1
2
3 Featured left Wrapped Up 1. Holiday Flower Tree 2. Very Merry Holiday Treats Basket 3. Peace on Earth Holiday Center Piece
Enjoy sensational savings thoughout the Holiday Season
15
%off
Any in-store purchase of $ 39.99* or more! And receive a FREE ROSE
Offer Valid: 12/1/11 - 1/10/12. *Prices and discounts are exclusive of applicable service and shipping charges and taxes. Items may vary and are subject to availability, delivery times and rules. Items available at 1-800-FLOWERS | THE FLOWER GALLERY retail stores. Offers cannot be combined, are not available on all products and are subject to restrictions, limitations and blackout periods. Prices and charges are subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited.
CONTENTS
BLU WELCOME
1-800-Flowers | The Flower Gallery................................................IFC
Bits and Pieces................................... 2
Big Things are Happening!
Michelino’s Brick Oven & Bar......... 3
OK, so the new Blu Print Quarterly website will be up and running January 1st, and along with that will be online advertising opportunities as well as multiple languages. I’m also going to freshen up the design of Blu Print. The marketing side of Blu Print, Blu Hand Design Studio, is growing at a fast pace and we’ll soon be housed in “official office space” (not in my basement), along with adding a few new staff members. Announcements to follow...
Rahway Arts District.....................4-5 Dr’s Choice........................................... 6
Who’s Blu?........................................... 6 Service Professionals........................ 7
Delicious Inspiration........................ 8
Getting Old...
Speedy Lube........................................ 9
Lots of birthdays this quarter, I turned 40! All down hill from here. Only kidding, its just a number, but thanks to everyone who made my birthday so special. My daughter hit double digits “the big 10” and like all Moms, I continue to wonder where the time went. My Pumpkin, Ashtin, will be 2 in just a few weeks with my boyfriend following me to the top of the hill in February. Birthdays are your own special holiday, enjoy every minute of them!
More Thank Yous!
Gregg’s Beauty Supply.................... 9 Pursuit of Happiness................. 10-11 Antique Shopping Gift Guide......12
Carteret Business Partnership......13 Living Large................................. 14-15 Gregg’s Beauty Supply.................. 16
As always I need to give thanks to loyal advertisers, new advertisers and everyone who helps me to put this publication out every quarter!
See you in Spring!
Restaurant Review.......................... 16 Dr’s Choice..........................................17
RC Jewelers.........................................17 Industrial Rubber...............................18
Samantha
PFG Financial Services....................18 Financial News...................................18 Real Estate News............................. 19
Primavera’s......................................... 19 Union County Landscaping.......... 19 Paul Arfanis D.D.S........................... 20 Saint Agnes School........................ 20 Pet News............................................ 20 Kid’s Stuff............................................21
To advertise call Sam at 732-827-0700.
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
DeGeorge Jewelers..........................21 World Renowned Psychic Astrologers ........................................21 Blu Hand..............................................22 My Best Friend Dog Training.......22
It’s Official! The launch for the new website is set for
Elzbieta Phototography................22
JANUARY 1, 2012!
Book Review......................................22
Once the year begins, either log on to bluprintquarterly.com or snap a photo of the QR Code to your left & check it out! Any editorial questions or comments can be sent to: BluHand Design Studio, 1072 Bryant St., Rahway, NJ 07065 or email: info@bluhandstudio.com
FM Quality Home Repairs.............22
Movie Review....................................23 Robin’s Nest Rhythm and Blues............................23 Rahway Animal Hospital...............23 Torna A. Sorrento.............................23 Hello, Hollywood.............................24 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway.......IBC Sansone Auto Mall..........................BC
BLU PRINT QUARTERLY | WINTER 2011
1
BLU BITS & PIECES LINDEN
UNION COUNTY
Warinanco Ice Skating Center Celebrates its 50th Season, 1961-2011
If you can believe it, The Flower Gallery is growing! The Flower Gallery has graced Wood Avenue for just about 27 years and combining the business from Corbett’s and Denato’s florists, gives the Gallery 6 decades of experience. As if that wasn’t enough, as of November 26th, The Flower Gallery has joined forces with 1-800-flowers to bring you even more beautiful arrangements. •
Now Open!
In the early 1920s, when the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape architectural firm designed the Union County Park system, plans called for an artificial ice skating rink in Warinanco Park. The rink was finally built in 1961, with a massive roof added eight years later making the rink available to the public, regardless of weather, from October to April. Today, the rink is home ice for hockey teams from five Union County High Schools. Warinanco also offers lessons to children and adults, along with skating clinics for hockey players. More than 43,000 skaters will lace up and enjoy time on the ice before the last slapshot in late March. The rink, which is celebrating its 50th skating season, is located on the western end of Warinanco Park, on the park loop just off St. Georges Avenue in Roselle. It is open nearly 18 hours a day to accommodate all the groups and individuals looking for time on the ice. •
FEBRUARY 2ND
CARTERET
1. Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow 97 times, has not seen it 15 times with nine years unaccounted for.
veiled on November 1st. All construction has been completed, with current parking and streetscape additions also complete. “By local standards this has been a project of great proportion,” Mayor Reiman said.The center features cardiovascular and weight rooms, aerobics studios, a multi-purpose sports room, physical therapy facilities, a daycare center, and a health food café. For more information, visit http://www.rwjfitnesscarteret.com. •
My Little
RANT
I don’t know about you, but I’m the kind of person who trusts other professionals to do what they are trained to do. I don’t pretend to know anyone else’s job but my own. With that said, it never ceases to amaze me when people tell me how I should publish Blu Print Quarterly. I had the third person in almost three years tell me that my publication wasn’t substantial enough for them to advertise in it. I laughed quietly to myself and asked, “In your opinion, what do you think would make Blu Print substantial?”
OPEN! RWJ Rahway Groundhog NOW Fitness & Wellness Center at Carteret Day Facts The completed RWJ Rahway Fitness & Wellness Center at Carteret was un2. The National Climatic Data Center reportedly stated that Phil’s prediction’s have been correct 39 percent of the time. Phil’s club states he’s been right 100 percent of the time. 3. According to the funny website groundhog.org, there’s a legend that during Prohibition, Phil threatened to impose 60 weeks of winter on the community if he wasn’t allowed a drink. 4. In the years following the release of Groundhog Day, a 1993 film starring Bill Murray, crowds up to 30,000 have visited Gobbler’s Knob, a tiny hill in Punxsutawney where the ceremony takes place. •
2
ELIZABETH
Teen Arts Exhibit On Display Memories! I exhibited my work in this show while at Elizabeth High School.
