The new magazine from New Jersey Jewish News
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Featuring HOME & GARDEN FASHION PARTY PLANNING FOOD TRAVEL and more!
SPRING 2016
Somerset, New Jersey • WilfCampus.org (732) 568-1155 • info@wilfcampus.org www.facebook.com/wilfcampus or visit Wilf Campus on Facebook.
Your Jewish Senior Community of Choice Stein ASSiSted Living ReSidence Jewish traditions, Culture, and Kosher Fine Dining. Beautiful spacious apartments and gardens; Daily Support to match personal needs; activities, housekeeping, and transportation; Nurses on premises 24/7; n Jaffa Gate Memory Care Neighborhood For more information (732) 568-1155 or info@wilfcampus.org Stein HoSpice Jewish Hospice Care – Accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice Excellent Nurse to Patient Ratio; Home Health Aide Support for Family; Complementary Chicken Soup, Yoga, Harp bedside music and Massage Therapies For more information 732-227-1212 or Hospice@wilfcampus.org WiLentz SenioR ReSidence For seniors with limited income over the age of 62 HUD subsidized spacious senior apartments; Glatt Kosher meal service available served in our main dining room; Social Worker and Activities Coordinator on staff. For more information (732) 873-3888 or Seniorhousing@wilfcampus.org
WiLf At Home An innovative membership program that helps mature adults stay at home and remain safe and independent, featuring a Concierge who will connect you to the services you need. Services includes: free home safety assessment, medicine review, home care, home repair and modifications, grocery shopping, transportation assistance, prescription drug delivery, a list of prescreened vendors and more. For more information (732) 649-3509 or athome@wilfcampus.org WiLf tRAnSpoRt Our community program that will provide assisted door-todoor transportation for senior adults. For more information or to join the mailing list email us at transport@ wilfcampus.org For more information (732) 568-1155 or transport@wilfcampus.org tHe foundAtion At tHe WiLf cAmpuS Through fundraising efforts and support of our contributors, The Foundation provides funding to support valuable senior living programs and services that benefit the Wilf Campus and seniors throughout our community. Tribute Card and Matching Gift Program available. For more information (732) 873-5948 or
Foundation@wilfcampus.org
viSit uS in monRoe toWnSHip, HigHLAnd pARk And eASt BRunSWick Join our educational programs on a variety of topics including brain games, veterans benefits, Driver Safety, Stress Management, Home Safety and much more. Call (732) 649-3509 or email info@wilfcampus.org.
Tile your world! Let our friendly, knowledgeable design staff Jadwiga and Karen help design your space.
Now offering kitchen cabinets, vanities and shower doors designed and delivered for all budgets. We are a direct importer and retailer of a huge variety: ❖ porcelain tile ❖ natural stone ❖ ceramic tile ❖ glass ❖ full line of setting products and tools Come visit one of our 2 showrooms in NJ and PA. We have a large in stock inventory and offer job site delivery. 361 Rt. 22 East ❖ Greenbrook, NJ 08812 Tel: 732-356-3610 ❖ Fax: 732-356-3611 Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 9AM-5PM Tue. & Thurs.: 9AM-7PM Sat.: 10AM-5PM Sun.: 10AM-4PM (Green Brook Only) Our Green Brook store is now open at 8 am Monday - Friday for contractors. Life&Style Spring 2016 1
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Volume i | No. 1 | Spring 2016 A supplement of New Jersey Jewish News
Rick Kestenbaum COO/General Manager Patricia R. Rogers Publication Operations Director Kristin Antrosiglio Pena, Production Editor
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Michelle Petrillo, Sr. Graphic Designer
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njjewishnews.com Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ SPRiNG 2016
Rick Kestenbaum COO/General Manager Abby Meth Kanter Executive Editor
Patricia R. Rogers Publication Operations Director
n EDITORIAL Kristin Antrosiglio Pena, Production Editor Ron Kaplan, Features Editor Lori Silberman Brauner, Copy Editor Johanna Ginsberg, Robert Wiener, Staff Writers Debra Rubin, Bureau Chief/Middlesex Michele Alperin, Alan Richman, Contributing Writers n ART Steven G. Finnan, Sr. Graphic Designer/Systems Manager Michelle Petrillo, Sr. Graphic Designer n PRODUCTION Kristin V. Byrne, Production Manager n BUSINESS Nancy Karpf, Lauren Schraeder, Charna West, Sr. Account Executives Lauri S. Geers, Classified Supervisor Hortense Jatlow, Martta Kelly, Steve Weisman, Account Executives Nancy Greenblatt, Manager Sales Administration & Circulation Satish Kishnani, Accounting Manager Nancy Absalon, Credit Manager Stephen W. Rothfeld, Mail Clerk
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Design tips for a chef-centered kitchen
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Make your bathroom a retreat for holistic living
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Golden rules of planning a destination wedding
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Jeans to black tie
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In defense of the big fat b’nei mitzva party
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The medieval Jewish wedding ring tradition you probably never knew about
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Gisele’s to hold Zelda trunk show
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Are you an overwhelmed caregiver?
