Vicinity Magazine

Celebrating Thanksgiving with

TABLE of CONTENTS

David J. Black FOUNDER & CEO

Cathleen M. Black PRESIDENT & COO

Michael J. Reidy ART DIRECTOR

Vanice Gage Donegan

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Kimberly Blaker

Cynthia Burns

Sue Baldini

Barry Farber

Janis Hashe

Christine Maxwell

Jackie Schatell

Deborah Shapiro

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amy Schwartz Donna Stanul

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS

Dan Epstein

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Mitchell Black

Heidi Dommasch

Robert Leo Murray

Robert “Red” Murray

GUARDIAN ANGELS

POSTAL SERVICE MAILED

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN: Berkeley Heights, The Chathams, Florham Park, Gillette, Harding, Millington, Madison, New Vernon, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Stirling, Summit

12/01/22

Magazine

Suite

assumes

By Jackie Schatell

Mom Teaches Children

About Manners

Celebrating 90 Years!

Sherri

Fishman of Springfield teaches children about healthy eating and good manners throughout Morris and Union Counties. Her workshops are geared for kids ages 5 to 11. She also brings her programs to Boy and Girl Scout troops, schools, and community centers. She says that in her classes, participants learn in a fun and informative manner. “When my kids were growing up, I noticed some of their friends didn’t have great manners, this gave me the idea to create these classes to help kids learn how to be good social citizens,” she says. Lessons include saying “please,” “thank you,” etc., how to make eye contact, giving a strong handshake, avoiding germs by properly washing their hands and whole body listening. They also learn table manners, how to set the table and how to make healthy meals. A kindness project is included. She can be reached at socialcodeforkids.com for class and parties.

TheStrollers, a community theater group based in Maplewood, with some shows in Millburn, is celebrating its 90th year with a one-night gala revue on Saturday, November 19 at 8pm. The gala will celebrate its nine decades of theater by highlighting shows performed in each decade. Each year The Strollers produce a season of two plays and a musical, as well as a children’s theater production in midwinter. The Strollers is a volunteer organization that is always looking for volunteers. President of The Strollers Molly Eisert, says. “We welcome anyone with an interest in the arts and a willingness to work toward a common goal, whether onstage or behind the scenes.” For information on upcoming shows, go to www.TheStrollers.org.

Archdiocesan High School Students Score in Top 1% of Nation on PSAT/NMSQT Exam

Highschool students across the Archdiocese of Newark were recently recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for outstanding achievement on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in 2021. The Archdiocese is proud to congratulate five students who were awarded the title of National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and the 36 students who were recognized as Commended Students. “We are very proud of our students and their academic accomplishments,” said Brother Christopher Hall, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark. “These students bring great pride and recognition to our Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Newark. We wish them the best of luck as they continue to work through the National Merit Scholarship Program’s rigorous application process.” Commended Students came from Oratory Prep in Summit (William Foucher and Brendan Milton) and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit (Lily P. Andersen and Katherine V. Gupta).

If you or someone you know in Essex/Morris County is doing something interesting, send an email to Jackie.subessex@gmail.com

Future Children’s Museum Needs Your Support

SaraSorenson of Somerset County, Nicole Pittaluga and Nisha Patel of Morris County, and Mia Gregory of Short Hills have big plans to create a children’s museum called MOMI (Museum of Makers + Innovators) in the community that connects art, science and nature and provides learning through play for children of all ages, learning styles, and abilities. MOMI will be sustainably designed with plans that include over 50,000 sq. ft. of indoor space and at least 0.5 acre of outdoor space with exhibits that are both educational and fun. There will be a teaching kitchen, a water play area, a maker’s space with real tools, and a wild garden with a tree house. The team is raising funds for MOMI and to deliver its first permanent space—the MOMI Playful Learning pocket park, working in partnership with the Morris Marketplace development. To donate, go to www.thinkmomi.org/join-give/ways-to-support.

Florham Park Resident to Publish a Book on Sheet Music

FrankTinari of Florham Park has a love of beautiful sheet music. He has even written a book on one of its genres titled American Indians as Depicted on Sheet Music Covers Since 1833. Tinari, former Mayor of Florham Park, and a retired economics professor at Seton Hall, who has published extensively on economics, says he has plans to write several more books on various sheet music themes. He says he especially loves their artistic covers and the cultural history they reflect. Last December, the Florham Park Library displayed selected Christmas sheet music from his vast collection of 10,000 song sheets. The biggest parts of his collection comprise movie song sheets, sheet music about African Americans, the American West, comedy, Christmas songs, big bands, animation and cartoons, and lovely ladies. Frank may be reached at tinarifr@shu.edu

Millburn Resident Helps Babies Through Ear Molding

EricCarniol, MD, a facial plastic surgeon and EMT from Millburn with an office in Summit, is shaping little ears one baby ear at a time. He is one of about 10 plastic surgeons in NJ who does ear molding, which is a treatment technique used during infancy to mold deformed ears into a normal shape. He says it is easy and painless and helps avoid the possible need for surgery later on. Dr. Carniol says, “Babies’ cartilage is very flexible in infancy because the baby still has some of its mom’s estrogen. As the estrogen level drops, the ears begin to grow and become stiffer.” Ear molding involves using a silicone tractor and tape to put the ear in a more natural position and hold it there. The treatment, which is like wearing headphones, can take 2-4 weeks to work.

MORRIS COUNTY MUTUAL AID is Still Supporting Those Who Need Help

By Jackie Schatell

Renee

Shalhoub of Madison and Theresa Markila of Roxbury run a program called Mutual Morris, which has a goal of building mutual aid networks among community members across Morris County, NJ, to support one another with emergency relief during times of crisis, and also to build selfsufficiency for the long-term through education and support of community initiatives.

“We help people who slip through the cracks navigate the municipal county resources available to them,” says Renee.

Mutual Morris started during the pandemic to help people who were suffering due to illness, isolation, and more. The program delivered groceries, medications and more. Now two years later, the group is still running strong and collecting donations.

