30 minute read
Millburn Resident Helps Thousands of Kids Afford & Attend Summer Camp
By Jackie Schatell
Tracy Levine of Millburn is the director of One Happy Camper NJ at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, which over the past 12 years has provided over $3.5 million in One Happy Camper grants and needbased Rocker Family scholarships to local youth, enabling them to attend summer camp. The focus of the program is on families with a Jewish background; however, all children are welcome at Jewish camps.
The sources of One Happy Camper funding include the Paula and Jerry Gottesman Greater MetroWest Jewish Camp Endowment of the Jewish Community Foundation, Federation’s UJA Annual Campaign, generous local donors, and funds raised through the annual fall fundraising event—which this year is called CAMPERTHON. The event consists of the 5th annual Tour de Summer Camps NJ bike ride, plus over 20 camp challenges including a Color Run, Ninja Challenge course, sports, arts and crafts, science activities, a daffodil service activity to honor the 1.5 million children that died during the Holocaust, and more. The public is invited to attend the event that will be held on October 23 at Camp Deeny Riback in Morris County. Information on the event can be found at camperthonNJ.org. The event is being hosted by 15 top camps supporting the local area.
“I am really pumped for the event,” says Tracy. “We love our bike ride that we do every year, and we are excited to have the public participate in CAMPERTHON and experience the fun that camp offers. There will be great energy, fun activities, and a joyous spirit at the event, which supports a wonderful cause. People will get a taste of camp in October.” Tracy explains that in 2009, she made the shift from the corporate world to launch Federation’s One Happy Camper NJ program to help more kids attend camp. Since then, Tracy and her team have been meeting with families from Essex, Morris, Sussex, and Union Counties throughout the year to help them find the best day camps, sleepaway camps, and teen programs for their children to attend. She says, “Especially in the current world, the opportunity to connect in-person, disconnect from screens, enjoy new activities, and build independence is so important.”
“We truly believe there is a Jewish camp for every child, and we are here to help them find and afford it,” says Tracy. “I feel honored to do what I do as it impacts many lives in a truly transformative way.”
Tracy Levine
Fall is a fabulous season for families to spend quality time enjoying the scenic outdoors on Alstede Farms. Their selection of fall activities offers something for everyone, from delightful harvest moon hayrides to night time corn maze fun. Delight in picking your own pumpkin, enjoy live entertainment, sip fresh pressed cider, all while creating the perfect family memories. Savor their seasonal flavors, enjoy apple cider donut ice cream, pumpkin ice cream and other seasonal favorites at their ice cream window until 9pm. Open from 6-10pm with last admission at 8:30pm.
Alstede Farms | 1 Chesterfield Drive, Chester | www.alstedefarms.com
Pick your own pumpkins with thousands available in all shapes, sizes and colors at Conklin Farm U-Pick. Regular and haunted hayrides and haunted corn maze on the weekends. Win a 100+ pound pumpkin in the slingshot game. Visit their barn store–painted pumkins, gourds, Indian corn, jams, orchard apples, and more. Corn stalks, mums, and straw bales are also on site to decorate your home. Homemade donuts, pies, hot cider and candy apples in the Snack Shack. Open seven days a week.
Conklin Farm U-Pick 65 River Road, Montville (GPS address: 10 Vreeland Avenue) www.conklinupick.com
Pick your own pumpkin patch through October. Morris County’s original corn maze welcomes guests for another year. Fresh wood pressed apple cider and baked goods made daily. Not to be missed their famous cider hot dogs, cider donuts and hot mulled cider.
Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill 104 State Park Rd., Chester
Fall is the best time to visit Fairfield Farms…they provide a fun Fall farm experience with many family-friendly activities. Hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn maze (child-friendly), Big Bale Mountain, rope maze, the Rolling Tube Ride, Pumpkin Slingshot (hit a target and win a pumpkin), and farm animals.
Their fall season begins the third weekend of September with all attractions open, Jersey Fresh produce, and great supplies of fall decorative items. Weekday hayrides for the public begin at 1pm and run until 6pm. Weekend hayrides begin at 9:30am and run until 6pm.
