West Orange, NJ April 2024

Bright Future - Our Investment Issue

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.

Our Investment Issue - Ready, Set, Grow!

Have you ever heard someone who is into gardening talk about it? The fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers – all start with the tiniest seeds that they plant which eventually reap a bountiful harvest, a harmonious, verdant witness to their diligent toil in planning, planting and pruning while exercising patience, passion, and persistence. For them, it’s a language of love transcending time and energy. It showcases their dedication to the process and is teeming with hope for the future.

I’m inspired when I hear a real gardener speak about getting their hands dirty, watering and chatting with their plants. As they detail the therapeutic and stress-relieving benefits that their craft imparts, a radiant and peaceful aura is evident. It’s also surprising and fascinating to hear animal-loving gardeners, who, in their zeal to protect their botanical haven, explain why keeping out four-legged critters (deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) is integral to the survival of their gardens, for which they have invested effort and attention to ensure its future. Perhaps if I could think about true investing like gardening it would be more fun. Truth is, investing, like gardening, though gratifying, is a time-consuming, arduous endeavor, which invariably opens a Pandora’s Box of questions: What should I invest in? Is it feasible? When is the right time? Given the toilsome nature of figuring it all out, it can be nothing short of exhausting, and to be sure, at times, it's not exactly fun in the sun or a bed of roses; still, the rewards outweigh the labor.

In this issue, we explore a few investment ideas to make your financial garden grow, so that you can enjoy all the fruits of your labor. Frankly, I’m no expert in these matters, and this is just a general guide to offer a few financial strategies.  Now, if you want to talk about investing in yourself to optimize your mental and emotional well-being through meditation, prayer, nature walks, poetry, etc. -then I’m your girl. Investing in yourself -- or as some call it, self-improvement -- is often the key in helping you prepare to sort through everything else.

There are myriad ways to make solid investments in life, and just like good gardeners use the best tools to elevate their success, here in this issue we’ll explore a few of those investment options to assist you. READY, SET, GROW!

MONIQUE DOMINIQUE, PUBLISHER @WESTORANGECITYLIFESTYLE

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Monique Dominique monique.dominique@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Sarah McKiernan | sarah.mckiernan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angelina Silvester, Jaleh Teymourian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Angelina Silvester, Arielle Newcombe

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.

home

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.

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 MLS.

BEFORE POLLOCK PROPERTIES GROUP

city scene

1-3: West Orange Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Community Breakfast at the Wilshire Grand Hotel 4: West Essex YMCA serving the surrounding communities with annual fundraising kickoff to benefit youth programs. 5: Artist-Cathleen McCoy Bristol 6: West Essex Arts Council reception for the African- American Elegance gallery 7: Artist- Nettie Forne’ Thomas

ARIELLE NEWCOMEE

ARIELLE NEWCOMEE

ARIELLE NEWCOMEE

business monthly

Restaurant Week

West Orange Restaurant Week 2024 is taking place April 13th-21st. Take advantage of limited deals for dinners, treats, brunch and everything in between. Check old favorites like Chit-Chat Diner, McLoone's Boathouse, and the Highlawn or discover new gems like Oko, 460 Grill, Nicholas and Anthony, and Mama Dags. (Deals only apply to certain restaurants!)

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NAACP Oranges & Maplewood Branch Freedom Fund Banquet 111th Anniversary

Come show your support! Join the NAACP fundraising efforts on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 6:00 pm at the Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, NJ. This year's theme is "Thriving Together" to celebrate the progress the NAACP has made over their impactful, more than a century long, journey of activism and empowerment.

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Meet the Mayors

The 14th annual Meet the Mayors event, on April 5th, 2024 at 8:30 AM, is a networking experience meant for connecting with your local leaders, meeting with like minded citizens, and perpetuating discourse and growth in your community.

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Vanessa Pollock

ARTICLE BY JALEH TEYMOURIAN

FROM PLIÉ TO PROPERTY- A DEDICATED AND CREATIVE APPROACH

““We’ve requested for years that attendees of open houses bring a non-perishable food item, which we would then deliver to MEND, a neighborhood non-profit.”

-Pollock

At age 15, Vanessa Pollock became a professional dancer, performing with the Dallas Ballet in high school. While earning her BFA in dance at the University of Texas, Austin, she met Charlie Pollock, the future Broadway performer who eventually became her husband.