“People don’t realize that there are people who are still struggling,” says Theresa. “We help people who haven’t been able to work, people with disabilities, the elderly, people with food insecurity, and others who are struggling. We do checkin calls, drive people to appointments, refer them to accountants and lawyers, register their kids for school, reach out to public housing and more. We also offer educational workshops in tenants’ rights, health and wellness, financial wellness, and helping children navigate through school, to name a few.”

All in all, the group, comprising 20 active volunteers, has helped over 2,000 families.

The ladies say they enjoy the work.

“It is challenging, overwhelming, and rewarding,” says Renee. They also say the program is ongoing because people still need help. “COVID is spiking, and people are isolating again. This type of struggle takes a physical toll,” says Renee. “We want people to know that we are still going strong, and we are always looking for volunteers and donations.”

To volunteer or make a donation, go to mutualmorris.com

Theresa and Renee delivering homemade breakfasts and lunches for more than 100 children during the two-week school summer break in August of 2020

Millburn Teen Travels to Poland to Create Documentary About the Plight of the Ukrainian Refugees

By Jackie Schatell

Whilemany people have been supporting the Ukrainian refugees during the war with Russia by donating supplies—Peter Ren, 17, of Millburn wanted to do more. At the peak of the crisis, he traveled to Poland for a month, helping out refugees directly at the Tesco Refugee Station in Przemsl, which borders the Ukraine. He distributed necessities on both sides of the border, made up beds, and filmed what was happening there for an hourlong documentary called, “Cost of War.” The film went on to become an Official Selection at the Indie Chicago Film Awards and has been entered into other film contests as well.

“After seeing the crisis on the news, I felt I had to help,” says Peter, an aspiring filmmaker. “I wanted to document what was happening because I knew it would have a powerful effect on people to see first-hand what was occurring at the border.”

Due to COVID, Peter left Millburn High School in his junior year to learn online through Acellus Academy. He got permission from the High School administration to take the trip, with the understanding that he had to stay up to date with his studies. His parents were apprehensive, but felt he was doing meaningful work. Peter says he was nervous going to Poland alone at first, but that once he became acclimated, the feeling dissipated.

While he was there, Peter spoke to people on both sides of the border and says that, “there were so many people there.” He found it, “heart-breaking to see the men dropping off their loved ones at the border, because they were unable to enter Poland themselves.” Many refugees said the trip there was difficult because they had come from distant cities in the

Ukraine. Many came from Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Chernihiv. They traveled in cramped train cars and walked far distances between train rides. Then they waited at the border for many days before being able to cross into Poland.

Peter hopes his film provides a window into what is happening to the Ukrainian refugees. He wants people to remember that although it seems like the war has toned down—it is still going on, and people are still really suffering. He hopes his film will inspire people to continue donating to accredited organizations like UNICEF, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and The Red Cross.

“I feel we need to do everything in our power to help,” he says. “We can’t allow this to happen again. The war is taking lives. People are suffering.”

This is not Peter’s first documentary. During the pandemic, he created documentaries called, Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19, and NYC in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic. Peter plans to make more documentaries like these. He says, “I aspire to be a filmmaker one day so that I can use my films to touch upon all of the crises that are happening in the world.”

To view Peter’s documentary, go to: https://vimeo.com/720493329

jackie.subessex@gmail.com

Peter Ren

New Jersey Jackals Baseball Team Secures New Home at Landmark Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson

TheNew Jersey Jackals, a member team of the Frontier League, a Professional Baseball League of 16 teams and Partner League of Major League Baseball (MLB), today announced the team is relocating from Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair, to its new, larger home at landmark Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson.

The Jackals will kick-off a 96-game season in May of 2023 at Hinchliffe, a 7,000-seat stadium that sits on a dramatic escarpment above Paterson’s National Historic Great Falls and surrounded by the city’s national historic district – the first planned industrial settlement in the nation in 1792. Hinchliffe is also one of two remaining ballparks where the segregated Negro Leagues played in the mid-20th century. The facility lay dormant for the past 20+ years but is now undergoing a dramatic restoration.

Al Dorso, the owner, and operator of the New Jersey Jackals, along with the city of Paterson, have exciting plans to improve the Hinchliffe field and venue, align with local businesses and bring additional entertainment to the venue, such as concerts, kids camps, traveling teams, training and exhibitions, holiday events and more. The stadium improvements are part of a larger $95 million project that includes a parking garage, restaurant with museum and nearby residential complex.

“We’re thrilled to have the Jackals in Paterson and equally pleased to be working alongside Al Dorso, a visionary, change agent and proven businessman with the leadership, acumen and experience to bring additional growth, prosperity and entertainment to our local community,” said Andre Sayegh, Mayor of Paterson.

“I was born and raised in Paterson and even though I ventured on, I still know this town like the back of my hand and have many fond memories,” said Dorso, “This is a great opportunity at the right time in my life to give back and add to the rich history of this region.

For individual, group and season tickets, call 973-746-7434 or email contact@jackals.com.

BONJ Season Opening Concert

TheBaroque Orchestra of New Jersey (BONJ) will partner with the Drew University Dance Department for the premiere composition of “The Amiable Consort.”

The music and dance collaboration are the result of a partnership between BONJ Maestro Robert W. Butts and internationally renowned choreographer Kimani Fowlin, director of Drew University’s Dance Department, and Chloe Martins of the Drew Dance Alumni. Also included in this landmark collaboration are The Arts and Culture Collaborative and Drew University. The Amiable Consort composition was commissioned by Judith Gibson. Special guest artists are the international piano duo Madalina Danila and Hugh Sung

“There is no set program for ‘The Amiable Consort,’ Maestro Butts explained when discussing his composition. The first movement is called ‘Prologue/Awakenings’ and is meant to be a sense of beginning.The second movement, ‘Relationships’ is also not specific and reflects the many kinds of relationships we experience in life. The third movement is called ‘Fugal Explorations.’ “Fugal” refers to the musical form which is by and large a traditional fugue. Just as a fugue sort of follows a path or trail or journey and encounters many new

ideas, adventures, facets, and variations, so does the music. The finale is ‘Being/Living’ and in this I tried to capture the idea of accepting and enjoying and letting what happens thrill and excite us and keep us enjoying life and every moment.”

