A Woman’s Non-Profit is Making a Difference One Kinds Gesture at a Time

A Woman’s Non-Profit is Making a Difference, One Kind Gesture at a Time

By Jackie Schatell

When Laurie Liming, of Berkeley Heights, was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was a terrible shock for her, but one thing that stood out from all of the darkness was how much kindness she felt all around her. After surviving her ordeal, Laurie wanted to give back, so she started Silver Liming, a non-profit with the motto, “Making a difference to local families one KIND gesture at a time.” Since then, the charitable group has made a difference in the lives of 2733 people through 2600 kind gestures.

“We are just trying to give something good when things are hard,” she says.

Laurie heard a poem about a starfish, where a small boy was tossing starfish on the sand back into the ocean so as to make a difference for each one of them. This poem inspired the five arms of her charity, which are: Charity Begins at Home, Care for The Caregiver, Compassionate Hands, Community of Support, and Cheer for Our Cherubs. Through these areas of service, people can ask for help for themselves or others and those who need the help will receive an act of kindness. Acts have run the gamut from sending over a babysitter, nurse, or housekeeper to provide a reprieve for a caregiver, to handing out backpacks full of warm gloves, hats, and necessities to homeless children, or buying a computer for a child with cancer for virtual schooling. The recipients do not have to have cancer, they just have to need an act of kindness.

“When I was having chemo, knowing that I didn’t have to worry about making dinner for my family was a blessing,” says Laurie, whose friends often sent over meals. “I knew that I wanted to be able to do this for others.”

Laurie says she doesn’t do all of this alone. Her board members are the backbone of the foundation. She receives donations via her website silverliming.org, Venmo @Silver-Liming, and through word of mouth. She also has many volunteers including student and teen ambassadors, who help out. She says those interested in volunteering are always welcome to reach out to silverliming@gmail.com.

“We can’t take away people’s struggles, but we can make a difference to their story with kindness,” says Laurie.

“Inside Out” Exhibit Showcasing Artists from JSDD’s WAE Center

Kick-off the new year with the West Orange Arts Council’s first show of 2022, the JSDD WAE Center’s “Inside Out” Exhibit. This is a hybrid art experience to be viewed online or by appointment. On display is the work of over 20 WAE Center artists whom are self-driven and self-taught. This genre of work is referred to as “Outsider Art,” meaning that the artist is not formally trained yet still create from an organic place of knowledge and experience. The visual representations of each artist’s own raw experiences, thoughts, and feelings communicate their perceptions of the world around them, in varied and vibrant form.

JSDD’s (Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled) WAE (Wellness, Art & Enrichment) Center is a nonprofit organization and a holistic and expressive arts learning center for adults with IDD. In addition to fine arts programming, the WAE Center provides an environment where members learn, create, express themselves, and develop meaningful relationships. JSDD’s WAE Center offers programs in writing, poetry, painting, film, music and more.

The show is on view at the West Orange Arts Center located at 551 Valley Road in West Orange. To schedule your visit, please email info@woarts.org or call 862-500-1918. A virtual exhibit is on the West Orange Arts Council’s website (www.WOArts.org).

Musical Theatre Conservatory

Broadway Boot Camp Auditions!

Camp Dates: July 5th-22nd

Professional, Personalized Training in Singing, Dancing, TV Acting, Comedy, Song Interp., Stage Combat, Auditioning, Make up and More! Meet and Study with Agents and B’way Personalities! Final Show, pool party, and Showcase! Audition Dates: 2/4,2/12,2/18 and 2/26. Call Randy at 973-868-6259 to schedule an appointment!

The Life and Music of George Michael

This celebration of pop icon George Michael will get you on your feet singing along to the music of Wham! and George Michael’s solo career, including hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,” “Faith,” “Careless Whisper” and many more, in this retrospective of one of the biggest international music stars of our time.

Friday, February 25 at 8pm

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) 100 South Street, Morristown | 973-539-8008

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Support Your Local Merchant. Shop Local.

