Vicinity Magazine

MARCH 2022

Learning Through Play at

Genius Gems

Women in Business 2022

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TABLE of CONTENTS

MARCH 2022

MARCH 2022

VOL. 22 NO. 2

David J. Black FOUNDER & CEO

Cathleen M. Black

8

PRESIDENT & COO

In the Vicinity

Michael J. Reidy

News and Happings in the Area

ART DIRECTOR

Vanice Gage Donegan

10 Local Heroes

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

10 Mom’s Foundation Supports NICU Families 11 Chatham Borough Resident is a Fixture at the Chatham Food Pantry & Food Distribution

20

18 Freshen Up Your Indoor Spaces This Winter Support Local Merchants…

Shop Local

20

16 Artist Profile

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amy Schwartz Donna Stanul

19 Local Gift Guide

16

Kimberly Blaker Cynthia Burns Sue Baldini Barry Farber Janis Hashe Christine Maxwell Jackie Schatell Deborah Shapiro

Allan Gorman Finding Magic in Ordinary Places

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Dan Epstein SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Bart Gorin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Mitchell Black Heidi Dommasch Robert Leo Murray GUARDIAN ANGELS

CIRCULATION 32,000 U.S. POSTAL SERVICE MAILED TO

20 COVER ARTICLE Connecting Tiles and People Genius Gems Make STEM Fun for All Ages

24 Summer Camp 2022 Spotlights 27 Special Section Women in Business 2022

36 Restaurant Guide 38 Diamond Minds On the Cover: Genius Gems Photo by Dan Epstein

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Vicinity Magazine

The Early Years…

March 2022

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN: Berkeley Heights, The Chathams, Florham Park, Gillette, Harding, Millington, Madison, New Vernon, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Sterling, Summit

NEXT ISSUE: April 2022

Advertising Deadline: 03/15/22 In-Homes: 04/01/22 Calendar submissions: calendar@VicinityMail.com Editorial submissions: editorial@VicinityMail.com Call for info: 973-276-1688 Vicinity Magazine is published by Vicinity Media Group, 184 S. Livingston Avenue, Suite 9-303, Livingston, NJ 07039. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication can not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher.

Vicinity Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

LAUREN HAGERSTROM

CWI DESIGN D E S I G N • T E X T I L E S • H O M E W A R E 908.280.1316 | 560 Central Avenue, New Providence NJ 07974 cwi.design | creativewallcoverings.com Please call for an appointment.

In The Vicinity

By Jackie Schatell

Mom and Daughter Duo are Creating Upcycled Cat and Dog Toys

J

anette and Alex Spiezio are doing their part to support the zero-waste movement by creating upcycled cat and dog toys. Alex, a rock climber, creates dog toys, called Monkey’s Fists, out of retired climbing rope. She makes a large knot on one end for large dogs and a smaller one on the other for smaller dogs. Janette’s cat toys are made of upcycled wool and catnip. Both are sold at Janette’s store, Sustainable Haus, in Summit, an eco-friendly, zero waste, refill shop. Janette and both daughters, Alex and Amanda create a number of upcycled goods, such as scrunchies, wipes and napkins. The store’s over 400 eco-friendly products include many locally-made items.

“The average person throws out four and a half pounds of waste a day,” says Janette.

“I hate to see so much waste when you can do such hip and cool things to upcycle it.”

Millburn Mom Launches Line of Eco-Friendly Hats

New “Art at Overlook” Exhibit Features Artist Ricardo Roig

F

ormer contemporary designer, Lisa Joseph, of Millburn, is venturing into sustainable fashion with a collection of eco-friendly, quick-drying, floatable hats for infants through adults. The company Rise and Reset will launch in May with five baseball hats, including 4 floatable hats made of recycled nylon and 1 corduroy hat made of organic cotton.

The hats are designed so parents and children will be able to wear them Lisa Joseph and her outside without the fear of losing them son, Theo Szapacs in the water. Lisa says wearing hats is important because 80% of sun damage happens before the age of 18. The motto of the company, which will be creating small lots of hats to avoid waste, is for people to pass the hats down rather than to make another sale.

O

verlook Auxiliary has announced that the next installation of its “Art at Overlook” program, called Art for Our Heroes, will feature the work of local artist Ricardo Roig, a professional fine artist, who works in various media from oil painting, drawing, collage, and murals to his own novel technique for creating hand cut artwork. The Roig collection will hang at the Overlook Bobeck Gallery until March 27. All the art displayed in the Art for Our Heroes collection will be available for sale at the Overlook Auxiliary Gift Shop and Bloom on the fifth floor. Roig will also donate 20% of every sale of art purchased from his website with code OVERLOOK at checkout. “I am so honored to partner with Art at Overlook during these unprecedented and extremely challenging times for our healthcare workers,” said Roig.

Paper Mill Playhouse Announces the Reopening of The Gallery at Paper Mill

P

aper Mill Playhouse has announced the reopening of the “reimagined and reinvigorated” The Gallery at Paper Mill in the Renee Foosaner Art Gallery. The inaugural exhibition, Color Abstraction, will run through April 24 and will feature three local artists: Dorothy Ganek (South Orange), Calina Hiriza (Millburn), and Jesús Núñez (Millburn). Future exhibitions will run concurrently with each of the theater’s five annual mainstage productions.

In addition, the work of Dana Salzone (Madison) can be viewed in the F.M Kirby Carriage House Restaurant. “Paper Mill is surrounded by a vibrant arts community,” says Michael Stotts-Managing Director. “We are thrilled to spotlight local visual artists and engage lovers of the arts with their work.” The Gallery at Paper Mill is located on the mezzanine level and can be enjoyed by patrons attending a performance or visiting daily from 12-6pm with no ticket required.

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March 2022

Jesus Nunez, of Millburn, is one of the artists showing his work at Paper Mill Playhouse.

Photo Credit: Paper Mill Playhouse

PRE-SEASON

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Chatham Residents Sell Crafts for Charities

R

ecently, Chatham residents Arven Srikanth (9), Anaya Chhapgar (9), Anjali Srikanth (6), and Kiyaan Chhapgar (6) made fuse beads crafts – hats, magnets, keychains, bookmarks, and coasters, to sell at the Fishawack Festival to raise awareness for four charities close to their hearts. They sold their wares and answered questions to raise $800 for the Library of the Chathams, Shark Institute of Princeton, St. Hubert’s, and St. Jude’s. Yamini Natarajan, the mom of Arven and Anjali said, “That’s over 6,000 beads painstakingly arranged in patterns and fused together.” Anaya and Kiyaan said, “There are lots of kids and pets that need money and help. We wanted to do something nice.” Anjali said, “I love to read and the Library of the Chathams has all the books I need. They also have classes people can take for free!” And, Arven said, “Millions of sharks are killed every year and only a few humans. Sharks need our help.”

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Singer Songwriter’s Hits Have Been Streamed Over 4 Million Times

M

att Haughey, a 2017 graduate of Madison High School, is making a name for himself in the music world. Since he started releasing music in 2019, his songs have been streamed over 4 million times. After graduating Dartmouth in 2021, with a joint degree in theater and economics, Matt has been pursuing music full time. He is currently in the process of writing more songs, which will be released in the coming months. He also enjoys writing music for other artists. He says he likes writing music that tells a story about love, relationships, and what is happening in his life, and he tries to be as honest as possible.

The singer-songwriter’s pop piano ballads can be streamed on all major streaming services.

