Wayne, NJ November 2024 by City Lifestyle

Thankfulness Finding Our

November –Give Thanks!

November, a month containing one singular day where we all say thanks. But why are we limited to just one day? Can’t we take time more often than that to say thanks? Don’t the people in our lives deserve to hear how much we appreciate them more than just once a year? I know the ones in my life do and I am willing to bet the same goes for the ones in yours. This is why our November issue has the theme of thankfulness, because we want to introduce you to great people in our communities that are worth thanking. We should all pause long enough to feel gratitude and appreciation, not only for them, but also for the others we meet who spend their time, money and energy making this a better world.

I personally meet so many people that I am grateful have come into my life. Every November, within this publisher letter, I share the names of a few people that have gone above and beyond to help me or have left an indelible mark on me due to their kindness, compassion and generosity. This year I must offer that special thank you to Peter D’Angelo of Guaranteed Rate in Totowa, along with his father, Lou D’Angelo, the owner of LCD Commercial Lending, also in Totowa. You two have been a Godsend to me, have treated me like family and I am forever grateful.

Speaking of Peter D’Angelo, this month he wrote a story telling us why we can be thankful for the current changes going on in the housing market in regards to interest rates.

We also spent significant time with our friends at Arden Courts of Wayne to find out why the families of the residents in their care are so thankful for them.

We then sat down with the owners of Loopwell, the first well-being social club in the country. In their guidance on the quest to perpetually improve, it became clear to me that we must take stock of where we are at, appreciate the steps we have taken and keep moving forward.

In addition to a few other fun articles, we called on Nicole Freire from last month’s star, Angeloni’s in Caldwell, to provide us with their Coconut Cream Pie recipe. Now you can thank ME for that.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you to so many of you!

November 2024

PUBLISHER

Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Don Seaman, Peter D'Angelo, Nicole Freire

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Agnello, Loopwell

PHILLIP BARONE, PUBLISHER

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Vannelli, Agent 1212 Route 23 North Butler, NJ 07405 Bus: 973-838-0220 derek.vannelli.pa98@statefarm.com

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thanksgiving cornucopia

How To Decorate Tables With Noteworthy November Flair

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Whether traditional or modern, formal or fussfree, Thanksgiving centerpieces set a memorable ambiance for November gatherings.

• An old dough bowl or wood trencher makes a great low centerpiece when filled with seasonal pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and flowering branches.

• Fill a stoneware sugar bowl with seeded eucalyptus, chrysanthemums and pears.

• Use one or a nest of baskets, floral foam and some blooms to craft a themed stunner.

• Incorporate family heirlooms by using an inherited (or thrifted) antique teapot, surrounded by other vintage finds.

• Stack two cake plates on top of each other with bite-size edibles; add other, shorter floral arrangements in pitchers or vases, if desired.

• Add soft candlelight with rustic textures of wood and lots of fall color via an assortment of fresh and faux gourds, silk sunflowers and dried seed pods.

use vintage finds

deliciously edible

Make an edible bread cornucopia, ‘horn of plenty,’ for the Thanksgiving table using refrigerated bread or pizza dough, a plastic bottle mold and aluminum foil. Wrap the bottle with foil, make a tail at one end and then layer adjoining strips of dough on the foil. Brush cornucopia with melted butter, remove the plastic bottle and bake at 350 F for 25 to 30 minutes on the lower rack, or until it turns a golden, shiny brown. Fill with sweet or savory nibbles, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, gourds, nuts, rosemary breadstick twists or even cookies, for an impressive centerpiece that’ll keep guests happily munching while they wait for the main meal to begin.

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ARDEN COURTS FOCUSES ON WHAT’S LEFT, NOT WHAT’S LOST

Thanks For The Memories

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO

“It's all about respect. They're all individuals that deserve our best.

Living with dementia can be a cruel destiny. It can slowly, insidiously upend a person’s life. No one is ever prepared for a life without memories, without access to their past. For their families, it’s a new reality of confusion, uncertainty, and a daunting world of roundthe-clock care ahead.

Thankfully, there’s a team right here in Wayne that’s committed to providing a place for people to live and succeed. Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care is the only 100% dementia/Alzheimer’s facility in Passaic County, where adaptability for each person’s reality is paramount, with activities and programs geared towards their previous lifestyles and preferences to help them thrive.