The 2011 Teen Arts Traveling Exhibit is on display at The Freeholders Gallery located in the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth. You can view the display through December 30th during regular office hours. The exhibit consists of 53 pieces of art selected from more than 700 visual art works shown at the 2011 Union County Teen Arts Festival. “Each year I am amazed by the wonderful artwork submitted by local students,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.” For information about the Teen Arts program, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth 07202; telephone 908-558-2550 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. • WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
And sure enough, I wasn’t surprised at his answer! Blu Print needs restaurant reviews (obviously he didn’t read the last issue with the new He Said/ She Said column). Blu Print needs more community photos (translated: that means “cater to the politicians”) and lastly... more stories, it shouldn’t be an ad journal. This last one gets me every time! Editorial pages cost money, so I need more advertising to run more editorial. And what’s even funnier is that magazine industry standard is 60/40—sixty percent advertising, forty percent editorial. For the most part, I’ve been running a 50/50 because I’m still growing and apparently that’s still not enough. LOL! Maybe some people just don’t get what I’m trying to do with Blu Print, I don’t want to be like every other publication. As a wise teacher told me once, “You can’t please everybody.” •
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY TODAY! 14-26 Julian Place, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 | 908 • 353 • 3733 michelinos-brickoven.com COMINNG SOO
BLU PRINT QUARTERLY | WINTER 2011
3
WHO’S
BLU
NAME
Beatrice AGE
33 OCCUPATION
Inventor, Writer, Designer, Fine Artists, Interior Decorator ALTER EGO
Lyla Verone
Get the body you have always dreamed of. You deserve to look and feel your best and there is no better time to start losing weight than today. Join Take Shape for Life and be on your way to a healthier, happier you.
THE ODDEST JOB I’VE HELD:
I was a foot fetish model in NYC for a few months, it was fun, lucrative research for a screenplay I was writing. MY MOTHER ALWAYS SAID:
That she wishes that one day I will have a child that was just like me, so I will be tortured too. I WISH I’D KNOWN:
That being creative doesn’t pay the bills and I should have been a dentist or doctor or something. RED, WHITE OR BEER?
• NO DIET PILLS • FAST RESULTS • SAFE & EFFECTIVE • CLINICALLY PROVEN • MEDICALLY SUPERVISED • FREE SUPPORT
I’ll have the sangria, any color, please! THE FOOD I NEVER WANT TO EAT AGAIN:
I eat pretty much anything, if I’m hungry enough. I STILL CAN’T GET THE HANG OF:
The thought that some people don’t say bless you when someone sneezes. I’m not religious or anything but its just common courtesy, oh, and say thank you when someone holds the door open. I’D LIKE TO LEARN TO:
How to play the guitar, a bunch of languages, oh, and I’d love to learn how to be a comedian. But I’m not funny, which sucks. You know? ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
That I can put my legs over my head and no, it doesn’t look sexy. WALKER, RUNNER, COUCH POTATO?
None of the above! MY GUILTY PLEASURE:
Smoking and no, not weed and I love organizing peoples’ homes. It’s the oddest thing, I just can’t get enough for some reason. THE BEST THING ABOUT ME:
I’m spontanious. I sort of do things without thinking and that makes my life that much more interesting. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE QUALITY ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
1082 St. Georges Ave., Rahway
(732) 388-4787
www.drschoice.tsfl.com | www.stgeorgeshealthandwellness.com FAUZIA HAMEED, M.D. | MARK C. ZIENTEK, D.C. | LATANYA S. BAKARI, D.C. 6
Not being so honest with total strangers that meet me on the street and ask me personal questions. So be on the lookout... I may be asking YOU questions next!
WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
Mention
BLU PRINT Quarterly
to receive an
89
$
00
Heating Tune-Up (Reg. $249)
Let’s Talk About Last Year’s Heat Bill... I haven’t gone anywhere lately without hearing the topic that’s on everyone’s mind. GAS PRICES... Not only is it getting more and more costly to heat your home, but the costs of all our utilities are skyrocketing. Now is the time to save where you can. If your heating unit is under 10 years old, Service Professionals will come and do an efficiency reading on your furnace or boiler. Once you know how efficient your unit is running, you can learn how to cut your utility bill by 30 to 40% and even see your tune-up pay for itself! No other company is offering that. The best part of increasing the efficiency of your heating equipment is how much it helps the environment.
Save money and “Go Green” at the same time!
888-773-1414
Rich Bogda President
a
Delicious Inspiration
My Sweet George Divine Candies: A little bit of bliss in every bite Although Gael Delaney George’s candy is absolutely decadent, starting a business with a dream and no capital is anything but bliss. I should know, as that’s how BluPrint Quarterly started. Exchanging growing pains with Gael helped to encourage both of us (and hopefully some readers) to keep moving forward. Gael Delaney George always had dabbled in candy making; she enjoyed the challenge of trying recipes and techniques that others said couldn’t be done. It wasn’t until she began making larger batches of candy to send to her son, who was stationed in Iraq, that she realized her candy also made people happy. Her dark chocolate, salted caramels became a huge hit! Her son, and his buddies, kept asking her to send more! From that point on, the candy making snowballed. George would take older recipes and “tweak” them until she found out what tasted just right. She began giving her candies as gifts to family and friends, which led to special requests.
8
“You should make candy for a living,” she often heard.
the guidance to take “My Sweet George” to the next level.
Finally, after much urging by her peers, George thought the idea would be feasible and began selling her mouthwatering confections about four years ago. “My Sweet George” was now a reality. After clearing out any retirement funds to get the business of the ground, it was a slow start. But George used this time to get her name, and product, out in the public – much to the delight of many satisfied customers and business owners.
Currently, George is in negotiations with a large confectioner in the Midwest who thinks her product is “to die for.” In fact, they want her to send 20 lbs. of her Sea Salt caramels with the promise of regular orders to come. Although George’s cash reserve is depleted, she says it’s a good dilemma to have: Figuring out how to make her business work, so she’ll have a consistent income.
During her moments of doubt and frustration, George relies on her mantra: “Tenacity will get you through failures and failures will lead to success.” She left her corporate job about one year ago to pursue “My Sweet George” full time, and has seen most of her business growth since. “When business is good, I really enjoy it because it gives me the money to have the time to grow it even more,” she explained. George is working in a commercial kitchen and credits her fellow chefs with giving her
Despite the hard work that comes with opening a new business, George is very optimistic about the future of “My Sweet George,’’ and if you taste her product, you will be too. Grace, humility and a great support system – including her two adult children -- have helped get George this far. Ideally, she would love to open a little walk-in shop where she can make, serve and ship her chocolates. George thinks it would be nice to have people watch and see how labor intensive the candy-making process is, from actually creating
WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
these confections to the wrapping and hand labeling. Only 5,000 wrappers left: Soon George will have hand-wrapped 30,000 pieces of chocolate in four years! Are you craving a taste yet? My Sweet George Divine Candies now are available through George’s online store at www. mysweetgeorge.com. Although she always is experimenting with new recipes, including a gender-specific assortment now in the works, she currently offers a wide variety of flavors including Banana Walnut, Chai, Coconut Almond, Lemon Butter, Orange Pistachio, Macadamia Nut, Peanut Butter, Peppermint, Raspberry, Sea-Salt Dark Chocolate and Wild Cherry Pecan. With each order prepared with love and wholesome ingredients, “My Sweet George” makes for a unique and exceptional candy experience. A perfect holiday treat! •
22 OIL CHANGE $
95 +tax
Reg.