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March 2022

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Local Heroes

Mom’s Foundation Supports NICU Families

By Jackie Schatell

W

hen Elena Rivera, of Stirling, NJ, suffered the unbearable loss of one of her twins, Martina, when she went into labor at 24 weeks, she had to leave her son Dion in the NICU for four months. The trips back and forth and the visits took a toll on her mentally and financially. Noting her difficulty, the hospital provided her with food coupons and parking vouchers. She says that this kindness really helped her out during the dark time in her life.

When she got home, she says she felt depressed and empty because of her loss and decided to fill the void by giving back. She created Martina’s Wish Foundation to provide the same type of services she was afforded at the hospital. The foundation supports NICU parents with financial need. It is funded by donations and fundraisers. Monies raised fund coupons and vouchers for food, parking, gas, and lodging. The foundation also helps families after discharge on an as needed basis with items such as diapers, formula, clothing, and fulfills requests made by families within reach.

“A NICU stay is typically emotional, isolating, stressful and expensive,” says Elena.

“Through individual and corporate donations, fundraisers and sponsorships, we help families pay for non-medical expenses related to frequent visits to see their babies and help them enjoy every precious moment they have with their children.”

She says helping others “makes her feel great.” “Giving back is important. The kindness bestowed on me at my time of need helped me and I want to do the same for others. I just like to see people smile.”

Elena Rivera and her two children, Dion, 11, and Gabriella, 8

Elena was recently approached by Overlook and Morristown Medical Center to offer the services of her foundation to the NICUs there. She hopes to be up and running there shortly.

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March 2022

To donate or volunteer, please go to martinaswishfoundation.org or send an email to martinaswish@gmail.com.

Local Heroes

Chatham Borough Resident is a Fixture at the Chatham Food Pantry & Food Distribution

By Jackie Schatell

Len Resto at the Chatham Food Pantry and Food Distribution.

L

en Resto, of Chatham Borough, has been volunteering since he was 18. He says he grew up on food stamps and always knew that he wanted to give back. Now he volunteers at the Chatham Food Pantry and Food Distribution every week.

He says, “It is a labor of love” and that he tells people who are retiring that when they run out of fixup projects to do at home, they should volunteer. “It keeps you busy and feeling useful,” he says.

Together with 25 regular volunteers from ages 30 to 92, and 20-25 high school volunteers, Len helps others keep the Food Pantry, which he calls “the fabric of the community” stocked.

Len says that the need for the Pantry has grown as the pandemic has continued and that there are 40-50 families using the pantry weekly. “Many people have been out of work, some people earning minimum wage at part-time jobs and are unable to make ends meet, and some seniors are having trouble making their social security checks last all month,” he says.

As the demand has grown, the need for partnerships has grown too and one such partnership has flourished – BoxCar, an organization out of Chatham, had a link on their website to donate fresh produce to the Food Distribution. With BoxCar back in business, the online ordering is now on the Chatham Methodist Church’s website for people to pay $40 a box to donate fresh produce milk and eggs. Len says that one such benefactor had been donating 10 boxes a week.

People donating to the outdoor pop-up Pantry are asked to only leave the following there: non-perishable soups, beans, canned vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, toiletries such as soaps, shaving cream, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby products including diapers, baby shampoo, and baby food, women’s feminine products, manual can openers, salt, spices, and olive oil.

Perishables, milk, eggs, and the like should be dropped off on Wednesdays during the Food Distribution that takes place behind the Chatham United Methodist Church from 3:304:30pm.

Recently, Len posted on his Facebook page, “Please keep your generosity going because several families that come through the food distribution are sick with Covid and their times are even tougher than normal.”

Those interested in donating can donate money on the Chatham Methodist Church’s website, mail a check for Shoprite gift cards to Joan Carroll of Helping Hands at 14 Red Road, mail a check to Chatham Methodist Church at 460 Main Street, drop off goods at Len’s house, which is located at 35 Center St., donate through the Amazon Wish List, or donate directly at the Pantry.

March 2022

MyVicinityMagazine.com

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Local Buzz

Death by Design

W

hat could be funnier than homicide?! How about the same murder committed by several different people with various weapons and wildly dissimilar motives. A spoiled actress, a narcissistic playwright, a loopy bohemian, and a raving anarchist are only a few of the possible suspects in this hilarious murder mystery/ comedy. Join us to sort all this out with a lot of twists, turn, and laughs! Death by Design is directed by Belle Wesel.

Maple Sugaring Demos

T

he Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center is offering three maple sugaring demonstrations for children ages 2 to 5 during the month of March. Children and their parents are invited to listen to a story about maple sugaring and participate in a walk and talk with a naturalist all about making maple syrup from trees. The program will be held entirely outdoors.

Tuesday March 1, Thursday March 3 and Thursday March 10 10-10:45am Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham Register at: http//tinyurl.com/yc3mwmcz or call 973-635-6629

Through March 12 The Summit Playhouse 10 New England Avenue, Summit 908-273-2192 | www.thesummitplayhouse.org

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Vicinity Magazine

March 2022

Local Buzz

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The Summit Symphony Orchestra Performance

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he Summit Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of 2022 will begin with the “The Moldau” by Bedrich Smetana.

Next will be “El rio de los site estrelas” (The River of the Seven Stars) by Venezuelan Evencio Castellanos, and conclude with Symphony No. 3 “The Rhenish” by Robert Schumann.

The Summit Symphony has been providing free orchestral concerts for the Summit area since 1938 to provide an arena for qualified non-professional musicians to read and perform orchestral music, and to present orchestral concerts, free of charge, to residents of Summit and the surrounding areas.

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March Fourth 5K and Dog Walk

T

he fifth annual March Fourth 5K will take place on Sunday March 6th, 2022. Following the race, there will be a dog walk! Gather your friends and family together and walk your dogs! 5K starts at 9am followed by the dog walk. All donations will go directly to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to support screenings.

Brookside Drive, Millburn

www.closetsbydesign.com 2017 © All Rights Reserved. Closets by Design, Inc.

March 2022

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13

Local Buzz

Youth Chess Tournament Registration

T

he Florham Park and Madison Knights of Columbus Council 2248’s round-robin chess tournament will return after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament is for all students in grades 3-8 who live in the local area— Florham Park, Madison, the Chathams, and throughout Morris County. Most entrants play seven to ten games in the round robin tournament.

Voices From The Arctic

There will be two divisions: grades 6-8 and grades 3-5.

Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in both divisions, and ribbons to fourth, fifth and sixth place. There will be a limit of 30 players for each division, 60 players total. Parents must certify their child’s grade level with a teacher or principal’s note. Small chess game, chess literature and hot dog lunch will be offered.

Call chess tournament chair Joe O’Brien at 973-301-1864 with any questions.

Saturday, March 26, 8:30am-noon Holy Family Church Gym, Tucker Street, Florham Park

N

J Festival Orchestra continues its triumphant return to the concert hall as masterworks from Rautavaara, Sibelius, and Tchaikovsky come together in a passionate storm of ice and fire. Featuring authentic arctic birdsong, soaring Sibelius melodies with internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso Jaewon Kim and, arguably, Tchaikovsky’s finest and most heartrending symphony, live music doesn’t get much better than this! Maestro David Wroe conducts.