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Superb bands, DJs, Shabbat acappella
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Tap into the Nordic design trend Professional cleaning services
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Simple tips to travel like an expert
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These 2016 kitchen design trends are on track to become timeless
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Life&Style Spring 2016 3
DESIGN TIPS for a chef-centered kitchen
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any homeowners with a passion for cooking desire a kitchen that mirrors those of renowned chefs. To achieve this, various design elements and simple upgrades can be incorporated to create the ideal kitchen that combines ultimate functionality with sophisticated style. 4 LIFE&Style Spring 2016
Faucet makeover Culinary enthusiasts spend a lot of time at the sink. A faucet that simplifies tasks is a necessity and the Brizo Solna Articulating Kitchen Faucet is a culinary-driven innovation offering flexibility and control in the kitchen. With crisp, contemporary lines, the articulating arm can be adjusted to position the two-function spray wand at various heights and angles — extend the arm up or outward to fill large pots or lower into the sink to reduce splash
during clean-up. Beyond function, its Scandinavian inspiration brings a streamlined architecture to any kitchen.
Storage space Just as great recipes call for top-quality ingredients, great kitchens need excellent tools. Maximizing storage is key for those with an impressive collection of kitchen tools and culinary essentials. Avoid overwhelming renovations and make the most of storage options by thinking “outside the cabinet� to fully accommodate needs. For a crisp, modernized look, arrange pots and pans in a line on the wall with a linear rack. Take organization a step further by incorporating a magnet bar for sharp utensils, ensuring tools are close at hand without getting in the way. Store culinary tools and flatware in expandable drawer dividers to ensure all cabinet space is utilized and the counter remains clutter-free.
Inside garden Bring the outside in with a miniature herb garden for fresh flavor enhancements when you need them. Spaces in front of a kitchen window with natural light are ideal for an indoor garden. Various herbs in three- or four-inch pots can be grouped together in trays to keep humidity high. For an extra splash of color, add edible flowering plants to the garden, such as lavender, lemongrass, and violet. These homegrown herbs can be used as garnishes, to layer flavor into a dish, or even in cocktails for at-home entertaining.
every facet of meal preparation to aid in overall organization and evoke the look and feel of a five-star kitchen in your home. In most top-rated kitchens, food preparation is commonly performed between the sink and refrigerator to ensure all needs are met for retrieving, rinsing, and chopping. Added elements like a deep sink and wide counter space make these tasks efficient and restaurant quality. Transforming the kitchen into a chef-centered space is simple Designated task stations with clean, purposeful upgrades. For information on the Solna Commercial restaurants work well with cooking stations for Articulating Faucet or other Brizo products, visit brizo.com. — BPT seamless preparation and execution. Designate specific areas for
Life&Style Spring 2016 5
My Name is Asher Lev
Make your
bathroom a retreat for
by Aaron Posner adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok directed by Jim Jack April 12 – May 1, 2016 Sponsored by: The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Zygmunt & Audrey Wilf Foundation and TD Bank.
ORDER: 732-246-7717 www.GSPonline.org GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE
9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick David Saint, Artistic Director Michael Mastro, Resident Artistic Director Kelly Ryman, Managing Director This Program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Departments of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
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holistic living
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n holistic living, all things are interconnected, which means home design has a big influence on health and wellness. One room where every household member can benefit from the art of holistic living is the bathroom. With some strategic upgrades to the decor, fixtures, and appliances, it’s easy to transform a bland space into a grand oasis of relaxation within the home. The power of color
Studies show certain colors can enhance energy and mood, while others are known for their calming qualities. For example, people go to a spa for rest and relaxation, and you’ll notice many are colored in blues, browns, greens, or deep reds. You won’t traditionally find bright colors, which would be too energetic for a place of respite. So for your
bathroom remodel, select colors that soothe to begin your healthy home transformation.
Comfort you can feel In the bathroom, quality towels, bath rugs, and flooring are must-have components of a well-rounded holistic space. You’ll know you are giving yourself and your family the best when you upgrade these items to high-quality organic or natural fabrics and materials. Some in-demand upgrades to make your bathroom an upscale indulgence include heated flooring and towel warmers so you never need to experience a chill after a deep soak.
