Vicinity Magazine

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TABLE of CONTENTS MAY 2021

MAY 2021

VOL. 20 NO. 3 David J. Black FOUNDER & CEO

Cathleen M. Black PRESIDENT & COO

Michael J. Reidy ART DIRECTOR

Vanice Gage Donegan

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Cynthia Burns Barry Farber Janis Hashe Jessica Modrow Jackie Schatell Deborah Shapiro Melissa Sorge

In the Vicinity News and happenings from the area

17 MOMI Chalkfest 2021

Local Heroes 8 Local Mom is Making a Difference, One Lasagna at a Time

26 Mosaic: A World in Motion

9 WGIRLS.org

27 Authentic Japanese Dining

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

18 Features to Consider Before Installing Your Dream Pool

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

10 Body Beautiful Through Cosmetic Dermatology 11 Drink Your Veggies 12 Wash Away Winter Grime 13 Fashion Spreads Spring Wings 14 Local Buzz and Bites 14 Paging Fred Flintstone 15 Local Choruses to Raise Funds for Newark Working Kitchens 16 Some of the Best Breads We’ve Ever Tasted

17 There are Diners… and Then There are Diners 27 A Fresh Taste Sensation

19 Clean Products, Less Plastic, More Trees 20 COVER ARTICLE Sustainability Meets Luxury at DoubleTake 24 Mother’s Day Local Gift Guide 25 Full Day On-Campus Pre-K Open for Enrollment at Oak Knoll School 28 Recovering from Covid—New Program Treats Lingering Symptoms 29 Climb Up to Take Down Blood Cancers 30 Brighten a Smile, Boost Confidence 31 Health/Wellness/Beauty Resouce Directory 32 Greenwood Gardens Nature, Horticulture, Arts & Crafts Garden Follies and Antique Ornaments 36 Restaurant Guide

On the Cover: Rachel Tressitt, Regional Manager of Doubletake, Photo by Dan Epstein

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Vicinity Magazine

39 Diamond Minds Lessons in Life, Leadership and the Art of Business

May 2021

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jackie Schatell Amy Schwartz Jan Press Photography CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Mitchell Black Heidi Dommasch Robert Leo Murray GUARDIAN ANGELS

CIRCULATION 32,000 U.S. POSTAL SERVICE MAILED TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN: Berkeley Heights, The Chathams, Florham Park, Gillette, Harding, Madison, New Vernon, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Summit

NEXT ISSUE: May 2021 Advertising Deadline: 04/14/21 In-Homes: 05/01/21 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.

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In The Vicinity

10-Digit Dialing Will Change How Those with 908 Area Codes Make Local Calls

FDU Will Now Require Students to Get Vaccine

F A

switch to a national three-digit suicide crisis hotline will soon change how people in Morris County with a 908 area code call their neighbors. The Federal Communications Commission has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Line.

This change means that residents in Morris County will soon be required to dial all 10 digits to make local calls within their area codes. However, it is recommended for 908 telephone users to start getting into the habit now of dialing the 908 area code when making local calls, even if the person being called lives next door. It is important to note that making the switch isn’t as simple as adding the area code to local calls; rather, those affected will also have to reprogram automatic dialing equipment and change email signatures and stationery that don’t include the area code. People making calls on landlines will still dial 1+ for long-distance calls. The change of the hotline number won’t take effect until July 16, 2022, so people should continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the crisis hotline.

airleigh Dickinson has joined the growing number of universities including Rutgers requiring students to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus this fall. In fact, the school recently opened registration for fall courses and requires students to upload a copy of their vaccination card to a private health portal, which also has forms for filing for medical and religious exemptions when warranted. This mandate extends to all students on campus for living arrangements, class or any other in-person activities, at the Florham campus, which has a Madison address but is based where the borough converges with Florham Park. Alternatives to mandates, include making online learning available for students who opt against getting the vaccine.

According to FDU President Christopher A. Capuano, Ph.D., herd immunity is the goal of this mandate, with the vast majority of students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated by the time school opens in the fall, so as to allow the school to relax space restrictions in classrooms, residence halls, and other areas in accordance with prevailing guidelines. While Drew University, which is located nearby in Madison, hasn’t imposed a mandatory vaccine requirement yet, right now, the school “strongly encourages” the university community to get the Covid vaccine.

Walk to Raise Funds for Adults with Disabilities

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n May 15, the public is invited to support Our House Foundation in its 22nd Annual Our House, Our Run. This year, the event will be held virtually. Proceeds raised will support the programs and services provided to adults with disabilities by Our House. The event will kick off the on morning of May 15th and be open to participants through May 21st at 12 pm. A closing ceremony will take place on the morning of May 22nd. As a virtual event, each participant chooses a 4-mile course to run or walk on the day and time of their choice (within the window stated above).

There will also be a variety of virtual information sessions and giveaways available throughout the week on the event’s Facebook page. All the details on how to register, create a team, be a fundraiser or become a sponsor can be found at ourhousenj.org.

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May 2021

Virtual Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef David Burke Refine your cooking skills with guidance from world renowned, celebrity Chef David Burke, and create an extraordinary dish for all to enjoy! Learn tips and techniques as you follow his lead, fueled by his artful inspiration the entire way. Proceeds benefit Table to Table, a community-based food rescue program that collects prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivers it to organizations serving the hungry.

Whether as a sponsor or guest, participants can count on an exciting evening filled with great food, wine (for select ticket holders) and an extra special experience right your own kitchen. And most of all, you will be helping the people in our community who need it most. All you need to do is decide the way you’d like to participate and then look forward to a very special evening with Chef Burke!

Chef David Burke

While showcasing your support of the Table to Table mission, participation in this event allows them to continue to be a reliable source of fresh, healthy food for single mothers, veterans, seniors, young children and poor working families, right here in our own backyard. Thursday, May 13 at 6pm. Reservations should be made by May 7. To review and purchase ticket options visit: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E349640&id=8

Morris County AIDS Walk Scavenger Hunt to Benefit EDGE New Jersey

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n Sunday, May 2nd, the Morris County New Jersey AIDS Walk Scavenger Hunt will take place starting at 12 pm, with all funds raised to benefit EDGE New Jersey, Morris County’s first and only LGBTQ+ center. Participants will travel together with their family and friends in a safe and socially distanced scavenger hunt throughout Morris County, stopping at 5 designated outside locations.

Participants will receive a free giveaway item at each stop. For more information on how to get involved and to get registered, please visit njaidswalk.org.

Support Sea Turtle Recovery

G

uests are invited to support the sick and injured endangered sea turtles at Turtle Back Zoo on May 15 at the Sea Turtle Sunrise Event. Participants will enjoy two hours of early Zoo access from 8 to 10 am, a free gourmet donut and beverage, and a free train ride with a ticket purchase of $30 for an adult or $25 for a child under 18. Optional discounted admission for the whole day at the Zoo is available for an additional $10. You can also “adopt” an endangered or threatened sea turtle by sponsoring one for $30. With your donation, you will receive a thank you packet with information about your sponsored turtle, as well as an adoption certificate with a short description of your turtle and a small photo magnet with a photo of the turtle you are sponsoring. This makes a perfect gift for a child. You can register for the event and/or sponsor a turtle at: seaturtlerecovery.org.