SUPER TUESDAY
4
95
with Castrol GTX INCLUDES FREE Hand Car Wash
and 16 pt. Inspection! No Appt. Needed, Bulk Oil. Most cars. With coupon only. Not to be combined with other offers. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Please present coupon prior to service. Expires 2/28/12.
95
$
29
$
+tax
Basic Full Service Hand Car Wash Most cars, Minivans, SUVS & Trucks extra. With coupon only. Not to be combined with other offers. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Please present coupon prior to service. Expires 2/28/12.
3 OFF Any Full Service
$
00
Hand Car Wash With coupon only. Not to be combined with other offers. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Please present coupon prior to service. Expires 2/28/12.
BEAUTY SUPPLY
• Hair Coloring Products • Flat Irons, Blow Dryers, Clippers, Shears • Cosmetics & Nail Care Products • Hair Feathers • Hair & Body Crystals • Human & Synthetic Hair • Stylist Training Center BEAUTY SALON
• Hair Extension Experts • Brazilian Keratin Treatments • Highlights • Low Lights • Corrective Color • Body Sugaring • Eyelashes • Bridal Parties WIG STORE
• Private Room for Hair Loss Patients • Cut, Color & Service All Wigs • Largest Selection • Lowest Prices
1107 W. Saint Georges Ave. Linden, NJ 07036
800-624-1927 Mon. to Fri. 9AM to 9PM, Sat. 10AM to 6PM, Sun. 12 to 5PM
10 Off
$
00
Se Habla Español
WWW.GREGGSBEAUTY.COM
Any $25+ Purchase
Gregg’s Beauty Supply, Salon or Wig Store New Customers Only. Not to be combined with other offers. 1 Coupon per household. Exp. 2/28/12.
BLU PRINT QUARTERLY | WINTER 2011
Largest selection of hair feather extensions and hair crystals.
9
Elzbieta Kaciuba is a local photographer from Bloomfield who had been working on a personal project, “Penn Station Portraits,” for about a year. Miss Kaciuba shot some images of the homeless people that reside near Newark Penn Station. The goal of this project was not to exploit the negative side of homelessness but capture street portraits of people, the human faces that at times we may ignore or turn our backs on. Elzbieta says, “I’ve always cared about people that live in certain situations... I feel like the subjects in my photos have given me a gift, a glimpse into their lives and I hope these images can portray the genuine emotions that these people have shared with me... I am honored that they allowed me to photograph them...” Enjoy a few on her favorite images from this project.
Some people shared their stories with Elzbieta and some just allowed her to be a part of their space, in the street, their home. “When I look at these street portraits I see beauty, strength, happiness and human nature... and that is what I hope everyone who looks at these photos sees or feels... not just another Homeless Person.” For more of her pictures visit: www.elzphoto.com/nwkpennproject
1930’s Art Deco Dresser. This vintage piece is in excellent condition and would look great in any home.
This 1970’s Jim Beam car is in mint condition for the liquor connoisseur. Whats more fun than a car full of your Jim Beam?
1948 RCA Victrola Record Player, low profile table model. 5”x7” PM. Elliptical speaker. A generous gift to give anyone. ALL GIFTS AVAILABLE AT THE RAHWAY AUCTION
Early 1900’s authentic whicker baby carriage & baby doll from the 1920’s is perfect for any collector!
Oil painting, date & artist unknown. Ads Elegance to any room of the house. Ideal for the art lover in your life.
Special Combination Estate/Coin Auction Every Saturday Night at 6PM
We have a large selection of swords! A unique gift to pass on through the generations. Can also double as a cain.
Consign Your Items Today!
We Buy Gold, Silver, Toys, Trains, Coins, Jewelry... anything old and collectible.
VINTAGE & ANTIQUES
1433 Main St., Rahway, NJ | www.rahwayauction.com
732-669-7528 12
WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
14
For little people, every day can be a challenge: Driving a car, seeing over the counter at a bank or a simple trip to the supermarket all can become struggles. But at just 4 feet and 6-1/2 inches tall, Scott J. Strasbaugh always has been determined to succeed – and remain positive --- in a world that isn’t always accepting of one’s differences. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa. to two average-height parents, Strasbaugh, now 45, lived for most of his childhood in upstate New York before moving to Phoenix, Az. in his later teen years. “It was an awesome childhood surrounded by a lot of extended family,’’ he recalls. Even from a young age, Strasbaugh’s positive disposition came shining through; he never viewed dwarfism as a detriment. “Some little people may treat this as a disability, and I think the reason for that is maybe they don’t have a positive outlook about themselves. But for me, I’ve always been ‘This is me! I’m a party in a box,’ ‘’ he joked. “At the age of 2 my mom would be pushing me around in the stroller when I’d jump out and introduce myself to perfect strangers. From By Lori elementary/middle school and right through high school, I knew I was different but I really embraced it. A lot of little people are extremely shy and introverted but I took the opposite route, and was voted ‘Most Popular’ and ‘Most Optimistic’ in high school. Whatever life gives you, it’s all in how you deal with it. If you choose to take a positive route, then every day is sunny. That’s the path I chose to follow, and it’s still how I live my life today. I have a lot of friends and a lot of support.’’ Strasbaugh, who also grew up with an average-sized sister, credits his mother for never letting him use dwarfism as a crutch. “She didn’t discriminate, never made it easier for me and didn’t baby me. I was expected to do everything my sister did around the house. If there was a glass on a high shelf, I had to find a way to get it. It’s easy to coddle someone when most of the world is bigger than they are, but that’s just not the way I was raised,’’ he said. After high school, Strasbaugh’s original aspirations included becoming either a cartoonist or a vet. “When I realized that I would be saving a lot of animals, but there also might be one I couldn’t save, I kind of chose a different route,’’ he said, which included working at a number of fast food restaurants before taking a traveling sales job in his early 20s. “I hit every state, going literally door to door, and also getting a lot of doors slammed in my face. That’s where I got my ‘gogetter’ attitude. I didn’t make any money, but what I did gain was a lot of willpower, as well as the power of positive thinking.” Before long, Strasbaugh found an even bigger stage for his charismatic and outgoing personality: acting. “I knew I was famous around my friends, but I wanted to be famous on a larger spectrum. I was in a school play once and when I came out for my curtain call and saw the whole audience cheering, that was really cool to me.’’ Strasbaugh studied acting and drama in college, and performed in local theater before landing his first movie role in 1991’s “Highway to Hell.” The comedy/horror film today has a large cult following, and brought Strasbaugh a rare claim to fame: “In the horror genre, Highway to Hell was kind of a blockbuster. In the film I was killed by C.J. Graham, who played Jason in some of the Friday the 13th movies, so that’s a pretty cool statement that not many people can make!’’ he said. Strasbaugh followed that film role with numerous parts in local commercials as well as community theater. From 2000 to 2002, he also was lead singer of an all-dwarf rock band called The Little Kingz. The band – which recorded every weekend at Network Music Studios in Union -- toured with Tenacious D, Saliva, Good Charlotte, Eminem, Hoobastank, Linkin Park, Sum 41, Disturbed, 3 Doors Down and The Offspring, among others. It was through The Little Kingz that Strasbaugh landed his favorite, and perhaps most notable, acting role: Playing Olaf in 2001’s “Zoolander.” “(Director) Ben Stiller originally was looking for two little people to play twins for this role. Those involved with the movie were conducting a search to find someone for the part when they came across our band, which at the time was quite popular. That was when the role in