He adds, “I am thrilled to have my music interpreted as well through dance by these incredible artists.”

Sunday, November 13

Saint Elizabeth University

Dolan Hall, 2 Convent Road, Morristown https://baroqueorchestra.org

Scandinavian Import & Gift Sale

The Lodge LInne 429 Vasa Order of American will sponsor a unique day of shopping, culture, and goodwill. The sale will feature a wide variety of traditional holiday and everyday Scandinavian items: Swedish straw decorations, Danis iron candleholders, Norwegian sweaters, paper products, household items, jewelry lines, Tomtes, and more. These gift and handicraft items are designed in a Scandinavian style or motif. Also for sale will be a large variety of Scandinavian baked goods and specialty foods. Handicap accessible.

Saturday, November 19, 2022, 10am-3pm

Salt Brook School, 40 Maple Street, New Providence

Info: Karen 908-665-1292 • Judy 908-464-0139

The Harry Chapin Band Performs

Harry Chapin Band continues to play Harry’s mostloved songs and celebrate his work since his untimely passing in 1981. The band tours classic venues where Harry’s music resonated the most.

The five-piece band recreates the best-known story songs in a 2-hour program that transcends time and comes to life on stage, a powerful experience for the fans. Steve Chapin leads on piano and vocals, Big John Wallace is still on bass and vocals, the only drummer Harry ever had—Howard Fields, Clark Wallace on electric guitar and Jonathan Chapin on acoustic. Presented by Roxbury Arts Alliance. It’s a true Chapin family tradition.

Saturday, November 12, 7pm

Investors Bank Theater 72 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna | 973-945-0284 roxbury-arts-alliance.ticketleap.com/harry-chapin-band

Support Your Local Merchant. Shop Local.

Find the perfect gift

independently owned businesses in our community.

Soft, luxurious fabrics meet effortless, modern design that is best suitable for yoga, exercise, running and other active activities. Four way stretch for extra comfort— Breathable and sweat wicking.

Schaad Browse and place your order at: www.Schaadactive.com

Monet in the Rain— Even on a rainy day, you can make someone smile with a Fine Art Image umbrella. Available in stick and collapsible.

Jerry’s Artist Outlet

Essex Green Shopping Plaza, 495 Prospect Avenue, West Orange 973-669-0995 | www.JerrysArtistOutlet.com

A Real Holiday Treat! Custom made goody trays are available for anyone on your Holiday list. Trays can be purchased at a variety of prices. Stop in or pre-order for quick pick-up.

Love Letters

2 West Northfield Road, Livingston | 973-994-1212 www.lovelettrs.com

Hand-made velvet pumpkins and pears. Custom colors and sizes available.

Creative Works

46 East Northfield Road, Livingston | 973-992-8484

www.CreativeWorksNJ.com

Summit’s Santa Claus Shop Prepares to Help Deliver a Joyous Holiday To Locals In Need For

the 56th consecutive year, the Santa Claus Shop will open its doors to area families to provide complementary holiday shopping. The Shop serves more than 400 low-income families and senior citizens from Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights and other local communities.

This year’s Santa Claus Shop will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 587 Springfield Avenue in Summit. Families will be offered shopping hours by invitation only during the first week of December.

The Santa Claus Shop is chaired by Summit residents, Sarah Fitzsimmons, Kristen Goldman, Kiera Mathey and Katie Mucci and co-chaired by Elizabeth Somerlot, Katie Orr, Alison MacMillan and Michelle Kalmanson. The Santa Claus Shop exists solely on donations and volunteers. With the monetary donations from area residents, local organizations and businesses, the Santa Claus Shop can purchase the gifts that allow less fortunate neighbors to experience the joy of holiday giving without financial burden.

To keep the holiday spirit alive for local residents in need, the Santa Claus Shop chairwomen ask for members of the community to consider giving. Checks can be made payable to SHIP, with Santa Claus Shop noted on the check’s memo line, and mailed to the Santa Claus Shop, P.O. Box 119, Summit, NJ 07901. The ability to make an online donation is also available at www.summitsantaclausshop.com.

Sarah Fitzsimmons, Kiera Mathey, Kristen Goldman and Katie Mucci

Guiding Students to Pursue Their Own Unique Acedemic Pathway

Morristown

Beard School (MBS) is an independent, coeducational day school serving grades 6-12. Small class sizes foster collaboration and conversation while promoting critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. The curriculum moves beyond simply mastery of content, and works to foster deep engagement in learning and the development of higher-level cognitive skills.

At MBS, each student is empowered to discover an intellectual pathway that excites and inspires them. Signature academic programs in Middle and Upper School offer students a wide range of options for learning as well as the support and structure needed to succeed in their individual academic journeys. Balanced with a commitment to experiential learning and social-emotional development, those programs provide a robust learning experience that engages each student.

MBS is also exceptional in the attention we pay to each individual student and the breadth of opportunity we provide to each. Everyone is encouraged to take risks, push into challenging new territory, and explore all their talents.

Highlights of the beautiful 22-acre campus include the Center for Innovation & Design, an innovative space where students

design, build, and problem solve, the Math & Science Center, and Science On a Sphere®, a global display system developed by NOAA that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six-foot diameter sphere.

Students leave Morristown Beard School well prepared for the challenges of college and university studies. Their skills in analytical thinking, academic writing and time management set them apart among entering college students, while the habits of mind they develop position them for long-term success.

Visit mbs.net for admission event information, or contact the Admission Office at admission@mbs.net or 973-539-3032 x516.

Morristown Beard School

70 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-3032 | mbs.net

Strengths-Based Education Primes Students for Learning

By Dr. Kara A. Loftin

Vreeland Rd, Florham Park, NJ 07932

info@njballet.org

www.njschoolofballet.com

New Jersey School of Ballet is the Official School of New Jersey Ballet Company

By

moving our thinking from difference as a deficit to one of capacity-building with classroom environment changes to support learning, we enhance educational experiences and leverage strengths for deeper learning and meaning-making. The Craig School balances our students’ education by providing ample instructional time for addressing their greatest needs while also supporting the development of strengths, all the while recognizing that our students are fully human, ever-evolving, and full of ability.