Find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift at nearby independently owned businesses in our community.

Sweets for your sweetie with the soothing effect of CBD. Come visit us at Glaze Salon and get your CBD gummies with an extra bonus of 20% off during the month of February. Glaze Salon

7 Townsquare, Chatham 973-701-0099 www.GlazeSalon.com

The Wellness Collection from Little Words Project are carefully crafted bracelets that help practice mindfulness, alleviate stress and keep worries at bay. 25% of the net proceeds from this collection will benefit The Loveland Foundation. Smith & Company

343 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973-228-1167 Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Instragram: @ SmithCoGifts

Cuddle up in our cozy Valentine’s crew neck sweatshirt in either pink or white. A meaningful symbol, the heart pendant necklace in either gold or silver. A timeless piece to wear every day both layered or alone. These one-of-a-kind pieces are etched with Well Told’s signature map designs; choose from college towns, home towns, cities, and topographies around the U.S. and the world. Available in pint, wine, and champagne glasses, plus much more!

Well Told

On Bloom

342 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973-228-2230 ShopOnBloom.com Follow us on Facebook: On Bloom Follow us on Instragram: @onbloomtheshoppe

Up his sock game with Hot Sox… Socks are a must have fashion accessory for guys! HOTSOX makes socks that feel great, function well & deliver on today’s styles. Fun, crazy, colorful, themed socks in a variety of patterns. Express yourself every step you take. Tons of unique styles to brighten up his day & wardrobe. Smith & Company

343 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell | 973-228-1167 Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Instragram: @ SmithCoGifts

Treats for Your Sweet! Shop at Love Letters for Valentine’s candy and stuffed animals for your love ones—of every age. Love Letters

2 West Northfield Road, Livingston 973-994-1212 www.lovelettrs.com The Perfect Gift for Your Valentine! Give the gift to better health and well-being for all in a convenient, peaceful and modern location.

Modern Acupuncture

176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park 973-765-9500 modacu.com/nj001

These butterflies are delightful and delicate. Small enough to catch your eye without overwhelming your look. Layer a few or just wear one. They come in a variety of colors. Pink Jewels

1110 Town Center Way, Livingston (in the Livingston Town Center) 973-994-0975 | www.pink-jewels.com

Treat yourself or someone you love to cozy sets for Valentine’s Day and then accessorize! Visit shopmixology.com or your local store to get styled! Mixology Clothing Company

1160 Town Center, Livingston shopmixology.com February 2022

Belgian chocolate dipped strawberries are beyond decadent for a special Valentine gift. Valentine cookies, cupcakes, cakes and other gift items also available. Nationwide shipping available. Shop online or in-store. Splurge Bakery

105 Main Street, Millburn | 973-379-0740 www.SplurgeBakery.com

MIX IT UP

A Fun and Trendy Shopping Experience

By Sue Baldani, photo by Dan Epstein

Since 2009, Mixology Clothing Company has been focused on the good—good employees, good values, good clothing and more. Even though this is its mission, it also strives to be exceptional and has been very successful in reaching that goal.

“Mixology’s style is fun, trendy, chic and comfortable,” says vice president and head buyer, Gabrielle Edwards. Designers include Heartloom, Robertson and Rodeo, Z Supply, and We’re All Pretty Girls, among many other talented artists. And new merchandise is always arriving, so its inventory is never short on the latest style or trend.

Aside from clothing, Mixology also offers accessories such as hats and hair clips, cozy socks, belts, and stylish messenger and handbags. “This spring and summer, we will be carrying a full assortment of St. Barth’s bags,” states Gabrielle. “They are so functional, they are available in two different sizes, great solid colors and prints, and make for a great everyday bag or beach bag.”

Mixology also has a fabulous collection of jewelry such as initial necklaces and earrings, as well as wonderfully scented candles for your home. “Our jewelry pieces are on trend, classic and affordable,” says Gabrielle. “If you are looking for a fun gift, we have a great assortment of candles for every age.”

