West Orange, NJ May 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.

Wisdom in Words...Stay True!

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” – Serena Williams, professional American tennis player

“For one thing we know beyond all doubt: Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It can’t be done.’” — Eleanor Roosevelt

“I think the truth of the matter is, people who end up as ‘first’ don’t actually set out to be first. They set out to do something they love and it just so happens that they are the first to do it.” —Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller, author, activist, and lecturer

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball, American actress, comedian, and producer

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” –Amelia Earhart, aviation pioneer and author

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn, British actress and humanitarian

Say what you mean and mean what you say- Mom

Welcome to Our Ladies' Issue, Stay True

MONIQUE DOMINIQUE, PUBLISHER

@WESTORANGE.CITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Monique Dominique monique.dominique@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Sarah McKiernan sarah.mckiernan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sara Chwatt, Sarah McKiernan, Angelina Silvester

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gee Kobylarz, Arielle Newcombe

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

1: West Orange Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer held at Cambria Hotel. 3: NJ Home Girls hosted a Romper Romp at OKO restaurant.

(Images by NJ Home Girls) 7: Self defense class taught by No Limit Martial Arts, hosted by West Orange Women’s Club

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.

business monthly

West Orange Dog Park Grand Opening

Calling all dog lovers: on Sunday, May 5th, bring your pets for the West Orange Dog Park grand opening! There will be food trucks, a dog costume contest, dog portraits and more! Pre-registration is required on their website.

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8th Annual Love and Unity Fest

May 20th marks the 8th annual Love and Unity Fest! Showcasing music from around the world, comedians, dancers and everyone in between! Great for your family and friends, free to the public, and featuring food trucks, vendors, and more.

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Pampering Event by Onyx Direct Care

Onyx Direct Care is hosting a two day Pampering Event catered to moms Friday, May 10th, 10:00AM - 6:00 PM through Saturday, May 11th 9:00AM3:00PM. Each attendee will receive a 40 minute chair massage, a 40 minute ONYX Facial, and a special gift. Food and drinks are provided. Call 973-5200302 to book your appointment.

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In 2024, interior design is stepping into a realm of timeless elegance, blending modern functionality with classic aesthetics. The latest trends reflect a collective desire for spaces that evoke tranquility and a sense of sanctuary. Here’s a glimpse into the top trends shaping interior design this year.

ARTICLE BY SARA CHWATT, SBC INTERIORS.

Embracing Elegance

UNVEILING THE LATEST INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS OF 2024

1. Nature-Inspired Elements: Biophilic design continues to thrive, with an emphasis on integrating natural elements indoors. Additions like wood, stone, and greenery infuse the calming presence of nature.

2. Statement Lighting: Lighting is the jewelry for the home! Lighting becomes a focal point, oversized pendants to geometric chandeliers, lighting choices add character and drama to spaces.

3. Warmth of Earthy Tones: Earthy color palettes dominate, with warm neutrals like terracotta, ochre, and caramel taking center stage. These hues evoke a sense of comfort and grounding.

4. Curated Minimalism: Minimalism evolves with a focus on curated simplicity. Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and thoughtful curation of furnishings; quality over quantity remains the guiding principle.

5. Versatile Multifunctionality: As homes adapt to changing lifestyles, multifunctional furniture and adaptable layouts gain popularity. From modular sofas to convertible tables and storage solutions, versatility is key in maximizing space.

6. Artisanal Craftsmanship: Handcrafted pieces imbue spaces with authenticity and character. From handwoven textiles to artisanal ceramics, there's a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship this year.

In 2024, interior design celebrates the beauty of simplicity, the serenity of nature, and the art of craftsmanship, creating deeply meaningful spaces. Adding a personal touch with a special collection, a feature wall or shelf area is also always in style.

Our Mission for over 25 Years

To provide a home-like, safe and supportive settings that nurtures the individuality of those living with memory impairments and provides their families peace-ofmind. Through experience and research, our umbrella of programming has been carefully developed to maximize our resident’s capabilities and independence. In addition, we can provide respite care and offer a complimentary assessment in the privacy of your home, please call to schedule. Come see the difference a community like Arden Courts can have on your loved one.

arden-courts.org/WestOrange

973.736.3100

510 Prospect Ave, West Orange,

THE West Orange WOMEN’S CLUB

Looking for a service-focused, tight-knit community right in your backyard? The West Orange Women’s Club, or WOWC, is a non-profit, volunteer effort in affiliation with the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs that aims to serve the neighborhood.

Vicki Withington, the president of WOWC, was kind enough to share with us some of the latest projects the WOWC has engaged in. Recently, they partnered with the food pantry to provide meals for those in need, as well as working with the new non-profit Baby’s Closet to collect items and run a donation boutique. The WOWC’s work goes beyond the immediate area as well. The club has provided First Night Kits for the Livingston Women’s Shelter, which helps victims of domestic violence get back on their feet.