Fairfield Farms 177 Big Piece Rd., Fairfield www.fairfieldfarms.net
Afifth generation family farm operating for over 100 years. It has pick-yourown-pumpkins and apples, gourds and Indian corn daily through Halloween. Hayrides to the patch available on weekends. The “Tunnel to Towers” corn maze takes an average of 25 to 45 minutes. Corn cannon, farm animals and farm market.
Donaldson Farm 358 Allen Road, Hackettstown
Nestled in the farmlands in beautiful Vernon, alongside the Appalachian Trail, the views, festival, and family fun experience is one not to missed. Ticket purchases include over 35 fun filled activities: corn maze, hayrides, carnival rides, farm animals, pig races, gem mining and more fun for kids like hay crawl, hay maze, corn boxes, obstacle course and baby chick barn. On Fridays, weekends, and holidays, enjoy even more activities and events including pig racing and the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show. Also available on weekends for additional purchase is apple cannons, paintball range, wine tasting, carnival rides, pony rides, food vendors, and much more.
This year’s corn maze theme is “40th Anniversary” to celebrate 40 years in business! Don’t forget all the fall favorites including apple cider donuts, homemade kettle corn, fresh baked pies, fresh squeeze lemonade, candy applies, ice cream and more.
Fall at Reeves Reed Arboretum
Celebrate Fall 2022
Games, crafts, music, and of course goats… these are just a few of the activities that are part of our eagerly anticipated Celebrate Fall Festival! With Halloween right around the corner, families can explore our Spooky Trail and enjoy the golden, autumn colors of our gardens, crisp weather, and some yummy treats from our market vendors.
This event will have three entry times (11am, 12pm and 1pm) and will only be able to accommodate walk-ins as space allows. This event is rain or shine.
Sunday October 16, 11am-3pm
Reeves Reed Arboretum | 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit 908-273-8787 | www.reeves-reedarboretum.org
Oktoberfest 2022
Join the Arboretum when they Put the ‘PUB’ in Public Garden that transforms the Arboretum into a beer garden for Oktoberfest 2022! Sponsored by Peerless Beverage Company, this seasonal fete will feature premium autumnal ales, and Bavarian-style bratwurst and pretzels provided by Barth’s Market known for their old-world German dishes. Doppelgänger, a 5-piece German band featuring an accordion, clarinet, tuba, guitar, drums and vocals will set the mood for this fun afternoon in the garden. Oktoberfest attire is highly encouraged, with special prizes for best costume!
Oktoberfest 2022 is a fundraiser for the Arboretum. Admission includes bottomless beer, bratwurst and pretzels. You must be 21 or older to attend. Reservations are recommended since attendance will be limited. Sign up and don’t miss out! No refunds will be given.
Saturday, October 22 from 1-5pm
Reeves Reed Arboretum | 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit 908-273-8787 | www.reeves-reedarboretum.org
New Jersey’s Largest Selection of IN-STOCK FIRE PITS! Pelican
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Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Train Rides
Join in the Halloween fun at the Whippany Railway Museum onboard “The Pumpkin Patch Train”! The 10mile, 45-minute round trip from Whippany to Roseland and return is the perfect way to spend a Fall afternoon with the family. After each ride, children with vaild train tickets can go to the Pumpkin Patch and pick out a free kid-sized pumpkin and receive a pumpkin decorating kit while supplies last. Children of all ages are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes, where they can mingle with our goblins and ghosts, helping to make the train a spooky sight !
Sundays, October 2, 9 & 16, 2022 (Rain or Shine)
Train departures: 1, 2, 3 & 4 pm Whippany Railway Museum 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany 973-887-8177 www.WhippanyRailwayMuseum.net
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New Providence Street Fair
Held in the main thoroughfare of the borough, the fair promises a day of fun for the entire family and draws a crowd of OVER 5,000 people! The streets are filled with various exhibits, vendors, and activities. Children will have fun activities, such as face painting and storytelling. Food vendors will sell refreshments and delicious food throughout the day. Local residents and visitors come to enjoy the food and entertainment. Businesses can participate in this event by serving as a sponsor or a vendor.
