West Orange, NJ June 2024

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus® SUV Travel with confidence and comfort.

For 60 years, Maplecrest Ford has called Union home, and we’ve been thrilled to have the surrounding towns of Newark, Springfield, and Livingston as our neighbors. We take our role as your trusted adviser seriously and are happy to address your automotive needs, whether you’re looking to buy a new Ford SUV or get certified Ford service. As an enthusiastic recipient of the President’s Award, you’ll find our auto sales team is proud of our reputation of friendliness and professionalism. Please stop by our Ford dealership in Union for incredible customer service and seamless dealership experience.

FatherCreative Leader

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few thoughts on dads and how they can build up their homes.

• A father’s strength can be powerful

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence

• Time with dad can be entertaining and productive

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving

• Adventures with dad can be exciting and memorable

A father’s gift of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children. Tapping into your creative/ innovation side can bring loads of fun into most situations and help spark imagination. And most of all Lead with LOVE.

“Neither a lofty degree of intelligence, nor imagination, nor both together, go to the making of genius. Love, Love, Love. that is the soul of genius.”

- Mozart, Composer.

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

MONIQUE DOMINIQUE, PUBLISHER @WESTORANGE.CITYLIFESTYLE

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Monique Dominique monique.dominique@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sara Chwatt, Martta Kelly, Angelina Silvestry

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Casey Fachett, Martta Kelly, Arielle Newcombe

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Arden Courts-ProMedica presented-Power of the Brain- Alzheimer and Dementia education held at the JCC 2: Neighbors are solar eclipse ready 3: JCC West Orange 4: Artist -Carol

portraits on display 6: Manufactures Village Artists participated in Garden State Art weekend. Artist-AI

Campbell with husband 7: Laura Lou Levy’s drawings reflect her sister’s battle with Alzheimer and its progressive phases.

Cassel Baker’s

Sogawa

The walls of your home should have fingerprints of memories, the floors should be scuffed from dancing, the kitchen should be dusted with flour and the echoes of holidays, and your furniture should be worn and tattered from decades of rest.

Allow us to honor the life and memories in your beloved home, while helping you prepare that home for market, so that its next family can have as special and meaningful a life with in it as you have.

We provide all-inclusive, confidential, no cost design, no cost staging, and expert representation by your devoted real estate team of almost 20 years, that just happens to be in the top 1/10th of top 1% of the entire Garden State MLS.

business monthly

Ben Georgia Gallery & Studio Celebrates 35 Years

Join us Saturday, June 8, 4-7pm for the opening reception for Ben Georgia who has created paintings with passion for 35 years successfully. His art is in Hong Kong, Switzerland, England, Germany and throughout the US & Canada. A hidden gem in West Orange!

Scan to read more

Dr. Kordai DeCoteau's - Stepping Forward with Dr. D

Dr. D. has launched a monthly show that focuses on podiatry. It is geared to inform the community on all matters of foot related care. It will be an educational show on various lower extremity topics such as innovative surgeries, bunions, diabetic foot and how to pick a doctor.  YouTube/@black doctor.org

Boxing Club Hits West Orange

The West Orange Boxing Club(formerly of Upper Montclair) has opened and it is a unique boxing and movement studio dedicated to specialized personal and group training and tailored events. Owner Ian Bate is passionate about the artistry of boxing and is thrilled to introduce his signature brand to West Orange.

A BEAUTIFUL PAINTING

• 100% Memory Care Facility

• Expertise in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care extends over 25 years

• Consulted with John Hopkins Alzheimer’s Association

• Care for Early Stages Through End-of-Life

• Personalized, Therapeutic Programming

• Purpose-Built Communities

A GUIDE TO CREATING YOUR PERFECT SANCTUARY

In a world bustling with noise and distractions, every man deserves a space to call his own, a sanctuary where he can unwind, relax, and indulge in his passions without interruption. Enter the man cave – a haven tailored to your tastes, where you can let your creativity roam free and design a space that reflects your personality and interests. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a gaming aficionado, a movie buff, or simply crave a place to escape the chaos of everyday life, crafting the ultimate man cave is an exhilarating journey worth embarking on.

ARTICLE BY SARA CHWATT

Define Your Purpose: The first step in creating your man cave is to determine its primary purpose. Do you envision a sports bar-inspired hangout for game days, complete with a big-screen TV and a mini-fridge stocked with your favorite beverages? Or perhaps you dream of a high-tech gaming den equipped with the latest consoles and gaming chairs for marathon sessions with friends? Identifying the main function of your man cave will serve as the foundation for its design and layout.

Choose Your Theme: Once you've established the purpose, selecting a theme will add character and coherence to your

space. From retro arcade rooms to rustic whiskey lounges, the possibilities are endless. Let your interests and personality guide you in choosing a theme that resonates with you. Incorporate elements such as wall decor, furniture, and lighting fixtures that align with your chosen theme to create a cohesive atmosphere

Plan Your Layout: Consider the layout of your man cave to maximize both functionality and comfort. Arrange furniture to create distinct zones for different activities while ensuring easy accessibility and sufficient space for movement. If space allows, include versatile seating options

like recliners, bean bags, or a sectional sofa to accommodate gatherings of varying sizes. Don't forget to factor in storage solutions to keep clutter at bay and maintain a tidy environment.