The WOWC emphasizes ensuring a future for women and girls, and they have worked with the Girls Career Institute in Rutgers to do so. Thanks to their support, high school seniors can visit campus and get a feel for the college experience before deciding for themselves. As Vicki says "Helping as locally as you can is how things get started and how change really happens."

“There are lots of opportunities in our town alone and in our community to volunteer. Why would you join a women’s club over that? Well... we have something for everyone. I think the idea of a service group, that is truly made up of people who are your neighbors... that really creates a sense of belonging.”

-Vicki Withington

ARTICLE BY LINA SILVESTER

The Women’s Club in your Backyard

ARTICLE BY SARAH MCKIERNAN

CONVERSATION WITH LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Takia Livingston

I had the privilege to sit down with three women and local business owners to discuss how they maintain a work/ life balance as mothers, support other women, and thrive in their respective fields. It was an enlightening experience that I am excited to share:

only thing was she would be kinder to herself. At this point, though she credits her work/life balance to the support of her husband and being a business owner: “I’m not at work 8-5 constantly, I can check in, I can stop by the customer's house when I want to, and then

“HONESTLY THE GIRLS WHO WORK FOR ME HAVE MADE IT SO EASY...”

First, I spoke with Takia Livingston: owner of Kitchen Tune-Up in Bloomfield. When I asked Takia about her journey as a business owner and her journey as a mother she made a point to say those two aspects for her are completely intertwined. About five years ago Takia learned about the kitchen redesign business through a franchise broker but found her love of kitchen design by renovating her own kitchen after buying a house. Kitchen Tune-Up provides a variety of services from a complete cabinet remodel, painting, floor removal, moving walls and plumbing, the works. Running a business and raising a 6 ½ year old and a 1 year old is no easy feat but Takia shared she would not give it up for the world. When I asked Takia if there was any advice she would give herself when she started this journey, she said the

I’m still afforded the opportunity to go pick up my kid at 3 o’clock.”

Josephine Salvatoriello is a full time business owner of Avenue Salon in West Orange and a full time Mom. When I asked her what sets her business apart from other salons she said “We are a very homey salon. When you walk in you’re not just a price tag to us. Like, everyone here is family. The customers are family, the people who work here are family… It’s a great feeling when you come in and you know everyone.” Josephine has 4 young daughters, all under the age of 8, and expressed it can be very difficult at times to maintain a healthy work/life balance but the secret is her employees: “Honestly the girls who work for me have made it so easy. I trust them with my life. It is easy to leave here and know that everyone is taken care of.” Josephine finished by

saying it's all about having a positive attitude. In her personal life, or in business, she leaves whatever could be bothering her at the door and puts a smile on her face. For her kids or her clients, a positive attitude is what keeps her going through anything that overwhelms her.

Dr. Christina Hector is trained as a family medicine and sports medicine doctor and owns a medical practice in West Orange called Onyx Direct Care. Dr. Christina has been making natural skin care products for about 10 years and recently relaunched her business to incorporate aesthetic services as well as the sports injuries and musculoskeletal issues she has been treating. She is also a mother of 3 children: a 9 year old daughter and two 7 year old twins. Her growing family was part of why she wanted to expand her services. “My work life balance was not where I wanted it to be. I felt I wasn’t having enough time with my family, and I wanted to change that.” She structured her relaunched business around her family's schedule: “If I step out of doing what I was traditionally

Dr. Christina Hector

Josephine Salvatoriello

“I’M NOT AT WORK 8-5 CONSTANTLY...”

doing before…I was able to set my own parameters of when I was available to work.” While Dr. Christina was explaining some of the services Onyx provides, she highlighted self care as an essential also. “The biggest thing I realized was the self care portion… I realized: ‘Okay, now I have the business, now the kids are all set. They're getting a little bit more mommy time but when does mommy get her time?” She urges others to have some time to themselves and remember they are just as much a priority as their work and kids.

Between tips, tricks, and valuable insight into their respective industries, these three remarkable women shed light on the value of taking care of yourself and others. They each exuded empathy and compassion as well as admirable expertise, attributes we can all take with us in pursuit of our own success.

Avenue Salon

The Power of Passion

ARTICLE BY LINA SILVESTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEE KOBYLARZ, 460 BISTRO

460 Bistro is a treat for all five senses. Brightly colored furniture in reds and orange draws the eye as soon as you step in, and a show stopping chandelier completes the visual experience. A Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant, this hidden gem strives to show their culture through every aspect of the dining experience, giving the customer as many avenues as possible to explore it for themselves.

This intention really shines through in the menu. The 460 Dip Platter allows you to choose from either three or 6 dips for varying price, and is served with warm pita bread, carrots and a crisp fried cracker. This allows you to have some customization over your plate, and lets you get a taste of various flavors to discover your favorites. The whole menu is eclectic and versatile, be sure to check out the they were kind enough to share!

