Northern New Jersey 6

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WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN

COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

AT&T Byron Nelsons TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship + Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

JULY 22 - 28 3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

* Schedule subject to change

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

DATES TOURNAMENT

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MAY

MAY 3 - 5 | WINE & FOOD FEST

Held at New Jersey’s premier culinary destination, Crystal Springs Resort, the Festival’s events are designed to allow food and wine connoisseurs to meet and mingle with the world’s finest chefs and winemakers. Over the past ten years, the Festival has grown in stature as a showcase for culinary talent with a who’s who of attending chefs! For more info visit: njwinefoodfest.com

MAY 15 - 19 | MINERAL, FOSSIL, GEM & JEWELRY SHOW

Our family-friendly event caters to intermediate and advanced collectors while doing its utmost to create and encourage tomorrow’s collectors. Featuring fine mineral specimens, fossils, dinosaurs, meteorites, gemstones, artisan jewelry, gold, silver, crystals, metaphysical, interior decor, , and so much, MUCH more! For more info visit: nj.show

JUNE

JUNE 1 - 9 | FILM FESTIVAL

The New Jersey Film Festivals is dedicated to exhibiting independent, classic, international, and experimental films. The Festival will be a hybrid one as we will be presenting it online as well as doing in-person screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. Grab your popcorn and enjoy! For more info visit: njfilmfest.com

JUNE 14 - 16 | AIR SHOW

The greatest Air Show in the Northeast, that brings in many of the world’s top aerobatic performers! There will be aerobatic performances, air shows, static displays, entertainment, historical displays, car shows, night shows, ground exhibits, food vendors, and more. For more info visit: greenwoodlakeairshow.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JULY

JULY 2 - 5

| INDEPENDENCE DAY

The whole state is dressed in red, white, and blue and ready to celebrate America’s Independence! New Jersey is famous for its 4th of July waterfront extravaganza in Atlantic City and other great locations along the coast. But there are many other smaller events that bring in the charm of smalltown celebrations with communities getting together and enjoying traditional entertainment. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3pzoF1B

JULY

13 - 14

| MUSIC & ARTS FEST

A two day family festival celebrating community music and art. The event features local music from more than 20 performers and arts put on by friends and neighbors of Maplewood. The event also includes art, collectibles, crafts, clothes, provided by local artists and merchants, food from many local food vendors. For more info visit: maplewoodstock.com

AUGUST

AUG 2 - 10 |

STATE FARE

The New Jersey State Fair includes 4-H shows and exhibits, horse shows, carnival, performing art, family entertainment, demo derby, exhibits, food, and more. This is a great way to enjoy the summer with your family! For more info visit: sussexcountyfairgrounds.org

AUG

9 - 11

| FILM FESTIVAL

New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival features amazing celebrities, amazing horror films and vendors from around the horror world. Additionally, there will be Q & A sessions, vendors, and more!For more info visit: newjerseyhorrorcon.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 27 - 29 | BOAT SHOW

Come see all that is new and great in boating with some of the best deals around! The New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo and the Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo are produced by

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ). The MTA/NJ is a non-profit trade organization comprised of over 300 marine related businesses dedicated to promoting, protecting and advancing the recreational marine industry and waterways in the State of New Jersey. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/hj5ffzer

SEPT 30 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

Celebrate the Middlesex County Jazz Festival! Enjoy great jazz and experience the communities of New Brunswick, Woodbridge, Edison, Perth Amboy, Carteret, and Metuchen with their great music, food, and friendliness. For more info visit: middlesexcountyjazzfestival.org

OCTOBER

OCT 6 | OKTOBERFEST

Come join us with authentic German food, live music, dancing, and other great entertainment! Bahrs Landing Restaurant is preparing the menu with plenty of tradition-

al German favorites hot off the grill such as bratwurst, knockwurst, kraut, potato pancakes, goulash, sauerbraten and Bavarian noodles. Don’t forget to quench your thirst with a large variety of Oktoberfest beers, both light and dark. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4nbepwh8

OCT 19 - 20 | CRANBERRY FEST

Since 1983, visitors embark on colorful harvest tours and observe the ruby red berries floating in the bogs and the modern water-harvesting of the crop. The Cranberry Festival is a celebration of New Jersey’s cranberry harvest, the 3rd largest in the United States. Enjoy live entertainment Cranberry Cafe and Bakery, Pine Barrens photography, quilt blocking, hat decorating, cranberry floral arrangement, the smallest and largest cranberry display and the best cranberry recipe.For more info visit: cranfest.info

(. . .continued on page 20)

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 20)

NOVEMBER

NOV

TBA | TURKEY TROT

Join the Parvin Appreciation Committee and Second Capital Running for the annual Parvin Turkey Trot! A 5K Trail Race on Thanksgiving Morning at The Peoples’ Park. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3mApmWb

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 30 | LIGHT SHOW

This year’s holiday light show you won’t want to miss! Experience a light show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3e8mmNH

DEC 6 - 8 | GERMAN MARKET

The purpose of this event is and will remain consistent: To provide our community with a joyous event celebrating the beginning of the Holiday Season while recog-

nizing and giving back to those in need in our community. So enjoy a great day of supporting the community in this German Christmas Market! For more info visit: germanchristmasmarketnj.com

JANUARY

JAN TBA | FLY FISHING SHOW

An entertaining and informative consumer show dedicated to connecting customers with business owners, manufacturers and other fly fishing professionals. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4twmfa27

FEBRUARY

FEB

15 - 16 | 8MM FILM FESTIVAL

All the works that we are screening are part of the New Jersey Film Festival Competition and were selected by a panel of judges including media professionals, journalists, students, and academics. These judges selected the 43 finalists which will be publicly screened at our Festival. The finalists were selected from over 636

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

works submitted by filmmakers from around the world. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4szp84eb

FEB 28 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW

New Jersey’s premier home & garden event features over 200 exhibitors with the area’s top services & products. Attend expert presentations, meet kitchen and bath designers, improve your home’s curb appeal, find outdoor furniture for spring, shop home decor, attend a painting class, enjoy the kid’s activity area and more! For more info visit: newjerseyhomeshow.com

MARCH

MARCH TBA | BEER FESTIVAL

The Big Brew Beer Festival is a perfect opportunity for beer aficionados to meet and hang out. With over 150 unique tastings it’s a great place to discover new beers and speak to brewery representatives. For more info visit: bigbrewnj.com

MARCH 27 - 30 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Garden State film festival is held together by the philosophy of promoting an engendering independent films and new and inspiring filmmakers, and they have garnered support from Hollywood heavyweights like Glenn Close, Frank Vincent, Michael Uslan and James Gandolfini. For more info visit: gsff.org

APRIL

APRIL 1 - 30 | TULIP FESTIVAL

Holland Ridge Farms is a family-owned flower grower and flower farm in New Jersey. Our U-Pick Tulip season opens when the millions of bulbs we planted in the fall burst into bloom. Rows and rows of colorful tulips as far as the eye can see! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3iYfOl8

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

MAY 26 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE

- WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 04 - TUE 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 06 - THU 12:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 07 - FRI 12:00 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - FRI 3:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 08 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 09 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single * Schedule subject to change

DATE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final * Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.