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To learn more about All-on-4, please call our office to schedule your complimentary consultation or visit our website www.DGDental.com
Step-by-step thorough consultation that will answer all of your questions. All implants placed & restored in our office.
Gotta Love Local
I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn. I find myself torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season.
To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word. I usually land somewhere a little in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in your local community.
In this issue we will get some advice on self-care, recommendations on Valentine’s ventures, visit with local artists, explore the shop visited by Thomas Edison, teach you some floral arranging skills and more!
While we teeter between the chill of January Winter and the excitement of Spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. The ones in your home and on your street. In your neighborhood and your community.
“Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is nearby. Those under your own roof included. So, grab a coffee at Starbucks and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of wine from Total Wine and More and some cheese from West Orange Fooderie and indulge in a movie night in.
We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month.
Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like.
Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before.
Martta Kelly, Angelina Silvester, Kate Dawson, Arielle Newcombe
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
city scene
1: West Orange Arts Council hosted an Arts Swap celebration. 2: Artist Carol Jenkins displays her vibrant Jazz Collage while Patricia Mitrano’s detailed Pink Flamingo captivates. 3: Patrons enjoy the artistic vibes. 4: Artist Judyann Affronti’s creatively colorful mixed media designs were on display at the event. 5: Celebration of community and lots of fun was had at the West Orange Chamber’s luncheon 6: Beautiful music set the tone at the event. 7: Fun gifts from hotel stays to doggie daycare playdates were donated by local businesses.
business
460 Bistro- Budget 3 course Lunch Plus Perfect Valentine's Spot
Co-owners Ersin Iscan and Chef Mahmut Bakir continue to delight the tastebuds of locals with their Turkish Mediterranean cuisine at 460 Bistro. In addition to a tantalizing and authentic menu that serves it up intimate and delicious, the restaurant now offers a Three Course Lunch special that won't break the bank. This will leave you with more to spend on that Valentine gift and a return trip to the Bistro for a romantic dinner.
Ernest and Sons General Construction Welcomes Winter with Spring Incentives
Winter is Coming! Now is the perfect time to consider the work you want done when the weather gets warmer. Ernest and Sons is offering Spring incentives to book next season's project early. They have been serving satisfied residential and commercial customers locally for many years. Fully licensed and insured. Plan early for those brick, stone, paving and concrete jobs. They specialize in remodeling spaces including entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, decks and more. Contact: 973-818-4237
Color Brothers Offers Consultations for upcoming Spring Interior/Exterior Projects
With 2025 comes a new year to explore the vibrant new colors of the season. Let Color Brothers work with you to find that perfect coat of paint for your house both interior and exterior. Let's give the neighbors something to talk about! Color Brothers has determined that their Spring will heat up and they are inviting you to take advantage of winter incentives and book your painting and remodeling projects early. Contact : 973-419-0681
New Patterns, New Love
How Building Self-Love Changes Your Life
With all the pressure of spending Valentine's Day with a partner, it’s easy to forget the most important relationship you can have: the one with yourself. We sat down with Cynthia, namesake of Confidence With Cyn, to talk about her work and how she helps women find their self confidence, inner beauty, and a new chance at love.
Cynthia operates as a relationship therapist or relationship coach, and uses a combination of personal experience and somatic therapy to help women work on themselves and build healthier relationships. Her work deals with figuring out and breaking generational patterns, something she first noticed when doing her first internship working with instances of hard emotional cases that stemmed from childhood. While she described it as "intensive, heavy work", the patterns she noticed in childhood often reappeared in her adult clients that had gone through their own trauma. This connection led her to become passionate about "helping women break generational patterns, especially when it comes to relationships." Unhealthy relationships are "normalized", says Cynthia, and in helping women work through their trauma, rebuild their confidence and relationship with themselves, they can grow to have better relationships with others.
ARTICLE BY ANGELINA SILVESTER
A demographic Cynthia's website targets is millennial women. When asked why she sticks to that age range, Cynthia responds that she "was the girl" who was chasing the wrong relationships for so many years. In her wisdom lies the key to her work: her experiences in healing her relationships can help women learn to take the first steps toward self-improvement. She says that "seeing the progress" in her clients is what brings her the most joy. "...it's really about challenging these beliefs that society conditions upon women and figuring out other ways to meet our needs, other ways to fulfill purpose or pleasure."
Although women come to her to start attracting better relationships with men, the ultimate goal in Cynthia's work is to help them foster a better relationship with themselves. She says it's often common for her clients to finish work with her and their romantic
relationships are no longer the priority, because they have addressed the underlying patterns that cause unhealthy relationships.
To women who are skeptical about trying relationship coaching, Cynthia says that it doesn't hurt to give it a try. It comes down to comparing the pain: how much harder is it to stay where you are than face the discomfort of where you want to be? She mentions her clients having a breaking point, or an "I'm done" moment. Her goal is to help women explore that moment,
and to figure out the pain of staying in that pattern or rebuilding new ones.