Sunday, October 30,11am-5pm (rain or shine)
Springfield Avenue, New Providence (between South St. and Livingston Ave.)
Sense and Sensibility Performance
Aplay by Kate Hamill is an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel follows the fortunes and misfortunes of Dashwood sisters after their father's sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable.
October 21-November 5
The Summit Playhouse 10 New England Avenue, Summit 908-273-2192 www.thesummitplayhouse.org
560 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 908.665.5900 robinwoodkitchens.com
KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN • CABINET REFACING IN WOOD CABINETRY & COUNTERTOP SALES • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • INSTALLATION
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Sam Guidan Estate Buyers & Liquidators 201-861-7770 • 201-951-6224 www.ANSAntiques.com
Witches and Vampires: How the Dead Speak
As Halloween rolls around, we pull out the plastic skeletons without thought to what they represent. Skeletons are ubiquitous with holiday décor, but most people don’t realize how much we learn about our past from human skeletal analysis. The study of human remains in their archaeological context, known as bioarchaeology, provides tantalizing insights into past lives, customs, and beliefs.
This Halloween METC, together with bioarcheologist Dr. Jill Rhodes, is taking the history conversation back over thousands of years to look at some of the more unusual lessons we can learn from the dead. How far back can we see the belief in zombies, witches, or vampires? How can we identify them in the archaeological record? What unusual rituals were employed to gain an advantage in combat, or to ensure a good harvest? At this event participants will gather and hear the stories of the dead.
Thursday, October 27, 7pm
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts | 9 Main Street, Madison | 973-377-2982 | www.metc.org Pre-register: https://app.donorview.com/DYybR
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Rose Squared Art Show Brookdale Park
OCTOBER 15-16
Watchung Ave, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 10am-5pm • Rain or Shine Free & Open to the Public
rosesquared.com for more information
Wagner Farm Arboretum’s Brite Nites
The 11th annual Wagner Farm Arboretum’s Halloween-themed “Brite Nites” event showcases an elaborate display of intricately and creatively handcarved and LED lighted pumpkin scenes. Updated displays and new installations planned for 2022 include a jungle walk-thru and a skeleton bike tour! Photo Op spots will be available for children and adults, so children attending the walk-thru are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. Hot chocolate, water and a limited selection of snack food will be available for purchase.
Wagner Farm Arboretum is non-profit organization that seeks to enrich, educate and inspire the community by increasing environmental awareness and recreational opportunities. Their programs include: The Giving Garden Project, where produce is planted, cared for and harvested in our Giving Garden, Coddington Farm Garden, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Farms in Pittstown, NJ and then donated to area food pantries to combat hunger; The WFA Community Garden; and The Children’s Garden.
October 13-15; 20-22; 27-19
Wagner Farm Arboretum 197 Mountain Avenue, Warren Township Thursday—drive-thru only Friday and Saturday—walk-thru format www.WFAFNJ.org
By Jackie Schatell and Deborah Engle, photos by Dan Epstein
Elaina Watley was a sports agent, single mom and marketing mentor for entrepreneurs, when she decided she wanted to open up a brick and mortar business. “I didn’t want to be the mentor that just says ‘Do as I say.’ I wanted it to be, “Do as I do,” she said.
So Elaina started thinking about what she loved. Her lashes. She valued the time she saved by getting her lashes styled each week.
For nine months, Elaina researched franchises and visited lash technicians across the globe until she found Amazing Lash Studio and bought her first franchise in Montclair. She quickly fell in love with not only the lash business, but also working with women. Her vision was to empower her female employees through spotlighting financial literacy. Jannet Parra, now Elaina’s business partner, was one of the women working at Amazing Lash Studio in Montclair. The two women sat together and looked at Jannet’s finances, created budgets and plans and when Jannet had saved enough money, Elaina encouraged her to purchase the Florham Park franchise. The pair now own eight Amazing Lash Studio locations with four more on the way, and provide financial literacy programs for their employees.