At The Craig School we cultivate and support our students’ positive identities as learners. We partner with parents to build student capacity through targeted, personalized learning experiences which remove barriers to learning. Finally, we design the broader curriculum for greater educational access and participation from each student. While the challenges of learning differences are real, we remove limitations by providing the supports and services uniquely designed for the learning needs of the individual student, we build upon their strengths and capabilities, and we lay the foundation to thrive in learning and in life.

Craig School

10 Tower Hill Road, Mountain Lakes | 973-334-1234 www craigschool org

Artistic Director: Maria Kowroski www.njballet.org

A New Direction for the New Jersey Ballet

By Deborah Schapiro

Guiding Students to Pursue Their Own Unique Acedemic Pathway

Forover 60 years, New Jersey Ballet has been a beloved cultural institution. As the company kicks off its 2022-23 season on November 19 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, audiences will see a number of changes in its repertoire. The opening night program, aptly titled, New Direction, is the first program created by Artistic Director Maria Kowroski.

Morristown

School (MBS) is an independent, coeducational day school serving grades 6-12. Small class sizes foster collaboration and conversation while promoting critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. The curriculum moves beyond simply mastery of content, and works to foster deep engagement in learning and the development of higher-level cognitive skills.

The evening will open with Hallelujah Junction, which Kowroski describes as “a great opener, fun and explosive, with lots of virtuosity.” Also on the program will be the ebullient Who Cares?, set to music by George Gershwin. Kowroski says, “Both of these pieces were part of NYCB’s repertoire; I’m excited to bring something from my former home to my new home.”

At MBS, each student is empowered to discover an intellectual pathway that excites and inspires them. Signature academic programs in Middle and Upper School offer students a wide range of options for learning as well as the support and structure needed to succeed in their individual academic journeys. Balanced with a commitment to experiential learning and social-emotional development, those programs provide a robust learning experience that engages each student.

Named Acting Artistic Director last November, she has been the official Artistic Director since September of this year. A former Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet, Kowroski enthuses, “Audiences will see ballets they’ve never seen before and feel a whole new energy.”

MBS is also exceptional in the attention we pay to each individual student and the breadth of opportunity we provide to each. Everyone is encouraged to take risks, push into challenging new territory, and explore all their talents.

design, build, and problem solve, the Math & Science Center, and Science On a Sphere®, a global display system developed by NOAA that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six-foot diameter sphere.

Kowroski is also excited to present a World Premiere choreographed by New York City Ballet Principal Dancer, Harrison Ball and costumes by Zac Posen, the piece is an allfemale cast. She says, “This is a very powerful piece and a great way to showcase the amazing women and versatility the company has to offer. “

Students leave Morristown Beard School well prepared for the challenges of college and university studies. Their skills in analytical thinking, academic writing and time management set them apart among entering college students, while the habits of mind they develop position them for long-term success.

Visit mbs.net for admission event information, or contact the Admission Office at admission@mbs.net or 973-539-3032 x516.

New Jersey Ballet 973-597-9600 | www.NJBallet.com

Highlights of the beautiful 22-acre campus include the Center for Innovation & Design, an innovative space where students

Morristown Beard School 70 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-3032 | mbs.net

H u d s o n W a y I m m e r s i o n S c h o o l p r o v i d e s a s u p p o r t i v e a n d t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l p r e s c h o o l G r a d e 8 e d u c a t i o n : U n d e r s t a n d i n g o f d i f f e r e n t c u l t u r e s B i l i t e r a c y a n d f l u e n c y i n S p a n i s h / E n g l i s h o r M a n d a r i n / E n g l i s h A d v a n c e d a c a d e m i c d e v e l o p m e n t i n E n g l i s h , M a t h , a n d S c i e n c e S u p p o r t i v e S o c i a l e m o t i o n a l e n v i r o n m e n t D o n ' t m i s s t h e c r i t i c a l w i n d o w f o r l a n g u a g e d e v e l o p m e n t a g e s 0 1 3 ! J o i n u s f o r a t o u r o r a n i n f o r m a t i o n a l w e b i n a r O p e n H o u s e N J : N o v 1 5 , 6 - 7 : 3 0 p m

R e g i s t e r N o w : w w w . h w i s . o r g / a d m i s s i o n s - e v e n t s

D a y S

Maria Kowroski

r C h i l d r e n t h e S k i l l s t o N a v i g a t e t h e W o r l d

Forging New Avenues for Women

Villa Walsh Academy is a college preparatory Catholic school for young women in Grades 7 through 12 conducted by the Religious Teachers Filippini. Located on a beautiful 120acre campus in Morristown, Villa Walsh Academy offers an exceptional learning experience through a rigorous academic curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities. Our experienced faculty teaches the individual, encouraging discovery of her unique talents.

Villa Walsh Academy forges new avenues for women in STEM with our award-winning Robotics Competition Team, Sisters 1st, the only all girls FIRST® Robotics team in New Jersey. The Athletic Department provides student-athletes opportunities to participate in a variety of successful programs, and our Arts Departments team with opportunities to discover every student’s latent creativity.

Equipped with knowledge and confidence to succeed within higher education, our students are recognized for their achievements and receive multiple scholarships to attend top colleges and universities. Fully prepared by the comprehensive education the school provides, historically, 100% of graduating students enter four-year colleges and universities.

Villa Walsh Academy students are women of integrity with deep moral values and a commitment to service grounded in the Catholic faith. “What great work the Lord has entrusted to us women.” -St. Lucy Filippini

Villa Walsh Academy 455 Western Avenue, Morristown | 973-538-3680 www.villawalsh.org

A Place of Possibilities

Join us for in-person tours, on-campus events, and virtual information sessions.

Scan to learn more and to register.

