SOMA Living October 2022

VOL. 7-10 OCTOBER 2022 MAGAZINE

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OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 3

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PUBLICATION TEAM

FACES IN THE CROWD

After a two year break during the pan demic, the Robert Miller Oysterfest returned in September with a blast of a community gathering. Thank you to organizers Grace Miller, John Meade, Ellen Davenport, Carol Velez Fardin, Tom Varbero, and Mary Staunton Conway. This great event is a partner ship with the Township of Maplewood (Public Works, Cultural Affairs) and it

Publisher: Michael E. Goldberg

Editor: Karen L. Driggs

Intern: Shardai Smith

Director of Human Resources: Fudge P. Goldberg

Advertising Sales Michael E. Goldberg I 973.271.4306 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com Victor Delapa, Natalie Farrell, Nubia Duvall Wilson, Doug Huebner, Maureen Kritzer Lange Contributors: Cathy Roma, Robert Hubsmith, Dr. Stephen Levine, Gary T. Jones, Dr. Daniel Roig,

wouldn’t be possible without support from these generous sponsors: Freemans, St. James Gate, Scratch Taco, The Fox & Falcon, Village Trattoria, and The Able Baker. A portion of the funds raised will go to local families in crisis.

PET OF THE MONTH • Sponsored by Jennifer McManus Real Estate

Design by: GRANDSTAND DESIGN

(973) 232-6025 www.grandstanddesign.com

We regret to inform you that Yoshi, POTM in 2017, recently went “over the rainbow” and passed away peacefully. About a year ago, we rescued another Maltipoo from a terribly abu sive situation in California. Meet Milo! He is two years old. If you thought Yoshi was sweet, get a load of this spunky little guy!

Family Photography by: LIVE LOVE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY

jamie@livelovelens.com www.livelovelens.com

Kristine Foley

@l ivelovemaplewood presents

#mapsoscary

CONGRATS TO the 2021 WINNER!!

Wh will be the 2022 winner?

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OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 5

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OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 7

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THE TORREY FAMILY

Photography by Jamie Meier

For most people, adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), is a mystery. At best, it’s a reminder of the academy award winning movie, “Lorenzo’s Oil” starring Susan Sarandon, Nick Nolte, and Peter Ustinov. For the Torrey family, ALD is very real (ALD is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder that damages the membrane/myelin sheath that covers nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord). Fifteen years ago, the Torreys heard the word Adrenoleukodystrophy for the first time and their lives changed. Jack Torrey (now 24), was diagnosed with ALD. With the benefit of a stem cell transplant and ongoing therapies, Jack survived, and has learned to live his life to the fullest. While Jack is dependent on his family and caregivers for daily functioning, his mother, Jesse, is quick to point out, “His smile makes caring for him pretty easy.” In many ways, Jack is the “heart” of the Torrey family. Jack’s younger sister, Anna (22), might be the “head” of the Torrey family. A stellar student and athlete at Columbia High School, Anna moved on to Johns Hopkins where she graduated pre-med with Honors. Most recently, she completed her MCAT exams and is living in Baltimore for a gap year while she applies to medical school. Anna and Jack are close. Jesse explains, “Anna was only six years old when Jack got sick and that’s really what paved the way to this next chapter. She is interested in genetics and reproductive endocrinology to help people with genetic disorders, like ALD.” She added, “Jack is so proud of his little sister. Whether it was watching her play lacrosse in high school or watching her graduate college. Jack is her biggest silent fan”. But Anna isn’t the only student in the family. Recently, Jesse completed a master’s degree in counseling to work with other special needs families. Dan shared, “When Jack was diagnosed with ALD, there really weren’t any resources available specifically for ALD. Even 15 years ago, there was very little awareness or understanding in the medical community.” He added, “She ended up publishing a book, ‘Smiles and Duct Tape’ to help other families.” Dan beamed, “She helps other families and advocates for the ALD community.”