“We really want our team to have a healthy relationship with money,” said Elaina.
They offer financial literacy trainings, host financial planning nights and use worksheets and technology to create budgets, set short term and long term goals and track tips. They open 401k plans and provide education on how to invest into them.
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Elaina and Jannet also provide continuing education for their lash technicians, to ensure exceptional service to their customers. The Amazing Lash Studio’s techniques are trademarked and Elaina explained that a healthy application of lashes is important to not violate the integrity of the natural lash.
Amazing Lash Studio offers a variety of lash and brow services including lash extensions, lash lifting, brow shaping and waxing, brow lamination and facial waxing. The services are offered in a private suite for a relaxing spa-like atmosphere.
“What we do for our guests is enhance their natural look by focusing on their facial features and structure while always keeping their lifestyle in mind,” said Jannet. “Our services make them feel young and lively. This is where they gain the confidence to face the world with assurance.”
She said it is also fun to “mix it up” and try different styles to find the perfect one. For example, there are four different types of eyelash extensions.
Elaina and Jannet say that their services help women save time because when their lashes and brows are done, there is no need to apply makeup, deal with runny mascara or use mechanical curlers. “We are all so busy these days, our services allow you to have the time for the things you want to do,” said Jannet.
“We supply a service that helps women feel beautiful, gives them time back on their schedule and provides self love,” said Elaina. “As women, we don’t take time for ourselves. Getting your lashes done is not a necessity, it’s a luxury service. But it’s also important to remind yourself that you’re important too.”
Amazing Lash Studio
176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park 973-755-9722 www.amazinglashstudio.com
Ellen Gonik
Realtor-Associate® Coldwell Banker
Ellen has built her business on the principle of making her clients feel welcome and supported in her neighborhood. Ellen’s clients become friends and her friends become clients. Licensed since 2008, Ellen’s quick rise to the top of her field in just three years is testament to both her drive and stellar reputation among clients and colleagues alike.
Having immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 11 years old, Ellen knows a thing or two about adapting to new situations and connecting with people of all nationalities. Ellen applies her life experiences, along with her well-known sense of humor, toward diffusing tension and making the real estate journey seamless, stress-free and enjoyable for her clients.
Ellen’s achievements include being top 1% of all Coldwell Banker® agents worldwide; #1 Agent in Livingston for total sales 2010-present; top 100 most influential agents in NJ; Platinum Circle of Excellence; Zillow® 5-Star Premier Agent; and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist.
973-994-4323 www.ellengonik.com
Jane Greene & Lauren Stone
The GreeneStone Real Estate Team is a Dream Team
Jane Greene and Lauren Stone of The GreeneStone Real Estate Team understand home buying/selling can be stressful and emotional, which is why they go the extra mile to ensure the full experience goes smoothly. Their partnership is unique because they both foster relationships with their clients while remaining intimate with every detail of each transaction. Their clients benefit because they can always reach one of them and can rest assured, they are able to assist at any time. Together they have more than 40 years of real estate experience, and are consistently recognized as a Top Team internationally for Coldwell Banker finishing in the top 6% worldwide. Based in Livingston, they cover surrounding counties, and assist people relocating to and from the area.
GreeneStone Real Estate Team - Jane and Lauren Coldwell Banker Realty 2 E Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston | 973-727-0158 | www.greenestoneteam.com
Fern Felsenheld
Your Real Estate Needs: From Start to Finish
Fern Felsenheld knows that buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial transactions a person can make. A realtor in Northern New Jersey counties for more than 17 years, she knows residential and construction sales inside out.
Her unique background with 25 years in all facets of business marketing gives her the right skills to handle both the needs of buyers and sellers quickly and efficiently, with a written plan in a booklet to assist in the home buying or selling process from start to finish. Fern boasts a track record of selling listings within three to five days, often with multiple offers, and all recent home sales have received offers above the listed prices.