A BARTH’S MARKET

Thanksgiving BIRD IS THE WORD

Photos by Dan Epstein

Barth’s Market is a family-owned butcher shop and specialty grocer that has been operating at 41 South Street in New Providence, New Jersey since 1960.

The

centerpiece of a Thanksgiving table is the bird. That’s why Jim Barth, owner of Barth’s Market, makes sure his customers get “nothing but the best” bird for their Thanksgiving feast. This starts with a fresh Jaindl turkey.

For five generations, the Jaindl family has been raising turkeys in Pennsylvania while employing sustainable and humane farming methods. They don’t just raise turkeys, they grow the food their turkeys eat, thereby ensuring a tasty bird with less environmental impact than turkeys produced by conventional brands.

on

A BARTH’S MARKET

“These turkeys are so popular that our customers place their orders weeks in advance to ensure the size they want is available,” says Mr. Barth. Popular indeed—these turkeys have graced the White House table for over 50 years. During the first year of COVID, when most people were having smaller stay-at-home Thanksgivings, there were not enough small turkeys to meet the demand so Mr. Barth came up with a creative solution. “It was a bit unconventional but those were crazy times. To meet the requests of everyone wanting a small turkey, we split a 20 or 22-lb Jaindl bird down the middle, and it was the perfect size for a family of 4-6, while still allowing us to give them the quality turkey they expected.”

The perfect Thanksgiving meal may start with the best local turkey but it doesn’t end there. Barth’s Market prides itself on providing the highest quality meats, and the freshest seafood and produce around so that home chefs can make all their favorite sides. For customers who are pressed for time (or for those who enjoy eating more than they enjoy cooking), Barth’s makes Thanksgiving prep easy by offering a wide variety of cooked sides.

Everything is made in-house… from scratch. For example, the turkey gravy is made from homemade stock that is simmered for at least 12 hours to get a rich flavor. Barth’s stuffing can be purchased with or without sausage and yes, the sausage is made in-

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THANKSGIVING

house too. Their shrimp cocktail platter, complete with lemon wedges and Barth’s special cocktail sauce, has been a perennial favorite for holiday gatherings. Other crowd favorites include Barth’s creamed spinach, green beans almondine, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pies.

If that’s not enough inspiration for your Thanksgiving meal, Mr. Barth’s offers his Thanksgiving tips for the perfect turkey.

“Start with our fresh Jaindl turkey and let it sit at room temperature for two hours before roasting. Because of their lower fat and higher meat content, Jaindl turkeys cook faster than other turkeys. So, dispel with that old ‘low and slow’ baking technique that your mom used. It just dries out the bird. Instead, roast your turkey for 15 minutes per pound in an oven that has been pre-heated to 325o.”

Alternately, you can buy one of Barth’s complete Thanksgiving dinners, pick it up on Wednesday, reheat on Thursday and “ta da,” enjoy a low-sweat feast!

SENIOR LIVING

Falls Can Have Severe Health Ramifications for Older Adults

Trips,

stumbles, and minor tumbles may not seem like a big deal when you’re younger. But, for seniors, any fall has the potential to result in severe injury or a health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a senior over the age of 65 falls every second of every day. One in five falls ends in serious injury. Taking precautions are vital to avoid the potentially debilitating consequences seniors can face.

• Make sure your prevention strategies address your individual risk factors. List out your personal risk factors, look at which ones can be changed, and create a plan to decrease those risks.

• Get regular physical exams to check for any risk factors or problems that could lead to falls. Be honest about any concerns you have and discuss any side effects of your medication.

• Wear well-fitting, comfortable, wide, and flat shoes for a stable base.

• Stay active at an appropriate level for your health and ability. Try lower intensity workouts like yoga, tai chi, walking, swimming, water aerobics, and weight training, especially for leg muscles.

• Work with a physical therapist to prevent falls or to heal from injury, especially if you have health risk factors. A physical therapist can help you improve balance and build strength while considering your individual needs.

• Assess your environment and take steps to make it safer. Consider features like grab bars in the bathroom, secure handrails on stairs, a more accessible tub or shower, and plenty of light.

Also, avoid small rugs that can bunch up or catch on your shoes, and remove clutter to keep floors and spaces clear.

• If needed, be sure you use devices like canes, walkers, and wearable emergency fall devices.

Have a plan in place in case you fall and know what to do and how to get help. For seniors, falling can be a significant concern in trying to stay safe and healthy. But falling isn’t an inevitable part of growing older. By taking these steps to lessen your risk of falling and being prepared in the event of a fall will go a long way toward living a healthy, fulfilling life throughout your retirement.

—Kimberly Blaker

Food for Your Brain

Eating

walnuts may improve concentration, memory, and comprehension speed. The brain boost seems to come from walnuts’ high antioxidant contest as well as manganese and copper. To get the benefit enjoy 12-24 walnut halves daily.

Older adults who ate about two cups of strawberries every day improved their spatial memory and word recognition according to a study. The researchers also found that blueberries may have similar effects. Fresh and frozen give the same benefits.

Eating more fish and less meat as part of a Mediterranean diet can help slow cognitive decline in older adults.

Sources: Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging; Neurology

Health and Wellness

Eye Care as You Age

Just as the rest of our body ages, so do the eyes. The following common diseases and conditions are associated with aging and can be detected with proper monitoring. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the best way to detect them, even when not experiencing any issues with your sight.

Cataract. People who experience this clouding of the lens in the eye often report increased glare and fading of colors.

Diabetic Eye Disease. A complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness, its most common form is diabetic retinopathy, which happens when the disease damages small blood vessels inside the retina.

Dry Eye. Dry eye can feel like stinging and burning and can lead to blurred vision or even vision loss if left untreated.

Glaucoma. A group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness.

Age-Related Muscular Degeneration. ADM is a disease that blurs the sharp, central vision needed for “straight-ahead” activities such as reading, sewing, and driving. This disease affects the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail.

UPWARDLY

MOBILE

By Deborah Schapiro

PatriotMobility is certainly an aptly named company. Founded in 2010 by a military veteran, the company installs wheelchair ramps and other accessibility equipment to help those with mobility assistance needs.