Relaxation you want to experience Take “me time” to a whole new level when you install the DTV+ advanced showering system developed by Kohler. It has pre-programmed spa experiences that target well-being, relaxation, and energy developed by Kohler’s Waters Spa, so you know you’re getting a true spa experience right at home. The DTV+ has a touch screen interface allowing you to control and customize every feature. Plus, this shower is so digitally advanced, it can control two different water temperatures simultaneously, allowing you to treat a sore muscle with cold water while keeping the rest of you warm with another valve of hot water.
music. Pre-program your sound system with classical, Eastern, meditation, or nature-style music to help you escape the grind. As you’re planning your bathroom redesign, install speakers to create a surround-sound experience, especially in the shower area. Set it up for wireless control, in case you decide you need to change what’s playing in the middle of your shower. The DTV+ is intuitive and consistent with today’s digital devices, Soothing qualities you can hear allowing you to interface with up to three devices, funneling — BPT Complete the holistic bathroom experience by adding relaxing your music through your shower.
Elaris •
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Elliot Lauren •
Jeans to black tie
J’envie
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Alberto Makali • Ball of Cotton • Baratelli
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Belford • Comfy • Eileen Fisher Life&Style Spring 2016 7
Golden rules of planning a destination wedding
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oft sand warms the soles of your feet and the smell of sweet flowers fill the air. The salty mist of the ocean kisses your cheeks while the laughter of friends and family brings joy to the heart. This isn’t just an amazing vacation for your loved ones, it’s your wedding day. Images like this are inspiring more brides than ever before to forego traditional weddings made popular by their parents’ generation in exchange for dreamy, relaxing destination celebrations. It’s the ultimate way to customize a wedding and often it’s more affordable than going the traditional route. “Once intimate affairs, destination weddings are no longer just for small groups,” said Cheryl Cox of Grand Strand Bridal Association. “The most intriguing and prominent wedding trend of 2016 is couples expanding the guest list for their destination weddings to include people beyond immediate family.” The reason this trend is growing so rapidly is that it provides guests more than just the opportunity to see a loved one tie the knot. It really gives them a mini-vacation that they’ll never forget. However, brides and grooms who want to embrace this growing trend have a few unique considerations. To ensure everyone has a great time, follow the five golden rules of planning a destination wedding:
Select an accessible location You’ll get more RSVPs if you select a destination that is easy and affordable for everyone to access. Consider air travel and drive times from guests’ locations. Myrtle Beach, SC, is a great example that is a four- to eight-hour drive from many Midwest cities, plus has an international airport. Furthermore, a domestic locale like this means guests don’t have to worry about passports and complicated travel
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logistics out of the country. Learn more at 60 miles of pristine coastline, and lots of attractions for kids — means there’s somevisitmyrtlebeach.com. thing for everyone.
Look for lodging options
Getting a block of hotel rooms is a common practice, but go a step further to provide guests with a variety of lodging options so they can pick what best suits their tastes and budget. Be sure to mention accommodation information on your wedding website and/or invitation.
Opt for a city with variety Some people adore spending days on the beach or hours golfing while others crave visits to landmarks and amusement parks. Consider what a location has to offer beyond the ceremony. You’re giving guests a reason to splurge on a mini-vacation so a place like Myrtle Beach — with more than 100 golf courses, plentiful shopping,
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Be involved but don’t micromanage Provide guests with important information about the location, such as popular attractions, transportation specifics, and amenity details. It is custom for the couple to pay for one or more events in addition to the wedding celebration, so let guests know what you’ve planned.
Make gifts optional Guests spend more money to attend a destination wedding than a hometown affair. Be a gracious host and make gifts optional. By allowing their presence to be your wedding gift you’re showing good etiquette and understanding. — BPT
Jeans to black tie
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EANS TO BLACK TIE” is what you will find in Chari Amster’s amazing assortment of wearable and relevant clothing for the modern woman. Our bright and airy Livingston boutique serves as the perfect backdrop for our ever-changing collections. “I search the market near and far to provide my clientele with beautiful clothing they will not find all over,” says owner Chari Amster-Roth. For over 50 years, Amster women have provided an incredible array of innovative designs that keep multiple generations of satisfied families coming back every season. Come and experience the legendary customer service at Chari Amster. Call 973-992-4583 or visit chariamster.com.
