With all the distractions we face these days, can you actually concentrate on something longer than, say, a goldfish can?
Big On Blue 22
The homeowner’s love of one dramatic color inspired the happy, relaxed style of a center-hall colonial in Stirling.
A Kitchen Renewed 28
Before its special-order reno, this space in a ’60s-era cape in West Caldwell felt stale and didn’t work well. Now it’s fresh and efficient.
You’re Welcome 34
The foyer makes your home’s first impression. Here, four local design experts help you make sure it’s a great one.
Departments
Morris/Essex Buzz 10
Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the counties.
Friends & Neighbors 12
If you’ve been to a food festival in New Jersey, there’s a good chance Allison Kohler of Succasunna planned it.
Style Watch 13
Brave April showers with a chic coat.
Home Front 14
Join us on a tour around the world for inspiration.
COVER blue inspires Pam Cooper in the of a Stirling home. Vic Wahby.
Escapes 40
Across the nation, fields of flowers welcome spring in all its majesty.
Tastes 42
Let’s toast the roast and celebrate in true style.
Bar Tab 46
Both citrusy sweet and sour, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect sip for spring’s warmer days.
Restaurant Review 60
Montclair’s Uncle Momo will bring French–Lebanese fusion to Denville’s dining scene.
Gatherings 63
Morris and Essex residents always show up to support their neighbors.
A Morris/Essex Moment 64
A mother captures one of her children as they enjoy a hike at Hedden Park in Randolph.
IN EVERY ISSUE
4 Editor’s Note
18 Health News
56 Where to Eat 62 Be There
From Good To Better
If you want to reach the most affluent households and influential businesses in these counties and places in between, contact Publisher Tom Flannery today at 201.571.2252 or t homas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.
One danger faces home-design magazine articles, and I’m afraid we’re not immune. In describing the transformation of a home or room, there’s a tendency to be too hard on the “before” picture. Damning terms like “dark” and “cluttered,” and—worst of all—“outdated”— can suggest to the credulous reader that the pre-renovation home was a hellhole. Very often that’s not the case.
Actually, it’s a freeing insight. There is no test of terribleness your home must pass before you undertake a redesign project. Even beloved designs that were brilliant in their day sometimes need an update. (Think how folks dressed in the ’70s.) There are trends in home design; today we favor sunnier exposures, brighter palettes, subtler themes, more open layouts, more practical traffic flow and more provision for home-office use. A renovation can better suit your family’s life today—while building on the virtues your home already has. My secret agenda for this Home Issue, then? It’s really OK if you kind of like your house already. And it’s also fine—so long as you’re prepared for the expense and the temporary disruption—to make it even better.
That’s what a Stirling couple thought about their home, specifically the family, living and dining rooms. The circa-1990s center-hall colonial had good bones, but the family wanted to incorporate their favorite color, blue, and beachy elements into the design. Enter interior designer Pam Cooper, who was put in the driver’s seat of the renovation project. She opted for a blue- and nature-inspired color scheme that would subtly evoke the vibe of a upscale, seaside residence. Read all about the transformation on page 22.
Changes were more dramatic in a 1960s-era Cape Cod-style home in West Caldwell, which was renovated by Teresa Boyd and Helena Finkelstein (page 28). The home was beautiful, but the kitcehn was relatively untouched since it was built. To refresh the space, the designers redid the layout, installing a custom island as well as new cabinets, countertops, appliances, a unique backsplash and a stunning Versailles-patterned tile floor.
Speaking of designs that can take one’s breath away, entryways are a home’s chance to make a great first impression. On page 34, four local design experts tell how to make yours dazzle. Lighting, mirrors, millwork and rugs are all parts of the aesthetic equation—and don’t forget functionality. (It’s nice to have a place to shed muddy shoes.)
There’s more, of course, beyond beautiful homes in this issue. Meet the Succasunna woman who’s been spearheading some of the state’s most beloved food festivals (page 12). On page 20, read why many of us are experiencing shortened attention spans—and what to do about it. And the Easter-egg hunts we help you find (page 10) just may make your kids egg-static.
This issue of MORRIS & ESSEX, like every other issue, is all about helping you achieve a better life. Even if your life is already pretty great.
Enjoy!
Rita Guarna Editor in Chief
AGENT TEAM IN
In real estate, knowledge, strategy, and trust are everything. Leading Montclair’s top team, Dana and Sue deliver exceptional results with a personal touch.
By partnering with experts Kristen Scaravaglione and Debra Scher, they’ve expanded their reach across Essex and Morris counties.
This dynamic team combines deep local insight, sharp negotiation skills, and a seamless approach to every transaction.
Clients trust The Dana Sue Team for their integrity, passion, and commitment to making every move smooth and rewarding.
Susan “Sue” Lovit
Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
susan.lovit@compass.com
M: 973.477.7252
O: 973.310.7360
Dana Schwern
Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
dana.schwern@compass.com
M: 201.657.5201
O: 973.310.7360
Kristen Scaravaglione
Lic. Real Estate Salesperson kristen.scaravaglione@compass.com
M: 201.397.3684
O: 973.310.7360
Debra Scher
Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
debra.scher@compass.com
M: 917.699.3581
O: 973.310.7360
Morris &Essex
Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA
Creative Director
STEPHEN M. VITARBO
Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS
Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN
Contributing Editor PAUL RANCE JR. NAYDA RONDON
Contributing Photographer MEGHAN BALCOM VIC WAHBY
PRODUCTION
Production Manager FERN E. MESHULAM
Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE
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SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, Morris & Essex, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; fax 201.746.8650; email rita.guarna@ wainscotmedia.com. Morris & Essex assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.
Living with Peripheral Neuropathy can feel like your life is slipping away. For years, I didn’t even know what was happening to me. It started with a little tingling and numbness, but it grew worse until even the simplest tasks became unbearable, says Sue S. from Paramus.
“I was afraid to go to a doctor because I didn’t want to be put on medications that might leave me foggy or disconnected. Eventually, I did visit a neurologist, and the diagnosis was Peripheral Neuropathy. I was prescribed Gabapentin, and at first, it seemed like a miracle. But relief didn’t last long. Within months, I needed higher doses, and soon, I was taking 3,600 milligrams daily. The side effects and dependency were overwhelming. My future felt bleak.”
When Neuropathy takes over your hands and feet, it’s not just pain—it’s a loss of independence.“I couldn’t touch a steering wheel, use a keyboard, or even hold my phone. Dressing myself, washing dishes—everything became excruciating. My once-active life shrank to almost nothing. I was desperate.”
That’s when Sue found Dr. Aleksandra Mihajlovic, DTCM, LAc at Sasha Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine.
“I was skeptical at first—would acupuncture really help? But after my first visit, I knew I had made the right choice.”
knowledge of acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and innovative therapies allows her to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs. After assessing Sue’s condition, she created a customized plan that combined acupuncture with other complementary therapies.
“At first, I went three times a week, then reduced to two. Within six weeks, I began to feel a difference. Slowly, the pain faded. I used to wake up every morning in agony, immediately analyzing my pain level. Now, I wake up pain-free. Instead of grieving what I can’t do, I focus on what I can.”
One of the biggest transformations? Sue is no longer dependent on heavy medication. “I started treatments while taking 3,600 mg of Gabapentin daily. Over time, I’ve reduced that to just 300 mg—and I’m still tapering down. Freeing myself from both pain and medication has given me my life back in ways I never thought possible.”
For anyone struggling with Neuropathy, Sue offers a message of hope:
“I know it’s hard to believe anything will work. I felt the same way. But Dr. Aleksandra’s treatments are not a gimmick. She is incredibly skilled, deeply knowledgeable, and truly committed to healing her patients.”
innovations makes her treatments uniquely effective. Thanks to her, I have both physical relief and emotional peace. I can enjoy life again. Tasks that once felt impossible are now manageable. I no longer dread the future.”
If you’re struggling with Neuropathy and feel like you’ve tried everything, don’t give up. There is hope.Contact Sasha Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine today at 973-444-8932 or visit www.SashaAcupuncture.com to schedule your consultation.
Don’t let Neuropathy define your life any longer.
Unlike other treatments that only mask symptoms, Dr. Aleksandra takes a different approach. Her deep TO
“In today’s world, it’s easy to be skeptical. There are so many false promises and people looking to take advantage of those in pain. But Dr. Aleksandra is the real deal. Her expertise in ancient healing techniques combined with modern
Morris & Essex Buzz
OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE
AN EGG-CELLENT TRADITION
Receiving a basket filled with toys and treats on Easter is tradition for many kids and their parents, but the weeks leading up to the celebration can be fun too. The season is well under way, with a slate of family-friendly egg hunts and photo-ops. Below is a sampling:
• Flashlight Egg Hunt, April 11, Veterans Community Park, Randolph. There are seven 15-minute sessions available, the first starting at 6 p.m. and the last beginning at 9:15 p.m. Visit randolphnj.org.
• Morristown Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m., April 12, Lidgerwood Park, Morristown. The free event is open to Morristown kids ages 3 to 10 years. Register at townofmorristown.org.