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With the entire family lending time to care for Jack, Dan’s job changed too. He explained, “For many years I worked in traditional finance and then moved to crypto for a company called FalconX. It’s an institutional crypto brokerage firm.” The SOMA community is an integral part of the Torrey’s story. 25 years ago, Dan and Jesse were living in Brooklyn before relocating to SOMA. Dan was working on Wall Street, while Jesse was a photographer and art teacher. Jesse explained, “I grew up in Summit NJ, and didn’t really want to move there. We were looking for a more ‘crunchy’ town. The diversity and beautiful little village suited us perfectly.” Dan quickly added, “We feel extremely fortunate that we raised our kids in the Maplewood/South Orange community. With a child as complicated and special as Jack, the community is so accepting. Everyone greets each other with a warm smile and people in SOMA are always eager to help when needed. When Jack was sick, people brought us meals for over a year. A local swim team raised $5K to help with expenses. Neighbors walked dogs and helped with Anna.” Jesse continued, “It’s a wonderful community; so open and loving, holding neighbors up when they need it most. We love it here so much that we are in our third home in the community!” The Torrey’s are big advocates for SOMA Public Schools. Jesse stated, “Anna was always an exceptional student and the district had plenty of interesting opportunities to challenge her. Jack started school at The Marshall School but following his diagnosis he needed more support. The district was integral to finding appropriate out-of-district schools that provided Jack with what he needed.” Jack now attends The Universal Institute for adults with special needs. Like Jack, the clientele is fully dependent, but the program offers life enrichment with field trips and other appropriate activities. I concluded the interview by asking Dan and Jesse how they maintain life balance. Jesse stated, “One day at a time. We’ve learned over the years how to adapt; we have learned how to adjust things so we can continue doing the things we love. We travel, we socialize, we spend time with people we love. Our best advice to other families is to learn how to adapt. Life may not look how you expected it to, but it can still be wonderful .”

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE!

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OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 9

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DREAM TEAM: LAURAWEINGER HOUSLEY

role as a spokeswoman and fundraiser for the Society. As a leukemia and bone marrow transplant survivor, she has some lingering symptoms of chemo affecting her memory & focus. I recommended NFZD FOCUS Mushroom powder with a blend of CBD, Cacao, and adaptogenic mushrooms to help restore cognitive brain function and cleanse her gut for better digestion. It also helps with depression and high blood pressure. I also suggested Promogranite Sleep gummies or HereNow Sleep Tincture with CBD & CBN for sleep. - Jill Cohen, TheCannaBossLady. Laura came to us looking to up her style game and bring a little more flair and edge to her everyday look. Her inspirational story is one of a strong mother who worked in different industries and professional venues while bringing up her kids and battling cancer. I wanted her to focus in on what makes her feel beautiful and stylish. We picked out 3 sharp looks in cool gem tones that highlight her light eyes and chic silver hair. She is comfortable and vibrant in a red leather blazer with a black sparkly top and black jeans. We had a blast during the photo shoot while she danced to Michael Jackson and Pitbull, perfect music choices to enhance the positivity of this styling experience. - Julie Perlow-Greene - Retail Therapy ——————-

Laura turned 62 years this past July, but she certainly does not feel it. She was raised in Nanuet, NY, and for the last 26 years, has been living in Maplewood with her husband, Ron, and two children, Sara, 25, and Matthew, 23. They have 2 cats. Right before the pandemic, Laura was volunteering at a Broadway Group Sales Company in Manhattan and hopes to return soon. She stays fit with morning walks, online Zumba, & volunteering with book distribution for MEND. Laura was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia in Dec 2000 and had a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor. She says the SOMA community is invaluable, and the love and support she received still bring tears to her eyes. She wanted to participate in the SOMA Dream Team because she is more interesting than her past illness. “ I really want a new “me” - new clothes, new hair (literally, as I lost mine), and a new lease on life. Now, since I let my hair go gray during the pandemic, stopped shopping for two years, and have trouble sleeping, The Dream Team is exactly what I need”!

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I had the pleasure of meeting with Laura Housley for a CBD consultation., She was named New Jersey’s chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year in 2011. The award acknowledges Housley’s

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57 Academy Street,

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she was easy to direct and maneuver into dynamic and powerful poses. For lighting, we kept it simple with a large round softbox on a single light coming from one side. We played with a purple background to compliment her colorful blouse, a grey wall for the black and white dress, and tried out our new ivy green wall. - Lee Seidenberg Photography

focus on establishing balance and symmetry. Adding balanced layers and a face frame were key in creating this look, which is full of soft movement. With naturally wavy hair, the shape also eliminates a weight line, making her new look easy to maintain and wear sleek or wavy. Framing her face, her haircut will attract the eye to her striking cheekbones and let her natural beauty shine. - Yoni Kreger, YK Salon

For Laura’s makeup, I chose a “fresh and dewy” look; she doesn’t wear makeup every day, so it was important for her to feel like herself. A soft lip color and eyeliner come in handy to make her eyes pop. I used all cream-based makeup products (no powder) to ensure the skin has a luminous finish - Norah Salzar, Makeup artist

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

In fairness, it’s not terribly difficult to enhance Laura’s natural beauty. To compliment her face shape and features—particularly her beautiful blue eyes—I minimized the length to