the movie changed from how it was originally conceived. Ben thought, ‘Instead of twins, why not make this part for a band of little people?’ So we went in and auditioned, and really sold him on the idea. That’s how I got the part. It wasn’t originally meant for me or for any of the guys in the band; it was just kind of luck. And I guess we must have dazzled them with our personalities as well,’’ he laughed. He cites the making of Zoolander as an “unbelievable” experience. “I learned so much about acting on that set. It was just a good movie filled with great people, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. The acting world is a phenomenal business, and I do it because I really love it. I’ve done local theater where I didn’t get paid a penny but I still took the job because I love the craft so much. Some people may think it’s easier as a little person to get acting jobs, but at the end of the day you still are battling against a lot of other people for a role.’’ Strasbaugh continued to act and tour with The Little Kingz until the group disbanded in 2002. “We Crowell were great rock and rollers, playing venues from RFK Stadium all the way to Tampa, Fla. We had a fantastic time touring and a lot of great fans but at the end of the day, we still were four little people. Due to our body types, some little people have complications with their bones, as well as other medical issues. I’ve had one surgery but another person in my band was not so fortunate. Carrying heavy equipment around, and jumping up and down on stage really took its toll, and he subsequently had to leave the group. He was my right hand man, and for him to go the band kind of lost its heart,’’ he said. Today, Strabaugh’s life admittedly is more grounded – but never boring. He has been married to his wife, Annette, for 17 years. The two met an annual LPA (Little People of America) convention in San Francisco and have two children: a 12-year-old daughter, Gretchen, and a 9-year-old son, Max, who was adopted from China four years ago. The family now resides in northern Virginia where Strasbaugh works a government job. “I am blessed to be married to an amazing and cool woman who let me do all the wild and crazy stuff I needed to do. But I missed a lot of things at home being on the road, so for now I am just going to concentrate on being a dad, while still doing an occasional movie or local commercials. I think I will always be an actor to some degree; any time the camera is on me I absolutely love it.’’ Among his recent work was a television role on ABC Television’s “What Would You Do.” While Strasbaugh admits he’s not one to give advice, anyone can learn a valuable life lesson from his experiences. “Life is not a dress rehearsal – it’s more the opening night of a big show that you are in. You only live once, so you have to be happy. I walk through every door with a smile on my face. If there’s something a person feels they can do to make themselves happier and it’s a reachable goal, then I say chase after what you want. Meet other people who are doing what you want to do, find out the positives and negatives, and how they got to the point. You may hear a lot of ‘no’s’ along the way, but I really believe it’s how you handle these negative situations that really defines how you move forward in life. You have to keep going and never give up,’’ he said. So what does the future hold for Strasbaugh? “I always have another genius idea up my sleeve to present to the world,’’ he joked. One possible new venture: a career in real estate. “I want to be the next million dollar real estate agent. The (real estate) market may not be great now, but things change. People always think I’m crazy, but I’ve actually done fine in life so far. I want to be on the cusp of the real estate market, and everything I do. And, I also happen to look great in a suit,’’ he kids. “To me everything is a new adventure. You will never see me resting on my laurels or simply collecting a paycheck. In 10 or 20 years I would love to be selling million dollar homes to snowbirds in Arizona or in San Francisco. Whatever it is I end up doing, I always want to be at the top.’’ •
Scott J. Strasbaugh shares the gift of confidence
BLU PRINT QUARTERLY | WINTER 2011
15
BLU RESTAURANT REVIEW Meet Lisa and Joe, OK, Joe’s “stand-in”, their teen-aged daughter Lauren. (Joe got a bad cold and counldn’t make dinner). Who better to write a restaurant review, than Lisa? So enjoy Lisa’s review and try to ignore Lauren’s rambling about the goodlooking waiter. This issue Lisa and Lauren had dinner at Maxwell’s 35 located at 1159 St. Georges Avenue in Colonia, and here is what they thought: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION WHEN YOU ENTERED MAXWELL’S?
Lisa: Very cool, modern, the place has two levels. Lauren: Oh, you had to see our waiter! So cute. My Mom told me that if I kept drinking my water, he’d have to keep refilling my glass. So I did. [smile] Lisa: That’s not what Sam asked
Lauren. I was impressed with the bar when we first walked in. Lauren: But you didn’t drink anything? Lisa: Shush Lauren, we’re talking about impression. The place had great ambiance—elegant but comfortable.
SO YOU DIDN’T “DRINK”. DID YOU HAVE APPETIZERS, HOW WERE THEY?
Lisa: We both had soup. I had the shrimp bisque and Lauren had the French onion. Lauren: It was good, but I like my Mom’s better. And the waiter... Lisa: Stop Lauren! The shrimp bisque was really good, it had a brandy base. Delicious. I tasted Lauren’s, and was really impressed. They made the onion
soup with Gruyere cheese, which not many restaurants do. Oh, and they served them in funky bowls. They also served an interesting bread basket, including garlic flat bread and some kind of raisin bread with a tasty dipping oil. Lauren: I didn’t try the garlic bread. I didn’t want to talk to the waiter with bad breath.
THOUGHTS ON THE MAIN COURSE?
Lisa: Did I mention the menu? It had a really nice variety. I liked that they served their entreés in both small and large sizes. Very smart and the small is plenty! Lauren: I had the strip steak and fries. The steak was a little fatty and you can’t really mess up french fries, but everything tasted good. Lisa: Oh Lauren. [sigh] I had the penne pasta with vodka sauce which was awesome. It had a really good
flavor. It was served with the Pancetta bacon and peas. Delicious. There were lots of options, you could really choose whatever you wanted with the sauce. Lauren: Too bad Daddy didn’t pick up the phone. Lisa: Yeah, they had Kobe burgers on the menu, which I know Joe would of liked, but I tried to call and see if he wanted me to bring him something home. No answer, so he missed out.