Sunday March 27–3pm The Concert Hall, Drew University Dorothy Young Center for the Arts, 36 Madison Ave, Madison 908 232 9400 | www.njfestivalorchestra.org/concerts

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Vicinity Magazine

March 2022

www.DiscoveryPsychCenter.com

Local Buzz

Women in STEM: Invisible No More

D

o you know a girl in middle school or starting in high school, who has expressed some interest in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and might want to pursue a career in it? Research shows that out-of-school experiences that connect girls with women in STEM careers can be instrumental in countering gender stereotypes and helping girls self-identify with STEM. “Women in STEM: Invisible No More” is a meet and greet program that is designed to connect the girls with women in STEM careers. Girls will have an opportunity to engage with professional women in small groups for a period of time after which they will switch groups. Light refreshments will be available to facilitate any mingling and networking.

March 8, 6:30pm Community House, 25 Cook Avenue, Madison Register at volunteersignup.org/8L4AA. www.aauwmadisonnj.com

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SummitHearingAidCenter.com March 2022

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Allan Gorman Photo by Dan Epstein

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Vicinity Magazine

March 2022

Artist Profile

ALLAN GORMAN

Finding Magic in

Ordinary Places

By Dan Epstein

A

llan Gorman will say he is a Realist—at least when it comes to his paintings. It was in the middle of a long and storied career in advertising and marketing while teaching a class at New York’s School of Visual Arts that at the suggestion of his wife he took a painting class. Although satisfying, nevertheless he took a 25 year break from painting to continue his career. It was after enrolling in a painting class at the Montclair Art Museum in 2008 that the momentum hit and he hasn’t looked back, retiring from his business in 2013 to become a full-time painter.

Sometimes, in an effort to compliment, a person will say that a photograph “looks like a painting.” In Gorman’s work the opposite is found. Often at first glance his paintings appear to be photographs, and it’s only on closer inspection that you see that they are not. His paintings are based on the photographs he makes of ordinary everyday places, but his mission is not to accurately paint the photograph, but to recreate the emotion of the moment; the something special that he saw on the street and as such the simple ordinary locale is transcended into something magical.

In Shadows at Kearny Point, a 20x16” oil on panel, the light coming in through an unadorned window takes you on a Zen-like journey. In Crown, a 60x45” oil on linen, the contrasts in New York City architecture are at play, both with each other and with us the viewers who might have walked past in life, but are stopped in our tracks by the painting. Note Stillwell Stairwell, a moment that everyone who traverses the NY subway system sees relentlessly though most never notice take on a magical quality of moment not unlike an urban version of a journey from The Lord of the Rings.

Allan Gorman will say he’s a Realist, though through his work, we see beyond real to the magic in simple moments in his travels, and if we allow ourselves, we learn to see the magic in our own as well.

More of his work can be found at: www.allangorman.com

March 2022

MyVicinityMagazine.com

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Freshen Up Your Indoor Spaces W

hen cold winter days keep you inside, you may find yourself bored with your surroundings.

Waiting for the sun to make its next appearance can provide the perfect opportunity to give your indoor spaces a fresh and appealing mini makeover.

Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room. Consider these ideas: • Bring stylish flair to your space with a new color scheme. Rather than replacing all the furniture, which can be costly, focus on smaller accessory pieces such as pillows and decorative items. Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors.

• Introduce new accent furniture.

Smaller and less cost-prohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the look of a room.

You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on-hand to create a look that’s all your own.

• Morph your room by simply rearranging what you already own.

Adjusting the orientation of your furniture and decor can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective.

• Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base, or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too.

A new look for your favorite room can go a long way toward chasing away those winter blahs, so find ways to update your space for a cozy retreat that you can enjoy despite the cold weather raging outdoors. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

—Family Features Photo courtesy of Pexels

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March 2022

Support Your Local Merchant. Shop Local.

Travel in style this summer with our “Down the Shore” bags by Spartina.

From wallets to duffels made of textured vinyl and quilted cotton.

Find the perfect gift at nearby independently owned businesses in our community.

The Pink Pear

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Pura Smart Home Diffuser allows you to customize your scent experience with fragrances from the convenience of your smartphone.

Experience iconic Volcano like never before. Enjoy your favorite fragrances with a sleek Pura device. Includes: 1 Pura Smart Home Diffuser + 2 Capri Blue Volcano Fragrance Vials.

Smith & Company

343 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973-228-1167 Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Instragram | @ SmithCoGifts

Polish Pottery Butter Dish Hand Painted in the Polish village of Boleslawiec, one of many pieces.

Kitchen a la Mode

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These Sterling Silver & Gold plated heart necklaces are made of high quality materials which makes it perfect for everyday wear.

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Treat yourself or a special gift for someone you love to Antica Farmacista Crystal Decantor Diffuser in Prosecco to get the party started in any room.

Glaze Salon

7 Townsquare, Chatham | 973-701-0099 www.GlazeSalon.com

Jennifer Romanoff and Ashleigh Da Silva Photo by Dan Epstein

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Vicinity Magazine

March 2022

Connecting

Tiles

and People!

Genius Gems Makes STEM Fun for All Ages

By Deborah Schapiro

G

enius Gems opened in Millburn in 2018 as a playful educational center, with a unique collection of over 30,000 magnetic tiles. According to founder Jennifer Romanoff, though, the idea was born in her small Manhattan apartment five years earlier. She combined her background in education with her children’s–and her husband’s–love of magnetic tiles, moved to the New Jersey suburbs, and says proudly, “Now here we are.”

(Continued on next page) Photo by Dan Epstein

March 2022

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Connecting Tiles and People!

(Continued from previous page)

At Genius Gems, the focus is on learning through play. The center offers a wide variety of programs, including coding, edible chemistry, engineering and design, Lego® design lab, and a Pokémon® TCG tournament. The majority of the classes are for grades K through six, but older and younger kids are accommodated as well. Four- and fiveyear-olds can attend a drop-off program which includes a science story, scientific experiment and guided exploration time. The over-12 set can enjoy Teen Night, when the entire Genius Gems space is filled with black lights, teenappropriate music, and glow-in-the-dark challenges.

In addition to the regular classes, Genius Gems offers special events like birthday parties, as well as summer camps featuring themes like Witches & Wizards, Coding and Robot, and Slime Lab. Romanoff has two master’s degrees in education, including one in Educational Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She subscribes to the philosophy of MIT professor Mitchel Resnick, who calls for learning environments centered around the “four Ps: Projects, Passion, Peers and Play.”

To enhance the projects, Romanoff says, “We have an amazing design laboratory, with 18 3-D printers, a UV printer and a laser-cutter.” The play aspect of Genius Gems is easily seen in the social interactions she sees every day. She adds, “Everyone can enjoy the challenge of building and exploring collaboratively, from kids, to parents, and even grandparents.”

Genius Gems plans to expand this year into a flagship location in Manhattan, taking its unique concept to the next level. “It is going to take everything we love about Genius Gems and make it better.”

For those who want to bring Genius Gems home with them, the company has developed its own line of magnetic tile add-ons, including a glittery rainbow set, candy tiles (not actually edible), and a slime kit.

Romanoff explains, “We really focus on creating a space to disconnect from technology (except for our robots) and screens in general.”

Genius Gems 215 Millburn Avenue, Millburn | 973-376-2623 www.geniusgems.com

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March 2022

A massive 3D spiderman project designed and built entirely out of magnetic tiles by our Genius Gems team members.

A student showcasing designs he engineered using CAD design and 3D printers.

3D printers in the Genius Gems Design Lab printing face shield components donated to nursing homes during the pandemic.