She maintains that the best way to choose a realtor is not by the number of houses sold by that realtor but rather by the comfort level and expertise they offer. “You want to trust and know your agent is with you through the entire process,” she says.
Keller Williams Suburban Realty 4245 Town Center Way, Livingston | 973-251-0100 973-454-9248 (cell) | www.fernfelsenheld.com
Donna Mattina
Realtor Donna Mattina is with Buyers and Sellers Every Step of the Way
Donna Mattina, ABR, SRES, who has been a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, in Madison, for 25 years enjoys working with buyers and sellers from each end of the spectrum and has a vast knowledge of the local market. She works with buyers and sellers every step of the way and says, “It is a process from the day the listing is signed to the day the listing closes and beyond. It is my responsibility to keep the client aware of all the happenings every step of the way. Communication is very important.”
The seasoned Realtor says she treats all clients like family. “Once I have the Client/Agent relationship they become family and are treated like family throughout the entire process, whether it is a $200,000 listing/sale or a $2,000,000 listing/sale.” According to Donna, the market is beginning to stabilize, and it’s taking a little longer to sell. She recommends that buyers and sellers listen to and have trust in the real estate professional that they have chosen, and says to ask many questions, and become educated with the process and terms of the market they are faced with.”
Donna enjoys helping others in their home search and truly listening to their needs and situation, and enjoys accommodating their every concern. She says, “It makes me happy to help every buyer and seller reach their goal.”
49 Main Street, Madison cell: 973-214-2929 | office: 973-377-4444 www.donnamattina.com
Eat. Sip. Share. Support.
Park Avenue Club in Florham Park is a unique dining and social club where members and their guests build relationships, enjoy meals and social activities, all while supporting local non-profit organizations. Far more than the typical private social club, Park Avenue Club has a mission to support 13 non-profits via its relationship with the Park Avenue Foundation. The Club truly stands for Dining with a Purpose.
Park Avenue Club offers an upscale dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner in two exquisite private dining settings—one informal and the other more upscale. Members enjoy the variety of culinary offerings with family, friends, colleagues and clients.
Among our member’s favorites is our Tuna Tartar featuring avocado, shallots, soy marinade, wasabi crème fraiche and bean curd.
Park Avenue Club
184 Park Avenue, Florham Park | 973-301-8233 parkavenueclub.com
Protecting People from the Risks of Everyday Life
We’re here to make sure you are covered. Call for a Complimentary Analysis.
CELEBRATING OUR 100th ANNIVERSARY
Denny Klein, President and CEO, and the staff of Rand, Feuer & Klein, LLC
INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS
Learn Fashion Design at HOUSE of DEZIGN
By Jackie Schatell
House of Dezign is a unique fashion design academy in New Jersey with beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes for children ages 6 through 12, teens 13 through 17, and adults. The fashion design courses are thoughtfully developed to nurture creativity and instill calm, focus, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment in each student.
Aside from classes which include hand sewing, machine sewing, digital design, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and upcycling, the design school also offers “Sip & Sew” nights, and bachelorette and birthday party packages. Students learn to design, make mood boards, create wearable garments and accessories, tailor garments, make patterns, drape, and sketch.
Those looking to study design at college or professionally can create portfolios and collections. At House of Dezign, students also learn about the rich history, economic value, and cultural significance of fashion design. Classes are taught by experienced fashion design instructors using easy and clear terms to maintain interest.
The founder of and creative spirit behind House of Dezign, Roya Ranjbar, says, “I’m eager to share my passion for and extensive experience with fashion to inspire young, creative minds. My classes allow learners to explore and develop their ideas in a safe, nurturing, calm, and focused environment.”
House of Dezign
11B Roosevelt Ave., Chatham 973-908-3575 www.houseofdezign.com
Prediction About Future Design That Will Surprise You
CWI.DESIGN president and principal designer Rachel Kapner has an uncanny knack for making predictions about the future of design. She even has a crystal ball. “It’s sort of a joke around my office,” she says, “so I did get one for my birthday.” So, when she gazes into it, what does Rachel see about the future of design?