FINAL THOUGHTS? WAS YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE WORTH THE BILL?
1000Off
$
Any $25+ Purchase
Gregg’s Beauty Supply, Salon or Wig Store New Customers Only. Not to be combined with other offers. 1 Coupon per household. Exp. 2/28/12.
1107 W. Saint Georges Ave., Linden, NJ 07036
800-624-1927
Lisa: I’d absolutely go back! I’m kindof anxious to go with Joe. Maxwell’s is the kind of place that you’d go back to again and again just to try different things on the menu. Lauren: I’d like to have my birthday SIDE NOTE.
Apparently, in Lauren’s attempts to have the waiter notice her (plus the unusual amount of water she was drinking) she spent a lot of time in the ladies room and was impressed with the decor, the faucet in particular. She also said it smelled good. [laugh] •
WWW.GREGGSBEAUTY.COM
16
party there, but only if that waiter was working. Lisa: Oh Lauren. [sigh] The prices were about average and with the quality of food I was pleasantly surprised.
WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
WE SpecializE in All Your Fundraising Needs. Casino Nights | Comedy Nights | Dinner Dances | And More...
Our Specialty:
CASH FOR GOLD PARTIES You bring the guests, we do the rest!
Home Parties | Schools | Churches | Clubs
We can also host Cash for Gold Parties at our store!
CASH PAID ON THE SPOT! We buy all: Gold | Silver | Platinum | Diamonds Gold & Silver Coins | Silverware
RC JEWELERS Certified, Bonded Jeweler
228 North Wood Avenue, Linden, NJ
PAIN MANAGEMENT | CHIROPRACTIC | PHYSICAL THERAPY | INTERNAL MEDICINE D. Nasiek, M.D.
M. Zientek, D.C. J. Ritchie, D.C.
C. Dizon, P.T.
F. Hameed, M.D.
908-275-3077 Bob Gregory, Owner 732-259-4241 (cell) Email: rcjewelers@comcast.net
BLU PRINT QUARTERLY | WINTER 2011
17
BLU FINANCIAL PRESENT THIS AD AND RECEIVE
10% Off
Your Next Purchase* *Maximum discount $100. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Expires 2/28/12.
Industrial Rubber Company, founded in 1940, is a rubber supply shop and fabricator serving New York, Staten Island, Pennsylvania, and all of the Garden State. Located in Elizabeth, we have been providing sales of rubber industrial supplies and safety equipment, as well as hose fabrication and custom cutting of rubber gaskets for more than 68 years. IRC offers the best materials, products, and services that are available to the trade.
ELIZABETH
940 S. Elmora Ave. 908-351-1550 Fax 908-351-8350
BOUND BROOK Bldg. 7W, Unit A Chimney Rock Road 732-469-7009 Fax 732-469-7217
Is your nest egg truly protected? With the volitility in the stock market over the past few years, I have been counseling my clients on ways to minimize risk in their portfolios. In addition to stock market and bond market risk, you risk losing your entire life savings without considering the need for Long Term Care (LTC). The truth is sobering; more than 70% of Americans over the age of 65 will need some form of Long-Term Care assistance, according to the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Looked at another way, anyone reaching age 65 has a 40% chance of entering a nursing home and a 20% chance of staying there at least 5 years according to HHS. We are living longer and now face the important question of: “How do I protect the assets that I have worked so hard for?” “How can I leave a legacy for my loved ones?” Many people purchase Long Term Care insurance to help protect assets, preserve independence and provide quality care. LTC insurance offers choices. A growing number of people are buying it to help their aging parents.
THE MEDICARE GUIDELINES COVER:
• The first 20 days covered at 100%. • The next 80 days (days 21-100) are covered at all buyt $137.50 per day. • Then Long-Term Care Coverage kicks in OR Self-Funding (liquidation of your savings and investments)
Christopher J. Reardon Senior Partner
65 Old Hwy. 22, Ste. 2 • Clinton, New Jersey 08809 Tel: (888) 732-5414 • Fax: (908) 730-6969 • Email: creardon@sammonsrep.com
www.investwithpfg.com SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH SAMMONS SECURITIES CO. LLC, MEMBER FINRA/SIPC
As of 2008, approximately 8 million people have secured Long-Term Care insurance, according to the American Association for LTC insurance. More people should consider LTC insurance as a hedge against the ominous risk of liquidating savings and investments to pay for care. In planning for Long-Term Care coverage, I suggest that if someone has at least $350,000 of liquid assets or more, they should consider LTC insurance. Those with few assets will likely exhaust their assets and qualify for Medicaid. Someone age 55 can secure comprehensive coverage from a quality company for approximately $3,500 annual premium or approximately 1% or less of the liquid assets. The premiums will be higher for older issue ages. However, this is still an excellent trade-off considering the average cost in a Jersey facility of $275 per day, $8,200 per month or $99,000 per year! Remember, people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan. •
Please call if you would like to discuss this in more detail. Contact Christopher J. Reardon at PFG Financial Services. 65 Old Highway 22, Ste 2 ~ Clinton, NJ 08809 Phone: 888-732-5414 Email: creardon@sammonsrep.com Securities offered through Sammons Securities Company, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC
Got a question for the financial expert, email: info@bluhandstudio.com
18
WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
BLU REAL ESTATE Making all the right moves Agent offers tips for buyers, sellers Deborah Ratcliff, Broker Associate at All Towne Realty, 732-453-2216 By Lori Crowell
With mortgage interest rates still hovering at historic lows, a robust housing supply and record affordability, conditions have never been better to purchase a home in the Garden State. Whether entering the housing market for the first time or moving up to a larger residence, Deborah Ratcliff – a broker/ associate at All Towne Realty – offers tips for buyers and sellers looking to make their move in the coming months. BPQ: The first step for buyers is obtaining a letter of preapproval. Why is this so important? DR: Depending on a buyer’s income and credit rating, interest rates today can be as low as 4 percent, which is one of the reasons why it’s such a great time to buy a home. A critical first step for anyone purchasing a home is obtaining a mortgage preapproval from a reputable lending institution. This means a mortgage lender has verified you are approved for a mortgage of a certain dollar amount over a fixed period of time. This is essential to getting the process off the ground. So many factors go into obtaining a mortgage today, and buyers really need to do their due diligence. Preapproval also is important because it allows buyers to know how much they can borrow, and therefore how much home they can afford.
PIZZERIA COUPON
$200OFF Large Pie
Toppings extra. Eat-in or Carry-out. Expires 2/28/12.