CEO Chris Facchina says that Patriot Mobility, which services all of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, has two broad product lines: “We have a longstand ing relationship with the U.S. Veterans Administration, providing their clients with wheelchairs and wheelchair repairs. Our other product line is accessibility equip ment, which we install for residential and commercial customers, as well as the VA.”

The company installs a large number of outdoor wheelchair ramps for residential

Living

customers. Other accessibility equipment includes stair, car, pool, and vertical platform lifts. Facchina explains, “A vertical platform lift is essentially an openair elevator, they can be installed both in and outdoors. This may be a better option for a wheelchair user needing to access a higher floor in his or her house than a very long wheelchair ramp would be.”

Facchina notes that residential stair lifts can also be installed both in and outdoors, and can be custom made to fit the turns and curves of your home. In addition, Patriot Mobility installs three different models of car lifts, which allow users to bring their wheelchair or scooter

along with them wherever they go.

Patriot Mobility also works closely with Ramp It Up, a non-profit organization which provides wheelchair ramps for those in need.

He concludes, “We enable our clients to better access their homes and families, and thus to live better lives; we’re extremely proud of this, and to be veteran founded, and veteran operated.”

Patriot Mobility 800-392-9036 e-mail: info@patriotmobiltyinc.com www.patriotmobilityinc.com

Vibrant Senior Living is Coming to Livingston

Slated

to open in early 2023, Sunrise of Livingston is ready to welcome visitors to tour its gracious assisted living and memory care model suites.

Situated on over three wooded acres in Essex County, the community feels like a lush, green retreat. And yet its convenient location just off the intersection of South Orange Avenue and Walnut Street is close to shops, restaurants, parks, and medical support.

The grounds encompass beautifully landscaped spaces, including a walking path with benches and spacious terraces for taking in some fresh air and sunshine. Inside, the decor plays off local American Colonial style and features senior-friendly design in a number of bright common areas that are perfect for entertaining.

A robust calendar of events and programs will help residents pursue their hobbies and passions in the company of good friends and neighbors. Restaurant-style dining will feature fresh, seasonal cuisine crafted by a talented culinary team and served all day.

With a Babylon hydroponic Micro-Farm™ and an Obie interactive gaming console, the community will use innovative technology to foster engagement and social interaction.

As a tour of the models will demonstrate, each suite will include large windows to let in plenty of light while contemporary design features help promote comfort and safety.

You’re invited to schedule a visit to view the model suites, meet the team, and learn about the personalized approach that will make Sunrise of Livingston a vibrant, welcoming place to call home.

Sunrise Livingston

290 South Orange Avenue, Livingston 973-320-7944

www.SunriseLivingston.com/Suburban

Accessibility & Mobility Products.

Patriot Mobility will act as a trusted partner to those with mobility or home accessibility needs, affording better access to family and friends, and thus facilitating a better life.

Patriot Mobility

95 Edison Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704 631-392-4040 | www. patriotmobilityinc.com

Hearing Center.

Kubick and Kubick Hearing Aid Center & Opticians office is a third-generation family owned business located in the center of Millburn, NJ. We remain a leading provider of hearing aid products and services for over 75 years.

Kubick and Kubick Hearing Aid Center

393 Millburn Ave, Millburn | 973-467-1690 www.kubickandkubick.com

Hospice.

Journey Hospice provides patient-centered palliative and hospice care in all settings, as well as emotional support for the whole family. Journey’s team of professionals focus their efforts on meeting each individual’s unique physical, social and spiritual needs. Journey Hospice is a program of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey.

Journey Hospice

459 Passaic Avenue, Suite 270, West Caldwell (located on the campus of Crane’s Mill Retirement Community) 973-276-3052 | www.journeyhospicenj.org

Physical Therapy.

JAG-ONE Physical Therapy is a comprehensive physical and occupational therapy company with locations throughout New Jersey, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, Westchester and Pennsylvania. Their multi-specialty staff has been serving the Tri-State area for over 20 years and has developed a unique, care-first model of rehabilitation delivering high quality clinical outcome for their patients.

JAG-ONE Physical Therapy

Convenient Locations throughout New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania West Orange: 973-669-0078 | Fairfield: 862-702-3420 | jagonept.com

Senior Community.

A vibrant, welcoming senior living community in Livingston, offering an active and engaged lifestyle with personalized support, including assisted living and expert memory care services, in a beautiful environment. Models now open...contact today for a visit.

Sunrise of Livingston 290 South Orange Avenue, Livingston 973-320-7944 www.sunriselivingston.com/suburban

Quality of

is What Matters

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and the per fect time to explain the difference between hospice and palliative care.

Most people are familiar with what hospice care is—care provided to those with a terminal diagnosis to ensure comfort and quality of care at end-of-life. This care is provided when there are no longer curative options, or the patient chooses not to pursue curative measures. However, most people don’t realize that hospice care can begin early and offer months of assistance and support—a benefit not often fully utilized.

Palliative care is typically introduced earlier in the course of a serious illness as patients are usually continuing to pursue aggressive treatments. Patients do not have to be terminal to qualify for palliative care. With a chronic, or life-

threatening illness, like cancer, cardiac disease such as CHF, COPD, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or ALS, quality of life can be dependent on managing symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Palliative care helps to relieve or eliminate such symptoms.

The team at Journey Hospice in West Caldwell embraces the philosophy that quality of life matters most. Facing a

serious illness can be overwhelming for the entire family—that’s why making important decisions early on and having a care team that advocates for the patient ensures that their end-of-life journey is a positive one.

Journey Hospice

459 Passaic Ave, Suite 270, West Caldwell 973-276-3052 www.journeyhospicenj.org

Dr. Zach Gokhman

Dr. Zach Gokhman of The Silverstrom Group is No Cookie Cutter Dentist

By Cynthia Burns, Photos by Dan Epstein

ZachGokhman, DDS has joined The Silverstrom Group, the award-winning dental practice led by Drs. David and Gary Silverstrom. Here, Dr. Gokhman, who was raised in Livingston, provides insight into his credentials and approach to oral wellness.