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Photo courtesy Shutterstock
In defense of the
big fat b’nei mitzva
party Beth Ain Kveller via JTA
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took my first baby steps into bat mitzva planning this week, and I had a lot of feelings — but mostly a twinge of nostalgia. Somehow a girl who was once a toddler with a furrowed brow, a desperate love of Little Bear, and a staying asleep problem is going to lead an entire weekend of Shabbat services and, later, an entire evening of hors d’oeuvres and hora dancing. Did I mention I am — ahem — planning for a weekend that is a year and a half in the future? I know. I’ve got time. This is all insane. What I do not have, and which I very much expected to have, are mixed feelings about throwing a big party to celebrate the occasion. A quick Google search about b’nei mitzva planning reveals comment sections so fierce (and defensive and judgmental) I thought for a moment I had accidentally time traveled back to 2005, when Urban Baby posts and the anonymous moms whose persistent debates about nursing versus formula haunted my every thought. Me, waiting in line to check out at Duane Reade with armfuls of formula and lots to say about it, having imaginary conversations with opinionated women I hoped never to meet. A memory for another time.
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This is something else, though. This is not formula or breast milk, work-at-home or stay-at-home. This is about a simcha — a celebration. And you know what? We just don’t get that many of those. Lately, I’ve heard a lot of bad news. Lately, very young mothers are getting breast cancer diagnoses. Lately, I lost an uncle far too soon. Lately, a wonderful 40-something husband and father in my town dropped dead — smack in the middle of his life. So lately, I’ve been thinking we should gather together more often, in large groups, and hoist people up on chairs just so we can make our faces hurt with smiles and feel the pinches of our aunts and our uncles. Lately I’ve also been missing childhood and the things about it that stand out for me. One of those things is my own bat mitzva party, the video footage (on VHS) of which I refuse to watch for fear it will ruin the hazy montage that lives in my memory as a raucous mix of sock-sliding Coke and Pepsi games mixed with twinkling lights and appropriate amounts of tween and family drama. I suppose for 1980s semi-rural Pennsylvania, having a Saturday night affair was maybe a little bit extravagant, my mom’s party planning prowess put to the test by the advent of tacky ’80s things — managing the balloons-inside-balloons trend with great sense and style. Earlier, we had put glitz
aside for earthiness by hand-making my invitations together at the kitchen table, coloring in little leaves with green felt-tip pens next to the words “Be a Blessing.” Such was my theme. I also remember riding my bike to the cantor’s house, his wife fumbling around in the kitchen while he and I went over and over Song of Songs and where he taught me not just the words and the tune but the meaning. To me, this man and his thick Yiddish accent actually embodied meaning and Torah and the history that no balloon-inside-balloon centerpieces could ever take that away — but OK, they might just add to it. Because I also remember having all of my relatives there for the service and later for the party, all of them — dancing and smiling and smelling like themselves — cologne and maybe hints of cigar on some, vodka and red lipstick on others. So many of them are gone. My grandparents, my great-aunts and -uncles and now, even my own maternal uncle, who played his guitar on the bima after the Havdala service was over, and whose presence that day and later at my various graduations and my wedding was important and the memories lasting. We can debate what a party is worth, what it should cost, if you should take a trip to Israel instead, have a little kiddush luncheon and call it a day. It’s all good. It’s
all wonderful. There are so many ways to mark an important milestone — klezmer music and high heels is only one of them. What bothers me is when one’s values are called into question because you want the whole shebang. I’m guilty of it myself. It’s a wedding for a 13-year-old, people might say. Well, sure. The same way a wedding is for the bride and the groom, I suppose that’s true. But how can we say that the wedding isn’t also for the parents of the bride and the groom, the grandparents, the college friends and camp friends who only get to be all in one place so many times in life — and let’s be honest, as we get a little older, not all of those times are good times. Every other day in life is a series of piecing people together — a dinner date here, a birthday brunch there, a holiday card sent to the faraway people and places when you wish you could send for them instead.
‘There are so many ways
to mark an important milestone — klezmer
music and high heels is only one of them. What bothers me is when one’s values are called into question because you want the whole shebang.’ The truth is, I don’t know yet what kind of party I will throw for my daughter’s bat mitzva. I’m feeling it out. I only want it to be a moment where we live in the present and in memory at once — preserving the smell of people and the feel of them pinching your cheeks, and squeezing your hand and maybe drinking too much, opening up too much. (Perhaps your uncle will even hook up with your cousin on the other side of the family — I’m not saying that did happen, I’m just saying it could.) It’s OK to throw a party. It’s OK not to. Just let people have their simchas, however they want to have them. No comments. One last thing about my bat mitzva, though. Most of what you need to know about my mother is that she quoted both Robert F. Kennedy and Ferris Bueller on the bima that day, and the latter is the one that stays with me: Life moves pretty fast — if you don’t stop and look around once in a n while, you might miss it. Beth Ain is a children’s book author and creator of the “Starring Jules” chapter book series published by Scholastic. Visit bethain.com.