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Laura came into the studio both nervous and excited. In spite of her fear of modeling,

Wardrobe Courtesy of Retail Therapy

OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 11

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DRINK OF THE MONTH

Joe’s Truth Serum

Buddah says Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. We’re here to give you a gentle nudge in the right direction with our interpretation on a classic cocktail. Stir up some bourbon, madeira wine and blood orange liquor for a amalgam that is sure to help you see the light. We should warn you though, careful what you say! Ingredients: 2.0-ounce Evan Williams Bourbon 1.0-ounce Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur 1.0-ounce 5 Year Madeira

1. Gather the ingredients

2. Pour all ingredients in Cocktail mixing Glass

3. Stir for 30 seconds

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4. Strain straight up in a martini glass

5. Garnish with a brandied cherry

About Victor Delapa and MoonShine Supper Club: Victor is the owner, mixologist, and creator of Moonshine Supper Club, founded in 2011. Stop by the lounge or restaurant for a truly spectacular experience! 55 Main St., Millburn • www.moonshinesupperclub.com 973-218-6042

ROBERT HUBSMITH, CLTC Financial Services Professional

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

www.RHMedicareFactor.com

(201) 704-7872 rhubsmith@thejgagency.com

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

EASY CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP Prep time: 10 mins • Cook time: 40 mins Yields: 6 servings

INSTRUCTIONS

• Make it vegetarian by using vegetable stock in place of chicken stock. • Keep extra stock on hand to thin the soup to your liking after it simmers. • If you prefer a smoother consistency, puree the soup with an immersion blender or in a blender.

1. Heat the coconut oil in a medium pot or dutch oven over med/nigh heat. Add the onion and saute for 3-4 mins. 2.Add the garlic and saute 1-2 more mins. Stir in the spices and toast until fragrant, 1-2 mins more. 3.Add the brown sugar, pumpkin, kosher salt and cayenne pepper. Stir in the coconut milk and stock, stir well. 4.Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for about 20-30 mins, allowing the flavors to blend, stirring occasionally. Puree with an immersion blender if desired. 5. Taste, adjust seasonings, add a squeeze of lime juice, and thin with additional stock if desired. Serve with garnishes. RECIPE NOTES • Use fresh or canned pureed pumpkin interchangeably in this recipe (NOT pie mix). • I like to use lite coconut milk in this pumpkin soup to make it even healthier, but you can use regular coconut milk to make it even richer.

Soup season is back and I can’t think of a better way to kick it off than with this easy curried pumpkin soup. It’s hearty and rich, but deceptively light and healthy. This pumpkin soup cooks up quickly and easily.

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp coconut oil (vegetable or canola oil can be substituted) 1 large onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp curry powder 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp ground cumin 2 Tbsp light brown sugar 29 oz pumpkin puree, homemade or canned (1 lg can) 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste) 13.5 oz lite coconut milk (1 can) 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock (plus extra for thinning) squeeze of lime juice roasted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and plain yogurt for garnish (optional)

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 2022 | SOMA LIVING 13

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BOOK RELEASE Michael Gillespie publishes first English translation of, “Berlin Garden of Erotic Delights” by Granand Set among the glittering clubs and grimy side streets of 1920’s Berlin, with detours to Italy and Paris, these charming and erotic tales capture the essence of early twentieth-century gay life without apology or shame. “Berlin Garden of Erotic Delights”, comprised of four short stories, bursts with humor, emotional acuity, and deep compassion for its gay subjects. Twice banned and long suppressed in Germany, this rediscovery and translation of a lost gem allows contemporary readers to experience the thrill of positive depictions of gay life from a time when that was almost unthinkable. “Granand” is the pen name for theater director and author Erwin Ritter von Busse (1885–1939), who directed the world premiere of James Joyce’s play Exiles in Munich in 1919. While he lost his battle against bigoted censors in 1920’s Germany, he ultimately won a shining place in literary history with this pathbreaking book of short stories. Forced into exile in the 1930s, Granand died in Brazil without seeing the publication of this masterpiece. Michael Gillespie lives with his husband, Marvin Taylor, in South Orange. Gillespie is a translator and scholar with a Ph.D. in comparative literature from Indiana University. He teaches global arts and cultures at New York University. His translations also include work by the German-Jewish poet Else Lasker-Schüler, that was set to music by André Previn. “Berlin Garden of Erotic Delights”, Warbler Press, is available online and through independent booksellers.