After relocating to New York, the pair pursued work in the performing arts, but after 8 years, she needed to find another way to earn a living. She wanted a job that would still provide her with a creative outlet and allow her to do something meaningful. Her husband suggested real estate; it incorporated her love of architecture, design, and creativity with her empathy-driven nature.

Pollock Properties Group's mission for their community is #CareServeGive. Pollock shared: We don’t want to manufacture some giving initiative; we want to better understand

how we can make a positive impact in West Orange. We want to be intentional when giving to non-profits or the school district.

And how does CSG work? It is not a one size fits all model, but it is extremely effective. Pollock revealed "We now employ home stagers and have a staging department. On average, homes that have been staged sell for 10% more. West Orange home values are rising; a 10% increase could mean $60 to $100k more for the seller who works with us."

The company will celebrate its 20th anniversary this fall. These days, PPG consistently ranks among the top twenty Northern New Jersey realtors.

“Several of our agents, including Alexandra Felicetti, live in WO. She just organized a food drive with her son’s second-grade class, which is a good look at how our model will begin to take root in the community...We encompass a comprehensive range of qualities. We’re highly successful; our real estate service is the best in the business, from design and staging to strategic negotiation.” -Pollock

FINANCIAL RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Real Resources for you Around your Community

ARTICLE BY SARAH MCKIERNAN

Having a trusted bank in your corner to grow your savings, take out loans to grow your business, discuss investments and convene with experienced professionals is an essential resource for any individual looking to take care of their finances.

The West Orange Real Estate Investment group puts property owners, potential, potential investors, and other interested parties together to develop business and social relationships. Joining an investment group can foster education and sharing of information for people new to the financial scape or those with more experience.

There are a variety of investments to make in West Orange alone, from art to property to commodities. So next time you’re at a gallery event or even a local coffee shop consider buying that painting, splurge and add that addition to your home to increase your property value, and invest in your future!

1. FIND A TRUSTED BANK

2. JOIN AN INVESTMENT GROUP

3. MAKE INVESTMENTS! 1 2

3

A financial advisor can be your best friend when it comes to investing, buying your first home, or just getting organized. Your personal financial goals are their top priority. Financial advisors often offer free consultations to help you get your bearings and figure out the next steps.

Insurance as an Investment safetyInvestments can be risky but take the safe route by protecting your assets with insurance. Brown Insurance Agency in West Orange offers home, health, auto, commercial, and RV insurance with a wide range of policies for individuals and their businesses. Wherever you get your insurance, make the safe choice to protect your investments.

If you’re lost on how to handle your finances do not feel alone! There are resources in your area to help, and a variety of online classes available that you can access from your living room. NJ FinLit is a free financial literacy tool created by the NJ Department of the Treasury. Plan for retirement, take courses and assess how you spend your money.

5. ADVISE WITH A PROFESSIONAL

6. GO TO A CLASS

4. INSURANCE AS AN INVESTMENT SAFETY

5

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Arden Courts Memory Care Community caters to

needs of individuals with memory loss. Our community features friendly common spaces, respite programs to caregivers, an inviting kitchen and family rooms and walking paths within enclosed courtyards, all designed for the safety and comfort of our residents.

Faubourg

AN INSPIRED MEAL

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELINA SILVESTER

Looking for an afternoon or evening escape? Your first and only stop should be Faubourg, located in Montclair, only a few minutes away from West Orange. With a modest and unassuming outdoor sign and only a logo on the window to identify it by, once you open its doors, you are swept away into a bigger-on-the-inside, French-inspired paradise.

Dominique Paulin discovered this unique space in 2019 when it was being used as a theater. Together with his friend Olivier Muller, they transformed it into the restaurant seen today. Faubourg may have a menu inspired by France, but the owners of this space have made it a goal to bring the energy and charm of the Big Apple to Montclair. Not only does it provide you with a similar sense of ambiance, but it’s at a lower price, while retaining the elevated New York experience many people travel long hours for. Clearly, they have built a name for themselves, as there is both a second location planned in Weehawken, as well as a third in the works!

The restaurant relies largely on word of mouth and people’s experiences, opting for less advertisements. While this is a nontraditional method, once you step into the world they have created, you will surely see why they are so highly praised.

The restaurant opens onto the patio, which is an enclosed outdoor space. There is a glass ceiling covering the area, and Edison bulbs are strung around the area, giving it a classic feel. There are lots of plants that border the area, as well as a few miniature trees. The patio truly feels like a small and warmly-lit greenhouse-- including the fact that it was comfortably warm, even in February weather.