LOVE THAT PLANET
There’s no better time to embrace Mother Nature than Earth Day, April 22. To observe “Our Power, Our Planet”—the theme of this year’s global celebration—take the family to one of these Earth Day events:
• Crane Park, Montclair, April 20: Join the Northeast Earth Coalition from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for live music, environmental displays, volunteer cleanups and more. Info: experiencemontclair.org.
• Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland, April 27: Friends and family can enjoy a day of crafts, games, canoeing, hiking and demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Do your part
If you can’t make it to one of those events, consider volunteering with groups such as Branch Brook Park Alliance or New Jersey Clean Communities (NJCC). Or take matters into your own hands and organize a local cleanup with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. NJCC offers tips:
• Enlist the help of others including youth programs, church groups, police, community development corporations and public officials.
• Match your cleanup location to participants’ age and abilities, i.e., do not have young children cleaning a busy road.
• Make sure you have enough supplies (gloves, bags) for everyone.
• Hold a short meeting before the cleanup so that everyone knows the safety rules and what is expected of them.
• Roseland Egg-Stravaganza, 10 a.m., April 12, Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny Hop Trail, Roseland. This favorite includes a craft fair and face painting. Register at roselandnj.org.
• Skyline Church Egg Hunt, 10 a.m., April 12, Pulaski Park, Bloomfield. More than 10,000 eggs will be hidden, and there also will be games and crafts. Sign up for a free ticket at skylinechurchnj.org.
PUPPY LOVE
Dog: Arctos, 8-and-a-half-year-old Borzoi
• Easter Bunny Express, 4 p.m., April 12, 13, 19, Whippany Railway Museum. Join the Easter Bunny for a train ride and egg hunt. Tickets: whippanyrailwaymuseum.net
• Ort Farms Easter Egg Hunt, April 18–19, Ort Farms, Long Valley. There are various time slots for kids to search for eggs, which can be exchanged for a goody bag. Tickets are required for kids. Info: ortfarms.com
Owner: Dawn A. Anthony and Dennis Santos of Morris Plains Arctos used to live a much more fast-paced life. He was a show dog; however, he never liked crisscrossing the country for shows—so a lifestyle change was needed.
Dawn explains: “We knew one of the top Borzoi breeders in the world, and she was in New Jersey. Before Arctos, we had another Borzoi from her line. One day, out of the blue, she told me that, due to health concerns and getting older, she needed to find responsible owners for a few of her Borzoi. The rest is history.”
Though Borzoi are considered a giant breed, they don’t eat very much. Arctos loves his once-a-day Greenies treats. Borzoi were bred to hunt wolves, and usually have a high prey drive, so they require a lot of activity. Arctos goes on at least five to six walks a day—occasionally he’ll choose one of his favorite toys and carry it on a walk so he can show it off to his human and canine friends. He’s also not afraid to tell his owners what he wants. Dawn says if Arctos has to go outside before she and Dennis wake in the morning, he will walk around the bed, flip up the comforter and head-butt the mattress until they are awake enough to tend to his wishes.
Want to see your pet in an upcoming issue of MORRIS & ESSEX? Email a brief description and photo to Editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.
SIT LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SAT
For 30 years, New Vernon-based Richard Bevan Furniture has been crafting custom-built, European-style pieces, window treatments and upholstered furniture. Now, to celebrate its three decades in business, the company has unveiled its own custom furniture line, headlined by the Eliot sofa and the Lena armchair. The Eliot is upholstered in green velvet and combines sophistication and comfort. The Lena has rolled arms and a matching ottoman, blending style and functionality. Richard Bevan Furniture isn’t a one-trick pony—in addition to selling bespoke pieces, it also offers design services for homeowners, designers and architects.
• Richard Bevan Furniture, 4 Village Rd., New Vernon, 973.216.6642; richardbevanfurniture.com
FOR PEOPLE ON THE SPECTRUM
April is Autism Acceptance Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 36 children are identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as of 2020. Among other things, ASD can make processing sensory information difficult and overwhelming. That means environments such as loud shows or echoing museums can be hard to navigate and impossible to enjoy.
With this in mind, organizations throughout Morris and Essex offer special “sensory days” or “sensory performances.” During these events, the pace may be slower, the lights may be kept at a different level or there may be fewer people allowed in an exhibit to keep the noise level down. For example, check out:
• Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown. Sensory-friendly shows at this PAC feature modulated sound and light levels and an environment where the audience is free to talk, vocalize and leave and re-enter the seating area if needed. Fidget toys and noise-reduction headphones are available. More info: mayoarts.org/visitor-info/sensory-friendly.
• Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown. This historical house museum offers monthly sensory-friendly tours, slower than the usual ones, with plenty of time for breaks and questions. You can also explore the new garden “sensory pathway,” which presents guided experiences through sight, sound, touch and smell. More info: maccullochhall.org/contact/accessibility.
• Ridgewood Park, Newark. This park (at 189–193 Ridgewood Ave.) debuted in 2022 and was specifically built with children with ASD in mind. It offers a specialized rubber safety surface, a colored concrete sidewalk and backless and circular benches for seating. More info: newarknj.gov.
• Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn. Accommodations for sensory-friendly shows here include a consistent sound level at a lower volume, an activity area and “chill-out zone” in case someone needs to step out, a “meet your seat” open house the day before (with reservations) for children to visit the theater space beforehand and more. More info: papermill.org/ access-for-all/autism-friendly-performances.
• The Growing Stage, Netcong. An activity book goes along with the show before a sensory-friendly performance at this children’s theater. Accommodations also include limited crowds with open seating to allow space between families, a designated quiet area, dimmed house lights and a pre-visit social story to help prepare everyone for the experience. More info: growingstage.com/ sensory-friendly-performances.
GIVE MOM A TREAT
Your mother may be a whiz in the kitchen, but once in a while she surely deserves a break from the place. How about a delightful Mother’s Day brunch? Below are eight favorite spots, based on last year’s Readers’ Choice Awards:
—Carver’s, 38 First Ave., Denville, 862.209.1464; carversdenville.com
…Erin Feeney of West Orange, Elias Bikales of Millburn and Michael Shayevich and Clair Gao of Livingston, high school students who earned Civil Air Patrol Awards from the Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Feeney, Bikales and Shayevich were given the Amelia Earhart Award for their “significant dedication and accomplishment,” and all three were promoted to cadet captain besides gaining eligibility for the International Air Cadet Exchange. Gao received the General Billy Mitchell Award, which marks the completion of the first phase of the cadet program. She is now eligible to attend CAP’s Cadet Officer School and the Civic Leadership Academy.
…Erik Novack, a high school health, physical education and driver education teacher at Randolph High School, recipient of the prestigious Driver Education Teacher of the Year Award through the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. His approach to driver education has been praised for being inclusive, engaging and handson, ensuring that his students know how to keep themselves and others safe on the road.
…Gabe Baltimore, head basketball coach at East Orange Campus High School, who won the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year award. Baltimore’s dedication to his students goes beyond the court, as he stays 24/7 for guidance and support and always importance of academics, even helping visits for his players.
EAT WHAT YOU GROW
It’s an appealing mental image, isn’t? Walking through a garden you planted yourself and letting sun-ripened fruits and vegetables fall into your hands, perfect for summer salads and snacking. Backyard gardens are as sustainable as they are delicious, but they have their frustrations. You’re aiming to feed yourself and your family, not local deer and groundhogs.
Want a bountiful harvest? These veggies grow great in the Garden State:
• Tomatoes. A classic home-garden veggie (so worth it when they’re warm from the sun), tomatoes require full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They also need some kind of support or stake to climb up.
• Sweet corn. Corn requires warm conditions to properly grow, so you’ll likely want to wait until the end of May to plant. It also needs about 1 inch of rainfall per week and can become drought-stressed, so make sure you keep an eye on how dry the soil is.
• Eggplant. This vegetable also needs direct sunlight and staking for support. You’ll know when it’s ready to pick because the skin will become glossy.
• Zucchini. Known for its large yields and bumper crops, this summer squash requires moist soil, direct sunlight and plenty of compost. It’s great for planting a little later in the season. And here are tips for keeping away snacking animals:
• Cover it. Mesh covers are many people’s go-to for keeping home-grown produce away from animal invaders. The holes allow the plant access to water, sunlight and air, but keep moths and grasshoppers off the leaves—besides deterring small animals such as rabbits.
• Enclose it. Building a house for your vegetables may seem extreme, but it does wonders. Enclosing vulnerable plants in four- or five-sided structures can be as easy as picking up some posts and hardware cloth from your local shop. Depending on the creature, you may need to go bigger or smaller (for deer, you may need to go as high as 8 feet). To keep squirrels or birds out, closing the top may be necessary.
• Embrace the food chain. The best way to keep pests away? Invite in some predators. If you have the space, set up boxes for the local owl population to keep nuisance birds and squirrels out. If you’re not keen on the real thing, even a statue of a bird of prey can act as a deterrent.
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
Her Mission:Food And Fun
If you’ve been to a food festival in New Jersey, there’s a good chance Allison Kohler of Succasunna planned it.
Back in February, the Morristown Armory was filled with laughter, music, dozens of activities—and everyone’s favorite comfort food. The fifth annual “Mac and Cheese Mayhem” festival brought local chefs and restaurants together with thousands of people ready to sample and celebrate every imaginable take on the classic dish.