Embrace Technology : No modern man cave is complete without the latest technological amenities. Invest in high-quality audiovisual equipment such as a large-screen TV, surround sound speakers, and gaming consoles to enhance your entertainment experience. Smart home devices like voice-controlled assistants, programmable lighting systems, and automated blinds can add convenience and sophistication to your

“Let your interest and personality guide you in choosing a theme..”

space, allowing you to customize the ambiance with ease.

Personalize with Décor: Infuse your personality into your man cave through carefully curated decor elements that reflect your interests and passions. Display memorabilia from your favorite sports teams, movie posters of classic films, or collectible items that hold sentimental value.  Consider DIY projects or custom-made pieces to add a personal touch and make your man cave truly one-of-a-kind.

Create a Relaxation Zone: While the man cave is a place for entertainment and recreation, it's also essential to designate a relaxation zone where you can unwind and

recharge. Whether it's a cozy reading nook adorned with plush armchairs and a bookshelf stocked with your favorite reads or a meditation corner equipped with tranquil decor and soft lighting, having a space dedicated to relaxation will help balance the energy of your man cave and promote overall well-being.

Invite Collaboration : While your man cave is ultimately your personal retreat, don't hesitate to invite friends and family to share in the enjoyment of your space. Host game nights, movie marathons, or sports viewing parties to make lasting memories and foster meaningful connections.

In conclusion, creating the ultimate man cave is a gratifying endeavor that allows you to express yourself creatively and carve out a space tailored to your interests and lifestyle. So go ahead, unleash your imagination, or call SBC Interiors for assistance to transform your vision of the perfect man cave into reality. Your ultimate sanctuary awaits!

In celebration of Father’s Day, Onyx Aesthetics is delighted to offer 25%

during the month of June.

Our diverse services prioritize internal well-being It’s not just a gift for Dad; it’s a well-deserved self-care experience. So, why wait? Treat yourself or pamper the father figure in your life to an experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. Embrace the Gentleman’s Glow this Father’s Day with ONYX exclusive offer. Book now and elevate your self-care game to the next level. Because every gentleman deserves a moment of indulgence.

Cynthia Mach, LCSW, CLC EMDR Therapist &; Confidence Coach

ECLECTIC ARTISTS

PAINTER DESCRIBES HIS ART AS ‘MOVIES ON A CANVAS’

ARTICLE BY MARTTA KELLY

As a young man, Kwaku Debrah knew that creating art was going to be a large part of his life. Born in Ghana, he studied technical drawing in high school and later, upon moving to the United States, he attended college in Michigan, where he pursued software design. “I always liked to draw, going back to when I was a toddler,” he says.

Creative Guys Around Town

Kwaku Debrah

“Art is not a reproduction of something we already see...”

It was the summer of 2022 when Debrah received a “calling” to start painting. “I knew that my life’s path was leading me to become a visual artist,” he says. “This is what I was destined to do.” He studied the work of his favorite artists––Henry Taylor, Edgar Degas, and Cecily Brown—and learned about art from ancient cultures.

Debrah, who paints mostly in acrylics, describes his art as “movies on a canvas.” “Art is not a reproduction of something we already see. It makes you think about things in a way that you never thought before.”

His 6-year-old son, Prince, is an artist as well.  “He’s getting pretty good at drawing,” Debrah says. “He’s my major inspiration.”

Website: www.kwakudebrah.com/home

PHOTOGRAPHER

GIVES WEDDINGS

A ‘PERFORMANCE QUALITY’

Casey Fatchett wanted to be an actor so he moved to New York City in the late 1990s to pursue his goal. On the way, however, he got sidetracked. “I started

taking headshots of actors and bands, then friends from college who were getting married,” he says. “I enlarged them and presented them to couples as an extra wedding gift.”

People liked his work more than the hired professionals, so Fatchett started shooting more portraits, weddings, and engagements. “I fell in love with it,” he says. “There was performance quality to it.”

He also runs a podcast, The Nerdy Photographer (nerdyphotograper.com), which features interviews with working photographers and offers tips on how to run a photography business.

Fatchett, who has photographed more than 800 weddings, knows that it is important to set himself apart in an extremely competitive industry. “I don’t take staged photos or those that look like someone just slapped on an Instagram filter,” he says. “It’s also important to really get to know people on an emotional level and make them comfortable about having their photo taken,” he says.

Website: fatchett.com CONTINUED >

Casey Fatchett

LOCAL DENTIST’S MUSICAL TALENT MAKES HIS PATIENTS SMILE

Jared Eisen, DMD, FAGD, does not only enhance smiles, he brings smiles to the faces of his patients through his music.

A practicing dentist for 23 years, with offices in West Orange and New York City, Dr. Eisen has been playing music since he was 6 when he first took lessons for violin and drums. Since then, he taught himself to play the guitar, bass, piano, and soprano saxophone.