As for outdoor seating, there is a gently sloping set of stairs that goes up the side of the space. After every one or two steps, there is a patio, making for three ‘levels’ total. Each has varying degrees of privacy, which allows for a more personalized dining experience. All of these patio spaces have tables and chairs set up, as well as umbrellas.

The patio area also has an outdoor bar, which extends to the inside of the restaurant. It featured a display of glass bottles and brightly colored cocktails, as well as making one of the best cups of coffee I have had. Tables have umbrellas that can be opened, and the stone and concrete walls and floor give the space a sleek and minimalist look. Perhaps the showstopper of the outdoor space was the small fountain and pool below it. This stone centerpiece featured a small bust statue, as well as many colorful plants, something that the restaurant continues in their indoor dining areas as well.

The transition from outdoor to indoor dining is seamless and stunning. Patrons are plunged into a spacious, well-lit room, where natural light flooded in from windows that had a view of the intricate brickwork of the downtown. A row of large, amber-colored globe lights hanging from the ceiling emphasizes their height. In addition to the main light source, there are also small lights set into the bottom and sides of the bar. From the bar, there is a great view of the entire main dining space, as well as the staircase to their lounge.

I tried their baba ganoush (an eggplant dip similar in texture to hummus) with their lavash (a seasoned, cracker-like flatbread). The staff also gave me a side salad, which was presented gorgeously in a small bowl over ice. There was fresh avocado, tomato, and several kinds of carrot, as well as green beans and soybeans. Everything was crisp and fresh, and was delicious both with the flatbread and dipped in the

“There is a glass ceiling covering the area, and Edison bulbs are strung around the area, giving it a classic feel.”

“Faubourg may have a menu inspired by France, but the owners of this space have made it a goal to bring the energy and charm of the Big Apple to Montclair... while still retaining the elevated New York experience many travel long hours for.”

eggplant. On just that alone, I was as full and energized as if I had eaten a full lunch portion. Here, you can be sure that you are getting high quality food that will keep you satisfied, even if you only order an appetizer.

What really stands out at Faubourg is the attention to detail. The space is immaculately clean, with every surface that could possibly shine having been polished. There is a real sense of care that is evident in each interaction between customer and staff, something their website emphasizes: “Friendly service and hospitality are of the utmost importance.” Faubourg’s founders place an emphasis on community, and I can easily say that was achieved. The ambiance, presentation, and service helped enhance the atmosphere of the restaurant, making the culinary experience that much more memorable.

YOU ONLY GET ONE RETIREMENT

Retirement marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and sound financial choices. It's often envisioned as a period of relaxation, exploration and deep connection with family and friends. However, this dream doesn't just manifest. It necessitates forward-thinking and detailed planning, regardless of one's financial status. Amid global economic changes, evolving life expectancies and intricate tax systems, an all-encompassing and strategic retirement plan is more crucial than ever.

A key element of effective retirement planning is diversifying your income sources. While staples like 401(k)s or IRAs are foundational, it's equally important to branch out. Dividend-bearing stocks can provide regular dividends, bonds offer both periodic interest and principal return and real estate, whether directly or indirectly owned, has potential for both rental income and value growth. Private investments can also yield passive income and impressive returns.

Tax considerations significantly influence retirement strategies. Each financial action, from asset sales to account withdrawals, can carry tax consequences. Knowing these details can greatly influence one's overall retirement income. Tactics such as Roth IRA conversions can help distribute tax liabilities over time, allowing for tax-free withdrawals later on. Using strategies like tax-loss harvesting can balance out capital gains, ensuring proactive steps to reduce tax impact.

SOURCES OF INCOME DURING RETIREMENT

Annuities have long been recognized as a popular retirement income source. An annuity is essentially a financial contract that can offer a steady and predictable income, with options that might even extend to lifetime payouts. Available in varieties like fixed, variable and indexed, they often come with tax advantages. However, retirees should also be aware of certain drawbacks. These might include fees and expenses, issues around liquidity, and potential concerns related to inflation.

Delving into the world of Alternative Investments, retirees can consider assets such as hedge funds, private equity and real assets, among others. These investments may promise higher returns and provide diversification away from traditional stocks and bonds. However, the complexities of these investments mean they often come with challenges like illiquidity, higher fees and the need for a thorough understanding of the investment itself.

Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), while not familiar to everyone, can be a potential retirement income source. Historically rooted, DSTs offer a form of passive real estate investment, which can lead to regular distributions. They also open doors to 1031 exchange possibilities, offering tax deferral benefits. But, just like any other investment, DSTs have their limitations, notably the lack of liquidity and the heavy reliance on trust management.

“USING STRATEGIES LIKE TAX-LOSS HARVESTING CAN BALANCE OUT CAPITAL GAINS, ENSURING PROACTIVE STEPS TO REDUCE TAX IMPACT.”

Retirement

Introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) were designed to spur economic development. Investing in these zones can lead to deferral, reduction and even the potential elimination of certain capital gains taxes. However, they often require a long-term investment horizon, and retirees must be well-versed with the specifics of the chosen opportunity zone.

Rental Income remains a favorite for many looking for consistent returns. Whether through direct property ownership or Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), real estate can offer passive income, tax benefits and appreciation. Yet, the responsibilities tied to property management, the uncertainties of market fluctuations and other associated costs must not be ignored.

The backbone of many retirement plans, Social Security Income, provides a safety net for millions. Established with the intent of financial assistance, the amount one receives depends on various factors. There are also strategies retirees can employ to maximize these benefits, such as deciding on the optimal time to claim or considering the implications of working while receiving benefits.

ESTATE PLANNING AND PHILANTHROPY

Beyond the immediate realm of retirement, estate planning emerges. This encompasses not just post-retirement arrangements but also asset distribution for future generations or charitable endeavors. Regularly reviewing wills, trusts and beneficiary designations ensures alignment with changing circumstances.

Philanthropy seamlessly integrates with retirement plans. Beyond fulfilling a personal mission to give back, it also carries financial benefits. Using instruments like donor-advised funds or charitable trusts lets individuals make impactful societal contributions while enjoying tax advantages.

You only get one retirement. In the ever-evolving world of finance, staying updated and flexible is essential to ensure the continued relevance and efficiency of one's retirement strategy.

PHILANTHROPY SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATES WITH RETIREMENT PLANS. BEYOND FULFILLING A PERSONAL MISSION TO GIVE BACK, IT ALSO CARRIES FINANCIAL BENEFITS.

Disclosures

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals of Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals of Csenge Advisory Group, LLC. MAS, Csenge Advisory Group, LLC and Impact Wealth, LLC are not affiliated entities.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. Every retirement journey is distinct, and each vision merits expert guidance. Impact Wealth is based in Boulder Colorado. You can contact them at Impact@ImpactWealth.com.

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 1ST

Rock Spring Shootout

90 Rock Spring Road West Orange, NJ 07052 | 10:00 AM

All golfers are welcome to flex their skills at Rock Spring Shootout for the chance to win prizes or cash. Tickets went on sale March 8th.

APRIL 13TH

Spring SOMO Timed Trail Race

Bear Ln, Maplewood, NJ 07040 | 8:30 AM

There's no better way to spend a Saturday than in nature. The Spring SOMO Timed Trail Race will take runners on a full clockwise loop, 1.88 miles, around the trail. Great for marathon training, a good workout, or just for fun!

APRIL 18TH

Spring into Music Gala & Auction

Pleasantdale Chateau, 12 Coggins Ln, West Orange, NJ | 5:00 PM

Enjoy a sophisticated evening of dinner and a show at the New Jersey Symphony Spring into Music and Gala Auction. Be immersed in the Bridgerton-inspired performance, and treat yourself to a night of entertainment, enrichment and, of course, good food!

APRIL 19TH

A Day of Dementia Education

JCC Metrowest 760 Northfield Road, West Orange | 10:00 AM

Arden Courts presents a Day of Dementia Education: "Power of the Brain- A day of Learnings, Tips, Awareness of Dementia & Alzheimer's."

APRIL 21ST

Walk MS

Clipper Pavilion, Orange Reservoir, Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ | 9:00 AM

Walk MS: West Orange invites those living with MS, their loved ones, and anyone involved in the MS community to register to walk and join the movement!

APRIL 24TH

Tech Talk

West Orange Public Library, 10 Rooney Circle West Orange | 2:00 PM

The weekly Tech Talk for all your basic tech questions. Get help with your phone, tablet, or computer, and get answers about Google Suite, Microsoft Office and even your resume!

Want to be featured?

ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin.

To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

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