The mind behind this event? That would be Succasunna’s Allison Kohler, owner of JMK Events and Just Jersey Fest. You may recognize that second name; through Just Jersey Fest, Kohler has created and continues to run more than 30 food and music events all over the state, from Mac and Cheese Mayhem (one of Kohler’s few off-season and indoor events) to food-truck festivals in Sewell, Paramus and Hopatcong. If you’ve wandered an outdoor summer event in our state in the past ten years, there’s a good change Kohler had a hand in it.
The 58-year-old Kohler has spent most of her life in Rockaway, where she and her now ex-husband raised their son, who is now 36. Nearly every one of her events benefits a local charity, often first-responder or rescue-squad organizations.
How did you get your start?
Manor Antiques Show, which drew thousands.
My parents used to run very high-level antiques shows. They started JMK Events in 1972. By the time I was 5 or 6, I was working for them in the coat check. I became my mother’s right hand over the years. Before computers, she would just know the event’s floor plan off the top of her head, and then I did too. I bought my parents out in 2001, and branched into beer festivals—my first was Big Brew, which still happens in Morristown in March. Then I added Just Jersey Fest—that’s the one most people know. They think it’s the parent company. Through that, we run more than 30 food and music events a year. Food-truck festivals, Taco Palooza [in Hopatcong and Sewell], Whole Lotta Empanada [in Garfield]—I wake up with ideas and I get to make them happen.
A memory from working with your parents?
Our crown jewel back then was the Birchwood
My dad would be in a tuxedo and my mom in a gown. Birchwood Manor was a glorious building; everything was elegant. I’ve always loved the process of taking an empty space and turning it into something beautiful. My parents did events all over the East Coast, and I was always with them. I still travel a lot, and I see things I recognize from my childhood. I think, “oh, my God, this vendor was here 30 years ago. It was a really great upbringing. How did you get the idea for Mac and Cheese Mayhem?
Mac and cheese is my favorite comfort food. I have memories from childhood of going to my friend Stacy’s house and having fun making mac and cheese. It was just Kraft in a box, but it was the best. I wanted to celebrate that. Of course, at the festival it’s much more than just Kraft—you have gourmet chefs taking it on.
Has food always been important to you?
Yes. My mother was a phenomenal cook, as is my sister. And, as it turns out, so is my son—he’s been cooking since he was about 3. I’m always the eater. Right now, we’re in a very divisive world, and I think the one thing that really brings everybody together is food—breaking bread together. At every one of my festivals, we ask attendees to bring non-perishable canned and boxed items to donate to the local food pantry. If there is no local food pantry, I take it to the my own, the Roxbury Food Pantry.
Why food trucks?
I ran a beer festival in 2012, and there was a food truck there called the Cow and the Curd from Philadelphia. They sold these Wisconsin fried cheese curds that were ridiculous; I was addicted to them. I liked them so much that I got to be friendly with the owner, and we would chat often. Once, I was talking to him on the phone on Memorial Day. He told me he had to go help a customer. I asked where he was, and he said he was at the Monmouth Park Racetrack’s food-truck festival. I told him I’d see him in an hour and a half. Yes, I drove that long just to get cheese curds. And I stood there like Scarlett O’Hara and said, “I am never doing this again.”
Ten weeks later was my first food-truck festival. Monmouth Park had the first in the state, and I had the second.
An event you’re excited about?
That’s like asking someone to pick a favorite child! But I think we have a lot of fun at Taco Palooza every year. There are trophies and people’s choice awards, and we set up photo opts as well.
A lesson you’ve learned?
Have integrity. There are a lot of people without it in this business, but I pride myself on saying “that’s not right” if I have to. It’s not right to try and run a festival in the same town on the same day as another festival. That hurts everybody.
Parting remarks?
I love my business. So many small businesses were hit hard by COVID, and I am so happy to continue doing what I love.
Morocco Cushion Club Lounge Chair patiorenaissance.com
HEALTH NEWS
MORNING HIGH
Things really do seem better in the morning, suggests a recent study, with clear differences in self-reported mental health and wellbeing. Respondents cited feeling best when they awake and worst around midnight.
BMJ Mental Health
VITAMINS AND DIABETES
Micronutrient deficiency, where levels of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy bodily function are far too low, is common in people with type 2 diabetes, finds a recent study. A lack of vitamin D is the most common “missing” micronutrient, overall, with women at greater risk than men of these deficiencies.
—BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health
CANCER DRUGS LINKED TO NERVE PAIN
Chemotherapy is linked to persistent peripheral nerve pain (neuropathy) for around 4 in every 10 patients treated with these drugs, suggests recent data. The drugs used to treat cancer damage healthy cells and tissues, including the nervous system. Effects can include movement disturbances, such as loss of balance or coordination, and sensory disturbances, such as loss of sensation; numbness, tingling, “pins and needles,” or a burning sensation on the skin.
Medicine
EXERCISE AIDS SURGICAL OUTCOMES
for major surgery by exercising improving diet is associated with fewer complications, less time in the hospital, and improved recovery and quality of life in adults, an analysis of clinical trials.
The BMJ
CARBONATED WATER AIDS WEIGHT LOSS
Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are keys to maintaining a healthy weight, but carbonated water might aid weight loss by boosting blood glucose uptake and metabolism—the rate at which the body uses and converts energy. Study authors warn that drinking water alone can’t be relied on to shed excess pounds.
BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health
CAN HIGH HDL LEAD TO GLAUCOMA?
“Good’ (HDL) cholesterol, usually considered to be beneficial for health, may be linked to a heightened risk of glaucoma— at least among people over the age of 55—according to a recent study. Paradoxically, “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, usually regarded as harmful to health, may be associated with a lower risk of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, potentially leading to irreversible sight loss or total blindness.
—British Journal of
61
The percentage doctors who private equity unfavorable
—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.
SERVING ESSEX, UNION, PASSAIC, MORRIS COUNTY
MASONRY & PAVING EXPERTS
Your Attention, Please
WITH ALL THE DISTRACTIONS WE FACE THESE DAYS, CAN YOU ACTUALLY CONCENTRATE ON SOMETHING LONGER THAN, SAY, A GOLDFISH CAN?
Sarah FajgenbaumTeslja, M.D. psychiatrist, Integrative Psychiatric Services, Montclair
If it weren’t for her live-in boyfriend, says Jessica Winston, her North Jersey home likely would be in disarray. The 37-year-old works from home, as does her significant other, and during her downtime she often starts household projects: doing laundry, washing dishes, cooking dinner, propagating plants. It sounds like she’s a multitasker, but there’s one problem. “I’ll often start something but won’t finish it because I’ve moved on to a different task,” she says. “So my boyfriend is always closing cupboard doors that I’ve left open, replacing boxes that I’ve scattered or moving clothes from the washer to dryer.”
Winston chalks her problem up to a shortened functional attention span, and the Mayo Clinic backs her up—leaving tasks partially done is a leading sign of that phenomenon, it says. And anecdotal evidence suggests that she’s far from alone. While many of us remark on our so-called “multitasking” ability, our lengthening “things to do” lists and our availability to an escalating number of rings and dings throughout the day, there’s a growing sense that the center isn’t holding—that we’re all harried and distracted, and that our very busyness is making us less effective instead of more.
So, what’s causing our shortened attention spans? To answer, it’s important to understand the science of attention, which is the core cognitive ability to actively and passively process nearby
information, says Sarah Fajgenbaum-Teslja, M.D., board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Integrative Psychiatric Services in Montclair. When information is processed, it’s stored in the prefrontal cortex of the brain and used to complete cognitive tasks. The frontoparietal network of the brain then works to decide which information to use—in other words, where to direct attention We tend to lose focus when the brain can’t process information.
Attention spans can range anywhere from two seconds to two hours, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a branch of the National Institutes of Health. The purported 8.25-second average attention-span statistic publicized by the Microsoft Corporation in 2015—which was shorter than that of a common goldfish—has since been debunked. But that’s not to say our collective attention spans are not diminishing. They are, and the number of distractions around us is a major culprit.
“One of the most commonly cited reasons is increased technology use,” Fajgenbaum-Teslja says. “Other reasons why our attention spans appear to be shrinking include our worsening mental health, COVID (both the effects of the virus itself and the effect of COVID lockdowns) and the increase in adults being diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Attention is such a complex process that it is hard to know for sure.
• Signs of shortened attention span. Multiple incomplete tasks, as in Winston’s case, can indicate one’s diminishing attention span. Other clues could be poor work performance, mental strain and fatigue. It happens with children too. Young ones with shortened attention spans may have an inability to focus on homework, or they may even appear rude or uninterested with others their age or adults.
• Is it a concern? In many cases, a shortened attention span is not indicative of a more
serious underlying condition, and people can refuel their mental resources with good sleep and better nutrition. “Implement good sleep hygiene to ensure adequate sleep —in adults, that means seven or more hours per night,” Fajgenbaum-Teslja says. “Exercise regularly. This can improve focusing directly, but also indirectly by reducing depression and anxiety. Eat a balanced diet. Sugary drinks and caffeine can cause us to “crash” and negatively affect focus.”
