctors of physical therapy there is no problem too big or too small. Call our team with your questions or concerns. WHAT ARE SHIN SPLINTS AND DO I HAVE THEM

Employment Engagement Program Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” October 2021

Seeking Employer Partnerships to: Provide jobs * Establish volunteer opportu nities * Offer job training Ensuring that adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities have full access to employment. To learn more, email lfiore@jespy.org. www.jespy.org

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

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CHARITABLE ACTS MAPLEWOOD MOM SHARES HEART JOURNEY IN HOPES TO CREATE AWARENESS

Kimberly was born with a hole in her heart, but it wasn’t until she was 20 years old that it would be discovered. Because she was young, healthy, and active, doctors didn’t think anything of Kim’s symptoms in her childhood years. Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart present at birth, and generally become evident during the first few months after birth. Defects range in severity from simple problems, such as “holes” between chambers of the

973-632-0302

heart, to very severe malformations, such as complete absence of one or more chambers or valves. Some defects are harder to detect than others and may not be diagnosed until much later in childhood, even adulthood. At just nine years old, while running the mile for gym class at school, Kim was having trouble breathing and was sent home with “exercise induced asthma.” A few years later, while driving with friends, Kim’s pinky finger started to feel numb, followed by her ring finger, then arm. She was struggling to speak and was afraid of what exactly was happening. At just fifteen years old, Kim was diagnosed with aura migraines by a neurologist. Again, the doctor did not find anything, and Kim was left with another warning sign but no solution. By the age of 20, Kim’s doctor discovered a heart murmur and continued with an ultrasound and EKG (electrocardiogram) test. She had a hole in her heart the size of a pencil eraser that went straight through her septum, causing her heart to work overtime. This is known as an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). At 21 years old, her hole was plugged with an occlude made of titanium and Kim finally had the solution she had been waiting for. Since her surgery, Kim has been living a healthy and happy life. Now, an eighth-grade teacher, wife, and mom to a three-year-old active boy, Kim is enjoying more time with her family. Like all heart patients, she continues to be monitored regularly by her cardiologist. As the Passion Chair for the Northern NJ American Heart Association, Kim’s goal is to spread awareness and educate people about heart disease and stroke. “I want people to talk about the warning signs and have real discussions about ways to aid in research and cut that number of people dying in half,” said Kim. “Heart disease runs in my family, so being born with CHD puts me at a higher risk, but I am useless to everyone I love if I don’t speak up. It’s important to live not just for myself but for others and spread a message of self-care and self-love.” To help make a difference, join us at the Northern NJ Heart Walk, greaternnjheartwalk.org.

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

OCTOBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 23

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