May 2021

MyVicinityMagazine.com 7

Local Heroes

Local Mom is Making a Difference, One Lasagna at a Time!

By Jackie Schatell

W

hen Molly Yearick saw Rhiannon Menn, the founder of Lasagna Love, on the Today Show, Molly felt compelled to sign up as a volunteer because Rhiannon’s message was “powerful and resonated strongly” with her. Molly had been looking for a way to give back during the pandemic and realized that joining Lasagna Love was the perfect way to make a difference while doing something she loved – cooking!

Lasagna Love is a national movement with thousands of volunteers in every US state cooking and delivering meals weekly to families in their communities that need a break from pandemic-related stress, whether from income loss, general overwhelm, or any other reason.

Molly, who is the Regional Team Leader of Northern NJ, says that Lasagna Love, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary, and is powered by over 20,000 volunteers nationwide, has already impacted the lives of over 200,000 people, by cooking and delivering on average, 4,000 meals a week. Nationally, the organization has delivered over 45,000 meals—and counting.

The tenets of Lasagnalove.org are simple. They are to feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. “Our mission is not only to help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families, but also to provide a simple act of love and kindness during a time full of uncertainty and stress,” says Molly.

According to Molly, the movement chose lasagna because, “lasagna is a warm and comfortable meal that can feed many people at once and provide leftovers that can last for a few days.” However, Lasagna Love doesn’t exclusively make Lasagnas. Volunteers have also delivered chicken pot pies, enchiladas or other familystyle entrees. Volunteers graciously tailor deliveries to any dietary restrictions and allergy needs of each family.

Most volunteer chefs are everyday people, like Molly, who like to cook and help others.

Signing up to volunteer is easy and may be done on the website, LasagnaLove.org. There is no pressure, and volunteers can opt to cook as often as they desire.

Likewise, there is also a spot on the site to sign up as a meal recipient. According to Molly, “there is no judgment, all food orders are kept confidential between the chef and the meal recipient, and recipients can sign up every 30 days.”

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May 2021

Molly Yearick In addition, recognizing that not everyone is computer savvy, there is also an area on the site for people to nominate others as meal recipients, such as older neighbors and others who may not be comfortable signing up for themselves.

While all volunteers purchase their own ingredients, those who want to help in other ways are invited to donate directly to the organization or sponsor a Lasagna Chef. Donations help Lasagna Love keep growing and making it easier to reach families in need. They also welcome support from local businesses in the form of in-kind or financial donations.

Molly loves what she is doing and says, “as long as there is food insecurity, and people struggling that need a helping hand, I will keep on cooking lasagna.”

Local Heroes

Books Over 30,000 Vaccine Appointments for Those Needing Help the Most

By Jackie Schatell

H

elping others is not new to NJ native Amy Heller, who founded WGIRLS INC 12 years ago with a mission to empower women and children in underserved communities through fundraising, volunteerism, and outreach.

When the pandemic hit, Amy pivoted her non-profit so she and her team of over 500 volunteers could help people needing assistance secure COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

In seven weeks, the team, which offers aid in 16 languages, had already secured over 20,000 appointments.

The army of volunteers at WGIRLS work round the clock in all NJ counties including Morris and Essex, and some NY counties, to book vaccine appointments for those needing help because according to Amy, “many appointments drop at night and in the early morning hours.”

The process to gain assistance is easy. Those needing an appointment simply fill in a form on the WGIRLS.ORG website and are then paired with a volunteer. The volunteer reaches out via cell or email to find out the client’s availability for an appointment as well as their preferred vaccine locations.

Next, the volunteer gets to work securing an appointment, which generally happens pretty quickly because the WGIRLS volunteers “know the ins and outs of navigating the vaccine scheduling systems.” In fact, the volunteers “often share tips with one another on a private Facebook page, as well as heartfelt stories about those they have helped.”

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Amy Heller When the pandemic first hit, WGIRLS raised over $25,000 to provide much-needed PPE for frontline workers at Overlook Medical Center. Then, after Amy’s neighbor, who is in her 80s, casually mentioned she was having trouble booking an appointment, Amy realized that other seniors and those with other barriers also needed help. So, she created her own system and quickly rolled it out across the state.

The founder of WGIRLS, who “plans to help until everyone who wants a shot can get one” says, “to play a role in reducing the fear and anxiety this pandemic has caused for so many is truly gratifying.”

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MyVicinityMagazine.com 9

Body Beautiful

Through Cosmetic Dermatology

By Christine Maxwell, photo by Dan Epstein

D

id you know that the skin is the largest organ of our body?

Various services to maintain the health and appearance of this vital organ are offered at Natural Image Skin Center, LLC in Livingston. Today’s technology has enhanced some of the newer procedures of cosmetic dermatology, such as body contouring. Dr. Nicole Rocca and Dr. Stephen Nervi head this group, along with two Physician Assistants and an aesthetician who work with patients and utilize three procedures to improve a specific body area.

The most popular procedure is Coolsculpting®. This service targets specific areas of fat, such as love handles or excess abdominal fat. Though clients cannot expect to lose weight, they may find that they have gone down a size in clothing.

Typically, clients see good results after two sessions. The results are intended to last indefinitely, with targeted fat cells destroyed, but clients should maintain an ideal weight to reap maximum benefits.

While Coolsculpting® reduces body fat, the second service, Emsculpt®, builds muscle by stimulating electromagnetic energy to increase muscle tone. Popular targeted areas include the abdomen and buttocks. With this service, customers usually require four to six sessions to achieve the desired look.

(Left-right) Lindsay Alvarado, Medical Aesthetician and Cristin Kelly, PA-C. Exilis Ultra® is a procedure that uses ultrasound and radiofrequency for skin tightening. This service is very effective for sagging skin in the chin, face, eyes, or abdomen. Maximum results usually occur in four or five sessions. A very comfortable procedure—similar to a hot stone massage—Exilis Ultra® is often used to complement Coolsculpting® to tighten sagging skin.

In summarizing their successful practice, Dr. Rocca states, “We proudly offer minimally invasive and effective body-contouring technologies. We are able to debulk, tone, and tighten target areas of the body which are resistant to diet and exercise.”

Natural Image Skin Center LLC 20l S. Livingston Avenue 1C, Livingston | 908-509-1938 www.naturalimageskincenter.com.

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Drink Your Veggies Chef V Blends Seven Super Greens That Will Satisfy Your Palate

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n 2010 Veronica Wheat, a.k.a. Chef V, was a private chef in the San Diego area. As a perk for clients, she included her trademark Green Drink—seven super greens with a hint of apple—with her meals.

