West Orange, NJ March 2024

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus® SUV

Travel with confidence and comfort.

For 60 years, Maplecrest Ford has called Union home, and we’ve been thrilled to have the surrounding towns of Newark, Springfield, and Livingston as our neighbors. We take our role as your trusted adviser seriously and are happy to address your automotive needs, whether you’re looking to buy a new Ford SUV or get certified Ford service. As an enthusiastic recipient of the President’s Award, you’ll find our auto sales team is proud of our reputation of friendliness and professionalism. Please stop by our Ford dealership in Union for incredible customer service and seamless dealership experience.

Welcome to West Orange City Lifestyle

Welcome to the Premier issue of West Orange City Lifestyle!

The lightbulb went on - this is West Orange and I get to explore the town, meet fantastic people and uncover the things that connect a vibrant community. This is so exciting! My name is Monique Dominique and I am the Publisher of West Orange City Lifestyle. Although I’ve been in this town for a while, I’ve come to realize that there is so much I didn’t know.

I can’t wait to take you on a monthly journey as we make discoveries about the wonderful people, places and businesses that make the tapestry of West Orange bold and authentic. From favorite restaurants, to new shops, sporting events, local experts and so much more- Let’s join in!

We are going to bring inspiration, design ideas, wellness, food and fun to you each month. We will highlight local business news and monthly community events. But, this is just the beginning. In and around the town we will host many CityLifestyle experiences to help ignite deeper connections.

In our future issues, you will find a wide range of articles and features that capture the true spirit and heart of West Orange. Get ready to "catch the energy" of an in-depth exploration of the best West Orange has to offer. Our commitment is to provide you with insightful, unique and engaging content. These will be magazines you must hold onto and reference again and again. We aim to be your coffee table joy!

I want to thank the businesses that have chosen to partner with West Orange City Lifestyle - because of these partnerships, you will read and be inspired by your neighbors and those within the greater community. I am honored to work with every single one of our amazing partners.

This is your magazine and we encourage you to contact us with recommendations for our upcoming issues. We would love to hear about your business, charity, event, family or passion project.

I look forward to seeing you around town. Welcome to West Orange City Lifestyle!

MONIQUE DOMINIQUE, PUBLISHER @WESTORANGECITYLIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Monique Dominique monique.dominique@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Sarah McKiernan sarah.mckiernan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Monique Dominique, Sarah McKiernan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Monique Dominique, Sarah McKiernan

Monique Dominique

WEST ORANGE CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER

Arden Courts Promedica Memory Care

ARDEN-COURTS.ORG

The Avenue Salon & Beauty Bar

B THEAVENUESALONANDBEAUTYBAR

Browne Insurance Agency

BROWNEINSURANCEAGENCY.COM

Color Brothers

V @COLORBROTHERS.AB

EDMR Therapist & Confidence Coach

CONFIDENCEWITHCYN.COM

Ernest & Sons

MASONRYBYERNESTANDSONS.COM

E-Quality Systems LLC

EQUALITY.SYSTEMS.COM

F&A Construction

FANDACONSTRUCTION.COM

George’s & Sons General Construction Inc

GEORGESSONSCONST.COM

Kitchen Tune-Up

KITCHENKITCHENTUP.COM

Luigi General Constructors Paving & Landscaping

LUIGICONSTRUCTION.COM

Maplecrest Ford Lincoln

MAPLECRESTLINCOLN.COM

Magnolia Home Remodeling Group

MAGNOLIAHOMEREMODELING.COM

Matt Keane | Guaranteed Rate

MATT.KEANE@GUARANTEEDRATE.COM

New Body Fitness

NEWBODYTS.COM

New York – New Jersey Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry

DREISEN.COM

Onyx Direct Care

ONYXDIRECTCARE.COM

Pollock Properties Group

POLLOCKPROPERTIESGROUP.COM

Right at Home of Essex County

RIGHTATHOME.NET

Roseland Eye Care

ROSELANDEYECARE.COM

SBC Interior

SBCINTERIORDESIGN.COM

Scott’s Roofing

SCOTTSROOFINGANDSIDING.COM

Temprano Construction

TEMPRANOCONSTRUCTION.COM

369 Electrical Services LLC

369ELECTRICALSERVICES.COM

Valley Psychotherapy

AMYCOXMARTINS.COM

Walter Bauman

WALTERBAUMANJEWELERS.COM

West Orange Fooderie

WESTORANGEFOODERIE.COM

Xhris Home Improvements

XHRISHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.COM

1: Ribbon cutting at Zufall Health Center 3: Yoga and Wine at Mountain Society Wine 4: Lighting Paths for Positive Change, the Essex County Links Chapter 5: Interior of new West Orange Public Library location 6: The Color Purple viewing/panel held at AMC, hosted by The Links to benefit ECCL programs 7: Story Time at the West Orange Public Library

business monthly

100th Anniversary Celebration of the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell

On March 1st, 2024, at the Highlawn on Crest Drive in West Orange, NJ, the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell will be celebrating their 100th anniversary! Tickets are available for members of the club and the community to show their support and enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing!