Kveller is a thriving community of women and parents who convene online to share, celebrate, and commiserate their experiences of raising kids through a Jewish lens. Visit Kveller.com.
Named Best Art Gallery in New Jersey for 2014 & 2015 by the prestigious American Art Awards
In addition to our extensive art and framing department which includes original oil paintings, we now carry handmade jewelry, silk scarves, art glass, judaica and greeting cards. Free gift wrapping and on site parking.
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Gisele’s Unique Shop Voted Best Mother of the Bride by New Jersey Bride 2013 2014 2015 2016
53 Mountain Boulevard Warren
908-647-5250 www.giselesuniqueshop.us Tue-Fri Saturdays 10:30-5:30pm 10:30-5:00pm Silk Dress by Marisa Baratelli
Life&Style Spring 2016 11
aa Littl Little e French FrenchRomance... Romance...
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The medieval Jewish wedding ring tradition you probably never knew about Leah Falk Jewniverse via JTA
like the huppa, is thought to have symbolized a couple’s new home together. Because of their ornateness, these rings were ou may have recently learned that diamonds probably not used for every day (imagine getting are only a girl’s best friend because De Beers bread dough in your ring attic — yuck), but it’s not made it so. Sigh — how’s a girl to have a clear when exactly during the betrothal betrothal symbol with a little more meanperiod or ceremony they were worn. Due to European rulers’ nasty habits of collecting Jewish ritual A Jewish wedding ring that dates objects after they’d expelled Jews, to the early 14th century, found in only a few real examples of the Alsace, France, in 1863. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons ring survive. Can we get a house ring movement going, De Beers? Maybe it’s our ing? Look no further than a nearly forgotpost-recession practicality, but even on ten Jewish tradition: the house ring. our fingers, we’d rather have a tiny house than a big Originating in Europe and dating back to the 14th rock. century, about 400 years after rings began to be used in Jewish wedding ceremonies, the house ring is an Leah Falk earned an MFA from University of opulent object adorned with a miniature model of a Michigan; her poems can be found in FIELD, house or temple instead of a gemstone. The house, Kenyon Review, Smartish Pace, and other journals.
Y
Jewniverse is a daily e-mail list and blog featuring extraordinary, inspirational, forgotten, and just-plain-strange dispatches from Jewish culture, tradition, and history. Sign up at TheJewniverse.com.
R
Gisele’s to hold Zelda trunk show
ecently relocated to a bright, expanded space across from the Warren municipal complex, Gisele’s Unique Shop is now able to showcase its collection of formalwear and sportswear in a modern and convenient location boasting ample free parking. New Jersey Bride recently selected Gisele’s as a Business They Love in the category of Best Mother of the Bride. Gisele’s Unique Shop is truly a unique destination. Customers travel from near and far for the expert service they receive at this specialty shop. Since 1996, owner Pat O’Brien and her professional staff have dressed women for the special events in their lives. From weddings to galas to bar mitzvas, Gisele’s Unique Shop caters to women who hope to look their very best every day. Whether you are looking for that special gown for your son’s or daughter’s wedding, bar mitzva, or bat mitzva, Gisele’s is your
14 LIFE&Style Spring 2016
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destination place for total satisfaction. The professional and well-informed staff knows that it is not only about the dress, but also about the total experience. Once the dress is chosen, the accessories then play a major role in establishing a complete ensemble. We have just the right necklace, earrings, or bag to be sure that you are showcased on that special day. We also carry a fashionable and unique line of casual attire, cruise wear, and just the right dress for that luncheon, trip to NYC, or daytime meeting. Pat O’Brien has been buying unique fashions for the Gisele customer, providing them with an unparalleled personalized shopping experience. Call 908-6475250, visit giselesuniqueshop.us, or come by the new location, Gateway East, 53 Mountain Blvd., Warren, Tuesday-Friday, 10:305:30, or Saturday, 10:30-5.
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Are you an overwhelmed caregiver?