Photos courtesy of Genius Gems

March 2022

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Camp SPOTLIGHTS

Summer Academy at The Craig School The Craig School, 10 Tower Hill Rd, Mountain Lakes 973-334-4375 www.craigschool.org/academics/summer-academy The Craig School Summer Academy provides an opportunity for Craig students and non-Craig Students with learning disabilities to continue to improve their organization, notetaking, and study skills in a safe, academic environment. It also provides our students with a foundation of practical and effective content acquisition skills that allows them to become greater independent learners. Hands-on experience, creative expression, and co-operative learning. The morning Academic Session is focused on academics, reinforcing skills and strategies. The afternoon Enrichment Session is focused on social skills, art projects, environmental sessions and community field trips. Programs start Monday, July 5. High school program closes Thursday, July 28; LS/MS closes Friday July 29.

Summer Camp for Equestrians Seaton Hackney Stables, Loantaka Brook Reservation 440 South St, Morristown | 973-644-3355 | www.seatonhackney.com Seaton Hackney Stables offers a unique and unforgettable summer camp experience for young equestrians ages 5 to 17. It combines the great outdoors with education, horseback riding and fun. Our campers ride 2-3 times daily, either during lessons or lunging sessions, on trail rides, or Equisthenics. Campers also learn basic safety, grooming, tacking and barn management skills.

In addition, campers receive daily badges for achievements in many areas including equine breeds, colors and markings, equine health and first aid, braiding and show grooming, careers in the industry (demonstrations by vet and farrier), harness driving and other exciting horsemanship matters.

We offer am, pm and full day, weekly camp sessions. Summer camp runs all summer long until Labor Day. Visit www.seatonhackney.com for more information.

Surf and Turf Adventure Camp & Surf and Turf Jr. Edgemont Park, Montclair | 973-306-9505 | surfandturfcamp.com Contact: John Garzon Email: surfandturfmontclair@gmail.com Age Groups: Ages 9–15 Teen and pre-teens enjoy different daily adventures from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to as far as Canada and California. Both a day and overnight camp with actives such as paintball, hiking, swimming and rafting in nature.

SURF AND TURF ADVENTURE CAMP

www.SurfandTurfCamp.com

Where Every Child is a Star!

SUMMER 2022 Check Out Our New Adventures!

CALL TODAY:

973-306-9505 Vicinity Magazine

ESSEX YOUTH THEATER In Residence at The Studio Playhouse, Upper Montclair

An adventure camp for kids ages 10-16. A new adventure every day!

Pick up and drop off at Edgemont Memorial Park, Montclair, NJ from June-August. Certified Teachers, Lifeguards, and EMT Staff.

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Montclair’s Premier Acting School for Kids for Over 30 Years!

March 2022

Summer Theater Day Camp!

• In-Person, On-Stage • Ages 6-13 • Exciting plays & musicals • Lots of individual attention in a friendly atmosphere • Every child gets a starring role!

973-746-3303 • www.EssexYouthTheater.com

Equestrian Summer Camps!

Register before March 15th for a 10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

– Riding Lessons — Petite Equestrian Program Troop and Badge Programs Trail Rides • IEA Team Team Building/Birthday Parties

Summer Camp Fashion Design Workshops for Teens at House of Dezign

Seaton Hackney

House of Dezign, 11B Roosevelt Avenue, Chatham 973-908-3575 | www.houseofdezign.com Is your teen interested in fashion design? This summer, House of Dezign is offering unparalleled one-week educational and fun summer camp design workshops for teens ages 13 to 17 through carefully curated lessons that ensure each participant succeeds.

STA B L E S 440 South Street, Morristown, 973-644-3355

www.SeatonHackney.com

In addition, a 3-week portfolio workshop is being offered for teens who are looking to create portfolios or get a head start for school or college. Each weeklong session combines individualized and class instruction to ensure teens get the attention they need to make successful fashions. All participants learn how to create evolving mood boards and fashion designing as well as pattern making and draping. They also work with different textiles to create wearable garments and accessories.

Participants learn to stitch fabric by hand and by using a sewing machine. And they learn to appreciate the rich history and culture of fashion, as well as the economic value.

All workshops are small to allow for the best possible instruction by instructors who are from Pratt, FIT and other design schools in the US and Europe. House of Dezign offers one-of-a-kind, elite, STEM, summer camp fashion design workshops for teens who want to learn about fashion designing.

The Connection Summer Camps 79 Maple St, Summit | 908-273-4242 TheConnectionOnline.org Contact: Michelle Stelluto Email: info@theconnectiononline.org Age Groups: Age 3 and up The Connection provides all-day or half-day co-ed camps that include swim lessons, and specialized camps: Sports, STEM, Warrior, Gymnastics, Travel, Cooking, Theater, Nature, Fashion, Engineering, Digital Media Robotics and more! ACA accredited.

March 2022

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Camp SPOTLIGHTS

Essex Youth Theater Summer Theater Day Camp The Studio Playhouse, 14 Alvin Place, Upper Montclair 973-746-3303 | www.essexyouththeater.com Age Groups: Ages 6-13 Montclair’s premiere Summer Theater Day camp is better than ever.

Imagine the thrill of starring in your own show! This camp is a fun and exciting theater experience that encourages confidence and nurtures self-esteem. Every child gets an equal role in the show and, in musicals, a solo song. Six weeks of musicals and nonmusicals: choose one, all six, or mix & match! In-person, on a real stage. Start on Monday, star in a play on Friday!

Musical Theatre Conservatory– Broadway Boot Camp 973-868-6259 | www.musicaltheatreconservatory.com July 5-22 (Final Show NJ Show!) Monday–Friday, 9:15am–3:45pm

Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts 14 South Park Street, Montclair | 973-655-9819 | www.smapa.org “If you like to dance or act, Prime Time Summer Arts is the place to be,” says Sharron Miller, Artistic Director. No previous training is required and every session is different so you can register for the whole summer.

Preschool Summer Arts for ages 3-5 meets Monday-Friday from 8-11am. Each 1-week session includes dance, music, art, and pretend play all focused on the theme for that week. Themes may include Fairy Tales, At the Beach, Around the World, Disney, and more.

Prime Time Summer Arts for ages 6-9 meets Monday-Friday from 9am-2pm. Ages 10-14 meet Monday-Friday from 1-6pm. Over the 3-week session, students will take classes in dance, drama, improv, and choreography, and then collaboratively create a show. There will be break times when students can eat and socialize together with their counselors, bonding over the joy of performing arts. The session will culminate with a performance of the show they have created together.

At Musical Theatre Conservatory, “Theatre for Life” is more than just a motto; it is their guiding philosophy. Through their Broadway Boot Camp, July 5-22, children aged 7-18 get the opportunity to bring this philosophy to life.

Broadway Boot Camp teaches children the skills they need to actually get on stage and do what they love. MTC students work with theatre professionals, who are committed to giving every child the solid foundation they need to be the best performer they can be. Each day, students will enjoy a rotating schedule that includes: Voice, Acting, Theatre Dance, Hip Hop, Song Interpretation, Comedy Improvisation, Stage Combat, TV & Commercial Acting, Audition T`echniques, Make-Up, and Production Rehearsal. The program ends with a “splash” with their annual Luau Pool Party!

In just three weeks, students are guided from classes to rehearsals culminating in a costumed, cabaret-style show, produced by theatre professionals. Students also have the chance to meet with agents and Broadway actors to get the inside scoop on working in theatre, film, and television.This year they will be offering camp In Person!

Advertise Your Camp & Summer Programs in

REGISTER ONLINE Dance Classes for All Ages PreSchool Summer Arts Program PrimeTime Summer Arts Program

www.SMAPA.org | 973-655-9819 14 South Park Street, Montclair, NJ 26

Vicinity Magazine

March 2022

Show prospective campers and their families all your Camp and/or Summer Program has to offer!