New Designs Will Deserve Fresh Fabrics
This prediction has already come to pass in Rachel’s world, but it’s one you may see more designers embrace. “I don’t like to repeat fabrics,” Rachel explains. “If I use a fabric, I will not use it again, and that is definitely one of my sticking points.” This impulse has occasionally stymied suppliers. “I’ve had sales reps who’ve come in, who have asked me, ‘Show me the fabric you use every day.’ And I say, ‘There isn’t one.’ And they look at me like I’m crazy.” But to Rachel, it’s smart. “Many of my clients know each other. I want each of their projects to reflect uniqueness, so that you could say: ‘Yes, I can see that Rachel did this—but not necessarily see the exact same thing.” What unique fabric would Rachel love to use in an upcoming project? Ideally, she’d channel the influence of design icon Mario Buatta, the Prince of Chintz. “Instead of his true floral bouquet chintz: a different, more abstract version of it—but on the same ground cloth,” she explains. “You don’t see a lot of the same ground cloth that you did 30 years ago. People are starting to ask for it, and it’s just not out there.” While she searches for fabric with his spirit, Rachel will hold tight to her memories of Mario. “I met him about a year or two before he passed away,” Rachel recalls. She’d seen him at talks and books signings, but their most memorable encounter was at a showhouse where Rachel was working. “He was sitting at a table. I went up and just sat and talked to him,” she remembers. “I was so excited that this was my idol, and I was able to meet him.”
CWI.DESIGN
560 Central Avenue, New Providence | 908-280-1316 creativewallcoverings.com
Don’t Replace Cabinets… ReFace Them
Cabinet refacing is a great option for homeowners who enjoy the layout of their kitchen but want to update the aesthetic without a total remodel. And for those selling their homes, this is a quick way to update a kitchen with a huge expense. Refacing cabinets include removing all doors and drawer fronts and replacing them with new custom doors and drawers with a style and finish chosen by the homeowner. A specialized installer should reface them with a pressure sensitive wood veneer, and install new soft close hinges, moldings and cabinet hardware. When deciding to reface, the design process varies per project. When refacing ‘as is’ the process is simply choosing the door style, finish and hardware. If AFTER the refacing is more involved is can also include modifications, additional cabinetry or adding accessories.
Robinwood Kitchens
560 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights | 908-665-5900 www.robinwoodkitchens.com
BEFORE
Old Decks Can Look New Again
Deck resurfacing can be an excellent way to spruce up an existing deck for a reasonable investment. Resurfacing can be a great fall/winter project because it can be finished in a short period of time. Deck resurfacing is the process of replacing the deck boards, railings and/or stairs on existing deck frame and foundation. There are a number of reasons someone might wish to resurface a deck. • The deck isn’t that old but has not been well maintained so the surface boards are weather worn. • The deck surface is fine but the railings or stairs are in disrepair or unsafe. • You purchase an existing home but do not like the finish or materials used for the deck surface. Be sure to have your deck fully inspected by a trusted professional to ensure deck resurfacing in the proper way to go.
Deck Guardian
Showroom: 216 US Highway 206, Unit 8 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 (908) 332-8616
Shelter Your Trees for the Winter
Protect a small tree or shrub from extreme cold and the uneven temperatures of freezing and thawing by surrounding it with a cylinder of snow fencing or chicken wire. Fill the space between the tree and the fencing with straw or leaves for insulation. To shield a dwarf or young evergreen from winter damage, drive stakes into the ground at four corners around the plant. Wrap burlap or heavy black plastic around the stakes and secure it at the top, bottom, and center with stout twine.