You received your degree from New York University–College of Dentistry and completed your residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. How will your training be an asset to The Silverstrom Group?

Newark Beth Israel’s dental residency program is the oldest of its kind in the country. Its General Practice Residency (GPR) Program continues to lead dental education. Every specialty is represented. I performed oral surgery, root canals, implants, veneers, braces and Invisalign, among other procedures. The quality of the dentists there gave me a solid foundation. It also helped me learn to think. Patients may have similar dental issues, but other factors such as lifestyle, general health and medications determine the treatment plan. I am welltrained and well-equipped to carry out a number of procedures.

What advances in dentistry have helped you excel in your profession?

Dentistry has changed incredibly, mostly attributed to the use of digital equipment such as scanners and 3D printers. I describe myself as a nerd when it comes to new materials and new technology. A newer tool that is useful in preventive

dentistry is the DIAGNOdent™ System. This pen-like device allows me to use a laser to shine into the grooves of the teeth to determine the earliest signs of decay. Preventive treatment can help save the tooth before the decay spreads. Another big advancement has been same day dentistry. Crowns can be done in one visit, rather than over several weeks.

Do you share a philosophy about your approach to dentistry with the other dentists in the practice?

Within The Silverstrom Group we have a saying: “no dentistry is the best dentistry.” We take pride in a conservative approach while adopting new technology. This doesn’t mean we’ve abandoned traditional methods. We choose the best treatment to achieve the best outcome for the patient.

What excites you about dentistry?

The ways in which dentistry has changed—and it’s just the beginning. I’m not a cookie cutter dentist. There are so many new ways to practice dentistry more successfully and more conservatively. I like the challenge of incorporating new techniques and materials.

The Silverstrom Group

580 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston 973-992-3990 | readytosmile.com

Dr. David Silverstrom, Dr. Amy Tran, Dr. Zach Gokhman, and Dr. Gary Silverstrom

Nutrition & Sleep

are plenty of methods to achieve better sleeping habits, and one of the most potent methods is nutritional. A healthy diet can mean the difference between peaceful slumber and sleepless nights.

Lack of sleep can prompt you to start making bad dietary decisions. This relationship works in reverse. Having a proper intake of a wide variety of vitamins and minerals has been shown to improve sleep quality. If you’re missing a key vitamin or other nutrients, you may start to have issues sleeping.

Why is this? Studies are still being done on this, but we do know that sleep is closely related to the complex chemistry in our brain. We also know that getting the right vitamins and minerals improves the function of that brain chemistry—therefore a bad diet can lead to you feeling gross not just physically, but mentally. Our brain releases certain chemicals when it’s time to sleep to help us drift off. If we’re missing the important components of those chemicals, our brain is going to struggle to properly turn itself off and rest. And a brain without rest is going to be an unhappy brain.

Conversely, diets that are too high in carbs may make you feel drowsy during the day but can ruin your sleep when night rolls around. And we all know what diets that are too heavy in sugar and caffeine can do to you—these substances are some of

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.

the worst offenders when it comes to ruining sleep schedules. Chef V juice cleanses tend to be so great for helping sleep.

The best diets for sleep are those that are filled with fruits and vegetables (and all those amazing vitamins contained within). Not only does a Chef V cleanse ensure you’re getting a wide range of veggies, but the fact that they are raw means that fewer of those key sleep vitamins have been removed in the prep process. This means your brain is getting everything it needs for a proper shutdown.

Chef V cleanses are also a great way to give your body a break from carbs, sugar, and caffeine, so you don’t need to worry about any of these substances playing havoc with your ability to get some shuteye. Chef V cleanses are a great way to feel energetic and focused during the day, and still, get plenty of sleep at night.

Chev V 897 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell | 973-227-0227 www.chefv.com

Beauty is More than Skin Deep

By Christine S. Maxwell

is more than skin deep. At Bio Skin Care & Day Spa, Aiko Mashiko and her staff treat the body, mind, and soul. Originally from Japan, Mashiko, armed with a comprehensive twoyear study of hair, skin, and nails, emigrated to New York City. There, she continued her studies and worked at salons in New York and New Jersey. Twenty-two years ago, she brought her extensive knowledge and expertise to Millburn.

Beauty

Today, the staff at Bio Skin Care & Day Spa includes Mashiko and two practitioners who offer various services designed to help clients feel and look their best. The spa offers facials, masks, and cosmetic and aesthetic applications for the face. The body also receives specialized skin treatments through exfoliation and massages. Reiki, a procedure to promote energy healing by light touch, and

Reflexology, a foot massage to relieve tension and enhance health, complete the holistic offerings.

Mashiko states that everyone, from adolescents through adults, can realize their full potential to look and feel their best through regular treatments at Bio Skin Care & Day Spa.

Bio Skin Care & Day Spa

175 Millburn Avenue, Millburn | 973-912 8708 www.bioskincarespa.com

Aiko Mashiko

You quit smoking years ago. You still need a lung cancer screening.

Know where you stand. Get a lung cancer screening.

Early detection of any cancer saves lives, but perhaps especially so with lung cancer. Adults aged 50 to 80 years who have smoked a pack a day for the last 20 years and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years should be screened for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (CT) every year. This is true even if you don’t have symptoms. One of our experienced lung nurse navigators will be with you and for you whatever the outcome.

Schedule your appointment at rwjbh.org/lungscreening

Let’s beat cancer together.

BENEFITS OF TEETH WHITENING

Brighten a Smile, Boost Confidence!

By Cynthia Burns, photo by Dan Epstein

“Improving 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

Helen Chiu, DMD

The Feathered Fox

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

Japanese restaurant featuring a wide selection of sushi, rolls, and other Japanese favorites.

Proud Thai Cookery

645 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-665-0055 | www.proudthainj.com

Authentic Thai cuisine

Strega Bistro

430 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-665-5905 | www.stregabh.com

Modern Italian Farm to Table Bistro featuring seasonal organic menu with Mediterranean influenced-specials.