“Mixology offers a high level of service that you don’t always get at big box stores,” says Jordan Edwards, the CEO and president. “We are also a part of our communities, and we hire from the surrounding towns that our stores are located in.”

In addition to its two locations in New Jersey, six in Long Island, two in Westchester, and one on the Upper East Side in New York City, Mixology also offers an easy to navigate website that ships all over the world. Stop by its stores, shop its great merchandise, and meet the amazing people who work for Mixology Clothing Company. The customer service and attention you’ll receive while there will be helpful and refreshing.

Mixology Livingston

1160 Town Center, Livingston | 973-544-6121 65 VerValen Street, Closter | 201-905-1080 www.shopmixology.com

Point of Know Return: KANSAS PERFORMANCE

Kansas marks the 40th anniversary of the release of their classic album Point of Know Return (“Dust in the Wind”) by performing the iconic recording in its entirety as well as other Kansas favorites. With a legendary career spanning nearly five decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands.

The band is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, keyboardist/ vocalist Tom Brislin, and original guitarist Richard Williams. With no signs of slowing down, KANSAS continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world.

7:30pm—Friday, March 11

Mayo Performing Arts Theatre 100 South Street, Morristown 973-539-8008

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Chatham Library Events

Essex Water Color Show

The Essex Water Color Club, the oldest water color club in New Jersey, will hold a show of its work here through February. An opening reception, sponsored by The Friends of The Library, will be held for the artists on Sunday, February 6 from 2:15 to 4 pm. The public is invited to attend.

Traveling the Lewis and Clark Trail

Former Chatham resident, Jennifer White Fischer will present a talk on traveling the Lewis and Clark Trail to be held on Tuesday, February 8 at 7pm at the Library of the Chathams. Through her photographs, she will tell the exciting story of the Corps of Discovery’s adventures in the early 1800’s as they explored the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, crossed the Bitterroot Mountains and continued on to the Pacific Ocean.

Fischer is the author of Adventures Across America, On and Off the Trail of Lewis and Clark, about her two extended road trips following the Trail and exploring the northwest United States. Sher has been writing about her travels for the Out and About section of the New Jersey Hills Media Group newspapers, which includes The Chatham Courier, for the past five years.

Who Wants to Talk? In Defense of Romance Novels: Empowering Women, Exhibiting Nontoxic Masculinity, & Embracing Sexuality

Michelle Altieri, Professor of Communications at the County College of Morris, will explore how romance novels, far from being frivolous, are about empowering women, exhibiting nontoxic masculinity, and embracing sexuality. Using novel excerpts by Julia Quinn, Diana Gabaldon, Nora Roberts, and others, we will take a closer look at the value of romance, and how the genre is providing space for all generations of women to love others (and themselves) fiercely and unapologetically. Join us on Tuesday, February 15 at 7 pm. Sign up at chathamlibrary.org or call 973-635-0603. This is part of Who Wants to Talk- a series of online conversations moderated by Library Director Karen Brodsky.

Rutgers Master Gardeners’ Presentation on the Secrets of Orchids

Orchids are more available and affordable than ever before and are available in a multitude of colors. Learn how to select the best type of orchids for “rookies”. Potting, planting, propagation, general and best care practices, pests, diseases and other root problems will be reviewed. Even beginners can be successful at tending to and caring for beautiful orchids. Please join Rutgers Master Gardener, Cheri Wilczek on Wednesday, February 16 at 7 pm. Registration is requested for this Zoom presentation by going to the Library’s website at www.chathamlibrary.org The Zoom link will be provided, and you will be sent a passcode to join the meeting.

Kitchen a la Mode

Located in Downtown South Orange Knife Sharpening Canisters for Soda Makers Mention This Ad Get a Free Knife

19 South Orange Ave

973-821-5145 KitchenalaMode.com