The Green Drink received an enthusiastic response from her clients, and a year later, the entrepreneur revamped to focus solely on the beverage. Now, Chef V’s Veronica Wheat FRANKLIN BAR HEIGHT distribution area is spread DINING over more than two dozen states. The nutritional therapist says, “Consuming Green Drink before each meal makes Choose from many styles it easier to get a daily dose of antioxidant-rich green leafy of fire pit dining & chat vegetables.”

groups AND individual gas orWheat woodburning fire pits… chose the seven greens for their ability to fight Veronica Wheat

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n 2010 Veronica Wheat, a.k.a. Chef V, was a private chef in the San Diego area. As a perk for clients, she included her trademark Green Drink—seven super greens with a hint of apple—with her meals.

The Green Drink received an enthusiastic response from her clients, and a year later, the entrepreneur revamped to focus solely on the beverage. Now, Chef V’s distribution area is spread over more than two dozen states. The nutritional therapist says, “Consuming Green Drink before each meal makes it easier to get a daily dose of antioxidant-rich green leafy vegetables.”

Wheat chose the seven greens for their ability to fight inflammation, reduce cholesterol and remove toxins from the liver. “There are no preservatives. It’s a cold-blended drink, not juiced, so the natural nutrients and fiber are not wasted.”

She is humbled by messages customers send relating health affirming outcomes after incorporating Green Drink into their daily intake.

inflammation, reduce cholesterol and remove toxins from the Pelican’s can’t-be-beat liver. “There are no preservatives. It’s a cold-blended drink, prices make it easy to not juiced, so the natural nutrients and fiber are not wasted.” turn your backyard into She is humbled by messages customers send relating health a personal affirming paradise… outcomes after incorporating Green Drink into their day or night, daily intake.all year long!

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MyVicinityMagazine.com 11

Wash Away Winter Grime M

onths of harsh weather conditions can take their toll on your home and outdoor features. Often all it takes to get these items spruced up and ready for spring is a serious scrubbing with little more than a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime.

When you gear up to wash away the winter, take stock of the entire outdoor area to make your plan of attack:

Windows and Siding Storm after storm leaves plenty of dirty residue on your home’s exterior, glass surfaces and exterior walls alike. Before you begin, inspect windows and siding for dents, gaps or holes that may allow water to enter. Using a pressure washer with second-story capabilities is a smart solution. Exercise caution, as too much water pressure can damage windows, seals and siding.

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Vicinity Magazine

Driveways, Decks and Patios

Outdoor Furniture, Planters and Play-Things

Before you can identify damage and make repairs, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the surface. Use a power washer in high-pressure mode, starting at a distance and moving closer until the desired effect is achieved.

Left outdoors, patio furniture, planters and children’s outdoor play sets acquire layers of dust and grime during months of disuse. A power washer with variable nozzle settings allows you to safely transition from heavy-duty cleaning to more items such as glass-top tables and light-weight chairs, flower pots and toys without damaging or blasting these items across the yard.

Grills Nothing signals warmer weather like the smell of dinner on the grill. Get ready for your taste of the new season by scrubbing away months of buildup. For gas grills, disconnect the tank and any electric lines before you begin. Open the hood, remove the grates and treat the entire grill with a degreasing solution, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Work from the top down to rinse away residue. Let the grill dry thoroughly and coat it with a nonstick oil to prevent future build-up.

May 2021

With a little elbow grease and the proper tools, you’ll quickly find your home’s exterior fresh and ready to enjoy for another season outdoors. Find more tips to help wash your way to spring at briggsandstratton.com.

—Family Features

Fashion Spreads Spring Wings On Bloom Features Flirty Florals and More

By Janis Hashe

B

utterflies, yellows and lavenders, flirty floral dresses— customers are ready for feminine spring styles, said Dawn Sorenson, co-owner of On Bloom with Gina Cifelli. “They’re longing for fresh, versatile clothes for al fresco dining and resort wear,” she said.

They’re waiting for your next move.

The popular Caldwell boutique is also showing beautiful spring ‘Zoom ready’ blouses, asymmetrical designs —and shoulder pads are back, Sorenson noted. Denim jackets, always staple pieces, can be dressed up or down.

Deciding who gets what. It’s all stressful, heartbreaking— and a single misstep can be costly. That's why, for so many people, their next move—or their first—is to call Tanya L. Freeman.

On Bloom always carries an extensive jewelry selection, and “gold necklaces for layering are big this year,” she said.

Mother’s Day shoppers will find plenty of perfect choices, including gift cards, and curbside pick-up, begun during the pandemic, is still an option. On Bloom always aims to make shopping easy and fun.

On Bloom offers deliveries to customers as well as curbside pick-up and offers a personal shopping event for customers wanting to shop alone or in a small group.

On Bloom 342 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell | 973-228-2230 www.shoponbloom.com

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MyVicinityMagazine.com 13

Local Buzz & Bites

Paging Fred Flintstone!

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Local Choruses to Raise Funds for Newark Working Kitchens Through Free Virtual Concert

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Hickory Tree Chorus

ere Comes the Sun: Three Great Choruses, One Online Show will premiere on Sunday, May 23, at 5pm on YouTube. It is a first-of-a kind virtual collaboration between three of the area’s best-loved choruses: The Maplewood Glee Club, The Morris Music Men and the Hickory Tree Chorus, with guest appearances by two dynamic teen ensembles from West Morris Mendham High School. This family-friendly show will feature a range of uplifting songs.

Morris Music Men

The show is free, and viewers are asked to register ahead of time at threechoruses.com to receive a free show link 24 hours before the premiere. The choruses are also spreading sunshine by raising money for Newark Working Kitchens, a non-profit organization that enables many local Newark restaurants to keep their doors open, and their employees paid during the pandemic by cooking and delivering hundreds of meals a day to low-income seniors and families and people without homes. Donations can be made during the show or through the show’s website.

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MyVicinityMagazine.com 15

Local Buzz & Bites

Some of the Best Breads We’ve Ever Tasted!

Fresh, with crusts that have just the right amount of crunch. The loaves not only enhance anything that they become a component part of, they’re delicious on their own. Whichever one you purchase, order an extra, because you’ll find yourself noshing on one on on the way home. And check out their other specialties, like the croissants, chocolate croissants, apple turnovers, and muffins seen here.

Liv Bakery 184 Essex Street, Millburn, 973-218-6922 www.livbreads.com

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MOMI ChalkFest 2021 Drawing Families Together

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pend quality time together, reconnect, get outside & create some chalk-based magic! Plan your art as a family and join MOMI (Museum of Imagination + Innovation) for the International Day of Families to make magic together on your sidewalk, driveway or patio on Saturday, May 15, 9am-5pm.

This is a family friendly, FREE virtual art festival. The event is free for all to participate. To register, visit MOMIchalkFest2021. eventbrite.com. All families who register will receive tips and techniques for creating their chalk art. When you are finished with your creation, post a photo of it on social and tag us @thinkMOMI, include hashtag #MOMIChalkFest2021.