When you first enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you will select Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) which combines the two types of coverage. Part D (prescription drug) coverage is also available. But once you make your selections, you aren’t stuck with these plans for life. In fact, Medicare offers you opportunities to change your plan(s), depending upon the situation. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) Once you have enrolled in Medicare, you do have the right to review your plan selections and make changes each year. From October 15th to December 7th, you can take advantage of the Annual Election Period to make changes to Part C (Advantage) or Part D (prescription) plans. At this time, you can: • Change from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan • Drop a Medicare Advantage plan it and go back to Original Medicare MEDICARE ENROLLMENT PERIODS

Yes, you can drop a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, but don’t count on a Medigap plan if that is your intention. Remember that carriers will screen you and can choose not to enroll you. What if you need to make changes to your plan outside of these times? In certain situations, such as a move or loss of coverage, you might qualify for a 2-month Special Enrollment Period. For example, moving from one geographic area to another might qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, if your network is not available at your new home. During your SEP, you can switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan, or return to Original Medicare without penalty. In some situations you might also be able to enroll in a Medigap plan without the requirement for medical underwriting (called guaranteed issue rights). If you believe you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you should contact me as soon as possible after the qualifying event. I can assist you with this process.

• Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan • Cancel your Part D prescription plan • Change your Part D prescription plan Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

Robert Hubsmith, CLTC PINNACLE FINANCIAL SERVICES www.TheRHMedicareFactor.com

in the event that you change your mind about a Medicare Advantage plan for any reason, the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from January 1 to March 31 gives you the opportunity to make changes. During this time you can: • DropMedicare Advantage and return toOriginal (Parts A and B) Medicare

Rob Hubsmith is a 26-year resident of Maplewood. I am licensed and trained independent insurance agent with over 30 years in the financial services industry. I am certified with many top Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug and Medicare Supplement insurance plan carriers. I represent most major companies with a Medicare contract and am qualified to answer any questions you may have.

• Add a Part D prescription plan • Drop a party prescription plan

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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH SPONSORED BY BASS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Evyn Katz is a dedicated and competitive local equestrian. What started as a week of horse back riding camp grew into weekly lessons to improve her skills. Over the years, however, her love for horses and the sport led to spending seven days a week at Essex Equestrian Center (“EEC”). There she started competing at individual shows and eventually on EEC’s IEA (Inter scholastic Equestrian Association) team— qualifying to compete at “Nationals”. Evyn is more than just a competitive rider. She started volunteering until she was old enough to work at the barn. Evyn now enjoys mentoring younger riders and seeks out every opportunity to learn from the experienced adults at the barn. She is always eager to get to the work by 5am, or earlier, to meet with her trainer and help prepare and load horses that are trailered to a show. She will stay, well into the evening, to help situate them back at the barn at the end of a long summer day.

• 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

ABOUT DR. BASS If one word were used to describe Dr. Wayne J . Bas s , i t wou l d 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 pr inciple of excellence in the community in 2006. While there are many chiropractors out there, Dr. Bass is one who truly cares about the well-being of his patients. (973) 378-2277 BASSFAMILYCHIRO.COM 491B VALLEY ST, MAPLEWOOD, NJ 07040

LYD I A J OHNSON DANC E S CHOOL FALL 2022

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OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 15

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ARTIST STUDIO TOUR

19th Annual SOMA Artists’ Studio Tour is BACK

The annual South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour, presented by ArtSOMA: The Artist Community of South Orange & Maplewood, NJ, is scheduled for November, 5th and 6th, from 11 am – 5 pm. Sybil Archibald and her team of dedicated artist volunteers are proud to revive this event after a hiatus during the pandemic. The two day ArtSOMA event features more than 70 artists in SOMA who open their studios to visitors, friends, collectors, and anyone interested in learning how visual artists create their work. Featured artists range from emerging and mid-career to established artists working for decades. The art includes painting, sculpture, combined media, digital, printmaking, ceramics, jewelry, textile/fiber arts, photography, and more. The tour also includes public venues, including The 1978 Gallery, and outdoor displays. As always, there is no charge for the Tour. Printed maps art back! They will be available at local businesses and in the artists’ studios. A downloadable Map is available on the Tour website listing artists’ addresses and additional information about how and where to see their work. Donations are always welcome as well as additional volunteers. For more information, or to get involved, please visit https://studiotoursoma.comor contact Elisabeth Antoine at Designelan2@ gmail.com.

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

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FROM THE DOCTOR

WHAT IS SPINAL STENOSIS?

Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spaces in your spine, can compress your spinal cord and nerve roots exiting each vertebrae. Spinal stenosis may be caused by age, herniated disks, thickened ligaments between vertebrae, tumors, and spinal injuries. Or, one of the most common causes of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis. Over time, the wear on the joints between the vertebrae caused by arthritis creates a shrinking of the spinal canal. In some cases, spinal stenosis is asymptomatic for the patient. The canal narrows, but does not put pressure on the spinal cord itself. When the narrowing does put pressure on the spinal cord, symptoms can occur in two major areas — the cervical spine and lumbar spine. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: Cervical Stenosis Symptoms • Numbness or tingling in the limbs or extremities • Weakness in the limbs, hands, or feet • Issues with walking or balance • Neck pain • Bowel or bladder problems in severe cases Lumbar Stenosis Symptoms • Numbness or tingling in the feet or legs • Weakness in feet or legs • Pain or cramping in one or both legs after standing for extended periods that eases when you bend over • Back pain Minor pain can be treated through over-the-counter painkillers, but they only offer temporary relief and can mask more severe injury. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, a doctor may suggest surgery to relieve pressure from the spine and open the spinal canal. However, there are other options. Holistic and non-invasive chiropractic adjustments could be the answer to pain caused by spinal stenosis. Adjustments created through spinal manipulation realign your spine and relieve pressure from the joints. Over time, with regular care, the symptoms you experience from spinal stenosis may lessen or even go away. If you’ve been experiencing pain from possible symptoms of spinal stenosis, the specialists at South Orange Chiropractic Center are ready to help you take steps on the path to recovery. With state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, our chiropractors will help relieve your symptoms and get you feeling better.

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

973-632-0302

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

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

OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 17

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FROM THE DOCTOR With the start of Fall, the New York marathon is right around the corner. It’s great that many people train in advance for the marathon. Here are some simple tips to help you train properly and also avoid injury. Marathon training consists of some basic elements designed to help your body adjust gradually to running long distances. The first is to build your weekly mileage over time. Do this by running three-to-five times per week, doing a long run every 7–10 days, and incorporating practice intervals and tempo runs to increase your cardio capacity. Rest and recovery are equally important to marathon training. Adequate rest helps prevent injuries and mental burnout. People tend to think they need to push themselves, seven days a week, in order to achieve a better time. When you continuously stress the muscles, without a day of rest, there is no time for them to heal and grow stronger. Even elite athletes take a day off so the muscles can heal and gain strength through natural muscle repair. Unfortunately, some people still get injured while training or running a marathon. The most common injuries are: Runner’s Knee, Achilles Tendinitis, Hamstring Pull, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Iliotibial Band Syndrome and Stress Fracture. In my opinion, all of these injuries are preventable with proper conditioning and stretching pre-race, as well as during your training period. Runner’s knee is also known as Patellofemoral syndrome. This is an injury that can also affect someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle. This condition is associated with pain in and/or around the kneecap. The pain worsens while climbing stairs or sitting for prolonged periods of time. Runner’s knee is associated with muscle imbalances and poor ergonomics. You can prevent this with proper training and stretching, prior to a race. For Runner’s Knee, initial treatment consists of rest, ice pack application, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Runner’s Knee usually responds well to conservative self-treatment. But in persistent cases, it is essential to correct the underlying biomechanics of the muscles and the knee joint. There are exercises that can be done both on your own and with a PT to help aide the recovery of the joint and strengthen the muscles around it. If you seek professional care, there are also other treatment modalities that can help to curtail knee inflammation; such as cold laser and ultrasound. With the inflammation under control, the patient can build more strength with physical therapy and exercises. With time, and a commitment to treatment, you may be cleared to resume training. However, this will include a slow ramp up to avoid reinjuring the knee. If you are hurt during training or a marathon race, it is important to see a licensed physical therapist or your primary care doctor. The clinician will complete a full evaluation and generate a treatment plan tailored to your goals and needs. MARATHON TIPS AND INJURIES

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

REGISTER FOR FALL CLASSES!

Classes include creative arts, health & fitness, home & garden, trips & lectures and so much more!

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

somadultschool.org

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DESIGN “Can you please pass the pita”, I called out, for the 3rd time, down the line, past my five friends, to my wife sitting at the end of the row. There we all sat on one side of a kitchen island, shoulder to shoulder eating delicious Mediterranean food while our host, trying to talk to all of us, stood on the opposite side of this massive block in the room. You know what I’m talking about. We’ve all seen these gorgeous kitchen islands on Pinterest and Instagram. Giant slabs of marble or quartz covering large base cabinets. A long row of stools perfectly tucked in under the stone overhang. You know, what everyone wants... I say phooey! Yes, they look great, especially in pictures and they can afford you more storage, though in my opinion if you need all that storage, you have too much stuff. Watch a Maria Kondo video. Or better yet, have a basement pantry for the Costco run or the humongous KitchenAid mixer you use once a year at Christmas. A RANT ON ISLANDS

Me. I’m a table man! I love a counter height table with stools all around it so that when you break bread with family and friends you can see the faces of pretty much everyone at the table. I know, that’s why people have formal dining tables, you don’t have to remind me. But they’re just that, formal. And that formality can be stifling. I’m just saying for a casual meal in a kitchen, I’d rather see a few faces staring back at me then be shoulder to shoulder with them in a row.