Call for more information: 973-276-1688

Women in Business 2022

Contributors: Sue Baldani, Janis Hashe, Christine Maxwell, Jackie Schatell, Deborah Shapiro March 2022

MyVicinityMagazine.com

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Women in Business

Marie Gaglioti & Marlene Habermann Dieci Lifestyle Spa Co-owner

Dieci Lifestyle Spa Spa Director

M

arie Gaglioti always loved to create, and it was this trait that led to her life-long career in the beauty industry. “I was a natural at doing makeup and eyebrows, and I was always interested in making people look better,” she says.

She and her husband, an experienced stylist himself who owned his own salon in West Orange for many years, opened Dieci Lifestyle Spa in Livingston 27 years ago. “We always pride ourselves on it being a complete retreat for wellness and beauty,” says Marie. “We do everything from hair cutting, styling and hair color, to massages, facials, nails and more.”

Marie attributes a big part of its success to Marlene Habermann, the spa director for the last 26 years. “She’s an elegant and beautiful woman. Marlene was trained in France and really took control of the spa, educating our staff in a European style. She’s been a godsend to our business and truly lives and breathes health and wellness.” One client flies in regularly from Las Vegas just to see her.

Marie has also developed her own cosmetics line, Dieci Colori, and skin care line so she can provide clients with the very best. She is also a champion of the environment. “In 2013, we opened a second location in Livingston called Dieci Uomo, which is a salon just for men. It’s a green building design and the first and only LEED certified hair salon in the state.”

She says she couldn’t have done any of it without her husband by her side. “He’s the best and it was his vision to build a spa. It’s powerful when you have the right partner.”

90 W. Mount Pleasant Ave., Livingston 973-716-0101 | www.diecispa.com

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March 2022

Women in Business

Rachel Kapner President/Principal Designer, CWI, Inc.

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achel Kapner has always loved color, fabric and textures. Her initial dream was to become a fashion designer.

Then her mother, who had been a partner in an interior design business for many years, asked her to come on board. The first day she was there, it was as though she had been there forever. She became president of Creative Wallcoverings and Interiors when her mother retired and developed it into the full-service interior design company it is today.

She met her designer inspiration, the late Mario Buatta, “The Prince of Chintz,” several times and credits him for growing her passion for layering fabrics. This has evolved over time, she noted, into more contemporary looks, often with a whimsical touch. But her clients are always partners in whatever she creates for their homes. Whether they have children, pets, entertain a great deal—all these factor into the collaborative effort resulting in a design that’s beautiful, workable and something the client loves.

Like all business owners, she prizes the great team she’s assembled, allowing her to work on multiple projects at once. That team includes the expert tradesmen and craftspeople who are essential in creating her designs.

Kapner also enjoys pushing herself, using the new tools now available to designers, and continuing to expand her vision for the ideal design for each client.

560 Central Ave., New Providence 908-665-7997 www.creativewallcoverings.com

March 2022

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Women in Business

Joanna Sesti, MD Thoracic Surgeon

J

oanna Sesti, MD, thoracic surgeon, was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to the United States in 1989. She is a passionate physician who is dedicated to her patients. Dr. Sesti received her medical degree from New Jersey Medical School and completed the integrated general surgery/ cardiothoracic surgery program at New York University. She completed an advanced training fellowship in minimally invasive thoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Sesti has been a member of RWJBarnabas Health since 2017. An RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group physician, her main interests include minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, benign esophageal diseases, and mediastinal masses. She has published a number of book chapters within the field of thoracic surgery and has several peer reviewed publications. Learn more about Joanna Sesti below:

What made you choose thoracic surgery?

My mentor during my general surgery residency influenced my decision to pursue thoracic surgery. She was a thoracic surgeon whose confidence, compassion towards patients, and love of the field were very inspiring. Additionally, I really appreciated the range of complexity and technical difficulty in thoracic surgery. I enjoy the ability to treat patients for benign and malignant conditions, and particularly appreciate the long lasting relationships with my oncology patients.

What is the most important thing you want your patients to know about you as a physician?

What is your philosophy of care?

My philosophy of care is that I treat every patient as I would treat one of my own family members. I lost my father to cancer and watched him deal with the medical system from a patient perspective. I appreciated some of the barriers patients face and in my personal practice try to minimize those as much as I can. I think our office staff is amazing in this regard and are the reason I am able to care for patients in a way that meets my standards.

My patients need to understand that I am part of an incredibly talented multidisciplinary team that collaborates to develop a comprehensive care plan to deliver the best care to the patient. The face of thoracic surgery has changed.

There have been tremendous advances in technology which have furthered our ability to perform even more complex procedures minimally invasively. Each patient is unique and the center of the team. I value their feelings, input and view the physician-patient relationship as a partnership. Patients should also know that I am fluent in Spanish.

For an appointment with Dr. Sesti, please call 973-322-6757.

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March 2022

Women in Business

LuAnn Nigara & Kimberly Serafim Window Works

W

indow Works offers custom window treatments such as draperies, blinds, and Roman and motorized shades, as well as awnings, fabrics and wallpaper. Co-owner LuAnn Nigara’s main focus over the last 40 years has always been on building connections with customers. “I understand that it’s not a transaction, it’s a relationship, and that’s the way I approach it,” she says.

She and co-owners, husband Vincent Nigara and cousin Bill Campesi, are proud to have built a successful family business in Livingston, which is a legacy they can pass on to family members and long-term employees.

LuAnn and Vincent’s daughter, Christine, and son-in-law, J.C. Rocha, will be taking over as majority owners. Both have been involved in the business for years.

Kimberly (Kim) Serfim, who has been working alongside LuAnn for 13 years, will also be moving into a partnership role. “I started off as a showroom coordinator, then morphed into LuAnn’s assistant and then into sales,” she says. “I now run the entire interior design sales division of the company. I always functioned as if my name was on the door, so when the opportunity came up to be a partner, it made sense.”

Kim has learned a lot from LuAnn. “Not only the window treatment side of it, but also from a business standpoint,” she says. “She imparts her wisdom onto others and it’s been exciting to watch her, the business, and her podcast grow.”

LuAnn created and hosts the Window Works podcast, A Well-Designed Business®, which has been rated the number one podcast for the Interior Design business community. Her book, The Making of a Well-Designed Business®, is an essential guide for entrepreneurs to create their own successful businesses.

38 E Northfield Road, Livingston 973-535-5860 www.windowworks-nj.com

March 2022

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Women in Business

Dr. Leslie E. Herman

Julie Winer

Founder of Summit Hearing Aid Center

Splurge Bakery

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C

eslie E. Herman, Au.D. CCC-A, holds New Jersey licenses in both Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing. Summit Hearing Aid Center, a full-service diagnostic and dispensing office has been at the same location in Summit since 1983.

ombining her background in marketing/advertising with baking skills, Julie Winer launched her first product—delicious cookies featuring her clients’ company logo. In 2006, Julie hired local women and professional bakers to fulfill her first big order—8,000 corporate logo cookies.

Dr. Herman recommends that everyone should schedule a baseline hearing evaluation. Studies have found a correlation between hearing and memory; fatigue; falling; dementia; diabetes and heart disease. Summit Hearing Aid Center enjoys the reputation of having access to the latest technology and providing solutions to each persons’ hearing concerns.