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71st Annual West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade

The 71st annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will leave from the corner of Mt. Pleasant Avenue and Main Street at 12:15 PM and concludes at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Morning mass will take place at St. Joseph's Church, West Orange, at 9:15 AM before the parade to allow honorees and organizations to gather.

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West Orange Public Library Reopening

The West Orange Public Library changed its location from Mt. Pleasant Ave. to their current site at 10 Rooney Circle in December 2023. They are expecting an official grand opening ceremony in May. West Orange Library's new location prioritizes accessibility, public safety, and being in a center of commerce to reach all WO residents. David Cubie, Library Director, and the whole library staff are dedicated to serving their community more efficiently with this exciting change!

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Want to be featured?

The walls of your home should have fingerprints of memories, the floors should be scuffed from dancing, the kitchen should be dusted with flour and the echoes of holidays, and your furniture should be worn and tattered from decades of rest.

bring us your well loved

Allow us to honor the life and memories in your beloved home, while helping you prepare that home for market, so that its next family can have as special and meaningful a life with in it as you have.

We provide all-inclusive, confidential, no cost design, no cost staging, and expert representation by your devoted real estate team of almost 20 years, that just happens to be in the top 1/10th of top 1% of the entire Garden State MLS.

HEALTHY LIVING, INDOOR AIR QUALITY, AND SMART FURNITURE CHOICES

Breathing Easy

ARTICLE BY SARA CHWATT

““Healthy living is a holistic endeavor that can be overwhelming.”

As I met with my new client, @Dana.Ariele, who is a holistic health coach, she expressed the desire to have a home free of toxins, including off-gassing from anything in her home, especially her new furniture.  In the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, one crucial aspect that often goes overlooked is the quality of the air we breathe indoors and the impact of our furniture choices have on indoor air, and thus on our overall well-being.

We are surrounded by pollution, pesticides and volatile compounds wherever we go. We find these toxins in our food, clothing, personal care products and also goods we have in our homes as décor & furnishings. I was so grateful to have this brought to my attention and learned so many new things along our journey to create this new apartment as a haven in the midst of our toxic world.  I hope to shed light on the connection between healthy living, indoor air quality, and the importance of making informed furniture and decor decisions to create a harmonious and health-conscious living environment.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the quality of air indoors, which can significantly affect our health and comfort. Poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even more severe conditions like asthma. It is essential to be aware of the factors that can affect IAQ and take steps to improve it.

FACTORS AFFECTING INDOOR AIR QUALITY

1. Air Circulation: Stale air can trap pollutants and allergens indoors. Regularly opening windows and using air purifiers and exhaust fans can help improve air circulation.

2. Pollutants: Various pollutants can accumulate indoors, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and cleaning products, finishes, fillings & adhesives in furniture, dust mites, pet dander, and even radon gas. Reducing the use of chemical-laden

products and keeping living spaces clean can minimize these pollutants.

3. Humidity: High humidity levels can lead to mold growth and the proliferation of dust mites, both of which can negatively impact IAQ. Using dehumidifiers to maintain proper moisture levels can combat this issue.

4. Furniture and Building Materials: The materials used in furniture and construction can release VOCs and other harmful chemicals into the air. This is where making healthy furniture choices becomes crucial.

HEALTHY FURNITURE CHOICES

1. Eco-Friendly Materials: Opt for items made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled metal. These materials tend to emit fewer VOCs and are better for both the environment and your health. The foam inside upholstered goods also should be sourced from a known, clean supplier.

2. Low-VOC Finishes: Look for furniture with lowVOC or VOC-free finishes. This will help reduce the emission of harmful chemicals into your indoor air. This can be a deep dive, each company uses different variables to call their products “sustainable”.

3. Natural Fabrics: Consider upholstery and cushions made from natural and organic fabrics like cotton, wool, or hemp. These materials are less likely to off-gas toxins. Some fabrics made from recycled water bottles are cleaner as far as their environmental impact than commercially produced fabrics which use many chemicals in their finishing production.

4. Antimicrobial Options: For those concerned about allergens and bacteria, some furniture options and paints come with antimicrobial treatments that can help maintain a healthier environment.

5. Regular Cleaning: Dust and dirt can accumulate on furniture surfaces, so regular cleaning is essential. Using non-toxic cleaning products will prevent introducing more pollutants into your home.

IAQ is the quality of air indoors, which can significantly affect our health and comfort.

“ ”

As @Dana.Ariele pointed out, having furniture that is sustainable is great but if it is still made with toxic compounds, what's the point? We had a great learning experience together as we navigated many manufacturers who claimed to be “Green” & “Eco-friendly.”  Some companies who are part of the Furniture Sustainability Council can be members if they simply only recycle the waste materials in their production houses, this was not good enough for our purpose and as such we had to dive deeper into each product we shopped for.

Healthy living is a holistic endeavor that can be overwhelming. It encompasses every aspect of our lives, including the spaces we spend much of our time in and call home. By helping our clients recognize and focus on what products to choose when designing their homes SBC Interiors hopes to enrich and enhance their homes, provide clean alternatives, impart a sense of ease and create environments at home that will be a place of refuge from all the toxins that surround us every day.