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Call 908-277-6886 to find out if Lyric is your hearing solution 75 Summit Ave, Summit, NJ 07901 summithearingaidcenter.com

Leslie E. Herman, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology Call SummitNJ Hearing Aid Center Audiologist Lic# YA000102 • NJ Dispenser Lic# MG000373

at 908-277-6886 to May 2021

find out if Lyric is your hearing solution

MyVicinityMagazine.com 17

Features to Consider Before Installing

YOUR DREAM POOL

Y

ou are about to have your dream come true…a swimming pool in your own backyard. While you could install a basic pool, there are certain features you might want to consider adding on before the building (and budget) begins. KMF Companies shares some of the most popular features that clients are adding to their pools.

Spas There are many choices when it comes to spas. For instance, an integrated spa design is where the spa is located inside the swimming pool and appears to be part of the pool’s overall shape. With an attached spa it is constructed outside or adjacent to the pool. Unlike an integrated spa, the pool and spa appear as separate entities. Another option is an attached raised spa that is elevated above the pool. A spa can be built into a corner, side, or end of the pool, depending on the pool shape and location of utilities.

Waterfall and Water Features Lighting Pool lights add a dramatic dimension to your pool and the surrounding outdoor area. By lighting up the pool and generating a glow about the water, swimming pool lighting creates a distinct ambiance. The proper pool lighting can increase the overall appearance of your backyard. When it comes to pool lighting, be sure to have more than one light feature, and keep in mind that the pool interior liner color will affect any light feature you choose.

Sun Shelves A sun shelf is a flat, shallow area in your pool, that acts as an entry point and can span its full or partial width. Sun shelfs are typically around 5-8 inches deep, and should be just deep enough for you to be in the water without having to swim or float. Sun shelves are perfect if you plan to have in-pool furniture or if you'll have small children or pets in the water.

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Waterfalls create an oasis in your backyard, and they also provide an element of sound that can really bring life to your pool. Traditional pool waterfalls are built out of stones and boulders for an all-natural look and feel. Waterfalls can be crafted to pretty much any design. You can have a single stream, multiple streams converging, or even multiple waterfalls designed around your pool.

In addition to a waterfalls, other water features to consider are are fountains, water walls, bubblers, jets, rain curtains, sheer descents, and even more.

Regardless of which water features you choose, they can all add some character and unique personality to your dream pool.

KMF Companies 844-KMF-POOL (563-7665) pools@kmfcompanies.com

Clean Products, Less Plastic, More Trees

C

rafted with natural, hypoallergenic, and EWG VERIFIED™ ingredients, the entire line of ATTITUDE products adhere to the highest quality and eco-conscious standards. They are 100 percent vegan, cruelty-free, and certified

by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and ECOLOGO. Also, they’re exempt from potentially harmful substances according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

ATTITUDE’s two-liter bulk to go eco-refills is packaging that just makes sense. It cuts down on waste and is cost-efficient.

It is an alternative to single-use bottles and reduces plastic usage by up to 80 percent! The refill products available include shampoos, shower gels, laundry detergent, hand soaps, more. The company has also launched deodorants that are aluminum-free, formulated with plant and mineral-based ingredients for optimum performance. They come in cardboard tube packaging (fully biodegradable) and in such wonderful scents as white tea, red vine, orange, lemon, plus unscented.

Living consciously is what ATTITUDE is all about. By using clean ingredients and sustainable packaging, they’re also helping restore the planet through a planta-tree for each product purchase initiative.

For each product sold online or in a participating store, ATTITUDE commits to plant a tree in collaboration with two major non-profit organizations specialized in reforestation: Eden Reforestation Projects and One Tree Planted. Follow them on Instagram @attitude_living.

STRONG he humble MINDS 2021 Best All-Girls High School

Smart, wise and joyously faithful, our graduates not only succeed in the real world – they change it for the better.

oakknoll.org

Catholic Independent School in Summit, NJ. Coed in Grades PK-6; All-Girls 7-12 May 2021

MyVicinityMagazine.com 19

SUSTAINABILITY Meets LUXURY at DoubleTake

By Melissa Sorge, photos by Dan Epstein

The average person can’t afford to pay top dollar to add brand-new Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and other luxury brand products to their wardrobe.

In fact, even updating one’s wardrobe with less luxurious brands can be a stretch for some people.

H

owever, there is a way to achieve both goals without breaking the bank.

DoubleTake, a sustainable luxury boutique located in Short Hills and Red Bank offers like-new luxury brands at reasonable prices that the average person can afford.

As a luxury consignment shop, DoubleTake is reducing the environmental footprint of clothing by upcycling like-new luxury items to interested buyers. “The goal is to upcycle luxury designer pieces in a responsible way where they gain a new life without creating a new carbon footprint,” says store owner Marci Kessler. According to Kessler, “upcycling ensures that luxury items can be worn for more than one occasion or one season.” continued on page 22

Founder Marci Kessler 20

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Rachel Tressitt, Regional Manager

SUSTAINABILITY Meets LUXURY at DoubleTake

Julian Martinez

continued from page 20

It is the sustainability model that she is quite proud of.

“In a time where businesses are valued as much for their environmental responsibility as they are for their products, DoubleTake lets you shop in good conscience,” she states.

In fact, Kessler had sustainability in mind when renovating the DoubleTake boutique in Short Hills last August, which was constructed from environmentally conscious materials.

But businesses aren’t the only ones focused on this trend, DoubleTake’s consumers, many of whom are Millennials and Gen Xers, “place great emphasis on making socially responsible choices when shopping, they embrace brands that resonate with their same sensibilities,” according to Regional Manager Rachel Tressitt. “Recently, a customer told me she could never have dreamed of owning a Louis Vuitton bag before, and that she was thrilled to be purchasing one, especially an upcycled one,” remarked Tressitt.

“At DoubleTake, customers enjoy the privilege of perusing items in-person as opposed to using blind faith online.”

—Marci Kessler

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May 2021

While the items at DoubleTake are being newly loved by ecofriendly buyers, the store is also enjoying somewhat of a resurgence.

“After COVID there’s been a real return to supporting local retailers,” says Kessler, who feels that “purchasing clothing and accessories at DoubleTake is not just about

Rachel Tressitt and Nancy Watts

repopulating one’s closet, it is about having an enjoyable local shopping experience.”

To this end, the DoubleTake staff is trained to provide both customers and consigners with the highest level of service—comparable to what one would experience at the world’s most expensive boutiques.”

Shopping local goes a long way with Kessler, who says “At DoubleTake, customers enjoy the privilege of perusing items in-person as opposed to using blind faith online.” In addition, she says that “unlike other consignment brands that have myopic focuses on just bags or accessories, DoubleTake carries everything from clothing to shoes to handbags and accessories. So, if women want to create a fully sustainable wardrobe, we can do that for them”.

“We are an ecofriendly one-stop-shop,” says Kessler. “Our customers purchase high-end designer brands at accessible prices, while also reducing environmental impact.”

DoubleTake Luxury Consignment 800 Morris Turnpike, Suite 105, Short Hills, NJ 973-564-6464 dbltkeboutique.com

Jana Gollin

Support Your Local Merchant. Shop Local.

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

Personalized Jewelry in gold or sterling silver— perfect gifts for Mother’s Day, Graduations & Bat Mitzvahs. Choose sayings, names, numbers or initials… We manufacture & design especially for you. Stop in or DM us to order yours!