Joseph Mulroe Landscape Designers
973-865-6855 | www.mulroelandscaping.com
Responsible Waste Disposal
By Christine S. Maxwell The careful disposal of waste is critical to Champion Waste of Montclair. “Not only are we interested in eliminating clients’ waste materials, but also disposing of them responsibly,” states Louis Mauriello, Champion Waste & Recycling Services owner. Many clients ask ‘What items are recyclable?’ Among the many things that Champion Waste recycles are appliances, metal items, eating utensils, bed frames, metal shelving units, apparatus and extension type cords, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, faucets and pipes, and old car and truck batteries. “People find it interesting that one of the first things we do when removing these items from their homes is to cut appliances and other cords. These items are highly recyclable,” states Mauriello. A common myth is that paints are recyclable. Paint items are messy and need to be disposed of properly. Champion can make special arrangements to dispose of paints with lids firmly attached. “When we handle waste disposal properly,” states Mauriello, “our mission is fulfilled. We help the environment and pass savings created by recycling onto the consumer.”
Champion Waste and Recycling Services
PO Box 345, Montclair | 973-744-6766 www.championwasteremoval.com
Prolong the Life of Patio Furniture
A furniture cover is designed to protect outdoor furniture from damage caused by rain, snow, hail, and even sunshine. Outdoor furniture comes in a wide range of materials, and some materials can be more easily damaged than others. Covering your patio furniture is extremely important for prolonging its life. Look for covers that are breathable and waterproof, as they will provide the most protection. The best furniture covers not only protect from humidity, rain and snow, they also protect your furniture from damaging debris from high winds, as well as block out the sun’s UV rays, which are known to fade some types of materials. Before covering your furniture for the season, it is a good idea to clean it first. In doing so, any dirt, residue, and water that could otherwise stain the furniture while it is covered will be removed.
Pelican Shops
2980 Rte. 10W, Morris Plains, NJ 973-267-0964 www.PelicanShops.com
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Can Help Prevent Electrocution
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet stops any electrical current “leakage” in its tracks before it has the chance to spark an electrical fire. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical shock. Test GFCIs regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure they are working properly. GFCIs are very important when it comes to wet or damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms. This is because damp or wet areas are more prone to electrical shorts caused by water. Additionally, any areas that may be prone or exposed to rain or snow such as a garage or porch will also benefit highly from a GFCI outlet. If you live in an older home that could be prone to electrical oddities, GFCI outlets are a major asset for fire prevention and protection.
E&M O’Hara
144 Main Street, West Orange | 973-325-3626 www.OHaraElectric.com
Sharp Knives—the Essential Kitchen Accessory
A knife’s purpose is to cut ingredients so that you can incorporate the right shapes and sizes for your dishes, but a dull knife edge can lead to trouble. When executing different cuts, a wellmaintained blade will behave more predictably, and there is less chance to lose control and injure yourself. Sharp knives also cut with less need to apply pressure. A dull knife can make every cut a drawn-out struggle, a sharp knife can cut through ingredients quickly and efficiently. Sharp knives also keep ingredients fresh looking. When using sharp knives they will do less damage to your ingredients than dull ones. This is because while they do cut more efficiently, that cut is more precise and thus damages fewer of the ingredients’ cells. Because a dull knife tears and crushes organic cells, it often forces out the ingredients’ natural juices and moisture. Less brute force with a sharp knife means less damage to the food.
Kitchen a la Mode
19 South Orange Avenue, South Orange | 973-821-5145 www.kitchenallamode.com
How-To Choose a Sheen
Whether it’s satin or gloss, choosing a finish for your space is just as important as finding the right color. Glossy finishes draw the eye—consider using gloss paint on the trim in a room that has otherwise been painted with a low-luster or flat paint. Also, consider using gloss finishes to help architectural features pop—such as entry doors or trim around ornate glasswork. Satin and low-luster paints are warmer and provide a greater appearance of depth than flat paints. They also resist stains better than flat paints. Flat paints, also known as matte paints are non-reflective, they tend to conceal surface blemishes better than paints with more sheen. They effectively “smooth” walls that are dented or rough. And, since flat finishes actually deflect attention from surfaces, flat paints are a great choice for ceilings or other surfaces you want to downplay.
Wilber’s Home Improvements
2087 Millburn Ave, Maplewood 973-762-6333 www.wilbershomeimprovements.com