Maeghan Scott

ARTICLE BY SARAH MCKIERNAN

CARING FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Maeghan Scott and Jeanette Lauture: Memory Care Advisor at Arden CourtsProMedica Memory

“She (Maeghan) is proud to continue her Father’s legacy and she’s found immense joy in serving her community.

Right at Home of Essex County has been family owned and operated for, going on, 20 years. Current owner Maeghan Scott took over her father, Moses Scott's, business in 2017 and shared that every day is different!

In our conversation Maeghan expressed the importance of serving her community, keeping her father's legacy alive and the value in her work for her clients. Right at Home is a home care agency; their aids are sent out to assist with all the daily needs of elders, and individuals who can no longer care for themselves.

CONTINUED >

Maeghan expressed how this can be an incredibly difficult experience for people to go through, not being able to do the things they once loved or just the things that made them feel like themselves like driving or getting up to shower. Right at Home emphasizes dignity and humanity in their clients first. Maeghan shared instances of aids doing a client's hair and seeing them light up at their makeover every time. But something as simple as an engaging conversation is enough for clients to feel seen and dignified.

Maeghan Scott was working in PR before taking over for her father as Owner and Operator of Right at Home of Essex County, although it was not something she was expecting to take on she is proud to continue her father's legacy and she's found immense joy in serving her community.

“Not every agency operates the way that we do and I think that’s the special thing about being in a family business. We really treat our caregivers like they’re family. We treat our clients like they’re family and that’s why we’ve been able to maintain such a great reputation for almost 20 years.”

-Maeghan Scott

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

8 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

01

FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

02 03

USE REAL ESTATE WISELY

Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

04

HIDDEN STORAGE

Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

05

ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

06

UPGRADED HANGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

07

BAG & SHOE STORAGE

Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.

Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

08

MAKE A STATEMENT

Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.

TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE INTO A

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

New York Times Best Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research from the World’s Healthiest Cultures.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN WEST ORANGE.

ORANGE REALTY REPORT PROVIDED BY POLLOCK PROPERTIES GROUP & MATT KEANE OF GUARANTEED RATE This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Garden State Multiple Listing Service (GSMLS), LLC which does not guarantee nor is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data provided by the GSMLS, LLC may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. This data is a sampling of sales from 1/1/24-1/15/24. DOM is Days on Market

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 2ND

West Orange Animal Welfare League Pet Adoption

Alex Caprio Animal Shelter | 11:00 AM

WOAWL advocates for the safety of pets through adoption, spaying, and neutering. Save an animal and adopt a new furry friend!

MARCH 2ND

Sloth Social

Berson Education Center, Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ | 11:00 AM

The first Animal Encounter Program of the month features the zoo's slowest supporter. Interact with a real sloth and get a behind the scenes look at your favorite animal!

MARCH 4TH

NJAJE State Preliminary Jazz Band Festival

Liberty Middle School 1 Kelly Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052 | 8:00 PM

Support Liberty Middle School in the NJAJE State Jazz Festival! Sight reading, improvisation and performance skills will be considered at the multi-school preliminary competition.

MARCH 9TH

Sqautchapple

South Mountain Reservation, West Orange | 8:00 AM

The Squatchapple Trail race has distances for everyone including 11 miles, 20 miles, 50 miles or 50K. All the money earned from the event will go towards the South Mountain Conservatory. More information on registration and check-in can be found on Sassquad's website.

MARCH 20TH

AARP Tax Assistance

West Orange Public Library, 10 Rooney Circle West Orange | 10:00 AM

Don't fall behind on your taxes this year! Get help at The AARP taxaide program at the West Orange Public Library which will take place every Monday until April 15th from 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM. To make an appointment you can call the reference desk in the library.

MARCH 22ND

March

Madness with Jersey Swamp Cats

Shillelagh Club 648 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ | 7:00 PM

Watch some live music from the Swamp Cats, enjoy food and drinks, and even play some Nerf basketball at the Shillelagh Club to celebrate March Madness!

Want to be featured?

ARTICLE BY MONIQUE DOMINIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH MCKIERNAN

Publishers Picks

AND THESE ARE “A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS”...

West Orange Resevoir

Meditative walks around the Reservoir: Breathe in the fresh air along the water, breathe out the day’s stress. A walk around the reservoir brings the day to a peaceful close.

Tangerine Kevita

Tangerine Kevita: Black Coffee and Tangerine Kevita Probiotic Drink are a must have for morning pick me ups!

Spirit the sheepadoodle

Spirit the Sheepadoodle: Spirit is not social media official (yet!) but she certainly gets a lot of likes! Spirit loves getting to know her neighbors and savoring lots of treats. One of her favorites is the doggie hard bagel from Manhattan Bagel. It gives her a nice crunch.

Sushi from West Orange Fooderi

Sushi from West Orange Fooderie: Best kept secrets are better when shared, especially when it comes to food. Sushi from West Orange Fooderie is a must try for all sushi lovers.

White water rafting

White water rafting in the Adirondacks: The cool breeze and mountain air of the Adirondacks during Summer is calling. Can’t wait to go back!

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