BPQ: Do I really need an attorney who specializes in handling real estate transactions? DR: Absolutely. The lawyer who you may have hired for other legal matters is not necessarily qualified to help you buy a home. A real estate lawyer makes sure all your rights are protected. These attorneys deal with real estate transactions all the time, and are aware of the pitfalls and complexities that go along with buying or selling a home. A real estate lawyer knows how to smooth out the edges with all aspects of a transaction, and there certainly can be a lot more edges in this market! The easy part of buying is finding the home; the hard part is getting to the point of closing. That’s where a real estate attorney becomes an invaluable part of your home buying team. BPQ: Is it necessary to use a real estate agent or can I try to buy or sell myself? DR: A qualified real estate agent is essential. Whether buying or selling, a real estate agent will be able to help you understand the market, and provide in-depth knowledge that as a layman you simply won’t have. Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people ever experience; having a good agent by your side is critical to getting the job done. BPQ: I’m still not sure about making the leap to home ownership. Do you see the market changing as 2012 approaches? DR: While it’s hard to predict where the market is heading, right now I don’t see any drastic changes. If you are on the fence and especially if you don’t have a house to sell first, the conditions are such that it really is a good time to buy. This time of year as we are moving into the holiday season there also tends to be fewer buyers—you may even catch a better deal as sellers are maybe willing to negotiate a little more. In closing, I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season! I look forward to discussing more real estate topics in 2012. • BLU PRINT QUARTERLY | WINTER 2011
CATERING COUPON
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NOW & RECEIVE
10%OFF Entire Bill
On or off premise. Expires 1/15/12.
• Salt (Bagged or Bulk) • Calcium Chloride • Firewood • Seasonal Items • Mulch • Shrubs • Trees • Top Soil • Stone (Clean, QP or RCA) • Decorative Stone (Bagged or Bulk)
• Decorative Rock • Pavers • Retaining Walls • Belgium Block • Stone Dust • Cement & Mortar • Block & Brick • Mason Sand • Fill Dirt • Fences • Garden Tools • Seed & Fertilizer
10%Off 3.5%Tax Sales
ALL CHRISTMAS PRODUCTS
1455 St. George Avenue Roselle, NJ 07203 908-620-9200 www.unioncountylandscapesupply.com
19
BLU PETS
T
he last time you had your teeth cleaned, did they finish in 20 minutes? Did you know a thorough dental cleaning should last at least 40 minutes?
What should service people do when confronted with an aggressive pet?
Teeth cleaning is only part of the process. The dental hygienist should include a review of the proper way to manage your home care, including how to use your tooth brush and dental floss for maximum effectiveness.
By Karen Fazio, The Dog Super Nanny
The most effective way to manage dental hygiene is with effective home care. The patients we have that take care of their teeth at home have the best long term outcomes. Yvette Salon, R.D.H. Our patients are like our extended family. We walk the extra mile for you.
(908) 232-0074
• Review employer safety protocols for interaction with domestic animals or direct questions to the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) at http://osha.gov. • Have your company deliver the owner a note on letterhead politely asking them to contain their dog during the times of day/week you’ll be working in the vicinity. If booking appointments yourself, ask the client if they own a dog so you can discuss the safest way to service their home without an altercation. • Keep your cell phone in your hand, and without pressing send, input 911 into the keypad. If you’re being threatened hit “send” and you’ll be connected to a 911 operator who can assist you. • If a dog is threatening you the best action is no reaction. A normal response would be to run away as fast as you can. However, if a dog is already in a highly aroused state running may trigger its prey drive and cause it to become emboldened or aggressive. Rather, reduce your impulse to run and remain still in a relaxed pose (do not freeze). Look at the ground away from the dog in order to avoid direct eye contact. Cross your arms over your chest then call out “call the police,” or “call the fire department!” • Carry a supply of stinky, tasty tidbits such as Wellness WellBites or Beggin Strips. As the dog approaches, greet it using happy-jolly-talk and happy highpitch praise tones and saying such things as “good dog! Oh, what a good boy you are!” Avoid eye contact. Immediately toss a handful of stinky treats several few feet from you (enough to keep the dog busy) so you can make a calm, safe exit.
info@paularfanisdds.com www.paularfanisdds.com
• Modern Playground Equipment
• Middle States Accredited • Brand New Parish Center/Gymnasium
• 30 New Computers • Foreign Language Program
• Hot Lunch Program, 5 Days a Week
• Middle School Wing with Lockers
• Art, Music and Technology classes
• SMArTboards in every classroom
• Active Home School Association
• Physical Education
• Prayer Buddy Program
342 Madison Hill Road, Clark , NJ 07066
732-381-0850 w w w.stagnesschool.com
20
After reading the last issue of BluPrint Quarterly a retired Verizon employee contacted me to ask how should meter readers, telephone repair people, mailmen, etc, react when confronted with an aggressive dog on an owner’s property. This is a great question. Many service people are faced with this very scenario every day. Let me begin by explaining that dogs are not territorial aggressive to humans. Territorial aggression is a same-species phenomenon, rather than crossspecies. Most often the animal involved is expressing a fear-based reaction due to poor socialization to visiting strangers. Also, most of these dogs have learned early on in life that threatening behavior makes scary things (and people) disappear quickly. Here are a few safety tips for service people who encounter dogs during their workday:
• More than 1 Acre of Land for Kids to run and Play • Newly remodeled Cafeteria/ Auditorium • Sports & After School Clubs • Before & After Care
: pm TES -1:30 DA 1:30am E S 1 2pm OU 29th pm
H pm | and 1 11:30 EN -9 9OP : 26th, 7 -11:30amry: 1st,
ary st, 9 brua Janu 31 Fe
Aggressive dogs aren’t accustomed to friendly greetings by strangers. This may confuse them and provide you with a small window of opportunity to redirect it by introducing something pleasant and a different activity to focus on. Bats and other self-defense tools can be dangerous. Dogs react much faster than humans. You will not have ample opportunity to use them before getting seriously injured or even mauled. • Karen Fazio, “The Dog Super Nanny,” is a professional dog trainer and owner of My Best Friend Dog Training LLC in Keyport, NJ. She’s the co-host of the live radio show, “Thursday in the Doghouse,” (WNJC 1360AM, Philadelphia) and pets writer for The Star-Ledger’s Inside Jersey Magazine. She’s a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, and supporter/friend of Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She may be reached at (732) 533-9376. Email: mybestfriend2@yahoo.com, website: www.mybestfrienddogschool.com. Got a question for the dog trainer, email: info@bluhandstudio.com
WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
BLU KIDS Gifts Kids Can Make Courtesy of FamilyFun.com
COOKIE CUTTER CANDLES by Alexandra Kennedy
MATERIALS • Cookie cutters (choose shapes that can stand up) • Honeycomb wax sheets in various colors (available at craft stores or at candlewic.com; an 8- by 16-inch sheet will make 1 or 2 candles) • Wicks • Scissors
GIFT CERTIFICATE
As you select your holiday gifts, we would like to offer you a very special savings of:
30%
INSTRUCTIONS 1. For each candle, use a cookie cutter to make 10 identical shapes from the wax sheets. Divide the shapes into two stacks of 5. 2. Sandwich a wick between the two stacks, starting at the bottom and extending it beyond the top by at least an inch. Press the sheets together gently. If they don’t stick together, take the wax layers apart and use a hair dryer to gently warm each one before restacking them, adding the wick as instructed above. 3. Trim the wick to about a half-inch. Stand your candle up, shaping the base as needed to make it sit securely.