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he weight of the world is on every caregiver or adult child’s shoulders as their parents begin to age. David Rosenberg, executive director of Wilf at Home, a program that helps older adults age safely and securely in place, hears such concerns on a daily basis. “We often get calls from family members and caregivers where the parents are frail and starting to limit where they will drive, they are frequently forgetful, have trouble bathing themselves, or have difficulties with mobility. The family members are having a very hard time finding a competent resource to turn to for support,” he said. To further complicate this, the older adult wants to remain in their own home. The adult child really wants to promote this but the stress and burden of trying to provide the support for this choice is often overwhelming and stressful. Rosenberg pointed to statistics presented in The National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP Public Policy Institute’s recent report, “Caregiving in the U.S. 2015,” which notes that a large majority of caregivers provide care for a relative (85 percent), with 49 percent caring for a parent or parent-in-law. The report also reveals that: o Caregiving is particularly time-intensive for those caring for a spouse/ partner (44.6 hours per week) o 40 percent of caregivers surveyed report that the various caregiving activities they perform can lead to a high feeling of burden, while 58 percent of caregivers note moderate to high burden o 22 percent of caregivers felt their health had worsened as a result of caregiving o Caring for a close relative — such as a spouse or parent (45 percent and 44 percent, respectively) — is more emotionally stressful for caregivers than caring for another relative (35 percent) or non-relative (18 percent)
o Six in 10 caregivers report having to make a workplace accommodation as a result of caregiving, such as cutting back on their working hours, taking a leave of absence, receiving a warning about performance, or other such impacts Wilf at Home, a part of the Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living in Somerset, is available to help families navigate the stresses of helping an older adult as they face challenges and to help them age in place independently and safely, according to Rosenberg. “One of the most important features of Wilf at Home is the concierge level of service. The concierge is available to develop a personalized, one-on-one relationship with mature adults and their family. A Wilf at Home member or their adult child can call the concierge to discuss their concerns, answer questions, connect people to services, and conduct regular check-ins. It is as a resource for the entire family.” Another unique feature to the Wilf at Home program is a free annual home safety assessment by a Wilf Campus nurse to ensure that there are no fall hazards in the home and to monitor the older adult’s day-today lifestyle and activities and provide a comprehensive picture to help the family get a sense of the senior’s strengths and challenges. Caregivers can be assured that Wilf at Home did its homework by carefully reviewing the different providers it partners with to provide quality service at greater discounted rates than the standard senior citizen discount. Wilf at Home’s menu of services includes assistance with organizing paperwork and bill paying, grocery shopping and delivery, handyman services, and home modifications, as well as health, wellness, and socialization programs.
Continued on next page
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Superb bands, DJs, Shabbat acappella
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he Avi Maza Orchestra has been providing top quality entertainment for over 15 years, having performed at numerous weddings, bar and bat mitzvas, and Jewish community functions throughout the tri-state area and beyond. Whether you need a full wedding orchestra, small ensemble, DJ entertainment, or acappella singers, the Avi Maza Orchestra’s entertainers are sure to exceed your expectations. Their world class musicians and performers bring years of experience and unique talents to your occasion. The band performs a vast array of musical repertoires. Every conceivable style of American, Jewish, and international music is performed with the same exceptional quality. Dance to our lively horas played and sung in the most authentic fashion and party to the best mix of rock, swing, Motown, R&B, standards, and contemporary music. Aside from live music, the orchestra’s DJ division provides superb DJ entertainment offering the finest simcha music and today’s hits. Our dancers and motivators engage both kids and adults with dance music and games. We also offer exciting band/
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DJ combinations guaranteed to fill your dance floor throughout the party. The ever popular Avi Maza Shabbat Acappella offers an ideal way to transform a bar or bat mitzva Shabbat luncheon into a lively celebration. Your guests will enjoy the melodic blended sound of the group’s dynamic vocalists. We also lead your child and his or her friends in a wide array of popular line dances and games and stroll table to table, interacting with your guests as we perform their various requests. Whatever your entertainment needs, the Avi Maza Orchestra is sure to offer the ideal package specifically customized to ensure the success of your event. With years of experience we know how to run a great party. Every celebration is unique, and we put in the time and planning to make sure yours is everything you want it to be. Visit avimazaorchestra.com or call 1-888-AVI-MAZA (284-6292) to learn more about our group. You may also schedule a free consultation at our offices in Highland Park. We look forward to an exciting party.
A home health aide who can assist with daily tasks, a personal emergency response system, prescription drug delivery, and transportation advocacy are also made available, as well as a vetted vendors list. Quite often, Rosenberg witnesses the stressful and desperate concerns from caregivers who are eager to anticipate the next step when their loved one is becoming frail or having surgery or will be preparing to leave the hospital after learning that they need a specific level of care and support. “Recently, I received a call from a son whose parents are in their mid-90s and have been living alone,” he said. “It is easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to turn. But, we are proud that Wilf at Home can quickly mobilize to coordinate the necessary services to meet the needs of the caregiver and the older adult they are caring for.” “I think we’ve created a very unique program model,” said Susan Harris, Wilf Campus CEO. “We spent a tremendous amount of time asking older adults, professionals in the field, and family members what they wanted and needed with the end goal of the older adult being able to remain in the place they call home today.” Contact Wilf at Home at athome@wilfcampus.org or 732-6493509. The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living is comprised of Stein Assisted Living, Jaffa Gate Memory Care Neighborhood, Stein Hospice, Wilentz Senior Residence, Wilf Transport, Wilf At Home, and The Foundation at the Wilf Campus. For more information, contact 732-568-1155 or info@wilfcampus.org or visit wilfcampus.org.