During my own kitchen renovation, I forewent an island and had a narrow countertop height table made. My wife, two sons and I sit around that table for all our family meals. I can’t tell you how impactful it has been. The intimacy created because we sit facing each other has led to amazing conversations and some of my fondest memories. We can sit for hours talking and planning our futures together as a family, telling stories of our family’s history or just ruminating on current events. But there is a way to have the best of both choices, a hybrid. I’m working on a kitchen renovation now that includes a large island with lots of storage AND one end is open creating a table with seating on three sides. A happy comprise and one that fits in with my design philosophy – a space should not only be functional and stress free, but also enrich and fulfil yours, and your family’s life.

Habitat ilist Group design studio renovation planning & interior design

“Life is very stressfull, your home shouldn’t be. Our designs are highly functional for ease of use and aesthetically beautiful to fulfill your soul. We believe your home is your sanctuary.”

Douglas Huebner

Call or write for a consultation (917) 676 - 2000 thehabitatilist@gmail.com

follow us on Instagram @h.g.designstudio

OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 19

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REAL ESTATE

I have been a realtor in the South Orange/Maplewood Community for over fifteen years. SOMA has given me a place to raise my family, earn a living and make lifelong friends. Because SOMA has given to me, I feel it’s important to give back to SOMA. Through the years I have sponsored and supported many community causes and events including: Maplewoodstock, SOPAC, The Dickens Christmas Village, South Orange Playday, Seton Village Food Trucks, CHS Team Sports and many more. I’ve learned that giving back feels good. It’s rewarding. It allows me to meet other community members that offer diverse interests, skills and talent. Supporting our neighborhood supports me. If you have a hobby, you can find others that share it here. Like gardening? Join the Memorial Park Conservancy. Reading? Donate your time to the Achieve Foundation. Enjoy the arts? Volunteer at the 1978 Maplewood Arts Center. Want to make a difference? Give to one our local food pantries. This October I am happy to sponsor the Seton Village HOLA Fest, Spooky Spiotta Halloween and the SOMA Artists Studio Tour. These events are always fun and bring the community together. From Ballet to Baking to Baseball, SOMA offers plenty of public and non-profit organizations to get you involved. Give your time and you might be surprised what SOMA gives you back.

Natalie Farrell

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EDUCATION

Excellent Teachers are Diverse Teachers

Recently, I talked to a prospective client by phone. I suppose people know I’m Black from social media, through referrals, or from my headshot on my website. As we chatted about our services, getting her children in to be assessed, and some background on their learning experiences thus far in school, the conversation turned. She asked me about my teachers. She wasn’t asking about their qualifications or certifications; she was asking about them, as people. She kind of danced around what she wanted to know for a bit, but I understood her inquiry and I responded, “All of my teaching staff currently are Black.” She gave a big sigh and said, “That’s just what I wanted to know!” She then recounted a conversation between her grade school children where one told the other that teachers were white, and female…all of them. The other child countered but didn’t have any real-world experience to bolster his perspective. They let it drop even though their own mother, a Black woman, is a teacher herself. Fortunately, I attract different types of excellent teachers. They all successfully deliver learning content to our students. Their race, ethnicity, or gender adds secondary value to the children’s learning experiences. It is important for students from any background to know they can learn from all types of people—regardless of outward appearance. As a former education policy researcher, I know that there is abundant evidence that Black children have better outcomes when their teachers are also Black. I certainly believe this to be the case and experienced that myself (I wouldn’t have a Ph.D. from Harvard if I hadn’t seen a Black man give a job talk in my department at UCSC my senior year…and my dad is a college professor…). But I’m genuinely interested in the impact Black teachers have on white students. I suspect they benefit too…in myriad unstudied ways.

Alissa Gardenhire, Ph.D., Owner of Best in Class Education Center, South Orange.

OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 21

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FINANCIAL FOCUS SHOULD YOU CONSOLIDATE RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS? One of the rewards for working over several decades is the ability to contribute to tax-advantaged retirement accounts. As the years went by, you likely accumulated several retirement accounts, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, or similar employer-sponsored plans. Now, you might find it advantageous to consolidate these accounts with a single provider. Consolidating them can provide you with several potential benefits, such as: • Less confusion and clutter – It is easier to keep track of tax documents, statements, fees, disclosures, and other important information when you consolidate into a clear, simplified statement. • Less likelihood of “lost accounts” – At the end of 2021, there were nearly 25 million forgotten 401(k) accounts, worth about 20% of all 401(k) assets, according to an estimate by Capitalize, a financial services company. It’s possible that employers can even move small, old accounts out of their 401(k) plans and into an IRA on behalf of their former employees, thus increasing the chances that savers will lose track of their money. By consolidating your retirement plans with one provider, you can ensure you don’t lose track of your hard-earned money. • Ability to follow a unified strategy – With multiple retirement accounts, you might find it difficult to maintain a unified financial strategy that’s appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance. The need to rebalance may become more important as you near retirement because you may want to shift some of your assets into investments that aren’t as susceptible to swings in the financial markets. • Possible improvement in investment options – Often, 401(k)s may have limited investment selection, so consolidating accounts with a full service firm may allow for a wider array of products and strategies to meet your goals. • Greater ease in calculating RMDs – Once you turn 72, you will need to start taking withdrawals, called required minimum distributions (RMDs), from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar plan. If you don’t take out at least the minimal amount, based on your age and account balance, you could face a penalty. It will be easier to calculate your RMD’s if you have all accounts under one roof. If you have multiple retirement accounts, please give some thought to consolidating them. The consolidation process is not difficult, and the result may help you manage your retirement income more effectively.

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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MEET SOPAC’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEPHEN BEAUDOIN In September, SOPAC announced the appointment of Stephen Beaudoin as its new executive director. Beaudoin brings over fifteen years of award winning arts management and production experience to SOPAC. His work includes nearly four years as Executive Director of “The Washington Chorus”, a $2.4 million and 160 voice symphonic chorus and partner of The Kennedy Center and National Symphony Orchestra. While there, he produced concerts, programs, and partnerships across multiple platforms. As executive director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Beaudoin led initiatives to increase single ticket and subscription revenues through data analytics and the introduction of white-glove patron service. Beaudoin is adept at developing new programs and strategic community engagement with special attention to racial, cultural, and LGBTQ+ diversity as well as accessibility. He shared, “It’s an honor to join this beautifully vibrant and richly diverse community as your SOPAC Executive Director. I have a lot to learn.” Join us in welcoming Stephen Beaudoin to the SOMA community. He is eager to learn more about what makes this community so special and how SOPAC can deepen and expand its impact. Please reach out to him directly at Stephen@sopacnow.org to share your experiences with SOPAC and any thoughts or suggestions for becoming an integral part of the SOMA community.

SOPAC sOuth OranGe PerFOrminG arts Center

Don’t wait, buy tickets today!

Chris smither & tim O’Brien with Jan FaBriCius SAT, OCT 8

BETTyE lAvETTE & rAUl miDón Fri, OCT 7 PAUl rEiSEr with Special guest vance gilbert SUn, OCT 9 BélA FlECk & ABigAil wAShBUrn wED, OCT 26

An EvEning wiTh Jim mESSinA ThU, nOv 3 DArlingSiDE wED, nOv 9 PAUlA COlE & SOPhiE B. hAwkinS ThU, nOv 10

SOPACnow.org (973) 313-2787

Visit SOPACnow.org/Covid-19 for all Covid-19 Precautions & Policies

OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 23

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DON’T TRUST THE MIRROR

Maureen Kritzer-Lange, MSW, LCSW

When you walk past a mirror, what do you see? Is it an accurate

reflection of how you look or who you are? For most people, there’s

often a disconnect between what they see in the mirror and how

they feel about themselves. The mirror distorts, both physically and

emotionally. Over my lengthy career of working with eating disorder

patients, I’m often surprised by how many people see that distorted

view. It made me realize that we can’t always trust the mirror, it

doesn’t always show the true image of who we are. Trusting the mirror

often requires significant work, self-reflection, and an understanding

of who we are beyond mere physical appearance. And that’s why I

started Don’t Trust the Mirror (www.donttrustthemirror.com). It’s a

way to remind people that who we are is so much more than what

we see in our reflection. When you learn to trust the mirror, it means

you have gotten a better understanding of who you are. It means

your insides match your outsides and that’s the goal we should all

be aiming for. Over 40 years ago, I developed an eating disorder.

In the 80’s, there was so little information available about this self

destructive and all-consuming disorder. This experience guided me

to become a Psychoanalyst to help others on their road to recovery.