GOLD EVENT
ON ALL FINE QUALITY JEWELRY
This is our way of saying thank you for being a valued customer.
All this month, bring in your old gold and platinum jewelry and receive:
15% Extra WITH REDEMPTION OF THIS COUPON
• Highest prices paid • Any condition accepted
HANDY COASTERS by Catherine Newman
MATERIALS • Card stock • Pencil or chalk • 2 coordinating or contrasting cotton fabrics (washed, dried, and ironed) • 1 package double-sided stiff fusible interfacing (we used Dritz Heavyweight InnerFuse, $7 at fabric stores) • Iron
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Trace your child’s hand on a piece of card stock and cut it out to make a template. 2. Use a pencil or chalk to trace the desired number of coasters on one of the fabrics. Trim the fabric into a rectangle that contains all of your tracings, then trim the second fabric and the interfacing to match its size. 3. Following the interfacing package’s instructions, fuse it between the two fabrics with an iron (an adult’s job). Cut along the traced lines with scissors.
••••••• Palm • Tarot • Crystal Ball Aura • Horoscope New age psychics invite you to overcome the negativities in your Life. They will tell your PAST as it was, your PRESENT as it is, and your FUTURE as it will be. They specialize in Love, Marriage Business, Health, Family Issues and reuniting Lovers 100%. All readings are private and confidential.
••••••• 1610 Oak Tree Road, Iselin, NJ 08830
732-661-0003
Check out familyfun.com for even more gift ideas! BLU PRINT QUARTERLY | WINTER 2011
21
BLU BOOKS Kassy and Kelly: My 2 Sweet Angels A DOG LOVERS STORY OF LOVE AND SORROW
By Diana Diem This story is designed to celebrate the pet/ owner relationship, and to mourn the passing of a beloved companion. It is designed to weave together an intricately layered tale of love. Diem recalls the earlier days of being a family and encountering various health problems, from Kelly being attacked by a pitbull to the devastating diagnosis of Kassy’s diabetes. Readers can feel her sadness as she describes Kassy’s declining health. It articulates the heartbreaking decision of putting a pet to sleep. In closing, she eulogizes Kassy and eventually Kelly and the unconditional love they bring. It would be of interest to pet owners, and a comfort to those who lost a beloved animal. It’s a sweet tribute to Two Awesome Dogs.
Author Spotlight: Diana Diem is a local author from Linden and My 2 Sweet Angels is her first published work. She has a passion for writing and obviously her pets that is apparent as you devour her book. An easy read that hits the heart. You can purchase Kassy and Kelly: My 2 Sweet Angels at: Barnes & Noble (in-store & online), Amazon.com, Books a Million, Betterworld Books, Google E-Bookstore and Kindle Nook.
REPAIR • REMODEL • RESTORE
• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements • Deck Repairs • Flooring • Tile Work • Trim/Crown/Molding • Sheetrock/Wall Repairs • Painting • Carpentry • Maintenance • Drop Ceilings • Fixture Replacements • All Types of Small Repair
An Invisible Thread THE TRUE STORY OF AN 11-YEAR-OLD PANHANDLER, A BUSY SALES EXECUTIVE, AND AN UNLIKELY MEETING WITH DESTINY
By Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski When Laura Schroff first met Maurice on a New York City street corner, she had no idea that she was standing on the brink of an incredible and unlikely friendship that would inevitably change both their lives. It is the heartwarming story of a friendship that has spanned thirty years, that brought life to an over-scheduled professional who had lost sight of family and happiness and hope to a hungry and desperate boy whose family background in drugs and crime and squalor seemed an inescapable fate.
Fully Insured · NJ State Licence# 13VH05437500
C al l
FREE ESTIMATES 201-213-7817
As k fo r
FRED
fmqualityhomerepairs.com
A Charlie Brown Christmas A BOOK-AND-TREE KIT
By Charles Schulz Charlie Brown and his sad little tree are American icons. In A Charlie Brown Christmas: A Book-andTree Kit. This kit includes a small Charlie Brown Christmas tree, one red decorating bulb, Linus’s blanket, and a full-color mini edition of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This Christmas package is bound to be the best-loved of all the stocking-stuffers.
22
WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
BLU MOVIES COMING SOON TO THEATERS
The Sitter
Rated: R | Comedy A college dropout becomes a babysitter to make some quick cash, and takes his three young charges on an epic urban adventure in this comedy from director David Gordon Green (George Washington, Pineapple Express).
• ROBIN’S PHUNK AND R&B JAM or GARAGE BAND BLUES JAM Every Tuesday, 8-midnight
• ROBIN’S ALL STAR OPEN BLUES JAM PARTY
Every Wednesday, Hosted by Dean Shot, 8-Midnight
COMING SOON TO THEATERS
• ROBIN’S COOL JAZZ JAM
Every Sunday, Hosted by Don Williams, 6-10pm
We Bought a Zoo
• ROBIN’S 2nd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
Rated: PG | Comedy-Drama
With Michael Powers Tribute to Jimi Hendrix
A widower (Matt Damon) purchases a zoo in order to bring his family back together in this Twentieth Century Fox adaptation of Benjamin Mee’s autobiographical memoir. Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous) writes and directs based on a script by Aline Brosh McKenna. - Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
• ROBIN’S 2nd ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA
$60 Per Person. Includes: dinner, dessert, favors and champagne toast @ midnight... and of course LIVE MUSIC!
LIVE MUSIC 6 NIGHTS A WEEK!
OPEN: Mon. 6pm, Tues.-Fri. 11am, Sat. & Sun. 5pm | Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials
3103 Tremley Point Rd., Linden, NJ 07036
(908) 275-3043
IN THEATERS NOW
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas
www.robinsnestrhythmandblues.com
Rated: R | Comedy
Harold Lee and Kumar Patel are preparing for their respective Yuletide celebrations. But when a mysterious package mistakenly arrives at Kumar‘s door, his attempt to redirect it to Harold’s house ends with the “high grade” contents-and Harold’s father-inlaw’s prize Christmas tree-going up in smoke. With his in-laws out of the house for the day, Harold decides to cover his tracks, rather than come clean.