Cotton & Jewels

2 W. Northfield Road, Livingston 973-533-0003

(Main Level in the Rear, Behind Precious Cargo)

www.CottonandJewels.shop

Butterfly Necklace. Gold Chain Earring.

Mixed Metals Gold Filled Karen Lazar.

Gold Filled Karen Lazar Bracelet.

On Bloom

342 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell 973-228-2230 ShopOnBloom.com follow us on facebook On Bloom and Instagram @onbloomtheshoppe

A mix of pink, peach and ivory preserved roses in a mirrored vase that can last up to a year!

The arrangement pictured is 14” x 7”.

Parker’s Petals

24 Franklin Place, Summit, NJ 07901 Please call for appointment 908-376-9005 www.parkerspetals.com

Together Corkcicle & The Rifle Paper Co. pairs beautiful spring hydrangeas with the high-performing hydration insulation you know and love. Choose from canteens, mugs, stemless wine & tumblers! Complete Corkcicle Collection Available at Smith & Co.

Smith & Company

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

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Maid for Your Child’s Car Seat Happy Mother’s Day! Valid for one BuckleBath.

This professional service comes to your driveway, office or local gym to clean and sanitize your child’s carseat at your convenience!

BuckleBath

877-567-BATH Book an appointment online: www.bucklebath.com

Full Day On-Campus Pre-K Open for Enrollment at Oak Knoll School

O

ak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, New Jersey, is now enrolling for its full-day on-campus pre-K program for the fall of 2021.

The Little Acorns Pre-K @ Oak Knoll engages students to spark their creativity and critical thinking, while fostering the development of their independence and self-esteem.

“In the tradition of Holy Child founder Cornelia Connelly, the program encourages independent learning, exploration and self-discovery in an environment of acceptance and trust,” said Oak Knoll Head of School Timothy J. Saburn. “Working side by side, children will learn to respect and appreciate themselves, one another and the world around them."

With a curriculum designed to address the unique learning abilities of each child, students will enjoy guided and selfdirected learning in literacy, math, culture studies, science and religion.

Specialty classes augment the curriculum, providing additional learning opportunities in music, drama, art, physical education, world languages, movement and technology.

Independent studies will be facilitated by weekly visits to the library, allowing students to select books on subjects of their own interest, in addition to those connected to the Acorns curriculum.

One of Northern New Jersey’s leading Investment Groups, Murnick Financial, announces its newest member.

Murnick Financial is pleased to announce the addition of Dan Fitzgerald to our Investment Advisory Group. Best known for guiding his clients through their financial journey with patience and care, Dan connects with each individual on a personal level, always keeping their best interest at the heart of his work.

• Retirement Planning • 401K Rollovers • Personal Wealth Management • Saving for College • Estate Planning

The single-section program, which includes before- and after-care options, is designed for potty-trained children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2021.

Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child is an independent, Catholic school, coeducational in elementary school from pre-kindergarten through grade six; and all-girls in middle and high school from grades seven through 12.

Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child 44 Blackburn Road, Summit | 908-522-8109 www.oakknoll.org

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING Experts in French Drains & Sump Pumps Foundation Damage Repair Basement Floors Lowered & Repoured with New Concrete

Dan Fitzgerald

Investment Advisor Representative

Murnick Financial Group

30 years of investment experience with a personal touch!

Dan Fitzgerald Cell: (646) 420-8222 Office: (973) 744-0755 E-mail: Dan.Fitzgerald@ceteraadvisors.com Securities and Advisory Services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership than any other named entity.

We Build Foundations We Can Show You How to Keep Them Dry!

GUARANTEED DRY BASEMENTS SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

973-985-0048

NY LICENSE #1281437 May 2021

NJ LICENSE #13VH02742000

MyVicinityMagazine.com 25

Local Buzz & Bites

MOSAIC: A World in Motion - Egyptian Dances

E

gypt boasts a 5,000-year-old history of dance.

While times certainly have changed, Egyptian dance traditions are some of the most vibrant in the Middle East. Mosaic: A World in Motion takes a closer look at some of those folkloric styles that hold a prominent place in Mosaic Dance Theater Company’s repertory, with history, descriptions, and engaging performances of the dances themselves from Mosaic’s performance archives. “Egyptian Dances” takes you down the Nile with background on Egypt’s rich folkloric dance traditions and engaging performance from Mosaic’s performance archives. Made possible by funds from the Essex County Division of Cultural Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Pre-recorded, and livestreamed on YouTubeLive.

Egyptian Dances is offered at no charge, but you must register on Eventbrite to receive the link.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mosaic-a-world-in-motion-egyptian-dances-tickets-149220637945 Performances are Saturday, May 22 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 23 at 2pm.

Our Goal is to Help You Discover What You Need to Make Your Life More Enjoyable.

Meticulous Office CDC Covid Practices and Precautions Telemedicine Appointments Available Our Centers Offer: • Services for Children Coping with the Pandemic • Individual/Family/Couples/Children and Teen Therapy • Variety of Clinical Therapy Expertise • Most Insurances Accepted Dr. Christopher Barker,

Dr. Keith Morgen,

Director of Discovery Psychotherapy Center

Director of Discovery Wellness Center

862-242-3500 info@DiscoveryWellnessCenterNJ.com

Convenient day, evening and Saturday hours.

Please call or visit the website for more information.

973-796-3760 info@DiscoveryPsychCenter.com

New Address: 7 East Frederick Place, Suite 700, Cedar Knolls 26

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May 2021

www.DiscoveryPsychCenter.com

A Fresh Taste Sensation Since 1993 this has been one of the region’s best destinations for casual, homestyle Italian dining. There are numerous chicken, steak, seafood entree choices, even homemade Italian Sausage. Or try a specialty pizza. If you want to experience this warm, homey feeling, you currently need to make a reservation. On the other hand, if you want to take it home, they’re featuring a complete dinner for four.

La Pasteria 327 Springfield Avenue, Summit, 908-522-9088 www.lapastaria.org/summit

Defining the Future of

DERMATOLOGY ADVANCED BODY CONTOURING TECHNIQUES Coolsculpting, Emsculpt, Exilis Ultra Medical Treatments: • acne • psoriasis • eczema • skin cancer • rosacea • hair loss • skin allergies • Xtrac

Cosmetic Services: • botox/dysport • dermal fillers • hydrafacial • body contouring • manual facials • microneedling • Kybella

Treating Patients with COMPASSION and WARMTH Follow @naturalimageskincenter NEW LOCATION 201 South Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ

Authentic Japanese Dining Every town has a place to eat Sushi, but some have a creative spirit behind the counter. Umi Sushi is just that kind of place.

Try the Omakase. It literally means “I leave it up to you” and the chef will ply you with creative specialties you might never have seen. Here we feature the Spicy Tuna Tartare appetizer which includes chopped spicy tuna on top of a chef’s special sauce, and topped with Tobiko which is flying fish eggs.