The demand continued, and offerings expanded rapidly. In 2010, Julie opened Splurge Bakery’s storefront in Millburn.

Splurge is a family enterprise with husband Stephen, daughter Raquel, and a dedicated staff of professionals. Aware of the changing palates of her clients, Julie constantly develops creative new products. Her latest selection will include a spa menu of plant-based delectables low in sugar. New online ordering makes selecting, placing, and receiving orders simple.

Splurge ships nationwide.

When Dr. Herman was asked why she finds her work exciting, she replied, “It is so enjoyable being able to improve the quality of our patients’ lives through properly fitted and programmed hearing devices; the benefits are immediate.”

74 Summit Ave., Summit | 908-277-6886 www.summighearingaidcenter.com

“If you have a dream, go for it. The road is sometimes challenging, but worth the pursuit. It took me two years to find a location, and our business plan remains flexible to respond to our clients’ needs. Your business needs to evolve continuously to be successful.”

105 Main Street, Millburn | 973-379-0740 www.splurgebakery.com

Lisa Fried-Grodin Employment Law Attorney, Partner and Co-Founder Meyers Fried-Grodin LLP, Morristown, NJ

H

ave you ever had a stressful or dicey workplace problem that you don’t know how to solve? Employment Law attorney Lisa Fried-Grodin has devoted her 20-year legal career to providing clients in New Jersey and New York with practical, effective solutions to these problems.

She is passionate about giving employees who have experienced discrimination, harassment and retaliation a voice and an action plan, and for guiding small to mid-sized, growing businesses on the right path. Lisa provides a calm, thoughtful approach and works closely with her clients to understand their goals and develop the best strategy for each of them.

Some of the issues Lisa commonly handles are litigation and non-litigation matters regarding employee discipline, wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination, medical and family leave, whistleblower/retaliation, workplace safety, contract disputes, and wage and hour requirements. She also conducts employment investigations, and drafts and advises on employee handbooks, separation agreements, noncompetes and other employment contracts.

Lfriedgrodin@mfglegal.com | 973-241-7512 www.mfglegal.com www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-fried-grodin-5476117 www.avvo.com/attorneys/07960-nj-lisa-friedgrodin-1611396.html#client_reviews

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Vicinity Magazine

March 2022

Women in Business

Christine Kosakowski

Julienne Cherry

The Pink Pear

Executive Director, Summit Health Cares

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F

hristine Kosakowski recognizes creative women at The Pink Pear, a boutique located in Madison. She promotes and sells unique local and national products with a vast array of individually crafted gifts— from baby items to apparel, pet bandanas, jewelry, and body lotions. Top brands include Brighton, eNewton, and Posh Peanut.

Kosakowski began her business carefully, first as an inspiration business from home, next as a pop-up store, and finally as a boutique in Madison. Customers came to her house, or she visited local vendor exhibits to sell her accessories and children’s gifts.

After her youngest child entered school in 2018, she opened a pop-up store, selling Black Friday to Christmas Eve. Changing direction, after experiencing tremendous success, she opened a full-time store the following year. Ultimately, she established the current boutique on Main Street in Madison, celebrating other women artisans.

Kosakowski advises women entrepreneurs to take that leap of faith with careful planning. “If you want to start a business, do it!

You won’t know if it will be a success if you don’t try!” she says.

42 Main St., Madison | 973-437-2132 www.shopthepinkpear.com

rom the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, where she spent 10 years as Director of Agency Relations, to CASA of Union County, where she served as Executive Director, Julienne Cherry has spent her professional life working to improve the lives of underserved populations.

Cherry is currently the Executive Director of Summit Health Cares, the foundational arm of Summit Health (formerly Summit Medical Group).

Born and raised in Morristown, Cherry graduated from Rutgers University with a dual degree in Political Science and Administration of Justice. She went on to earn a Masters in Public Administration from Kean University, as well as Certifications in Drug Counseling and CPR Instruction.

Under Cherry’s leadership, Summit Health Cares has adopted a new tagline: “Providing Care, Transforming Lives.” This is accomplished through four “Pillars” of service: Empowering Communities, the Comfort Project, Educating Future Leaders, and Giving Back.

Cherry sums up the work of Summit Health Cares: “We are a boots-on-the-ground non-profit, helping underserved communities gain access to medical, educational, and social services.” www.sh-cares.org

March 2022

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Women in Business

Carol Karsos

Kate Monagle Founder, Monagle Law and Mediation, LLC

A

s the Founder and Managing Attorney of Monagle Law and Mediation, Kate Monagle has been helping families find amicable divorce solutions for several years.

She has significant experience as a trial attorney and in handling complex and high conflict matters in family law, arbitration, insurance law, and civil litigation. She focuses her practice on divorce mediation and Collaborative law.

Kate looks at the needs of the whole family and acts as a problem solver to achieve a new beginning in a civilized way utilizing creative out-of-court processes. Kate gets to know the families, which offers control over the outcome to the parties, rather than to a judge who has never met them.

Post-divorce issues are minimized when parties utilize alternative to court resolution processes to draft their settlement agreements.

Monagle Law and Mediation LLC 201-477-8898 | kmonagle@monaglelaw.com monaglelaw.com

Realtor and Third-Generation Madison Resident

O

ver the course of her 25 years as a Realtor Sales Associate, Donna Mattina of Coldwell Banker Realty has earned numerous credentials and awards. She is an ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), a SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist), a consistent winner of the New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award, a consistent Top Producer in the Madison Office and more.

In looking ahead into 2022, “With the over-abundance of buyers, I’m looking forward to more homes coming to the market, as inventory is very low. Buyers want to take advantage of the low interest rates and with the rates creeping up, it sets a sense of urgency for the buyer.”

When asked about what advice she can offer on how women can succeed in real estate, Mattina replied, “Always answer or return calls promptly, manage your time wisely, be attentive to your buyers and sellers needs and always do your due diligence. Treat each customer/client as if they were your only one. You have to love this business to be successful in it. Work hard - you will succeed!”

180 Main St, Madison | www.donnamattina.com 973-377-4444 (office) | 973-214-2929 (cell) Donna.Mattina@cbmoves.com

Vicinity Magazine

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arol Karsos knows the restaurant business inside out. Being born into a restaurant family, it is all she has ever known. Karsos met her husband, Michael, one summer when she was working in her family’s restaurant—the Brookside Dinner. Michael later bought the restaurant with his brothers John and George. After graduating from college with a Management/Marketing Degree, Karsos married Michael and became the restaurant’s fourth partner. In 2013, the four owners bought their current restaurant, the East Hanover Diner.

The East Hanover Diner is a traditional Greek Diner that offers standard menu fare. With freshly baked desserts and bread selections, patrons never leave the Diner hungry. Traditional Greek cuisine is also a daily specialty.

Karsos loves all aspects of the restaurant business, which she says is hard, grueling work. “You must have a good work ethic to succeed in the restaurant business. Challenges happen 24/7.” Still, owning and managing a diner is a great opportunity. “Where else can you offer your customers large portions at a great value?”

275 Route 10, E. Hanover | 973-884 8840 www.easthanoverdiner.com

Donna Mattina

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Partner of East Hanover Diner

March 2022

Women in Business

Cindi Galiher & Kathy Korab GLAZE Salon

C

indi Galiher has spent her entire career in the beauty industry working for well-known companies and brands such as Revlon, Borghese and Laura Mercier. She has also been trained as a makeup artist by world-renowned makeup artists Mercier and Linda Cantello.