With the holidays approaching, we wanted to speak to the dedicated people at Arden Courts to find out how they make the season special for their residents, and we found that they aim far higher than just making the holidays bright for those in their care.

“We’re guests in their home,” offers Kathey Harrison, the Executive Director for Arden Courts. “It’s not just the holidays. Every day matters.”

Yes, they do go to great lengths to make sure that, like everything, the holidays are “normal” for their residents. Thanksgivings include a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, football, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, and family.

“It’s what they would get at home because this is their home,” Kathey explains.

All holidays are celebrated with the same care, because to them, everyone there is family.

Most residents are there for years, yet much of the staff has been there for far longer. Kathey’s been there for 20 years, Administration Service Coordinator, Diane Andes, has been there 18, and Resident Caregiver, Yoconda Porchea, has been there for 24 years. And these are just a few of the dedicated people who have literally made it their life’s work to ensure that people living with a dementia diagnosis can have the quality of life they deserve.

“We’re all thankful for working with our residents,” offers Kathey. “We get to know them well through the quality time we share.”

“Everybody’s different, everyone’s an individual,” says Diane. “We adjust our care to them, not the other way around.”

The Arden Courts team never loses sight of each person’s history and how to keep it relevant and special. One woman had a baby-blue Corvette that she loved. They’re taking her to a local ‘Vette show. Another was part of a special pilot’s organization for NASA, “The 99’ers”. They arranged for the 99’ers to come to the community for a meeting – coincidentally on Amelia Earhart’s birthday. Amelia Earhart was the first 99’er. The resident was, appropriately, over the moon.

Going the extra mile is all part of life here. It can be as simple as their Veteran’s Wall –pictures of residents who have served in the Armed Forces. One man would salute his picture every day.

Or it can be as simple as a trip to a minor league baseball game. Everyone has a special something that makes their heart sing – and lights up their eyes again.

“We nurture each golden moment as often as we can because we know life still blooms for those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Connecting meaningful moments is what we do,” explains Kathey.

Families know how far the people at Arden Courts will go to help their loved ones. They’re always welcome, day or night. For the celebrations, for the everyday, for the events.

“We worry about the families. It can be difficult for them to not only deal with the disease, but also and with their loved one moving into a care facility. There’s always a sense of guilt on top of the exhaustion of having been a 24-hour caregiver, usually for a very extended period. Our concern extends to the loved ones on the outside and how they’re coping. ‘Are they sleeping enough? Are they eating well?’” says Kathey. “Once they see their loved one is getting the care they deserve, you can see their tension going down. You can see the difference in them. Once you see that their needs are being met, then it’s just different. That’s when you can visit as their spouse, their friend, or their child, and not as their caregiver. You can see the change.”

CONTINUED >

Silhouette Window Shadings

These are people who have a horrific disease. But they’re people. “ ”

Ava Nelson saw the difference when she was caring for her Great Aunt. She’d come to tour Arden Courts and initially decided to give her care at her home, keeping her in her familiar surroundings. “Even though we didn’t have her become a resident then, they connected us with professionals who helped establish her home care needs, regardless of how it would benefit their company. But ultimately it wasn’t working, so we brought her to Arden Courts and they were simply wonderful. While she was there they celebrated her 90th birthday with us there.”

“Because they cater only to people with Alzheimer's and dementia, that truly is a benefit to those suffering from those conditions,” Ava adds. “Because you really need to understand them to be able to not only treat someone properly medically, but also just communicate with them and allow them to continue living.”

Ava also saw how well thought-out the facility is, from intimate dining areas, an on-site beauty parlor, color-coded “homes” (they’re never called “wings” or “sections” here) - all designed to give residents a sense of comfort and belonging. She also noted how important the staff’s longevity was to her. “It shows that they genuinely enjoy what they do.”

Providing that sense of home, of respect, of dignity, that’s all very intentional. The people here wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s an honor to have their heart and soul here, says Kathey. “Everything we do – from our meals to our programs to our events –are all designed to engage and celebrate our residents. They still have so much life within them, it’s an honor for us to be a part of it.”

Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care Community is at 800 Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne. You can get in touch with them for more information at 973-942-5600.