In recent years, there’s been an uptick of Americans diagnosed with ADHD—in 2023 about 6 percent of U.S. adults (around 15 million) reported having been diagnosed with the condition, while an earlier estimate was around 4.5 percent, reports the Association of American Medical Colleges. “If someone has several symptoms of inattention, they should consider being assessed for ADHD by a trained medical or mental health professional. Symptoms of inattention are sometimes— but not always—accompanied by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity,” says Fajgenbaum-Teslja.
In addtion, difficulty concentrating in older adults can be an early symptom of a brain disorder such as dementia. If that is suspected, a physician should be contacted immediately. If poor attention is causing problems at work, at school or in your personal life, medical attention may be necessary as well, as such difficulties can lead to anxiety and depression. Tools such as bloodwork, brain scans and neuropsychological testing can accurately diagnose cognitive disorders.
For many, there are ways to cope and manage shortened attention span and poor focus.
For Winston, our multitasker, a slight habit change does the trick. “I’m trying to do fewer things at the same time,” she says. “Or I ask my boyfriend for help with chores so I can concentrate on one thing.”
BIG ON BLUE
THE HOMEOWNER’S LOVE OF ONE DRAMATIC COLOR INSPIRED THE HAPPY, RELAXED STYLE OF A CENTER-HALL COLONIAL IN STIRLING.
Design by Pam Cooper, Cooper Interiors
Photography by Vic Wahby
Text by Nayda Rondon
One of the owners of this center-hall colonial in Stirling, pleased with its transformation, credits designer Pam Cooper with expanding her ideas of style. “There are lots of aspects— like the bird prints in the dining room—that we would have never chosen ourselves, but now absolutely love,” she says. “Before, I gravitated to florals. I never would have thought of decorating with birds.”
This page: Serene and streamlined, the family room is the “perfect retreat to unwind, reflect and reconnect with family at the end of a busy work day,” the designer says.
Opposite page: Comfortable and striking, the dining room’s host wing chairs, adorned in embroidered threads forming a bold geometric print, are from Lexington Furniture.
Design work can be enjoyable when an “adorable” family invites you to bring warmth and personality into their home. That was the case for Pam Cooper of Watchung-based Cooper Interiors when Jessica Brennan and Will Esteves tapped her to design the family, living and dining rooms of the Stirling center-hall colonial they share with their 9-year-old son and Goldendoodle.
“She saw my work on Houzz and reached out,” says Cooper. “When she first contacted me about the project, she told me she has a love affair with the color blue. I loved her warm energy and immediately knew we’d be a good fit. She was open to new ideas, which made it fun to work together.” The designer gladly accepted the assignment, which lasted from June 2023 to August 2024.
“We delayed starting the renovation due to COVID and related supply issues, so when we were finally able to start, we wanted to make sure it would be exactly as we envisioned when purchasing the house,” says Brennan, who
with her spouse bought the circa-1990s, 2,900+-square-foot home in 2019.
“We had lots of inspiration photos from Houzz, love blue and the beach, and wanted something casual that we could live in. Pam was able to turn all of that into reality.”
To portray the breezy style her clients sought, Cooper not surprisingly went with a blue- and nature-inspired color scheme that would subtly evoke the relaxed vibe of life enjoyed at an upscale, seaside residence. The challenge was to establish a common connecting thread throughout the spaces without giving off a contrived, matchy-matchy feel.
In a process she describes as “smooth as silk,” Cooper interwove her design strategy from space to space. The family room is inviting thanks to comfortable, stylish and complementary elements: the sand-toned Braxton Culler sectional, the Lee Furniture blue leather ottoman and the blue Fairfield Chair armchairs on either side of the fireplace, and the centerpiece of an accent wall painted in Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue. Also noteworthy are custom
linen window treatments from Fabric Collection in North Plainfield and pretty Lark accent tables, whose conical metal bases and creamy white marble round tops offer visual interest. And the beachscape displayed on the Samsung frame TV atop the fireplace and the soft blue, cream and tan patterned area rug from the Rug Company continue the themes.
Slightly more formal, the living room still manages to pull off a look that’s simultaneously chic and intimate. “It’s a cozy haven where blue and natural tones come together to create a warm and inviting living space,” Cooper says. She kept things interconnected by selecting another Braxton Culler sofa, this one clad in a deep, ocean-blue, velvet-like performance fabric, and sand-hued upholstered Fairfield Chair side chairs with interesting arm details. Adding to the clean, uncluttered flow, the smooth silhouette of the Arhaus round table fronting the triangular window section helps draw the eyes to the simple perfection of the custom linen valances and the wooded vistas beyond.
In the dining room, Cooper kept to the less-is-more aesthetic to serve up a vibe that’s “traditional with a slightly modern twist.” The Villa & House serving bench and the chandelier from Aura Lighting in Green Brook complement the dining table and chairs, all from Lexington Furniture. Decorative blue-and-white pieces—antiques-store finds—and custom white linen drapes with a blue-pattern border complete the look of livable luxury.
“Pam chose all of the finishing accessories and most of the artwork without our initial input and staged everything while we were at work,” Brennan says. “We were blown away by the results.
“Everything flows and is cohesive,” the homeowner continues. “None of the rooms ‘match,’ but they all work together. They’re beautiful but also functional for our family and match our style to a tee. Our home is happy, comfortable, relaxed and unique. When my son first saw the house after staging, he kept saying, ‘Our house should be in a magazine.’ And here we are!”
This page: The creamy white of the Jessica Charles side table emphasizes the rich blue of the Braxton Culler sofa. Opposite page: The living room’s Arhaus Divya hardwood sideboard, featuring an intricate handcrafted motherof-pearl inlay design, is “simply a showstopper.” Above it, an Este round wall mirror, also from Arhaus, glitters with brass and glass detailing.
A KITCHEN RENEWED
BEFORE ITS SPECIAL-ORDER RENO, THIS SPACE IN A ’60S-ERA CAPE IN WEST CALDWELL FELT STALE AND DIDN’T WORK WELL. NOW IT’S FRESH AND EFFICIENT.
Design by Teresa Boyd & Helena Finkelstein
Photography by Megan Balcom
Text by Nayda Rondon
A kitchen renovation for a West Caldwell home was extrapersonal for Teresa Boyd and Helena Finkelstein of Verona-based Olive Hill Design—the clients were Boyd’s parents.
With Boyd’s encouragement, the retired couple moved to New Jersey after living in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for nearly 50 years. In 2023 they bought a 2,400-square-foot Cape Cod-style home. Choosing Boyd and Finkelstein to help them resettle in style was a given.
The first order of business was the “nonfunctional” kitchen. Essentially untouched since it was built in the 1960s, the space languished in lackluster drab with original Formica countertops, dark wood cabinets and an electric cooktop.
“When purchasing their new home to be closer to family, Teresa’s parents wanted a place where their kids and grandkids would want to spend time,” Finkelstein explains. “They wanted the kitchen to function as a spot for larger gatherings as well as a
In the kitchen of a 1960s-era Cape Cod in West Caldwell, combining recycled cabinets with a custom island, antiques and heirloom artwork helped work a transformation.
comfortable place for daily use. The existing layout did not suit their style, nor was it conducive for entertaining.”
“Coming from a larger home, a colonial with an open kitchen/great room, they realized this new space would feel entirely different,” Boyd says.
“They wanted to lean into something that felt warm and inviting, a cozy kitchen both lovely to look at and functional to use.
“We quickly landed on a cottage-style kitchen that felt suited to the Cape-style home,” Boyd continues. “We wanted it to feel collected and cozy, something you would find in an English countryside kitchen.”
The central inspiration for the kitchen’s layout was cabinetry sourced from resale vendor Renovation Angel (now Aurora) in Fairfield. “We loved the cabinetry, but it didn’t fill the entire space,” says Finkelstein.
“We made it feel fully complete by combining the cabinetry with a custom island, new countertops and appliances, a unique backsplash and a Versailles-patterned tile floor.”
They enlisted contractor Brian Russo from Brian’s Design in Verona to
install the cabinetry, customize trim and add special touches such as a cutting-board nook. Together they labored to fine-tune placement, a process complicated by the fact that the homeowners were away.
“My parents moved in right before the 2023 holidays and had travel plans early in 2024, so much of the work was done when they weren’t there,” Boyd says. “We had to rely on many FaceTime calls and texts to catch them up and get their approvals. I remember one afternoon in particular. I stood in the demoed kitchen and sent image after image of our layout suggestions, and they reviewed and responded until we got it right.”
It took a while, but by the spring of 2024 their vision of an enchanting, cottage-like setting materialized. To help things take form—and imbue warmth and individuality—the designers integrated many of the homeowners’ cherished belongings.
“I’ve always loved copper and have pieces that I inherited from my mother and collected over the years,” Boyd’s mom says. “They incorporated these into the design. They’re also familiar with our overall décor, so they
This page: “We love the copper backsplash over the range and beadboard walls over the counters,” says the wife. “They give the kitchen such a nice English country feel.” Opposite: The professional-class range pops with a blue front and a wooden hood.
added touches of blue-and-white porcelain, as in our living and dining rooms, to create a seamless transition into the kitchen.”
Other loving nods to the past: a still life painted by the wife’s father adorning the wall opposite the window and a vintage painting hung near the range.