After taking a break from the corporate world to have a child, Cindi decided to get back into the industry when her daughter was 11. “Kathy Korab was my hair stylist in Chatham for 18 years and when she told me she wanted to branch out on her own, I was ready to do something as well.”

Together, they opened GLAZE Salon in Chatham in March of 2019. Its large, modern space can rival any salon in New York City, and she says that some of their clients actually drive in from the City to get their hair done. And for local people, there’s no need to travel. GLAZE is easily accessible and provides New York services at New Jersey prices.

Some of its most popular offerings include Brazilian Blowouts and “mermaid-look” colorings. “Kathy is a master cutter and stylist and her forte is the Brazilian Blowout,” says Cindi. “I provide makeup services in the salon.” Other services include nails, lashes and waxing.

Becoming a female business owner was a great choice for her, and having Kathy as a partner is a huge bonus. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner,” says Cindi. “We always communicate and we’re always 100% on the same page, which makes things easy.”

7 Townsquare, Chatham | 973-701-0099 www.glazesalon.com

Dr. Helen Chiu, DDS Chiu Dental Care

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s a child, Dr. Helen Chiu was good with her hands, and enjoyed painting and drawing. By the time she was in college, she also knew she wanted to be her own boss. So, although no one in her family was a dentist, she decided on dentistry as a career—a choice her patients have applauded for more than 25 years.

It has not always been easy. She needed to navigate the sometimes-competing needs of parenthood and her practice.

At one point, she had to hire someone to drive one of her children to and from school. But she was able to establish a strong team in her office, and her family was completely supportive of her efforts.

Now, with multiple generations as patients, she re-energizes herself by embracing the many new technologies and procedures modern dentistry offers. She’s excited to go to seminars teaching about new tools she can use to help patients.

Helping patients improve their dental health, and through that, their overall health, remains a major source of job satisfaction.

She described one patient whose mouth and teeth needed a full year of work to restore. That patient, she said, is now able to feel much better about herself, not just her teeth.

Under Dr. Chiu, Chiu Dental Care will always make “care” a real promise to all patients.

248 Columbia Tpk, Florham Park | 973-377-0224 www.chiudentalcare.com

March 2022

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Restaurant Guide GILLETTE Ancona Bistro

It is recommend that you call in advance as reservations may be required.

Gregorio’s Mediterranean Restaurant 255A Main Street, Chatham | 973-635-2777 www.restaurantgregorios.com Italian Mediterranean cuisine bursting with flavor

Scalini Fedeli

BERKELEY HEIGHTS Nagoya Sushi & Tiki Lounge 538 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-898-1188 | www.nagoyasushiandbar.com A family owned Japanese restaurant striving to provide the best food and experience to customers. Featuring a wide selection of sushi, rolls, and other Japanese favorites.

63 Main Street, Chatham | 973-701-9200 www.scalinifedeli.com French-influenced Italian fixed-price menus in an elegant, vaulted interior with Tuscan touches.

Mitsuba Japanese Cuisine 237 Main St, Chatham | 973-635-3888 www.MitsubaChatham.com Featuring traditional Japanese specialties and cuisine, including sushi, rolls, cooked fare & lunchtime bento boxes.

645 Valley Road, Gillette | 908-647-5755 Northern Italian entrees and pastas.

Casa Maya 615 Meyersville Road, Gillette 908-580-0799 Family-friendly BYOB serving Sonoran-stule Mexican cuisine.

Chimney Rock Inn Gillette 342 Valley Rd, Gillette | 908-580-1100 www.chimneyrockinn.com Casual New American tavern with pub-grub standards, thin-crust pizzas & TVs for sports viewing.

MADISON

Restaurant Serenade 6 Roosevelt Ave, Chatham | 973-701-0303 www.restaurantserenade.com Artful dining, as conceived by award-winning Chef James Laird. A showcase of the finest hand-selected seasonal and regional ingredients in simple, refined presentations by Chef Laird.

A Taste of Asia Proud Thai Cookery 645 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-665-0055 | www.proudthainj.com A Thai Restaurant that brings you delicious street food! They offer the authentic Thai cuisine

Strega Bistro 430 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-665-5905 | www.stregabh.com Modern Italian Farm to Table Bistro featuring seasonal organic menu with Mediterranean influenced-specials.

245 Main Street, Chatham | 973-701-8821 www.atasteofasianj.com A Taste of Asia, New Jersey’s first Malaysian restaurant, brings the eclectic cuisines of Malay, China, India, Thailand and Eurasia to the area.

CEDAR KNOLLS H2ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar 41 Ridgedale Avenue. Cedar Knolls 973-984-9594/ www. h2oceanrestaurant.com, Relaxed restaurant & bar serving locally sourced seafood in a sophisticated, contemporary space.

Trap Rock Restaurant & Brewery 279 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-665-1755 | www.traprockrestaurant.net A microbrewery that offers guests seasonal craft brews in addition to a delicate menu that accentuates a southern flare

CHATHAM Charley’s Aunt Restaurant 8-10 S Passaic Ave, Chatham | 973-635-6772 www.charleysauntchatham.com Traditional American cuisine.

D’Oro Ristorante 219 Main Street, Chatham | 973-701-6990 www.dororistorante.com A northern Italian menu that is sure to please everyone’s pallets. D’Oro offers a vast menu selection of delicious dishes including pasta, fish, poultry, pork, steaks, and more.

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FLORHAM PARK China Chalet 184 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park 973-996-2828 | www.chinachaletnj.com Traditional Sichuan cuisine in an elegant environment.

Lucco Cucina + Bar 207 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park 973-822-0066 | www.luccobar.com A modern Italian restaurant that combines favored classics with a contemporary touch.

Offerings consist of New York style pizza, fresh salads, delicious small bites, & wonderful pasta.

Pastosa Ravioli 186 Columbia Tpk, Florham Park 973-377-4800 | www.pastosa.com A third generation, family-owned and operated Italian specialty food company widely recognized as the source of New York’s finest ravioli, fresh pasta and Italian specialties.

March 2022

Krust Kitchen 7 Cross St, Madison | 908-525-7878 www.krustkitchen.com Pizza

MILLBURN Basilico 324 Millburn Ave, Millburn 973-379-7020 | www.basilicomillburn.com Enjoy the delicious flavors of their dishes, homemade pastas and desserts, cooked to perfection at one of the finest Millburn Italian restaurants.

Common Lot 27 Main Street, Millburn | 973-467-0494 www.commonlot.com A BYOB destination offering New American dishes.

La Pergola 120 Essex Street, Millburn | 973-376-6838 Providing diners with quintessential Northern Italian cuisine.

MoonShine Summer Club 55 Main Street, Millburn | 973-218-6042 www.moonshinesupperclub.com Contemporary American cooking executed with style, finesse, and an updated comfort-food sensibility.

NEW PROVIDENCE

STIRLING

Moe’s Bistro and Bar

Trattoria Biagio

535 Central Ave, New Providence 908-840-4540 | moesbistroandbar.com Located inside the Best Western Plus & Murray Hill Hotel and Suites, offering a full and varied menu with a Mediterranean flare. Full bar and live entertainment.

239 Main Avenue, Stirling | 908-350-8064 Authentic Italian cuisine

Natale’s Summit Bakery

Twelve Islands Greek Taverna

590 Central Ave, New Providence 908-665-0266 Offering housemate pizzas & formal Italian dishes

1255 Valley Rd, Stirling | 908-647-2193 www.12islandsgreektaverna.com Charming eatery crafting traditional Greek fare, including seafood & classic homestyle dishes. 12 Island has a full bar and the menu is assembled with a wide variety of recipes from the Dodecanese and other islands.