Trap Rock Restaurant & Brewery 279 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights 908-665-1755 | www.traprockrestaurant.net

A microbrewery that offers guests seasonal craft brews in addition to a delicate menu that accentuates a southern flare

CHATHAM

Charley’s Aunt Restaurant 8-10 S Passaic Ave, Chatham | 973-635-6772 www.charleysauntchatham.com

Traditional American cuisine.

Gregorio’s Mediterranean Restaurant 255A Main Street, Chatham | 973-635-2777 www.restaurantgregorios.com

Italian Mediterranean cuisine bursting with flavor

Scalini Fedeli 63 Main Street, Chatham | 973-701-9200 www.scalinifedeli.com

French-influenced Italian fixed-price menus in an elegant, vaulted interior with Tuscan touches.

Mitsuba Japanese Cuisine 237 Main St, Chatham | 973-635-3888 www.MitsubaChatham.com

Traditional Japanese specialties and cuisine

Restaurant Serenade

6 Roosevelt Ave, Chatham | 973-701-0303 www.restaurantserenade.com

Artful dining, as conceived by award-winning Chef James Laird.

CEDAR KNOLLS

H2ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar 41 Ridgedale Avenue. Cedar Knolls 973-984-9594/ www. h2oceanrestaurant.com, Restaurant & bar serving locally sourced seafood

FLORHAM PARK

China Chalet

184 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park 973-996-2828 | www.chinachaletnj.com

Traditional Sichuan cuisine

Lucco Cucina + Bar

207 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park 973-822-0066 | www.luccobar.com

A modern Italian restaurant that combines favored classics with a contemporary touch.

GILLETTE

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

Casa Maya 615 Meyersville Road, Gillette 908-580-0799

Family-friendly BYOB serving Sonoran-stule Mexican cuisine.

Chimney Rock Inn Gillette 342 Valley Rd, Gillette | 908-580-1100 www.chimneyrockinn.com

New American tavern with pub-grub standards, thin-crust pizzas & TVs for sports viewing.

LIVINGSTON Boccone

471 W Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, 973-378-9222 | www.bocconeristorante.com Southern Mediterranean Italian Cuisine

550 W Mt Pleasant Ave #1608, Livingston 973-994-4900 | www.thefeatheredfox.com Steak house, sushi & raw bar

The Landmark

259 W Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston 973-533-9787 | Landmarklivingston.com Hometown pub

Lithos Estiatorio

405 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston 973-758-1111 | lithosgreek.com Greek Cuisine

Mezza Mediterranean

277 Eisenhower Pkwy, Livingston 973-992-9300 | www.mezzalivingston.com Mediterranean Fusion Cuisine

MADISON

Bottle Hill Tavern 13 Waverly Place,, Madison | 973-949-6060 www.thebottlehilltavern.com Tavern Fare—Comfort Flare

Grillera Mediterranean Cuisine 91 Park Ave, Madison | 973-301-2080 www.grillera.com Distinguished Mediterranean Cuisine

Krust Kitchen 7 Cross St, Madison | 908-525-7878 www.krustkitchen.com Pizza

& Grill 25 Chatham Rd, Short Hills | 973-912-0002 www.boxcarbar.com Bar fare

Par 440 Restaurant & Lounge 440 Parsonage Hill Road, Short Hills | 973-467-8882 www.par440.com

A full service restaurant, bar & lounge located on the East Orange Golf Course in Short Hills. Offering bar bites, burgers and tasty entrees.

STIRLING

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

Twelve Islands Greek Taverna 1255 Valley Rd, Stirling | 908-647-2193 www.12islandsgreektaverna.com Traditional Greek fare

SUMMIT

Due 36 50 Maple St, Summit | 908-608-0222

Authentic Argentinian/Italian tapas restaurant

La Pastaria

327 Springfield Ave, Summit | 908-522-9088 | www.lapastaria.org Italian cusine

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

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.

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

Old-fashioned New York style Steakhouse—xpect delicious USDA aged prime beef sourced from the highest quality ranches in the mid-west.

GREAT CONNECTIONS

By Barry Farber

How do you make the most of every contact you meet? How can you gain the trust of your contacts so they’ll start connecting you to all the people in their network? The greatest networkers have a simple, practical system for making a lasting impression and building a strong foundation for future success. Here are some of the ways to do it:

START OFF STRONG: Give new contacts a firm handshake and look them in the eye. An upbeat attitude and a sincere eagerness to meet them will be reciprocated.

LISTEN MORE THAN TALK: You can’t really start to build a relationship until you’re locked into the other person’s hot buttons and listening to what makes them tick.

ASK QUESTIONS TO BUILD RAPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING: Once you hear their answer, do you have them go into greater detail? Great networkers know how to move the conversation forward with the right open-ended questions.

FIND COMMON GROUND: Doing so allows you to connect with contacts on a deeper level, whether it’s sports, hobbies, or family interests. When my customers start talking about their kids and how they are interested in the same activities as my own, the conversation flows.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK: When the person sees you’ve invested time into understanding their business, there is a certain level of trust established right away. Even better is when the homework you did brings new ideas and additional value to your contact.

SELL WHAT THEY SELL: You know who your customer is, but do you know who your customer’s customers are and how you can help sell more to them? Help your customers build their businesses, and they’ll end up building yours.

OFFER OUTSIDE HELP: Can you offer a resource–say, a personal trainer or a good book–that assists them in an area outside of what you sell? Going out of your way to help can get you in the door and keep you connected.

KEEP YOUR NETWORK STRONG: Surround yourself with people your contacts would want to meet. I am always thinking about the company my contacts keep. It tells me a great deal about their intelligence and integrity.

BE TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE: People cannot connect with you when you’re trying to be someone else. Being honest about what you do, who you are and what you believe in says a lot about your character.

FOLLOW UP AND FOLLOW THROUGH: In the world of networking, connections and building relationships, this is the glue that holds it all together.

Nothing really new here–it’s common sense. And guess what? Common sense isn’t so common anymore, but it’s what the best networkers have.

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. His latest release is an inspirational children’s book “In search of the magic tree” available at www.barryfarber.com

Barry Farber