If the thought of jumping into a one-on one session is overwhelming, her advice is to make self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-respect a daily practice. Rather than be critical on yourself for your mistakes, focus on what you've done right, or reevaluate where your perception of yourself might be too harsh.
"They’re small things," she said, "but...the little things make such a difference with how you relate to yourself over time. The way you treat yourself is going to reflect your whole life. As women we are taught so many things, and it really starts with those smaller things that then become a new way of relating to yourself."
www.confidencewithcyn.com
732-630-8977
instagram- @confidencewithcyn
Cynthia Mach, LCSW CLC
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TREAT YOURSELF Right
SELF-CARE AND QUALITY TIME THIS VALENTINE’S DAY
ARTICLE BY ANGELINA SILVESTER
While Valentine's Day is known for its celebration of all things romantic, this holiday isn’t just for couples! Share the love with yourself and your friends this year by visiting some of our favorite spots for good food, good reads, and self-care.
Spending the day solo? West Orange’s public library is a great way to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re a fan of romance novels or are looking for your next holiday read, you’re bound to find something here that captures your heart. They update their selection regularly, with displays of popular titles and genres.
Consider making your trip to the library a “blind date” with a book! Treat yourself by picking up the first book that catches your eye— you can judge it by its cover just this once, we won’t tell. Whether you check it out from the library or cozy up in a comfy chair, you might discover a new favorite story. Just like any other blind date, choosing a book that sparks your interest encourages exploration and stepping out of your comfort zone. Not only that, but taking a chance on something new can be a delightful surprise -- you might find you like your choice more than you would expect.
If reading isn’t your speed, there are still ways to make the day special. For those who enjoy a spa day, take the day to relax and pamper yourself with a visit to West Orange’s very own Avenue Salon! They offer a wide range of services meant to help you feel and look your best. Not only can they give you a new haircut to show off your best self, they also offer services such as lash extensions and brow lamination. Additionally, they also specialize in makeup, making this your one-stop shop for a completely new style. In search of a new look for your night out? Look no further. Avenue Salon can be found on their instagram.
After you've dressed your best, feel free to hit the town at the Chit Chat Diner in Eagle Rock. Billed as an upscale diner, this sprawling building has a great view of the surrounding town and even greater atmosphere. Inside, its eccentric design and frequent use of checkerboard patterns give it a whimsical, Alice-In-Wonderland feel. It boasts large booths, perfect for your Instagram-worthy group shots, as well as bar seating or small tables for more intimate dining. The spacious interior means that even the largest groups feel private, and
allows you the space to share quality time with the people you love.
Taking a chance on something new can be goodyou might find you like it more than you’d expect.
Most interestingly, the Chit Chat Diner features a late-night menu, perfect for a meal after a night on the town with your friends. Appetizers feature many staple menu items like a chicken quesadilla, nachos, or chicken fingers-- but there are also plenty of twists on old favorites, such as their Pad Thai or Buffalo Chicken egg rolls. Entrees range from burgers and fries to wraps, sandwiches, and a variety of salads. Your sweet tooth will also be satisfied, as their dessert menu has big portions, enough to split or keep all to yourself. With cakes, pies, and pastries on display right as you walk in, you can make your decisions about how to treat yourself or your friends this Valentine's day, and cap your night off with something sweet.
This Valentine's Day, celebrate love in all its forms, be it time to yourself or with friends. These local spots in West Orange offer a variety of ways to indulge in self-care and create lasting memories, and you’re sure to love them, too!
Avenue Salon: 973-226-1560
Instagram: @_the_avenue_salon_
ACTS OF SERVICE
ARTICLE BY ANGELINA SILVESTER
Spreading the love this Valentine’s Day also includes showing some love for your local small businesses, like Schneider's Hardware. Started in 1923, the business has been passed down through generations of the same family, and sees customers from eight different towns in the area.
One of the draws for local businesses like this one is their attention to the needs of their community. The towns that frequent Schneider’s are home to houses
that are 75 to 100 years old or more, and much of the plumbing and locks for those houses are no longer made. Not only does Schneider's offer the parts, saving customers from replacing the entire system, they offer convenience of being only a few minutes away.
When Schneider’s Hardware first opened, they were able to make a name for themselves based on their idea of service, which included not only answering questions, but sometimes doing basic plumbing and carpentry to
Showing Love Through Community Care
help install the part. This tradition is carried into the present day. “Very often,” Roger says, “we know [people] enough where we know their needs. One of the key things that we offer is not just the variety of selection of items, but also the service.”