SHORT HILLS

SUMMIT

Boxcar Bar & Grill

Huntley Taverne

25 Chatham Rd, Short Hills | 973-912-0002 www.boxcarbar.com Boxcar Bar & Grill is the neighborhood hangout Short Hills has longed for. From juicy burgers to crispy, thin crust pizza to ceviche and fresh salads, friends and families will enjoy their food!

3 Morris Avenue, Summit | 908-273-3166 thehuntleytaverne.com Huntley Taverne dining experience offers classic seasonal cuisine, a 250 bottle wine list, two stone fireplaces, outdoor porch dining, and private events.

Par 440 Restaurant & Lounge

La Pastaria

440 Parsonage Hill Road, Short Hills 973-467-8882 | www.par440.com A full service restaurant, bar & lounge located on the East Orange Golf Course in Short Hills.

Offering bar bites, burgers and tasty entrees.

327 Springfield Ave, Summit | 908-522-9088 www.lapastaria.org Located in Summit, La Pastaria has become an icon of home style Italian dining and a hidden gem of the community.

Coppola Ristorante & Pizzeria

BEST INDOOR/OUTDOOR DINING & BAR Suburban Essex

2021 Silver Winner

PASTA/BURGERS/PIZZA AND A LOT MORE WITH A VIEW

185 Broad St, Summit | 908-277-2074 www.natalesbakery.bakesmart.com Enjoy a selection of house made specialties including breads, pastries, pies and cakes. Daily specials. This family owned and operated bakery is serving up their delicious twist on bakery classics for over 80 years.

Roots Steakhouse 401 Springfield Ave, Summit 908-273-0027 www.rootssteakhouse.com/summit Roots Steakhouse is an old-fashioned New York style Steakhouse. Diners can expect delicious USDA aged prime beef sourced from the highest quality ranches in the mid-west.

Serra Restaurant 10 Bank Street, Summit | 908-273-1713 www.serrasummit.com A family owned and run, authentic Portuguese BBQ restaurant. Their savory dishes feature ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, onion, garlic and wine.

Summit House Restaurant + Bar 395 Springfield Ave, Summit | 908-273-6000 www.summithousenj.com An American restaurant and bar offering seasonal cuisine, craft cocktails, fresh local beers, and terroir-driven wines.

In Krust We Trust Home of the Largest Pizzas in the Metropolitan Area 20/24/28/30 and the 36 inch pizza

908-525-7878 7 Cross St, Madison 440 Parsonage Hill Road, Short Hills

973-467-8882 | www.par440.com

We are NOT JUST PIZZA! See our full menu at:

www.krustkitchen.com

March 2022

MyVicinityMagazine.com

37

Diamond Minds

The Early Years...

By Barry Farber

E

very child is a diamond in the rough. What we do with them during the early years of childhood determines a great deal about their overall development. I remember interviewing several well-known brain surgeons who recommended reading to your child at two months of age.

They told me the plasticity of a child’s brain is amazing and that they’re capable of learning 5 to 6 languages before the age of five years old. It made me think about what I was doing with my own three children in those early years and changed the way I look at how they learn.

This month I sat down with Mindy Kirschner to learn more about what we can do to enhance our children’s learning and development. Mindy is a Speech Pathologist and Clinical Director of Speak Your Mind, LLC, Speech Pathology Services in Randolph, New Jersey. www.speakyourmindllc.com Barry Farber: What are some of the activities you can do to enrich the development of an infant or toddler during the preschool years?

Mindy Kirschner: You can read to your child at infancy. At a few days old they hear their caregivers voice and learn to turn their heads towards the human voice. They don’t see particularly well but they hear. They start to orient towards familiar voices.

Start narrating your actions; “I’m picking you up.” “I see you, I see your eyes, I see your nose, I see your hands.” When you’re feeding the baby, changing their diaper and all throughout caregiving you’re teaching them the labels of objects and how they function.

You can imitate your babies movements. An infant at a few weeks old can start to stick their tongue out so you stick your tongue out. You pause, they stick their tongue out…you stick your tongue out. So they’re already engaging in turn taking in an activity.

BF: What are some ways to build their vocabulary?

MK: You can build their vocabulary by narrating your actions and narrating their actions and that is essentially through play.

But it could also be done by taking them on an errand. Take them to the grocery store. These are the fruits, these are the vegetables and teach them categories. When they’re young you want to build their vocabulary and make sure they are developing the grammar (real term is syntax) of their language.

Also ensuring their ability to produce sounds is age appropriate so others can understand them.

By 3 years old an unfamiliar adult should understand 90% of what your child says without context.

BF: What are some critical activities for early learning at age’s three to five years old?

MK: You can start to show them letters. “A” makes the “Ah” sound.

“A” as in “Apple”. This is a word.

It’s the word CAT. Show me cat…

Barry Farber (point to CAT) here’s CAT. You show me CAT. So you start showing them words on a page and they will recognize it. They’ll understand the concept of a page, the front of the book, the back of the book. “Turn the page.” We want to develop their oral language which will help them with reading. They will recognize the words more readily because they know them.

BF: How about the physical movement and handling of plastic letters? What actions can you take to utilize this?

MK: Handling plastic letters engages all the senses. If you’re holding the letter in your hand that’s what we call a kinesthetic process. Depending on the individual, some of us are auditory learners, some of us are visual learners, some of us are kinesthetic learners. That is more helpful. If you can engage all the senses at the same time that is optimal.

Holding those plastic letters we used to put on the fridge are the best things. Mom and dad can say; “I’m going to get the yogurt!” And spell yogurt on the fridge. Your turn. Can you spell yogurt? And have them imitate you. You want to build up their ability to imitate when they’re very young.

BF: These activities take time and sometimes it’s tough to spend the quality time to do this.

MK: Parents are so busy. Utilizing household routines is really key to fostering their language ability. So you can say to them; “Can you get out a bowl for mom? You know where the bowls are. Bowl starts with B. You get the bowl and I will get the spoon.”

Engaging them in household routines first gets the job done, increases their vocabulary and engages them so they’re not off doing something mischievous like throwing the Cheerios all over the floor. In their room keep lots of different colored baskets around. “Let’s throw the teddy bears into the brown basket… let’s put the trucks into the red basket. You’re teaching them colors, sorting, categorization and they’re engaged in the process of cleaning up.

BF: What’s the last and most important tip you can leave our readers with that would have a big impact on the early years of development?

MK: Focus time with your child. Put your phone down. Engage with your child for 15 minutes a day where you are not on your phone. It could be a game you play with them or activity. One on one uninterrupted non-electronic time. You’re letting your child know that they are important.

Barry Farber is a best-selling author, an award winning radio and television host as well as an agent and marketing consultant for corporations, professional athletes, and entertainers. He’s also the creator and marketer of the FoldzFlat® Pens. His latest release is an inspirational children’s book “In search of the magic tree” available at www.barryfarber.com

38

Vicinity Magazine

March 2022

You’re only 45.

You still need a colon cancer screening.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Along with eating healthy and regular exercise, your best bet for good colon health is to get regular screenings.

NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

Should your screening indicate the need for treatment, we offer the latest options, from complex surgical procedures and radiation therapy to clinical trials and precision medicine. Remember, the recommended age to start screenings is now 45. It’s never too early to prevent colorectal cancer.

Schedule your appointment at rwjbh.org/colonscreening

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