Umi Sushi 339 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, 973-921-2846 www.millburnumi.com

Evening and weekend hours available Call 908-509-1938 for an appointment today!

908-509-1938 201 SO. LIVINGSTON AVE, CONDO 1C, LIVINGSON

www.naturalimageskincenter.com May 2021

MyVicinityMagazine.com 27

RECOVERING FROM COVID-19 An Innovative New Program Treats Lingering Symptoms

F

or many COVID-19 patients, “getting better” is a long journey.

To meet these needs, SBMC has created the Post-COVID-19 Comprehensive Assessment, Recovery and Evaluation (CARE) program. CARE is designed for patients who are still having symptoms four or more weeks after a positive COVID-19 test, says Vanessa Trespalacios, MD, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider and CARE Medical Director. CARE patients have the advantage of being connected with Saint Barnabas Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health’s vast range of specialists. “Because we are such a complete system, we have excellent providers in multiple specialties,” Dr. Trespalacios explains. “We have their commitment that they will be able to accommodate our patients in a timely manner.”

Knowing that complex medical care can be intimidating or confusing, the CARE program has a nurse navigator to guide patients and facilitate appointments. Many of program’s providers and specialists are located in the Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center at 200 South Orange Avenue in Livingston—the same place where the CARE program is located.

“Patients are able to get most of their testing in the same place, with visits to subspecialists in other locations as required,” states Dr. Trespalacios.

To learn more about the Post-COVID-19 CARE program at the Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center, call 888.COVID94, visit www.rwjbh.org/covidcare or email postcovidcare@rwjbh.org.

(L-R) Stephen P. Zieniewicz, FACHE, President and CEO, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Vanessa Trespalacios, MD, Medical Director, Post-COVID CARE Program, Christina Davis, RN, CCRN, Nurse Navigator, Post-COVID CARE Program.

Shoulder Pain?

Knee Pain?

We have the world’s most advanced healing technology.

Call for a free consultation.

Cold laser and PRP repair and restore without surgery.

973-433-0889 njspinejoint.com

Cold Laser • PRP • Physical Therapy • Chiropractic Sports Medicine • Medical Massage • Joint Injections Trigger Point Injections • Custom Orthotics 28

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May 2021

870 Pompton Ave • Suite A-1 Cedar Grove, NJ

Climb Up to Take Down Blood Cancers

N

o matter where you live, no matter what your connection to cancer may be, on March 15 participants can step up to take cancer down by being a part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Big Climb.

During this virtual event, participants will take 524 steps, which is how many steps it takes to climb to the top of One Gateway Center in Newark. Climbers are invited to join the event in three ways: take 524 steps at home or at a community park; tackle three miles by walking, jogging, or running to simulate the ascension; or do 175 chair step-ups to accomplish the climb.

The goal is to raise $250K with every step taken to help fuel research and care for these blood cancers. There is no fundraising minimum or requirement to participate in Big Climb. However, it is encouraged that every Climber fundraise their way for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission. Raise $100 to receive a medal & event bib. Raise $250 to receive an official Big Climb Tech T-shirt. The more you fundraise the more swag you will receive! In 2020, Climbers raised an average of $300 each through their efforts. Register at: www.pages.lls.org/bigclimb/cran/bigclimbnewark21

Let Us Give You a Reason to Smile!

Whether it is a fear of pain or needles, a cosmetic challenge, mystery toothaches, or a complex dental problem, Dr. Chiu is here to help.

All services are provided on premise, including gum care, placing surgical implants and mini implants.

Complementary Comprehensive Exam & Full Mouth X-Rays Must present this coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires 06/30/21.

Scan the QR code to view our infection control protocol for COVID-19 or visit: https://tinyurl.com/chiucovid

Helen P. Chiu, DMD, PA

Experienced, Comprehensive Gentle Care 248 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, New Jersey 07932

973-377-0224

www.ChiuDentalCare.com May 2021

FELLOW OF ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY

MyVicinityMagazine.com 29

THE BENEFITS OF TEETH WHITENING

Brighten a Smile, Boost Confidence!

By Cynthia Burns, photo by Dan Epstein

I

“

mproving a person’s smile can transform their appearance and help restore selfconfidence,” says Helen Chiu, DMD. To obtain this Dr. Chiu recommends teeth whitening because it is one of the easiest and fastest ways to transform a smile.

Dr. Chiu offers in office whitening or makes custom fitted trays for patients to use at home. She is not a proponent of storebought whitening kits. One issue is patient compliance. More importantly is the quality.

In office whitening can brighten a smile up to eight shades lighter, which is six shades lighter than store bought products.

This cosmetic procedure is popular among teenagers who have had their braces removed. The minimum age for whitening is 14. The process adds pizazz to teeth that have become yellow or gray hidden by braces.

Teeth whitening is a confidence booster for patients who need front-of-the-mouth dental work such as bonding or veneers. It is common to whiten the teeth first before undertaking tooth restoration. Restorations do not whiten like natural teeth. Patients, in consultation with Dr. Chiu, will make sure that their natural teeth are a shade they like before the restoration work is performed.

Smokers or heavy coffee drinkers are not ideal candidates for teeth whitening. Part of the reason is the maintenance involved postwhitening. “Touch up is required about once a month,” says Dr. Chiu. Bombarding teeth with more smoke or coffee makes maintenance difficult.

Dr. Chiu is a full-service family dentist, providing experienced, comprehensive and gentle care. “I help patients reach their optimal dental health through conservative and preventative methods,” she states.

Helen Chiu, DMD 248 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park 973-377-0224 www.chiudentalcare.com Helen Chiu, DMD 30

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May 2021

H E A LT H

|

W E L L N E S S

Chiropractor.

NJ Spine & Joint is a multi-specialty practice that provides the most advanced non-surgical healing treatments and technologies, including state-of-the-art laser therapy used by pro sports teams. Pain-relieving and injuryhealing protocols also include PRP therapy, NormaTec recovery system, physical therapy, chiropractic, medical massage, joint injections, trigger point injections, custom orthotics and digital x-ray. Multi-time Best of Essex gold medal winner. Call for a free consultation.

NJ Spine & Joint 870 Pompton Ave, Canfield Office Park Suite A-1, Cedar Grove 973-433-0889 | www.njspinejoint.com

Dentist.

A Florham Park based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. Committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and using state-of-the art dentist equipment. Offering Invisalign®, Veneers, Dental Implants, Zoom!® Teeth Whitening and more, as well as emergency dentist services that include root canals, crowns, conscious sedation dentistry, and bridges.

Dr. Chiu creates lifelong relationships with patient and their families and works to ensure they receive treatments in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Dr. Helen Chiu 248 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park | 973-377-0224 www.ChiuDentalCare.com

Dermatology.

From thorough skin cancer screenings to flawless facial rejuvenation, their providers utilize the most advanced medical techniques in treating their patients with warm and compassionate bedside manners. Dr. Stephen Nervi and Dr. Nicole Rocca have more than 20 years of combined experience in general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

Natural Image Skin Center 201 S Livingston Ave, 1C Livingston | 908-509-1938 www.naturalimageskincenter.com

Health Care.