In being one of the last independent hardware stores, they are able to build meaningful rapport with their customer base, and given their unique inventory and detailed solutions, that's one of the reasons why they’re still around. For him, and for the legacy of the company, it’s not just about doing things for others. “It didn't take long,” he says, “years ago, to find out that the most rewarding thing about being involved is not what you get out of it. It's what you give back.”
“When somebody comes here, the minute they walk in, they will get the old tin ceiling, the old wooden floor, the barrels of nails.
They’ll get an old cash register, and it takes you back, you know, to a nostalgic time- (a time when Thomas Edison himself purchased a specialty lightbulb at the stores historic shop). Once you’re here with your problem, you’re going to get expert advice on your project.
The whole idea is when you come here, people trust that we’ll give them the right item. Not just the right item, but the least expensive item that will do the job the quickest and easiest way. I think that’s something people expect and look forward to.”
www.schneiderhardware.com
973-325-2222
Practice Makes Perfect
Martta Kelly’s iPhone Photography
When Martta Kelly started photography in 2003, she mainly stuck to pictures of her cats or her garden- but that all changed when she discovered the site Pixels At An Exhibition. Looking further, she was pleased to discover that all the photography was done with none other than an iPhone. Spurred by this new artistic venture, Martta began to find her own style.
Martta’s art features nature, abandoned buildings, and wildlife, and all of her photos have a dreamlike quality to them. She has a way of making photography disguise itself as other mediums: a picture of her beloved cat looks like a charcoal drawing, another photo of a group of flowers looks like an intricate oil painting. This is shown best in her featured piece on the now-defunct Pixel: a tribute to a friend who had passed, entitled “In Memory Of Muriel”. It is done in the style of a watercolor, as that was Muriel’s medium of choice for her artwork.
Martta's style is very vivid, with an almost mesmerizing quality. Moving forward, she wants to try and capture street photography, and to add in more portrait shots of people. This is most evident in her portrait Cherry Blossom Princess, for which Martta won the Essex County Senior Citizens Juried Art Show for this year.
For those looking to get started on photography, Martta says that the most important thing to do is to practice. “You can learn a lot just by … looking at other people's work and trying to figure out how they do that. Not copying the work, just to see their methods and how they got to that point.
It's like [anything else]. Do you wanna be in music? Play music. Do you wanna be a better runner? Run. Really, the more you do, the better you get."
www.marttakellyart.com
ARTICLE BY ANGELINA SILVESTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTTA KELLY
Sunflowers
She has a way of making photography disguise itself as other mediums.
Cherry Blossom Princess
Peonies
School's Out
Sweet Dreams
Be Seated
View from Garrett Mountain
Your Home, Your Personality
Let SBC Interiors help you transfer your special personal touch and style to the design of your home. Happy to work within your timeframe and budget. We are eager to assist and help you create the home of your dreams.
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Comprehensive management of back and neck pain, arthritis, and other joint issues.
REGENERATIVE AESTHETIC TREATMENTS
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ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Building the Perfect Bouquet
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.
USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS
Roses
LOVE & ROMANCE
Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.
Lilies
PURITY & FERTILITY
Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.
Tulips
PERFECT OR DEEP LOVE
A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will compliment the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.
I’m here to help you find solutions to life’s more difficult questions whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone close to you. “ “
YOU are the focus.
• Certificate for NJ LSW’s getting their hours for licensure
• Specialization in Counseling, informed consent.
• Counseling groups for teens ages 13-17yrs
• Convenient South Orange location and virtual sessions
• 33 years of private practice experience.
• Individual psychotherapy,
• EMDR treatment for trauma and anxiety
• Social work supervision
See website for more information
LOVE POTION #9
ANNA BARNES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY
WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?
This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
• 1.5 oz rosé
• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)
THE HOW-TO:
1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.
6. Enjoy!
Diving Into Local Delights
Stepping into The Co-Lab at South Orange is like entering a jubilant jaunt of local creativity. This incubator nurtures small businesses while offering a dynamic mix of artisanal treats and handcrafted decor, weaving the community's vibrant pulse into each piece. During my last visit, I discovered Grá, Christina Hurley’s enchanting store within The Co-Lab, showcasing rare finds from around the globe—stunning vintage Peruvian rugs, handwoven pillows from a South African women's cooperative, distinctive candles by Carl Durkow, and exquisite ceramics by Maison Callaloo.
Further enhancing the space, Sumana Ghosh-Witherspoon's vibrant block prints, which celebrate her Indian heritage, and Natalie from Im Perfect Studios' whimsical acrylic paintings capture her sunny, beach-kid essence. These local artists transform The Co-Lab into a treasure trove of unique creations, making every purchase a commitment to supporting local talent and invigorating our living spaces with a fusion of global charm and local flair. www.colabsouthorange.org
Creativity Uncovered at the CoLab in South Orange
8 6 2 3 7 2 - 9 4 4 5
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