The designers mixed styles, periods and textures to produce a unique effect. For instance, the island’s Birch Lane rattan stools express a relaxed vibe, which pleasantly offsets the more traditional tableau presented by the island’s centerpiece, a Chinoiserie ginger jar vase paired with a copper tray and a vintage fruit bowl. The flooring, consisting of porcelain tiles that resemble limestone, is set in a Versailles pattern for a European accent. The burgundy-and-blue accent rug adds another layer of warmth and character, as does the counter’s white ceramic lamp.
To foster a “bright and airy yet warm and cozy” feel, the designers deftly balanced elements. The countertops gleam in marble; popping against neutral walls, the copper wall sconces from Innovations Lighting harmo-
nize with the room’s other copper accents, some of which grace the shelves also styled with blue-and-white dishware.
Boyd and Finkelstein topped the cabinetry with crown molding and added wood corbels to the underside of the wall cabinets, which feature glass accents and chrome-and-copper hardware. The Kucht range stands out with a Zline wooden hood. Behind the range, copper from Havens Luxury Metals and beadboard present a distinctive backsplash. No detail was overlooked. Finkelstein recalls Boyd’s efforts to find the precise stain color for the floating corner wood shelves, sourced from Boards & Beams in Fairfield: “I will always remember Teresa sitting on the ground, looking like a mad scientist while mixing multiple stain colors together to achieve the perfect shade that would match the tone of the sink cabinet doors. And she did it!”
“With their experience and sense of design, Teresa and Helena were able to take a relatively small, outdated kitchen and turn it into a true gem,” the lady of the house says.
This page: The Fabuwood Cabinetry island features a microwave drawer, a wine cooler and a pullout trash bin. Opposite: From Frosting Home Décor, the cafe curtains with blue ticking stripe add a quaint detail.
YOU’RE WELCOME
The foyer makes a home’s first impression. Here, four local design experts help you ensure that it’s a great one.
Everyone who’s ever ever been on a job interview or a blind date knows the importance of a first impression. Before you even open your mouth, you convey a novel’s worth of information with the way you’re dressed, your smile, the eye contact you make and that all-important first handshake. Your home’s closest equivalent is its entryway. It’s the first thing people see when they come in the front door. It should draw them in like a welcoming smile, well-pressed clothes or a firm, confident handshake. So how do you design a foyer that will say what you want it to say? Four design specialists from our area offer tips:
When finding fitting furniture for a foyer (try saying that five times fast), start with function. As Sun Ju Valenta says, “Despite the fact that the entryway is typically a space we pass through quickly, it plays a vital role as the first impression of your home. When furnishing an entryway, striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetics is key.” Her first suggestion? A console table, where you can place keys, mail and other essentials. Cory Connor agrees, adding that “a beautiful console table adds surface space for styling and practical use.” For another option, Julia Epstein says that a chest can be just as chic and effective. Some kind of shoe storage is also essential in an entryway, Margo Gardner believes. “While I like lidded baskets for shoes to conceal the mess, I’ve found that my kids are much better about putting their shoes on an open rack,” she explains. “I had to trade a little form for function there. It’s worth keeping in mind that the best storage is storage that your family will actually use.”
MAKE MILLWORK WORK
Eye-catching moldings, paneling, trim and baseboards can help you get the most out of an entryway. Says Connor: “Millwork makes even a small space feel curated and intentional. I suggest using board and batten, which adds a classic touch and protects walls from scuffs to create a sophisticated, high-end feel.” Millwork is your friend if you have a lot of space to work with, Epstein contends. “In a two-story foyer with a sweeping staircase, millwork adds dimension and takes the pressure off having to fill empty walls,” she explains. “Paired with wallpaper, it can almost eliminate the pressure to decorate empty wall space.” It’s also important that the millwork you choose isn’t radically different than rest of your home. Valenta recommends choosing designs “that complement the overall style of your home—whether it’s intricate details for a traditional look or sleek lines for a modern aesthetic.” Gardner encourages you to look to millwork for practical solutions as well. “If your entryway lacks a closet, enlisting a carpenter to add some built-in storage may be helpful,” she says. “I would opt for closed cabinetry instead of open cubbies and rows of coat hooks. Coat hooks and cubbies are invitations for visual clutter.”
LET THERE BE LIGHT
You walk home on a dark night, enter through your front door and hit a light switch—what greets you? Many of our experts agree that a pendant or ceilingmounted fixture is a must in this room. The height of your ceilings will determine which you should go for. Epstein prefers “a statement pendant or semi-flush, in addition to a lamp. By having lighting at two different levels,” she says, “the foyer becomes warm and offers flexibility on how bright the fixture has to be.” Gardner also loves statement lighting—“for a grand entryway with double-height ceilings, a dramatic chandelier or pendant is the way to go,” she says. Valenta praises “a wall sconce, which directs light both upward and downward, adding depth and dimension to the space. When selecting lighting,” she says, “consider the mood you want to set and the areas you want to highlight. Thoughtfully placing and directing light will help you define the entryway tone.” In Connor’s view, wall sconces are great for a narrower space; she reminds you to take advantage of the space on that console table. “Table lamps on consoles are a great way to add ambience and glow to a foyer,” she says.
ADMIRE THE “VIEW”
The one essential piece of wall décor in an entryway? The mirror. “An entryway is never complete without a mirror,” says Gardner. “Entry spaces are frequently small, and mirrors can really make a space feel lighter, brighter and more open. They also give you one last chance to check your appearance on the way out the door.” Connor agrees, including a mirror on her list of foyer musts. Her tip: Use a statement mirror to style a console table. When it comes to other bits of décor, our experts all agree that your taste should be the first consideration. “I feel strongly that art must speak to you above all else,” says Epstein, though she always suggests that the artwork fit in the same general style and theme as the rest of the home, and she discourages “matching artwork to the paint color.” Valenta adds: “Framed art may seem challenging to incorporate in a small entryway, but it doesn’t have to be large to make an impact. A thoughtfully curated series of smaller pieces can make the space feel more inviting while adding a personal touch.”
Design by Nicole Forina Home, photo by Andrew Frasz
WATCH YOUR STEP
It’s hard to overstate what a good rug can do for a space. Says Valenta: “A rug can be an eye-catching accessory, so think bold—while also considering the purpose of an entryway rug. It also provides lots of surface to wipe your shoes. In addition, it can make the space seem larger.” “Entryways are high-traffic areas, so you need a rug that can take some abuse,” Gardner points out. “Dark colors and busy patterns can really disguise stubborn stains. I often use navy blue, but any darker color will work. Deep greens, plums and rusts are all good options.” Always consider size as well. Connor advises: “Choose a rug that fits proportionally—either a runner for narrow hallways or a large rectangular rug for open entryways.” Valenta adds that “if your entryway is narrow and directly connected to another room, you can draw your guest in with a runner.” “Entry rugs should ideally be grounded by a piece of furniture so they’re not just floating in the space,” Epstein declares. “A round pedestal table in the center of a large foyer looks great on top of a square rug.” Her personal cautionary tip? “Never use a round rug in a foyer. They look cheesy.”
IN FULL BLOOM ESCAPES
Across the nation, fields of flowers welcome spring in all its majesty.
If a single flower is a miracle of nature, what is a field with thousands of them? Different people would venture different answers, but surely a moodbrightener would be among them. A restorer of spirits, a kick-start to the emotional imagination, an uplift, a rush of visual joy. Whatever flowers mean to you, there are places to visit them in stunning profusion, and while we can’t promise they’ll redeem your every woe, neither can we guarantee that after glimpsing their beauty you’ll ever be quite the same.
Will a planned trip take you near one of the five floral wonderlands described below? If so, remember that these attractions are at the mercy of Mother Nature—be sure you check websites and weather before heading out.
HOLLAND RIDGE FARMS, CREAM RIDGE, N.J.
Flower: Tulips. Season: April–May. This New Jersey farm transforms annually into a bright, joyful attraction that brings the beauty of the Netherlands’s tulip fields to your fingertips. More than eight million flowers bloom in dozens of beautiful colors (the farm boasts 100+ tulip varieties), blanketing the ground as far as the eye can see. Photo-ops abound here, as floral-themed props and sculptures ranging from bicycles to princess carriages pepper the farm. (This is a very popular spot for an engagement or maternity shoot.) On weekends, Holland Ridge welcomes a farmers’ and makers’ market, with artisan goods from local vendors and Dog & Ram Spirits to serve floral cocktails and mocktails. Gourmet food trucks are on site every day (as is the farm’s bakery). You can take these beautiful flowers home too— pay a dollar a stem on weekends, 50 cents a stem on weekdays.
Beyond the blossoms. Charmingly rural with rolling hills, Cream Ridge offers much to love and discover. As the weather warms up, more events start rolling into the nearby Cream Ridge Winery, which has been in operation for 37 years and makes truly special local vintages. Stop by for vineyard tours and wine tastings. More of a sportsman? Check out either of the two 18-hole golf courses in the area, Gambler Ridge Golf Course and Cream Ridge Golf Course, both picturesque with on-site restaurants. More info: hollandridgefarms.com
BRANCH BROOK PARK, NEWARK, N.J.