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Residential Heavy Duty One-Time Detailed House Cleaning Compulsive Hoarding and Cluttering Syndrome Clean up and help Odor Removal & Bad Smell Deodorization
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Gerrus Maintenance, inc. The Raritan Center 95 Northfield Avenue Edison, NJ 08837 Phone: 732-225-0662 info@gerrus.com Life&Style Spring 2016 17
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Nordic design trend Expert Vacation Specialist Family Travel Value-Added Amenities Luxurious Accommodations Intriguing Destinations Custom-Designed Experiences Cruises Resorts Escorted Tours Private Jet & Yacht Services Corporate Travel
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inimalist Nordic design is taking over the home decor scene in 2016. Scandinavian-inspired design principles, featuring white, simple color schemes, and use of natural materials, provide attractive options for creating a balanced, beautiful home. The Nordic movement, which evokes the simple, minimalist homes of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland, is enjoying new popularity as Americans seek to balance work life with home life and create spaces where they can unplug, unwind, and relax. Nearly 77 percent of homeowners reported neutral tones — such as those embraced by Nordic design — make a room feel more tranquil, according to a recent Sherwin-Williams National Home Design and Color survey. Here are some tips to steer your space clear of clutter and embrace the minimalist beauty of Nordic decor: Start with a clean slate Selecting the right hue of white paint on your walls can create the foundation for Nordic design. Take a cue from colors inspired by natural, fine-textured stone. Turn on the light As in Nordic countries, the winter season’s long, dark months create a craving for daylight and its positive impact on mood. During these months, take advantage of the daylight by letting window light shine
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in through a sheer curtain. When the sun goes down, create the effects of daylight in your home decor. Incorporate shiny and reflective elements, like a large beautiful mirror hung on the wall, to reflect your interior lighting and give the illusion of a more spacious atmosphere. Embrace natural tones Nordic design is all about using natural, livewell tones to create environments where we can feel serene. To achieve this look and feel, use earthy, natural materials, such as Carrera marble, to bring an element of sophistication to a countertop in a kitchen or bath. Get sharp with geometrics Complex shapes, angles, and patterns in vibrant colors are also present in Nordic decor. Use a boxy picture frame or multilevel open shelving units to offer symmetry and provide a focal point in your space. In a home that celebrates simplicity, there’s always room for a bit of whimsy or a pop of color. Even small details can make a big statement: a zebra-striped pillow on a couch or bed or red-painted counter stools in a winter-white kitchen. For more help planning your painting projects, visit sherwin-williams.com. — BPT
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Professional cleaning services
errus Maintenance, Inc. has provided professional cleaning services since 1974. Among the many services Gerrus provides are residential, heavy-duty, one time detailed house cleaning; compulsive hoarding and cluttering syndrome clean up; odor removal and bad smell deodorization; senior squalor syndrome housecleaning and organization; removal of mold, mildew and other health hazard remediation; and allergen removal. Gerrus also has large, highly qualified janitorial, industrial, and commercial cleaning service divisions. Gerrus is environmentally responsible. Their cleaning chemicals are safe and biodegradable and their disinfectants and environmental encapsulants are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. All cleaning, sanitizing, deodorizing, remediation, encapsulation, and building maintenance procedures are conducted in accordance with OSHA guidelines and locally mandated recycling requirements. Upon request by a client, Gerrus will utilize only green-certified janitorial and sanitary supplies. Gerrus is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Building Service Contractors Association International, the Indoor Air Quality Association, the American Institute of Biological Sciences, the American Society for Microbiology, and the Mycological Society of America. They also hold remediation certificates from the American Council for Accredited Certification and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The company also won the Outstanding Business of the Year award in 2011 from the Edison Chamber of Commerce. Contact Gerry Cohen at 732-225-0662 or visit gerrus.com.
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ouldn’t you love to take an expert traveler with you on every trip? Someone who would know exactly what to do in every situation? Someone who could get you where you needed to be as quickly as possible? Well, you can’t always choose who your travel partners are, but you can make sure you’re aware of the latest travel tips and tricks. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, there’s a lot of opportunity for stress. Flying, staying in hotels, and navigating your destination can all be a hassle. Make jet-setting a little easier with this insider knowledge:
Complete a before-you-go checklist
A few days in advance, make a checklist of all the important to-do items you’ll need to accomplish before you embark on your travels. This list should include locating your passport and necessary documents, confirming reservations, calling your bank and credit card companies to let them know where you’ll be, and tending to your household needs. Your trip will be off to a seamless start when you ensure everything is taken care of from the get-go.