NEW CUSTOMERS PRESENT THIS COUPON AND RECEIVE:
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
A Christmas Story
Dr. D.D. Shukla and Associates
Rated: PG | Comedy | 1983
Adapted from a memoir by humorist Jean Shepherd (who narrates), the film centers on Ralphie Parker, a young boy living in 1940s Indiana, desperately yearning for a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas. Despite protests from his mother that he’ll shoot his eye out, Ralphie persists, enlisting the assistance of both his teacher and Santa Claus. A true Christmas classic!
175 West Grand Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065 Rahwayanimalhospital@comcast.net Ph.# 732-381-2700 | Fax.# 732-382-2622 Mon.-Fri. 9 to 7, Sat. 9 to 4
OFFICE VISIT Limited Time Offer!
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
Scrooged
Cocktails • Lunch • Dinner
Rated: PG13 | Comedy | 1988 A darkly comic contemporization of Charles Dickens’s, A Christmas Carol, this effects Bill Murray, as TV exec Frank Cross, the meanest and most depraved man on earth. Cross will stoop to unheard of levels to increase his network’s ratings. Cross’s life is turned upside down with visits from three ghost.
AMPLE PARKING CLOSED MONDAYS Owned & Operated by The Savarese Family
908-351-4060 54 Westfield Ave. | Elizabeth, NJ 07208
BLU PRINT QUARTERLY | WINTER 2011
23
•••••• ••••••
HELLO, HOLLYWOOD Local writer recounts unusual ‘California-style’ Christmas By Paul Gallagher As the holidays approach, it’s a time for many to reflect on the past or look toward the future. In this column, Paul Gallagher remembers the culture shock of spending his first Christmas outside of New Jersey and away from his childhood home in Roselle Park. Christmas and the entire holiday season can be a source of stress for many people, causing them to abandon the spirit of the season. It seems there’s not enough time or money, work gets hectic, shopping is crazy and the uncertainty of family gatherings all contribute to this sentiment. Maybe though, there would be a change of heart if the circumstances were different. I found this out my first Christmas away from home. In 1989, two of my friends were attending The Musicians Institute of Technology in Hollywood, California, hoping to graduate and one day become “rock stars.” Massimo I had known since first grade, and J.K. I knew for about four years. That December I also left my home in Roselle Park for Hollywood to join them in the pursuit of stardom. The first thing I noticed upon my arrival in California was how nice the weather was. You could never walk around in New Jersey in December wearing just a t-shirt, but here I could. As it got closer to Christmas, the novelty wore off and it actually became a little depressing because it didn’t feel much like Christmas at all. Hollywood’s allure of lights, sights and girls also diminished when it’s darker side was revealed. Call me crazy, but I didn’t feel too secure with drug dealers hanging out on the corner of our street and in front of our building, which was just one block away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Two days after I arrived in Hollywood, we were threatened by one rough character who demanded money for buying lunch for two girls we knew. Two days after that, this same character got into our apartment – and specifically, into one of my bags – stealing the traveler’s cheques I wisely was using instead of money. To get my replacement cheques, I had to ride Massimo’s bike to the closest American Express location in Beverly Hills. Riding the bike to and from there I saw only a few Christmas decorations on houses and stores, which didn’t exactly fit in with this setting of warm weather and palm trees. The Scientology building near our place had a winter village scene along with Santa for the kids, but that was the extent of any Hollywood Christmas decorations. The only other display of holiday cheer was the tourist buses that would ride up and down Hollywood Boulevard. As the busses went along, tourists were singing Christmas carols. One
24
night J.K., possibly possessed by Scrooge, was compelled to flip them the bird as they passed. One week before Christmas, Massimo returned to New Jersey to be with his family, leaving J.K. and I to ourselves. On Christmas Eve we walked to Ralph’s, a supermarket, to get a turkey with Rey, one of our friends from New York. As we passed one of the drug dealers he asked us what we needed. “No, we’re good,” we told him, which was our usual reply. In what seemed out of character (this was a drug dealer, after all), he responded back, “Well, Merry Christmas, guys.” I don’t know, I thought that was pretty cool of him, especially because he was the only one who wished me a merry Christmas that day. Christmas Day finally arrived, and it was bright and sunny. The phone rang and J.K. answered it simply by saying: “Yo!” My mother was on the other line, but she still said, “Merry Christmas,” in her typical cheery way. I spoke to her and one of my sisters, and then opened some gifts that had been mailed to me. Later while making our way to Rey’s we came down the alley of our building and were toward the gate. I saw a man taking jackets out of a car and was about to leave the gate open, thinking he was visiting relatives in the building. That is, until I realized he broke the window of the car and was actually stealing the jackets. On Christmas Day! We proceeded on, walking up the block to Hollywood Boulevard to discover all the stores were open -- clothing stores, shoe stores, souvenir shops -- all open on Christmas Day. Tons of tourists were walking around as if it were any other day. I couldn’t believe what I saw. “What is all this?” I asked J.K., making him aware of my confusion. “This ain’t no Roselle Park Christmas,’’ he answered back. Later that night, I hung out with Rey and had a few beers, just wishing the day to be over. It almost was like the nightmares I had as a kid where I slept too late and missed Christmas. It was difficult for me to understand how people in California celebrated (or, actually how they didn’t celebrate) Christmas. Thinking back, I’m sure someone from California might be equally surprised by how we celebrate in New Jersey. Being away from home that year truly made me miss, and appreciate, Christmas in New Jersey. Perhaps realizing how lucky we all are to celebrate this wonderful season “Jersey style” may make those who are stressed appreciate the holidays a little more. Wishing everyone the best New Jersey Christmas! •
WWW.BLUPRINTQUARTERLY.COM
BLU HAND DESIGN STUDIO LLC 1072 BRYANT STREET, RAHWAY, NJ 07065
PRE SRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PHILA PA 191 PERMIT #6438
10 FRANCHISES ALL MAKES! ALL MODELS OVER 1000 CARS TO CHOOSE FROM HURRY IN TODAY!
Gift Certificate!
$2200
OIL CHANGE
$19.95
5 quarts and filter, excludes diesel engines and synthetic oil. Please present coupon during write up. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Offer expires 03/31/11
90-100 RT. 1 NORTH WOODBRIDGE, NJ 07001
TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW OR PRE-OWNED VEHICLE
Offer is not valid without this coupon. Offer is non transferable. Offer is not valid on prior sales or sale priced vehicles and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. One certificate only per transaction. Zero Case Redemption. Coupon MUST be presented and surrendered upon arrival.
Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am -9:00pm Saturday 9:00am -7:00pm - SERVICE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Find Us On
SANSONEAUTO.COM
SHOP 24/7