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Thankfulness in the Market

How the Fed Rate Cut Affects Wayne Homeowners

With the recent Federal Reserve rate cut, there’s much to be thankful for this season, especially for homeowners and prospective buyers in Wayne, NJ. The Fed’s 0.5% cut brings the funds rate down to 4.75%–5%, in response to a cooling job market and inflation trends. While this change won’t immediately affect mortgage rates, it sets the stage for a more favorable environment moving forward.

A GRATEFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR BUYERS

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, this rate cut should be seen as a gift. As the market adjusts, lower rates could mean more buying power, allowing you to afford more home for the same budget. For first-time buyers, this is particularly something to be thankful for, as it opens up new possibilities to enter the market.

A REASON TO BE THANKFUL FOR SELLERS

For those considering selling, this is a great time to appreciate the potential for increased buyer interest. Lower rates typically drive more buyers into the market, which could lead to higher offers and quicker sales. The opportunity to sell a home for a good price in a competitive market is certainly something to be grateful for.

MOVING FORWARD WITH GRATITUDE

As we look ahead, it’s important to stay optimistic and thankful for the opportunities that this evolving market can bring. Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, these changes could make a meaningful difference in your financial future.

ARTICLE BY PETER D'ANGELO

As we count our blessings, homebuyers should be thankful for the chance to increase their purchasing power. Even a small rate drop can allow many to afford more home for their money, making it easier to secure that dream house.

Peter D’Angelo

Peter D'Angelo is the Branch Manager for Rate, your local mortgage expert with 12 years of experience in the mortgage industry. He specializes in helping clients navigate the home-buying and refinancing process to make the most of their financial situation. Peter can be reached at (973) 800-2538 or via email at Peter. Dangelo@Rate.com.

HOW TO: seasonal home scents

ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO

B E W E L L N E S S

Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting those from sickness prevalent in the colder season. “Seasonal scents are cozy and warm” states Kecia Doll, who is an esthetician from Sweet Be Wellness, “the seasonal scents remind us about how a new time is coming: it’s a time of renewal.” Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.

immune boost

DIRECTIONS :

Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).

INGREDIENTS:

• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic

• Lemon: Uplifts, Kills Bacteria; Reduces Inflammation

• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant

• Eucalyptus: Decongestant and Provides Healing

HOW TO USE:

Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.

home defender

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the following essential oils.

INGREDIENTS:

• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial

• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing

• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System

• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral

• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory fatigue

HOW TO USE:

Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.

THE WELLNESS LOOP

Growth, Gratitude, and Gathering All Start With A Single Step

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

LOOPWELL

Loopwell co-founder and CEO Debbie Looney

Wellness is not a fixed point. There’s no “X” on a treasure map to tell you you’ve arrived, no final score that means you’ve won the game. It’s part of the stream of life, a quest to perpetually improve.

To that end, wellness is an integrated journey. There’s not only physical wellness, but spiritual wellness, mental wellness, social wellness, and so many more. There’s even a Japanese business concept of Kaisen , which means making small, incremental changes to improve oneself and one’s workplace.

Committing to wellness is a choice that leads to a litany of choices that can seem overwhelming. Yet ironically, it’s not an uphill climb. As you decide to focus upon your wellness, there’s a cumulative effect that carries you further. It becomes a personal, positive force in how you feel, how you interact, and how you view the world.

Embracing wellness is transformative.

But first, it’s a process. It takes a series of steps, usually including awareness, assessment, goal setting, action, monitoring, reflection, adjustment, and finally integration. And it helps if you’re not taking it all upon yourself alone. In fact, it would be nearly impossible to curate all the experts and experiences required to achieve true well-being.

That’s why we’d like to introduce you to Loopwell, the first well-being social club in the country. in nearby Montclair.

“Well-being goes far beyond wellness. It's a consistent, balanced approach to your mental, physical, spiritual, social and emotional needs. That’s why we have what we call our Loopwell Wheel, to help assess and guide wellness needs.” It has six basic pillars: Be Well: Spiritual Think Well: Mental Work Well: Occupational Live Well: Social Eat Well: Nutritional Move Well: Physical

The beauty of wellness is that it isn’t “all or nothing”. Each pillar is important to your overall well-being, but it’s not a zero-sum game. As you strive to improve one part of your life, it has a cumulative effect. The difficult part is in knowing where to start – and how.