RWJBarnbas Health strives to meet the evolving needs of men and woman—whether that be enhancing the coordination of treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs, including access to primary and speciality care providers.

|

B E A U T Y

Hearing Aids.

Summit Hearing Aid Center is a full service diagnostic and dispensing clinic dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate hearing services.

Contact them today for an appointment with a hearing specialist to discuss hearing health, hearing aids and the best way to treat hearing loss.

Summit Hearing Aid Center 75 Summit Avenue, Summit | 908-277-6886 www.SummitHearingAidCenter.com

Physical Therapy.

The core mission of Dr. De Hoyos, DPT is to provide a positive clinical atmosphere, conducive for healing and fostering a healthy consciousness in each patient to facilitate meeting and exceeding their physical therapy goals as well as clinical outcomes.

Lightport Physical Therapy & Spa 355 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973-228-0072 www.lightportpt.com

Psychology.

Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna is a licensed psychologist providing cognitive behavioral therapy & mind/body approaches (mindfulness, meditation, yoga). Dr. AsterMcKenna specializes in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. Call TODAY for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation to see if therapy is the right fit for you!

Psychological Services of Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D 85 Park Street, Suite 2J, Montclair | 973-233-5433 www.dramandaaster.com

Psychotherapy and Wellness Center.

Their goal is to help patients restore a healthy balance to their lives. Their therapists guide, give feedback, suggest and teach techniques and most importantly: listen. Their Wellness Center has a wide range of clinical expertise for children and families.

Discovery Wellness Center 7 East Frederick Place, Suite 700, Cedar Knolls 862-242-3500 | www.discoverypsychotherapycenter.com

RWJBarnabas 888-724-7123 | www.rwjbh.org

May 2021

MyVicinityMagazine.com 31

GREENWOOD GARDENS A Unique Combination of Nature, Horticulture, Arts & Crafts Garden Follies and Antique Ornaments

G

reenwood Gardens offers a sensorial walk through the flora, fauna, fountains, Arts and Crafts follies, and antique garden ornaments from a time gone by.

Just in time for Mother’s Day and the blossoms of spring, this 28-acre historic former private estate is opening its gates for the 2021 season. Visitors feel the effect of the timelessness of Greenwood as soon as they drive through the Main gates where a graceful London plane allée lines the entrance drive, creating a sense of peace and order.

Springtime at Greenwood Gardens is an exciting time of the year when the season begins to reveal a changing plant palette including billowing clouds of pink and white cherry blossoms, flowering dogwoods and tulip trees, yellow daffodils, red azaleas, purple rhododendrons, and blankets of white flowers. The garden encourages repeat visitation to view the unfolding of the season and the newest collections which have been expanding over time. Winding paths lined with stone figures and boxwood, graceful staircases entering and exiting the Teahouse, terraced gardens, woodlands, grottoes, fountains, Arts and Crafts follies, and intricate iron gates, along with other original structures, contribute to Greenwood Gardens’ unique hardscape, as does the careful layout and planning of the plantings.

Tea House c. 1920s Strohmeyer Studios 32

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May 2021

ABBY O’NEILL Executive Director Abby O’Neill is responsible for directing the efforts of a twelve-person staff to fulfill the organization’s mission to connect people with nature in a historic garden oasis.

PETER BLANCHARD III A native of New Jersey, Peter Blanchard III grew up at Greenwood when it was a private estate. It is here and in the surrounding woodland that he developed his love of nature, landscape painting and life science. Peter and his wife Sofia founded Greenwood Gardens in 2003 as a non-profit organization.

May 2021

Photo by Dan Epstein MyVicinityMagazine.com 33

Photo by Vicki Johnson

GREENWOOD GARDENS

continued from previous page

The first stop on the self-guided tour is the 1925 and 1926 Cottages, Tennis Pavilion, and First Tee—all storied landmarks in Greenwood’s history. The tour continues past the 1950 Main House to the Main Terrace, with its grand view of the entire renovated Main Axis, the core portion of the historic garden, featuring fountains, horticultural delights and antique urns and sculptures.

Visitors then step down a gracious staircase to the Reflecting Pool Terrace with its D-shaped pool where the original lead dolphins delightfully spout water. Surrounding the pool is a mix of perennial and annual flower garden classics which are expected to reveal themselves in rich hues of yellow, blue, and purple. Poppies, peonies, iris, and digitalis complement the masonry walls and the nearby Rookwood ceramics. The area is accentuated with dwarf conifers, yucca, antique ceramic urns, and putti.

The next staircase leads to the Croquet Lawn, where crisp taxus hedges and teak benches in each corner offer ample opportunity to linger and take in the flowering dogwoods, eastern redbuds, a paperbark maple, and a Persian ironwood.

Spring and late summer are anticipated to be well represented here with roses, asters, gentian ‘True Blue,’ and reblooming weigela.

One more elegant staircase provides a transition to the final Main Axis tier: the Garden of the Gods. This magical and dramatic woodland scene with elegant antique trellises surrounds a circular pool Photo by Abby O’Neill and fountain. A sense of cultivated wildness with newly planted pink and white azaleas for spring and dwarf abelia for summer will provide a counterpoint to the formality of this area, yet will still be in keeping with the intended symmetry.

Beyond the Main Axis, stops on the tour include the iconic garden follies—the Teahouse and Summerhouse—both constructed in the late 1920s and which harken back to a quieter, slow-paced era. Comfortable benches overlooking the bucolic twin ponds at the eastern edge of the property offer a relaxing way to linger and take in the vista.

Greenwood Gardens will be open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 1 through November 7 between 10am and 5pm. Advance timed ticket registration only. Tours are self-guided.

Greenwood Gardens Photo by Vicki Johnson 34

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274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills | 973-258-4026 www.greenwoodgardens.org

Photo by Vicki Johnson

May 2021

MyVicinityMagazine.com 35

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

BERKELEY HEIGHTS Nagoya Sushi & Tiki Lounge 538 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-898-1188 | www.nagoyasushiandbar.com Dine-in, Pickup & Delivery 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.

D’Oro Ristorante

A Taste of Asia

219 Main Street, Chatham | 973-701-6990 www.dororistorante.com Dine-in & Takeout 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.

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

Gregorio’s Mediterranean Restaurant

FLORHAM PARK

255A Main Street, Chatham | 973-635-2777 www.restaurantgregorios.com Dine-in, Curbside Takeout & Delivery Italian Mediterranean cuisine bursting with flavor

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

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

Lucco Cucina + Bar 63 Main Street, Chatham | 973-701-9200 www.scalinifedeli.com Dine-In & Takeout French-influenced Italian fixed-price menus in an elegant, vaulted interior with Tuscan touches.

207 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park 973-822-0066 | www.luccobar.com Dine-in & Delivery Lucco is 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.

Mitsuba Japanese Cuisine

Pastosa Ravioli

Scalini Fedeli

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

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

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

186 Columbia Tpk, Florham Park 973-377-4800 | www.pastosa.com Curbside Pickup & Delivery 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.