A studio musician, he currently plays in three bands, including one consisting of physicians from his West Orange office building. “It not unusual for me to play bass guitar in one band and drums in another,” he says. He composes and records his music in his home recording studio.

Dr. Eisen performs mostly classic rock and roll. “The musicians who have inspired me the most are Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, and the late Stevie Ray Vaughn,” he says. He also likes modern artists such as Goose, an indie band, and Marcus King, known for southern rock and blues.

“I love music and play it all day long, even while I am working,” he says. “My patients love it, too. In fact, many of them are musicians.”

Music website: www.dreisen.com/music/

ARTIST RECYCLES DISCARDED CLOTHING INTO WORKS OF ART

Artist Arshad Aziz works with fabric to create colorful and whimsical jackets, dresses, caftans, and jewelry. While no two creations are alike, they all have one thing in common: All are made from recycled materials, which otherwise would end up in a landfill.

Top: Dr. Jared Eisen Bottom: Arshad Aziz

“Each piece I create embodies a bit of history, culture, tradition, art, and diversity of human society coming together.”

Some of his creations are currently on display in the West Orange Arts Center gift shop, run by Liana Torrice Volpe.

In America, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste, equivalent to 85% of all textiles, end up in landfills every year (Earth.org). “I want to make clothing that was not only stylish, but sustainable,” he says. He adds that production of many clothing items, such as jeans, use valuable resources and generate pollution. “It takes 200 gallons of water to make one pair of jeans,” he says.

Born in India, Aziz studied to be a financial analyst but discovered his true calling was fabric arts and teaching others, particularly young people, how to make their own creations. He frequently holds workshops, showing people how to restyle clothing that they would otherwise discard.

“Each piece I create embodies a bit of history, culture, tradition, art, and diversity of human society coming together,” he says.

Instagram@Threadedplanet

West Orange Arts Center gift shop, run by Liana Torrice Volpe.

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

Get fit for equipment.

01.

If you are buying clubs off the rack, you aren’t giving yourself the best chance for success. Golf technology is evolving every year, and although you don’t need to buy a new driver each year, if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip. The clubs don’t swing themselves, so don’t neglect instruction and practice, but getting the right equipment is a vital piece of the puzzle.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

Get good golf instruction, REGULARLY.

We’ve all heard someone say, “I should get a lesson sometime.” To be effective, you need regular lessons from a PGA certified pro, not just one lesson. Getting quality instruction from the same instructor can turn slices into draws and give you the confidence to play with anyone on any course. Years ago, golf instructors started instruction with chipping and putting and then graduated to the driver. Now, instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to out drive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first. My friend regularly outdrives me by 50 yards, but my ball is in the hole first most of the time because of my training and practice on the short game.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads:

Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz

Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

04.

Practice

your short game every day.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

Let SBC Interiors help you transfer your

personal

and

and style to the design of your

to work within your

We are eager to assist and help you create the home of your dreams.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 1ST

West Orange Street Fair

Main Street | 11:00 AM

Join in the fun at the West Orange street fair. Enjoy delicious food and stroll along Main Street while experiencing local crafters, street performers, a classic car show, beer and wine garden, a rock-climbing wall, free all-day admission to the Thomas Edison Museum and more.

JUNE 2ND

West Orange Library Grand Opening

Rooney Circle | 1:30 PM

West Orange’s public library is having a grand opening! Their new location on Rooney Circle is hosting an event on June 2nd at 1:30 to celebrate. With activities for children, teens, and adults, the WOPL has something for everyone!

JUNE 5TH

South Orange Farmer's Market starts on June 5

Sloan Parking Lot-12 Sloan Street | 2:00 PM

A perfect way to spend an afternoon is at the South Orange Farmers Market. Every Wednesday from June 5th to October 30, there will be fresh produce available, as well as a grab and go lunch or dinner!

JUNE 6TH

Older Adults Zumba Spring Session - June dates

Katz Civic Center at Degnan Park | 1:00 PM

If Zumba is your thing, West Orange has you covered. West Orange’s Older Adult Programming has Spring Zumba sessions running from April into June. Take advantage of this great weather and get moving!

JUNE 9TH

Gardening Techniques with Rutgers Master Gardeners

Vecchio Garden at Degnan Park | 11:00 AM

Has gardening been something you’ve always wanted to try? Look no further! West Orange’s Department of Senior Services presents a series of gardening classes aimed at older adults! In June, they will be focusing on container gardens-- perfect for those living in homes, apartments, or condos! Brighten up your space with a brand new plant!

JUNE 15TH

South Orange- Downtown After SunDown

Spiotta Park | 6:30 PM

The fun doesn’t end in the daytime, South Orange has events in the night to keep the fun going. There is live music on June 15th and 22nd, both at Spiotta Park. If you like classic rock, stop by on the 15th to see South Street Live! Want to dance the night away? See DJ Naaz on June 22nd.

8 6 2 3 7 2 - 9 4 4 5

Looking for reliable and professional electrical services?

Our services include:

Lighting design and installation

Wiring and rewiring

Electrical installation for commercial and industrial building

We work with you to plan every step of the process and ensure that your satisfaction is met. With a team of experts and a variety of professional services