“For me, it started with my own personal well-being journey,” shares Loopwell co-founder and CEO Debbie Looney. “I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease years ago and there was limited access to information, experts and solutions. I read countless books, found integrated medical experts practicing outside standard care and tried alternative modalities and wellness retreats. We learned that everything was so expensive and usually required travel. We asked ourselves 'why was something so natural, so expensive?' I just knew that this should be available to the masses. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to piece this all together and forever grateful for what I’ve experienced. The whole mission for Loopwell was born out of that, bringing access for well-being to everyone seeking it.”

Loopwell hosts science-backed wellness events throughout the year, bringing in luminaries such as Deepak Chopra, wellness thought leaders and authors, workshops and guided sessions from on-staff licensed

coaches, like Spiritual Director Kanan Kapila and Level 12 Reiki Master Jen Seaman, who has worked with the Looneys for well over a decade. Each event is available to the public, with a recent option of a membership program for an even more personalized experience. From Human Design and breathwork to certified Wim Hof Cold Immersions, yoga, Pilates, journaling and vision boarding, there are a full range of experiences to help you better connect with yourself and others. They have also overhauled the typical corporate off-site retreat with engaging well-being activities hosting companies like the NBA, Volvo and Loreal, to name just a few.

They call this Gather for Good®.

“Community is the new influencer,” co-founder Sean Looney explains. “Loopwell provides a welcoming, comfortable space where people can holistically and consistently improve their well-being together. Knowing that you’re not alone in your journey is powerful and why people are really benefiting from their experience here. I never previously engaged with so many of the experiences here and I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined.”

Both Debbie and Sean have a passion for giving back and doing good in the world. Both are information gatherers and know from personal experience how hard it can be to focus upon well-being in today’s world. Launching Loopwell became their outlet and their salvation. As they learn, they share. Intentionally being a purpose-driven operation reinforces their commitment to their own wellness and helps manifest that for all who come to their events.

And it seems to be working, as with their second location, a 30-acre mountain-top retreat, opens in the Hudson Valley region this fall.

It’s often been said that the hardest part of a journey is the first step. Wellness is indeed a journey, not a destination. Thankfully, there’s a place where you can go that’s already created a roadmap and seeks to share the experience with you, together.

Loopwell is located at 80 Maple Street in Montclair. To find out more about their calendar of events, go to loopwithus. com. On the website you can also find information about becoming a member, presenter, and hosting your own event, including unique corporate gatherings.

ON Fall Fun STALKING up

BY LEANN PARKER

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Cornhusk Centerpiece

When life gives you lemons, or cornstalks as it seems, make something beautiful! The holidays can be stressful. Your table centerpiece doesn’t need to be.

To create this cornhusk centerpiece, simply remove the dried tops of the cornstalks, arrange them in a vintage soup bowl adding a few ears of corn to give more stability and visual interest. Add preserved pinecones for guests’ place settings and you have the perfect touches for your table. Pinecone instructions can be found at SilvertoothHome.com/blog/pinecones-leaves

LeAnn’s Cornhusk Styling

• White Dishes & Platters

• Gold Charger Plates

• Woven Placemats

• Rust-Orange Napkins

• Thanksgiving Crackers

• Cornhusk Centerpiece

• Pinecone Guest Cards

• Real Pumpkins

LeAnn can’t wait to see what you create for your own fall table. Tag her on IG @SilvertoothHome and #SilvertoothHome so she can share.

COCONUT CREAM PIE

A Special Homemade Dessert From Our Friends At Angeloni’s

ARTICLE BY NICOLE FREIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO

For a great classic dessert from the kitchen of Angeloni's, here's a recipe for Banana Cream Pie to make at home. Or for something even easier - stop by Angeloni's for a slice of pizza and a slice of pie!

Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbs sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup cold butter

• 8 tbs cold water

Place all ingredients except the water in a food processor and mix to combine. Add the water and mix until moist clumps form. Roll into a ball and chill for 1 hour. Roll out and place in baking dish. Bake at 425 degrees until golden brown.

Pie Filling:

• 2 cups Milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 ½ packages vanilla cook and serve pudding.

• ½ cup flaked coconut

Heat over a double boiler until thick. Add flaked coconut and pour into prebaked pie crust.

Once cool, top with whipped topping and toasted coconut flakes.