Flower: Cherry blossoms. Season: mid-April. You needn’t drive down to our nation’s capital to see some of the most stunning cherry blossoms the country has to offer. This park right here in Essex County has the largest, most varied collection of Japanese cherry-blossom trees in the United States, with 5,300 trees in 18 varieties. That means that springtime in the park is a magic fairyland of pink petals, perfect for a short stroll, a photo session or a family day trip. The county also goes all-in on celebrating the flowers. Bike rides and races lead up to a full family day April 12, with paddle boats, crafts, face painting and lots of food, and the annual Bloomfest on April 13, which includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, live music, a crafters’ marketplace and activities throughout the day.
Beyond the blossoms. If you’ve never visited The Newark Museum of Art, you’re missing out. Ongoing exhibits include “Jewelry: From Pearls to Platinum to Plastic,” featuring one of the country’s most comprehensive historic jewelry holdings, and the Ballantine House, an 1885 mansion that spotlights Newark’s legacy of skilled craftsmen in addition to historical furniture and architecture. If you want to close your day of flowers with a show, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center features classical music, comedians and dance companies throughout the month. Or, if the cherry blossoms have you craving even more flowers, local favorite spot Fern & Fossil offers terrarium-building workshops and plantand-sips every week.
More info: branchbrookpark.org
BROWN HILL FARMS, TUNKHANNOCK, PA.
Flower: Tulips. Season: April–May. This facility has been family-run for five generations, and that family impressively welcomes springtime with more 50,000 tulips available for browsing, picking and photo ops. (Both professional and amateur photographers are welcome.) Tulips are the main draw, but not the only one—check out the farm’s 25,000 daffodils as well and create a beautiful bouquet to take home. Family-friendly activities include a giant sandpit with toy trucks and buckets, a large petting zoo, a kids-sized playhouse filled with places to climb and a pedalpowered tricycle course. Stop by on May 3 or 4 for a “baby animal” weekend and get up close and personal with baby goats, lambs, calves and chicks. End the day with a treat from the farm’s concession stand—how could you say no to fudge, kettle corn or cinnamon-sugar donuts? Beyond the blossoms. Tunkhannock is filled with antiques shops to browse and enjoy, and cozy bistros and coffee shops where you can drop in for a bite once you’re done. The Art-Deco Dietrich Theater is a great place to catch a new release or a vintage movie—or you can stop by any number of cultural and arts events. (Keep an eye out for music, open mics and special speakers.) This is also the heart of the Pocono Mountains, the perfect place for a day hike. Vosburg Neck State Park’s breathtaking views come alive in spring.
More info: brownhillfarms.com
GIBBS GARDENS, BALL GROUND, GA.
Flower: Daffodils. Season: March to midApril. Here’s one of the Peach State’s must-see springtime attractions. More than 20 million daffodil flowers in over 100 varieties bloom across 50 acres of rolling hillsides and valley. Gibbs Gardens plants bulbs with intention, carefully crafting 10-foot-wide streams of color that guide you through the garden, which is large enough that you need four hours to experience it in full. (It’s also threaded through with calming springs and streams for the soothing sounds of natural water.). Staged photography is prohibited here, so save the engagement shoots for elsewhere, but snapping landscape shots and quick family photos is welcome. If you need a bite to eat after all that walking, the on-grounds Arbor Café offers snacks, salads, sandwiches (including barbecued pulled pork) and drinks. Beyond the blossoms. Foodies, rejoice—there’s a lot to love within arm’s reach of this garden. Craft brewery Rocksolid Brewing Co., also in Ball Ground, has innovative sips in addition to comedy shows and live music. (Try the Bees Knees honey blonde ale, which uses English honey malt rather than actual honey for a stronger flavor.) For a sit-down meal, head to Lora Mae’s, a self-proclaimed “boutique café” that sells itself as much on its charm as on its great food (including a filet medallion served over truffle bread pudding).
More info: gibbsgardens.com
THE FLOWER FIELDS AT CARLSBAD RANCH, CARLSBAD, CALIF.
Flower: Giant Tecolote Ranunculus. Season: Early March to early May. The farthest of our five flower destinations is also one of the country’s largest. This attraction is the result of nearly 85 years of floral cultivation, and those years have paid off. Every spring, all 55 acres of this ranch paint the rolling hills of northern San Diego County with a spectacular display of color and beauty. The blooming is a two-month-long local event and celebration, and the ranch treats it as such. Weekly live music, flower yoga and family yoga, floral workshops, wine tastings and themed dinners await you during your visit. (You can even make your own flower crown with the blooms.)
This year you can also see the new Glass in Flight exhibit, a sculpture exhibit by celebrated artist Alex Heveri. See more than three dozen sculptures of birds and insects, crafted from Dalle de verre glass and steel.
Beyond the blossoms. It’s rarely a bad time to visit sunny Southern California, but spring there is a knockout. For more outdoor wonders, check out the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, where you can boat, “wakeboard,” sail and fish surrounded by truly beautiful landscape, and then check out the discovery campus for a “touch tank,” live animal ambassadors and hands-on activities. For the kids, Legoland California’s rides and attractions are sure to please, including the popular Driving School, where they can build and drive their own mini-cars.
More info: theflowerfields.com
—Kirsten Meehan
Holiday Feast
Let’s toast the roast and celebrate in true style.
TASTES
ROASTED ROSEMARY GARLIC RACK OF LAMB
Yields 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 2 1.3-lbs. racks of lamb, frenched
Marinade:
n 4 garlic cloves, minced
n 1 Tbs. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
n 4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
n 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
n 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Cooking:
n 2 Tbs. olive oil, for searing
Basting finish:
n 2 Tbs. butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
n 2 garlic cloves, smashed n 1 sprig rosemary
DIRECTIONS
Mix marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag. Place lamb in bag, massage to coat, then seal and marinate in refrigerator for at least 24 hours (up to 48 hours). Remove lamb from fridge 1 hour prior to cooking, to ensure even cooking.
Wrap each bone with a small piece of foil. This keeps the bones white. Preheat oven to 390°F.
Heat 1 Tbs. oil in a cast iron skillet (or other oven-proof, heavy-based skillet) over high heat. Sear one lamb rack on all sides until golden brown, including the ends. Remove and repeat with other lamb rack.
Place both racks in the skillet and roast for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 135°F (for medium-rare). Remove pan from oven.
Add butter, smashed garlic and rosemary to pan. The residual heat of the pan will melt the butter. Spoon the butter over the lamb continuously for 30 seconds.
Remove lamb from skillet and place on a rack set over a tray. Pour butter remaining in the skillet over lamb. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes.
Cut lamb into individual cutlets or several cutlets per slice.
“This is a delicious way to enjoy a high-quality protein. Lamb is rich in essential fatty acids, protein, iron and B12, and rack of lamb is a flavorful cut. Trim most of the visible fat next to the bone before cooking.”
Laurie Wasserman, Life Hive Nutrition, Roseland
TASTES
PORK ROAST IN PAN WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES
Yields 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 1 8-bone center cut rack of pork ribs, frenched
n 1 tsp. seasoned salt
n ½ tsp. black pepper
n 1 cup Italian salad dressing
n 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
n 1½ Tbs. finely minced fresh rosemary
n ½ Tbs. finely minced fresh thyme
n 4 large carrots, peeled, halved widthwise
n 12 Brussels sprouts, halved
n 16 baby potatoes (ping pong ball sized), pierced with fork
n 1 red onion, cut into eighths
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle seasoned salt and pepper over rack of pork ribs and rub it in. In a large bowl, combine the Italian dressing, garlic, rosemary and thyme; stir well.
Reserve 1/3 cup marinade. To the large bowl, add the rack of pork ribs and toss to coat.
Place pork rack of ribs on a greased sheet pan. Add cut vegetables to the remaining marinade and toss to coat. Arrange marinade coated vegetables around the rack of pork ribs.
Cover tips of rib bones with foil and bake at 375°F for 75 to 90 minutes or until the pork registers 140°F with an instant-read thermometer.
“Fresh herbs are the star here, as they are packed with antioxidants. To make it more heart healthy, swap out the pork ribs for a tenderloin or pork chop. In addition, make your own salad dressing. Bottled dressings can contain high amounts of saturated and polyunsaturated fat and usually aren’t made with the highest quality oils.”
Laurie Wasserman, Life Hive Nutrition, Roseland
Pour It On
Both citrusy sweet and sour, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect sip for spring’s warmer days.
APRIL SHOWERS COCKTAIL
Makes: 2 servings
INGREDIENTS
n 3 oz. gin
n 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
n 11/2 Tbs. agave nectar
n 6 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice
n edible flowers for garnish, optional
DIRECTIONS
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, agave nectar and grapefruit juice, shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with edible flowers (optional).
MORRIS COUNTY’S
2025 TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS
MORRIS COUNTY IS HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST SEASONED AND TALENTED REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS IN THE COUNTRY.
To help readers find the best agents to work with, Morris & Essex magazine contracted DataJoe Research of Boulder, Colorado to facilitate a multi-faceted research campaign. It consisted of an online survey delivered directly to agents across Morris County via email as well as internet research. In the survey, real estate agents were asked to provide sales volume ranges and also nominate their peers. In the internet campaign, DataJoe consulted a variety of websites to build richer knowledge of individual licensed real estate agents across the county.
DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at the time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If they were not able to find evidence of a real estate agent’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that real estate agent was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied results to Morris & Essex magazine for final review.
We recognize that there are many good real estate agents who are not shown on the representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the county.
BOONTON
GLEN BAKER
RE/MAX Select 518 Main St. Boonton, NJ 07005 973-727-8539
BUTLER
LAURA BELLINI
Coldwell Banker Realty 1450 Route 23 North Butler, NJ 07405
973-650-2357 | 973-838-9300
BETTY HEDDEN
Coldwell Banker Realty 1450 Route 23 North Butler, NJ 07405
973-713-5714 | 973-713-5714
CHATHAM
MARY WEICHERT
Weichert Realtors
64 Main St. Chatham, NJ 07928
201-532-0788
CHESTER
DEBRA BURKE
Coldwell Banker Realty
191 Main St., Suite 230 Chester, NJ 07930 201-230-4725 | 908-879-4900
MEEKA KULKARNI
Weichert Realtors
142 Main St. Chester, NJ 07930
908-334-4605 | 908-879-7010
THEODORE MILLER II
Coldwell Banker Realty 191 Main St., Suite 230 Chester, NJ 07930
CENTURY 21 Christel Realty 165 East Main St. Rockaway, NJ 07866 609-220-0933 | 973-627-6800
NICOLE FLETCHER
RE/MAX Select 20 W. Main St. Rockaway, NJ 07866 973-934-9095 | 973-886-7831
SUSAN WADLEIGH
Exit Realty 1 Bank St. Rockaway, NJ 07866 201-936-8804 | 973-386-9900
IAN WOLF
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan 100 Enterprise Dr., Suite 301 Rockaway, NJ 07866 201-838-6367 | 973-539-1120
SIMA WOLF
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan 100 Enterprise Dr., Suite 301 Rockaway, NJ 07866 201-874-2218 | 973-539-1120
SUCCASUNNA
ORIE FISCHETTI
RE/MAX Town & Valley II 211 Route 10 East Succasunna, NJ 07876 973-229-0022
RICK RUOTOLO
RE/MAX Town & Valley II 211 Route 10 East Succasunna, NJ 07876 973-361-7700 | 973-723-7777
WASHINGTON
MARK DUKE
ERA Duke Realtors 304 E. Washington Ave., Route 57 Washington, NJ 07882 908-689-3500
ESSEX COUNTY’S
2025 TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS
ESSEX COUNTY IS HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST SEASONED AND TALENTED REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS IN THE COUNTRY.
To help readers find the best agents to work with, Morris & Essex magazine contracted DataJoe Research of Boulder, Colorado to facilitate a multi-faceted research campaign. It consisted of an online survey delivered directly to agents across Essex County via email as well as internet research. In the survey, real estate agents were asked to provide sales volume ranges and also nominate their peers. In the internet campaign, DataJoe consulted a variety of websites to build richer knowledge of individual licensed real estate agents across the county.
DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had, at the time of review, a current, active license status with the appropriate state regulatory board. If they were not able to find evidence of a real estate agent’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that real estate agent was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied results to Morris & Essex magazine for final review.
We recognize that there are many good real estate agents who are not shown on the representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the county.
CALDWELL
HELENE HARRISON
Coldwell Banker Realty
307 Bloomfield Ave. Caldwell, NJ 07006
973-714-8975 | 973-226-2577
KATHLEEN MILINKOVICH
Coldwell Banker Realty
307 Bloomfield Ave. Caldwell, NJ 07006
973-610-4207 | 973-226-2577
FAIRFIELD
VITO CONTUZZI
Century 21 The Crossing 435 Hollywood Ave. Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-652-9303 | 973-227-7000
RICH KIM
Real Estate ServicesRich Kim Group 165 Passaic Ave., Suite 205 Fairfield, NJ 07004 201-500-4886
LIVINGSTON
BONITA AREMAN
Coldwell Banker Realty
2 E. Mount Pleasant Ave. Livingston, NJ 07039 973-568-0341 | 973-994-4323
ELLEN GONIK
Coldwell Banker Realty
2 E. Mount Pleasant Ave. Livingston, NJ 07039 973-879-9467 | 973-994-4323
32 Valley Rd. Montclair, NJ 07042 201-675-6137 | 973-783-6900
TRACY NIX
Sotheby’s International Realty
32 Valley Rd. Montclair, NJ 07042
917-439-1832 | 973-783-6900
AMY OWENS
Keller Williams NJ Metro Group
237 Lorraine Ave. Montclair, NJ 07043
201-396-2927 | 973-783-7400
MARIA RAMPINELLI
Sotheby’s International Realty
32 Valley Rd. Montclair, NJ 07042
973-868-2931
MARY RYDER
Keller Williams NJ Metro Group
237 Lorraine Ave. Montclair, NJ 07043
973-477-3657 | 973-783-7400
NICHOLAS SALEMME
Prestige Property Group
Montclair
7 N. Willow St. Montclair, NJ 07042
551-655-5708 | 201-627-5071
DANA SCHWERN
Compass
113 Grove St. Montclair, NJ 07042
201-657-5201 | 973-310-7360
DAVEN P. SHAH
Prestige Property Group
Montclair
7 N. Willow St. Montclair, NJ 07042
201-627-5071
BRETT SIKORA
eXp Realty
28 Valley Rd., Suite 1 Montclair, NJ 07042
973-590-8205 201-221-2551
VIKRAM VASISHT
Sotheby’s International Realty
32 Valley Rd. Montclair, NJ 07042
917-685-2606 | 973-783-6900
FRANK VAZQUEZ
Elite Realtors of New Jersey
28 Valley Rd., Suite 132 Montclair, NJ 07042
973-865-4163
ALBERTO WELLS
eXp Realty
28 Valley Rd., Suite 1 Montclair, NJ 07042
973-315-5242 | 866-201-6210
VALARIE TART WILLIAMS
eXp Realty
28 Valley Rd., Suite 1
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-641-3358 | 866-201-6210
ALBERT WRIGHT
eXp Realty
28 Valley Rd., Suite 1
Montclair, NJ 07042
848-218-4003
NEWARK
AUGUSTO VERISSIMO
Weichert Realtors
112 Jabez St., Suite 106 Newark, NJ 07105
973-420-5317 | 201-293-6333
NUTLEY
MATTHEW DE FEDE
Realty Executives Elite Homes
653 Franklin Ave.
Nutley, NJ 07110
862-228-0554 | 973-846-0065
CARL LORDI
eXp Realty - Park Square Realty
244 Chestnut St.
Nutley, NJ 07110
973-477-5216
SHORT HILLS
SUE ADLER
Keller Williams Realty
518 Millburn Ave.
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-936-9129 | 973-376-0033
ANGELA D’ARIES
Sotheby’s International Realty
555 Millburn Ave.
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-650-8898
PETER DECICCO
Compass
1200 Morris Turnpike
Suite 3005
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-420-4401 | 856-214-2639
ARLENE GONNELLA
Weichert Realtors
505 Millburn Ave.
Short Hills, NJ 07078
201-306-1357 | 973-376-4545
SARITTE HAREL
Keller Williams Realty
518 Millburn Ave.
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-713-9464
VICTORIA HELLER
Compass
1200 Morris Turnpike
Suite 3005
Short Hills, NJ 07078
917-450-8358 | 973-310-6816
STAN KAY
Compass
1200 Morris Turnpike
Suite 3005
Short Hills, NJ 07078
908-209-4615 | 973-310-6816
JENNIFER LIEBERMAN
Coldwell Banker Realty
545 Millburn Ave.
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-477-2301 | 973-376-5200
LARA LIQUORI
Compass
1200 Morris Turnpike
Suite 3005
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-382-5386 | 973-310-6816
STEPHANIE MALLIOS
Compass
1200 Morris Turnpike
Suite 3005
Short Hills, NJ 07078
201-404-1972 | 973-310-6816
SUSAN OLDENDORP
Compass
1200 Morris Turnpike
Suite 3005
Short Hills, NJ 07078
201-400-8714
XIAOXING ZHAO
Compass
1200 Morris Turnpike
Suite 3005
Short Hills, NJ 07078
908-868-3372 | 973-310-6816
SOUTH ORANGE
FRAN LICHTMAN
Hearth Realty Group 22 1st St. South Orange, NJ 07079 646-734-3718 | 973-919-5055
WEST ORANGE
DAVID MOHAN
RE/MAX Solutions 99 Northfield Ave., Suite 8 West Orange, NJ 07052 973-731-1200 | 973-517-2278
GLORIA PEREZ
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Jordan Baris Realty 50 Mount Pleasant Ave. West Orange, NJ 07052 973-960-9640 | 908-735-9700
GLORIA LAFORGIA, Sales Associate, CRS, ABR
Ranked among the top 1% of Weichert agents out of 4600 nationwide, #90 companywide, #19 regional. Gloria is a proud recipient of the NJ 5 Star Realtor Award from 2014-2024, and was recently featured in Fortune Magazine 2024 Market Leaders. This is an award which is voted on by past and present clients. In 2022, Gloria earned the prestigious Circle of Excellence Sales Award, Platinum Level, the highest level of recognition in real estate. She has also been a recipient of the NJ Circle of Excellence Sales Award for 25+ years.