GILLETTE Ancona Bistro 645 Valley Road, Gillette | 908-647-5755 Dine-in, Takeout Northern Italian entrees and pastas.

CHATHAM Casa Maya

Charley’s Aunt Restaurant 8-10 S Passaic Ave, Chatham | 973-635-6772 www.charleysauntchatham.com Indoor and Outdoor Dining, Pickup & Delivery Traditional American cuisine.

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Restaurant Serenade 6 Roosevelt Ave, Chatham | 973-701-0303 www.restaurantserenade.com Indoor/Outdoor Dining, Pickup & Delivery Artful dining, as conceived by award-winning Chef James Laird. A showcase of the finest handselected seasonal and regional ingredients in simple, refined presentations by Chef Laird.

May 2021

615 Meyersville Road, Gillette 908-580-0799 Dine-in, Takeout Family-friendly BYOB serving Sonoran-stule Mexican cuisine.

MILLBURN

SHORT HILLS

La Pastaria

Boxcar Bar & Grill 25 Chatham Rd, Short Hills | 973-912-0002 www.boxcarbar.com Dine-in & Curbside Pickup 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!

Basilico 324 Millburn Ave, Millburn 973-379-7020 | www.basilicomillburn.com Takeout, Delivery & Outdoor Dining 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 Dine-in, Takeout A BYOB destination offering New American dishes.

Le Pergola 120 Essex Street, Millburn | 973-376-6838 Dine-in, Curbside takeout Providing diners with quintessential Northern Italian cuisine.

MoonShine Summer Club 55 Main Street, Millburn | 973-218-6042 www.moonshinesupperclub.com Dine-in, Curbside pickup, Delivery

Ms. Lin Chinese Cuisine

Par 440 Restaurant & Lounge 440 Parsonage Hill Road, Short Hills 973-467-8882 | www.par440.com Dine-in, Takeout & Delivery 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 Dine-in & Pickup Located in Summit, La Pastaria has become an icon of home style Italian dining and a hidden gem of the community.

Natale’s Summit Bakery 185 Broad St, Summit | 908-277-2074 www.natalesbakery.bakesmart.com Pickup & Online Ordering 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.

STIRLING Trattoria Biagio 239 Main Avenue, Stirling | 908-350-8064 Curbside pickup Authentic Italian cuisine

Twelve Islands Greek Taverna 1255 Valley Rd, Stirling | 908-647-2193 www.12islandsgreektaverna.com Dine-in, Curbside Pickup & Delivery 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.

Roots Steakhouse 401 Springfield Ave, Summit | 908-273-0027 www.rootssteakhouse.com/summit Dine-in & Takeout 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.

SUMMIT

59 Main St, Millburn | 973-912-8838 www.mslinnj.com Pickup & Delivery Ms. Lin Chinese provides convenient take-out and delivery for lunch and dinner and specializes in off-premise catering.

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

NEW PROVIDENCE Moe’s Bistro and Bar 535 Central Ave, New Providence 908-840-4540 | moesbistroandbar.com Dine-in & Curbside Pickup 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.

Coppola Ristorante & Pizzeria 590 Central Avenue, New Providence 908-665-0266 Dine-in, Curbside pickup, delivery Offering housemate pizzas and formal Italian dishes

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

May 2021

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

MyVicinityMagazine.com 37

Diamond Minds

Lessons on Life, Leadership and the Art of Business Tom Maoli

BF: What are the elements you put into play to achieve the goal of a number one status?

TM: The first thing is clearly that I don’t know everything and I learn and hire the right people around me to educate me on what I need to learn. Driving sales in a car dealership is all about customer service and hospitality. You have to understand what the customer wants. Everybody thinks they want a car, and yes they do, but that’s not what they really want. They want to feel like their money has value.

BF: How do you differentiate yourself so people see that in your actions and in your environment?

TM: Everything we do in the dealership is based on hospitality. It’s about understanding who you are, what your needs are, what your family’s about, everything you like and what you do and building a bond between us and the customer.

T

om Maoli was born and raised in Nutley NJ. He has become one of New Jersey’s top entrepreneurs. He built and sold a global logistics company servicing medical technology companies in 700 cities around the world. He built multiple high end luxury car dealerships including Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lexus.

Maserati and Alpha Romeo. He is a commercial realestate developer, also an antique and Classic Car collector, founder of the JoeZone Coffee company, radio host and more.

This month I sat down with Tom and asked him to share his success strategies.

Barry Farber: What’s your definition of success?

Tom Maoli: Achieving a goal you have set for yourself or your organization and becoming number one.

BF: How does this strategy apply across all fields of business and in general?

TM: We are implementing the same strategy in JoeZone, a new coffee franchise built around a sports theme and hospitality mentality. When you walk into a sports bar they throw a beer up on the bar...well we’re different. First of all we don’t have alcohol, we’re a coffee shop. And then we are going to know everything about the customer. We’re going to know what teams they like, what players they like and we are going to feed them information through their smart phone on updates on their players and teams and trades. When they walk in we aren’t just going to talk to the customer about the weather but about everything that they like and are interested in.

BF: What are some key tips you’d like to share?

Barry Farber

TM: When you’re in business you need to make sure you’re making a profit. If you don’t make a profit you can’t provide that service, that value because you won’t have enough money to support that important function. You’ve got to pay good people to execute that business plan. You can’t give stuff away for free. I’m not saying gauge them, I’m saying you have to make a fair profit to reinvest back into the service.

Also, knowing your customer is key.

Anybody can get business. It’s knowing your customer that’s important. It doesn’t matter what business you’re in. If I was in the construction business or landscaping business...if I know my customer and I know how to make my customer happy they’re going to tell their neighbors, they’re going to tell the people in the supermarket and it spreads like wildfire.

BF: When you started in the car business what did you do from the beginning?

TM: As soon as we took over we started implementing a hospitality approach that we instilled into our staff, we empowered the staff to be able to take care of the customer and give the customer what they need. For instance, if you’re working and you can’t get your car serviced we send someone to pick it up and drop off a loaner car and then bring your car back to you.

When you come into the dealership our goal is to tell you what you don’t need not what you need. Because if we tell you what you don’t need we build trust. And once we build trust with you you’re a lifetime customer. It’s not about selling one car, it’s about selling multiple cars to your family and your friends and everyone that you associate with. Create that positive lifetime luxury experience. That’s what it’s all about.

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. Learn more at www.barryfarber.com. @barryfarberoffical

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Vicinity Magazine

May 2021

We transplant kidneys.

Kidney donors transform lives.

When you need a kidney transplant, the right treatment can help restore the quality of life you had before. As the tri-state area’s largest kidney transplant center, Saint Barnabas Medical Center is at the forefront of kidney transplants. We created New Jersey’s first and only Living Donor Institute, and our living donor program is one of the nation’s largest. From creative donor matching to outstanding patient care, our comprehensive approach is designed to get you back to the life you should be living.

Learn more at rwjbh.org/sbmckidneytransplant

We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe.

So if you’ve put off any medical care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.