Always carry-on if you can
Take advantage of the ability to carry a smaller suitcase on the plane with you. Invest in a reliable, carry-on sized roller bag that will work no matter what kind of trip you’re taking. This not only drives you to pack efficiently, it also saves you the hassle of ever having to check a bag.
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Innovate on your transportation
When you finally arrive at your destination, the last thing you want to do is figure out how to get from A to B, especially at the airport. These days, smartphones make getting a ride more convenient than ever. The ridesharing app Lyft aims to eliminate traffic congestion and give people safe, easy, and affordable transit alternatives for getting around. “I’ve used Lyft during all my layovers for the past two years,” said Las Vegas flight attendant Cheryl Ross. “It’s great for airport travel as well as a safe solution to drinking and driving when you’re out at night. The drivers are people from the community and they often make the best tour guides.” Best of all, payment is done directly through the app, so no need to worry about carrying cash. If you’re a new user, you can redeem $20 off your first ride with the code FLYLYFT20.
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Speak up about special occasions
When staying in a hotel, make sure to mention if you’re celebrating a special occasion at the front desk. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon, the hotel might just upgrade your accommodations. Additionally, if you’re staying at a larger chain hotel it never hurts to join their free loyalty program. If they know you’re a member, you could receive extra perks like early check in and late check out.
Act like a local to stay safe
When you’re in an unfamiliar city, it’s always important to take extra safety precautions. However, one of the best ways to make sure you don’t become a target is to maintain a confident attitude. It’s often the times when people are unsure, lost, or stressed out when they run into trouble while traveling. Remain calm, cool, and collected and always walk like you know where you are, even if you don’t. Follow these tips and you’ll be telling stories from your adventurous travels instead of waiting in line and calling around to find your lost luggage. For more information and travel tips, visit lyft.com/airports. — BPT Life&Style Spring 2016 23
These 2016 kitchen design trends are on track to become timeless S
ome kitchen design trends fade as quickly as they come in — tile countertops, naked windows, or avocado-hued appliances may come to mind. Other trends, however, are so deeply rooted in good design that they’re destined to become timeless style statements — and enhance your kitchen with a look you’ll love as much in a decade as you do the first moment you see it. Those are the trends homeowners should watch for in 2016 and incorporate into their kitchen upgrade plans, said stylist and designer Emily Henderson, season five winner of HGTV’s Design Star. Given nearly nine in 10 homeowners plan to renovate their homes in the near future with half of them planning to do so within the next year, according to a survey by LG Electronics, being armed with the right information will help make those renovations a success. “Timeless design has an enduring aesthetic that seamlessly complements a range of infinite kitchen styles and colors,” Henderson said. “They create looks and enhance functionality in ways that will pay off for homeowners for years to come.” Henderson points to four design trends to watch in 2016:
Open it up
Areas that seem small or cramped have never been a staple in homes. Look for design enhancements that create a more open atmosphere, like open shelving or glass-front cabinets, which appear contemporary, sleek, and functional. Open storage encourages organization, cuts clutter, and eliminates chaos since the contents are always on display. They also provide a great way for homeowners to display their pretty dishware, Henderson notes.
Stainless steel revamp
Stainless steel appliances have long been the standard of elegance in modern kitchens. “It’s hard to imagine improving on such near-perfection, but LG Electronics’ new Black Stainless Steel Series of appliances have done just that,” Henderson said. The new finish from LG adds luster and warmth to the satin-smooth finish and durability of traditional stainless steel. The effect is warm and sophisticated, meshing perfectly with a range of kitchen design styles and colors. “It only helps that the finish is smudge-resistant, which is perfect for a mom like me who likes to keep things clean and pretty, especially with little ones around,” Henderson added.
Let your personality shine
Modern designs and the sheer number of home decor products make it easier than ever to personalize virtually any design theme. You can add a dash of your personality to your kitchen decor in many ways. Use decorative accents on counters and focus on underscoring a theme you love in the rest of the house, for instance. A lived-in look with touches of style adds life to the space. “I love vintage salt and pepper shakers, brass or wooden utensils, glass canisters, wooden bowls, enamel pots, and even vintage cookbooks,” Henderson said. “You can find so many ways to add personal flair to a design, and it’s a sensibility that will never go out of style.”
Contrast is good
Some combinations will always be on trend, and Henderson predicts more of them will be showing up in kitchen design in 2016. “Black and white, metallics like brass, gold, or copper paired with natural and wooden touches — these combos will never tire,” she said. “They can be used alone or in combination with other elements. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.” — BPT
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