460 Bistro also features a full bar, with mixologists crafting both the classics and new inventions. For example, 460 Bistro offers a Mediterranean Mule, a twist on the Moscow Mule, which is fizzy, smooth, and sweet without being overpowering.

A big part of Turkish culture is hospitality, something the owner himself emphasizes in his work on the restaurant. There, you can “...knock on anybody’s door, and they come in and they welcome you.” 460 Bistro lives up to this standard, with the waitstaff providing attentive, kind service.

What stands out the most about 460 Bistro is not just the food, the drinks, or the service, but the true amount of care behind it. When speaking to owner Ersin Iscan, we learned that this is a passion project of his-- while no longer working there full-time, he has brought this place to life with the help of his chef and business partner Mahmut Bakir.

When we asked Ersin about his motivations he credited his wife, saying she has always been his supporter and backs him up in his work, and his daughter. Passion and dedication are integral for success, and having that extra support is a huge boost. “You do your best,” he says, speaking to those who want to follow in his footsteps and build their own restaurant. “You have to love it. [If] you do not like it, you cannot do this business.”

CONTINUED >

Ingredients:

SULTANS DELIGHT

• 2 pounds lamb shank or shoulder - – cut into 1 inch cubes

• 2 onions - – finely diced (I use one large sweet onion)

• 2 tomatoes - – finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves - – finely diced

• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 Tablespoons butter

• 1 1/2 cups water

• Salt and pepper

• Parsley - – for garnish

Ingredients For the Eggplant Puree:

• 2 large eggplants  – skins and stems left on

• juice of 1 lemon

• 1/4 cup butter

• 1/4 cup flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup cotija – parmesan, or other hard cheese, grated (use Turkish kashkeval if you can find it)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Liberally salt the lamb, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to two days. The salt will not only flavor the meat, but it will also help tenderize it.

2. In a heavy Dutch oven or cast iron pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Working in batches, brown the lamb well and set aside. Discard oil.

3. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and onions. Cook onions for a few minutes until they start to caramelize.

4. Add tomatoes and tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring often.

5. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

6. Return meat to pot and add about 1 1/2 cups of water.

7. Throw in some freshly ground black pepper and a little more salt. If you didn’t salt the meat before cooking, add more than a little salt.

8. Cover pot, reduce heat to low and simmer for about an hour, or until lamb is tender and the liquid has reduced and thickened. If needed, add more water as the lamb cooks.

9. While the lamb cooks, make the eggplant puree.

10. Prick the eggplants a few times with a fork. If you have a grill, place eggplants over a flame and let the skins char, or you can broil them. You want to char the skins and then bake or grill them until they are cooked throughout and soft.

11. Let the eggplants cool, then peel them and put the flesh in a mixing bowl.

12. Add the lemon juice and mix with an immersion blender, or standard blender, until smooth

13. Heat a large pan or medium pot over medium heat and add the butter.

14. When melted, add the flour. Whisk for a minute or two, then slowly add the milk, stirring constantly.

15. When the sauce has thickened, add the eggplant puree and stir until combined.

16. Add the cheese to the puree and stir until incorporated.

17. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.

18. If needed, thicken the lamb stew by cooking, uncovered, until liquid has reduced.

To serve, spread the eggplant puree on a plate and top with the stew. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Sultans Delight

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. This easy-to-follow recipe is exploding with flavor and is simple to make.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

MAY 2ND

Seton Hall University Annual Spring Concert

SOPAC, 1 SOPAC Way South Orange, NJ | 7:30 PM

"A Celebration of Spring" presented by The Seton Hall University Chorus, Chamber Choir and Orchestra is a must see!

MAY 4TH

2024 MSDA Meghan Doyle '05K at Mount St. Dominic Academy

Mount St. Dominic Academy, 3 Ryerson Ave, Caldwell, NJ | 9:00 AM

In honor of Meghan Doyle's memory, the '05K at Mount St. Dominic Academy is back for its 10th year running! All proceeds go towards the financial aid program at St. Dominic.

MAY 5TH

Walk to Fight Alzheimer's

South Mountain Reservation, Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ | 9:00 AM

Hosted by Alzheimer's New Jersey, Walk to Fight Alzheimer's raises funds for essential research, support groups and programs for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

MAY 6TH

Open Mic Mondays

The Fox & Falcon by David Burke, 19 Valley Street South Orange, NJ | 7:00 PM

Check out the first Open Mic Monday of May at The Fox & Falcon by David Burke. Bring your poems, short stories, song lyrics, or tight 10 to share with your neighbors!

MAY 12TH

Family Nature Club: Birding 101

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

Experience the first Family Nature Club session of May. Interact directly with nature, ask questions, go exploring, and learn about conservation. And, of course, don't forget your camera!

MAY 27TH

Memorial Day Parade

Livingston Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue Livingston, NJ | 9:30 AM

The meeting place is set for Memorial Oval by Town Hall for the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony. After which the Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10:00 AM!

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