To that end, last year I started a podcast, My Secret Life with an

Eating Disorder. I share my personal story of recovery and interview

many people to hear their stories. My mission is to help women get

their lives back. By starting the Podcast, I’m able to reach a much

wider audience than just my patients. I hope you’ll go to my website

(www.donttrustthemirror.com), listen to my podcast (My Secret Life

with an Eating Disorder) and join the movement.

973-313-1691 maureen@donttrustthemirror.com www.donttrusthemirror.com

Maureen Kritzer-Lange, MSW, LCSW Long time Maplewood resident. Listen to her podcast at HTTPS://RB.GY/BLOOHZ

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THE CORE PLACE

Pilates-based fitness studio ChaiseFitness is now The Core Place.

Claudia Aarts-Schreiber is re-opening her three year old franchise fitness business as an independent studio. The Core Place is in downtown Maplewood. At the new studio, Claudia and her team offer dynamic Pilates-based training in an adaptive format responsive to the needs of the

individual. She will continue to offer group classes using the Pilates chair and resistance bands but with varying intensities to accommodate clients at every level. Classes will also include TRX, Pilates Mat, and Restorative Stretch. The Core Team is developing unique classes with newer props and equipment. Group classes are small, 8-10 clients, to maximize individual attention, safety, and proper form. In addition, The Core Place offers private training for core strengthening and alignment using a combination of Pilates Reformer, GYROTONIC® , TRX, and functional training. Private sessions may be one-on-one, a duet session, or a personalized small group. These private sessions cater to a client’s individual needs and preferences. Claudia’s passion for movement started at age seven while recovering from childhood leukemia; regaining her strength with ballet classes. During her 12 year international professional dance career, Claudia explored various body conditioning methods to help avoid injury. After her career in dance, she trained in Pilates and GYROTONIC® to coach athletes and dancers in Manhattan. Claudia brings her love of movement to her Core Community here in Maplewood. For more information, or to schedule sessions www.thecoreplace.com.

Jennifer.McManus@cbmoves.com @jennifermcmanus

OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 25

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NUBIA WILSON

REDEFINING SUCCESS FOR OUR STUDENTS

I am proud to live in a progressive town where we put a priority on integration and education. As we watch our Board of Education and dig into the details of why decisions were made, a question looms: are we all defining success the same–and if not–how is that affecting our students? We’ve been told that Columbia High’s latest Pass/Fail data and success rate for Black and Hispanic students reflect an academic environment that is “improving” for them. Yet the data tells us across all four grades, Black students were the most likely to receive Cs, Ds, and Fs. Black students were eight times more likely to fail honors level geometry, algebra II, and precalculus than white students, and nearly seven times more likely to fail honors-level biology, chemistry, and physics than white students. Nearly half of all Black students fall below the 25th percentile for reading proficiency. Decades ago Columbia was a top Blue Ribbon school. The District must dive deep into the data and put a focus on teaching and learning, so that an individual student’s needs from elementary school onward are centralized. We know how important the Intentional Integration Initiative is and that it will come with its challenges. We cannot, however, use the initiative as a scapegoat to deny adequate transportation, especially to our elementary school students. At the very least, the district must guarantee that all children have a safe route to school or provide sufficient transport to get them to class on time. If we are going to set the bar high for our children—academically, socially and emotionally—let’s make sure we are being realistic about our District’s successes and setbacks. With empathy, drive, and a student-centric vision, we have an opportunity to get it right. Students come first.

We want to hear from you!

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Nubia Wilson Nubia Wilson is running for the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education with running mates Regina Eckert and Bill Gifford. Learn more about their campaign at www.eckertwilsongifford.com

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MALLORY’S ARMY

October is national Anti-Bullying month and locally based “Mallory’s Army” is at the forefront of this movement. “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. 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 took a quick photo. 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 wearing the blue bracelet or using it to wrap a stone, helps build awareness of the organization and its work. The mission of Mallory’s Army Foundation is to empower kids to be amazing people, educate parents, enrich schools with anti-bullying programs, and enhance communities to bring people together. At the center of this mission is sharing Mallory’s story. Many pieces come together to tell Mallory’s story, honor her memory and represent Mallory’s Army Foundation. Butterflies, forget-me-nots, the color blue, and Mallory’s day, are all symbols linked to Mallory and part of the language used by the Foundation to achieve its mission. I addition, Where Angels Play foundation built a playground at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds in her honor. The playground incorporates many elements listed above, such as the color blue, the butterflies, and more. To find out how to bring Mallory’s Army anti-bullying programs to your school, or support the mission by donating to the Foundation, please check out https://mallorysarmy.org/.

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 2022 | SOMA LIVING 27

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