Gloria launched her real estate career in 1994 and has since helped buyers and sellers across all price ranges, from first-time homebuyers to luxury clients. With over 490 homes sold and a total sales volume exceeding $234 million, she brings a wealth of experience to the industry.
As an expert in Morris and Essex Counties, Gloria is recognized as “The East Hanover Specialist” and has listed and sold more homes in her hometown than any other Realtor. She leads The La Forgia Group, which includes two buyer’s agents and an assistant, and has built a thriving business driven by referrals, repeat clients, and strong online visibility. In today’s dynamic market, having a seasoned agent is more important than ever. While low inventory continues to create a strong sellers' market, Gloria’s expertise ensures a smooth and successful transaction for her sellers and buyers.
WEICHERT REALTORS
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
1625 Route 10 East, Morris Plains, NJ 07950
C: 973.477.4632 | www.glorialaforgia.com
NCJAR DISTINGUISHED SALES REP, CRS, ABR
GORDON CRAWFORD
An expert among experts in the real estate industry. Gordon Crawford leads the Crawford Lorenzo Home Selling Team as a top producer in Northern NJ for more than 45 years! Early in his career, Gordon became one of the most successful and trusted agents in Northern New Jersey. Building his business and reputation on four core values (Honestly, Hard Work, Personal Responsibility and Common Sense), Gordon has successfully created a team of 12 full-time executive agents who also hold those same values and work ethic. Each agent provides their clients with an exceptional level of first-class service. Gordon’s team is #1 at Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan and continues to outpace the market. Last year, 2024, when the real estate market was down overall, The Crawford Lorenzo Home Selling Team had 100 transactions totalling $67 million in sales. Whether you’re listing your first home, a luxury home, you’re a first-time buyer, upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, we are here to help.
Elvira Green is widely regarded as one of the most trusted and top-performing Realtors in Morris County. She has received the NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award for 11 consecutive years, from 2014 to 2024.
Elvira sets an unparalleled standard of professionalism and excellence, providing outstanding service to every client.
Elvira’s clients have full confidence in her expertise, efficiency and keen ability to identify potential issues before they arise.
As a lifetime resident of Florham Park and Madison, Elvira has deep-rooted connections to these highly sought-after communities, where she raises her family. Elvira’s clients find that there’s no substitute for her invaluable financial background, expert negotiating skills and proven track record of success.
Before becoming a Realtor, Elvira was a mortgage associate with Wells Fargo Mortgage helping borrowers understand their loan options. She also worked as a compliance specialist for Merrill Lynch & Co managing retirement investment plans for Fortune 500 companies. With a BA in Business from Caldwell University, Elvira’s extensive background only strengthens her ability to deliver exceptional results.
Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Morris and Essex counties are home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.
BELLEVILLE
Solar Do Minho
15 Cleveland St. 973.844.0500 solardominho belleville.com
Topaz Thai
137 Washington Ave. 973.759.7425 topazthainj2021.com
BLOOMFIELD
Bella Napoli
1640 Broad St. 973.338.8500 bellanapolinj.com
Binh Duong
61 Belleville Ave.
973.680.8440 binhduongrestaurant.com
Bloomfield Steak & Seafood House
409 Franklin St. 973.680.4500 eatbeefgethooked.com
Stamna 1055 Broad St. 973.338.5151 stamnataverna.com
• Engaging Health & Wellness Presentations by Experts from Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Christian Health, and Valley Hospital —Moderated by Bergen magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Rita Guarna.
Topics include:
• Menopausal Health & Integrative Medicine
• Health & Aging: Conversations from the Heart
• Early Detection: Understanding Breast & Gynecologic Cancers
• Dozens of exhibits
• E xciting raffle prizes—all proceeds benefit local non-profits
• Special Guest: Danielle Sherman-Lazar —social media entrepreneur, mental health advocate, author, and mom of four!
• Buffet dinner and cash bar
• Swag bags for all attendees!
RESTAURANT REVIEW
New Cuisine Combo
Uncle Momo will bring French–Lebanese fusion to Denville’s dining scene.
Between updates on friends’ cats and the buzz in the pop-culture world, my social-media accounts are flooded with images of mouthwatering food and news on the local dining scene. I pay closer attention to the food photos than to the felines, frankly, because I’m always looking for something new. So when news broke this past winter that Montclair’s Uncle Momo was planning to open a Denville location (it was scheduled to open this month), I immediately put it on my radar.
A brief history lesson: The Montclair location opened in 2012 as Uncle Moustache, but the owners shortened the name a year later to Uncle Momo. It specializes in French–Lebanese fusion—a combination between two cuisines I enjoy separately, but haven’t experienced together. So with the Denville spot on the verge of opening, my girlfriend and I—curious and excited for the new eatery—went back to where it started in Montclair.
Uncle Momo is located along one of the township’s main thoroughfares, one of Morris County’s top dining destinations. The decor is warm and welcoming; it felt rustic yet gave Brooklyn-hipster vibes. The menu had the same cool charm, with brunch offerings ranging from sweet-and-savory crepes, avocado toasts and yogurt parfaits to heftier options such as lamb chops and the special Momo burger. We were thinking late lunch on this Saturday afternoon, and we decided to start with a shared small plate: tabbouleh. When I’ve ordered this dish elsewhere, it has typically been served in either a bowl or plate with pita or similar bread. At Momo, the mix of fresh parsley, bulgur, tomato and onion is served on, and meant to be scooped with, large lettuce leaves. The whole thing was delightfully fresh, and the perfect mix of herb, veggie and whole grain not only tasted fantastic but made me feel healthful as well.
For my main course, I considered my go-tos for dining at a Lebanese or similar Mediterranean restaurant: chicken shawarma,
kofta kabab and salmon. Ah, but this day was different, and something new to my taste buds was calling: ouzi. It’s a traditional Middle Eastern rice dish that’s made with relatively simple ingredients (peas, carrots, onions, raisins, almonds and spices) but oozing with aromatics and flavors. Other kitchens present it as a plate of rice, but Uncle Momo stuffs it inside filo dough that’s baked to a flaky crisp. Cutting into the filo and spilling out the contents— including tender, rich-tasting lamb chunks that I added to the order—made for a great Instagram moment and a truly palatepleasing bite.
My girlfriend, meanwhile, was in her element. “I love a mezze plate,” she said before ordering the Momo Mezze, a full plate of small dishes. Of the eight choices, she selected six: hummus, moutabal beets (with tahini, garlic and pomegranate molasses), babaganoush, mujadara (lentils and bulgur), labne and spinach with chickpeas. Though its portions were considered “small,” the plate had more than generous amounts of each of the various dips and plenty of pita to try each one. That was good news for me, as I often picked at her dish between bites from my own. My favorite was the beets, with their earthy flavor and tanginess. Hers was a toss-up between the garlicky babaganoush and the lentils, one of her preferred legumes.
For dessert, which honestly we didn’t really have to order (we were so full by then), we split saffron rice pudding. It had a strong saffron flavor, as its name implies, with a hint of rosewater—that’s two tastes that don’t appeal to everyone. While I loved it, my girlfriend was done after one bite. That’s OK—more for me.
Social-media photos feed our eyes (and tempt our friends), but nothing satisfies like trying food in real life. And the Uncle Momo experience is one I’m looking forward to repeating often.
—Darius Amos
by Darius Amos
Photos
HOME & GARDEN SHOWCASE
GEORGE’S AND SONS GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INC.
George’s and sons General Construction Inc., is a family operated company that’s has been in business since 2005. This year marks 20 years in business. We have a great reputation because we try to leave all our customers satisfied with our work. We work more with recommendations from our previous customers who stay satisfied. We guarantee all of our work. We have a A+ in the Better Business Bureau. We operate out of West Orange NJ but we services Morris, Union, Passic and Essex County. We work as a team and all our employees have work with us for more then 3 years. Give a call for a free estimate at 973-414-6190.
973.414.6190
WWW.GEORGESSONSCONST.COM
GEORGESSONSCONST@YAHOO.COM
GPS SHOWROOMS
You’ll find plenty of “advice” when you embark on a home remodel, but there’s no substitute for real expertise. Since 1910, GPS design, supply and remodel specialists have guided homeowners and contractors through countless unique and challenging projects. Whether you’re looking for the perfect faucet to garnish your kitchen masterpiece or looking to bathe in inspiration for your dream bathroom, stop by your local GPS Showroom for exceptional expertise, top brands, and unmatched service.
GPS SHOWROOMS: BAYONNE ∙ BERGENFIELD
FLEMINGTON ∙ GREEN BROOK ∙ HAWTHORNE
LAKEWOOD ∙ MATAWAN ∙ MORRIS PLAINS ∙ ORANGE
PISCATAWAY | WWW.SHOPGPS.COM
KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES: EATONTOWN
MANHASSET ∙ PARAMUS | WWW.KOHLERBYGPS.COM
MAGNOLIA HOME REMODELING GROUP
Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is a family owned and operated NJ Home Remodeling Contractor offering kitchen, bathroom and basement remodeling as well as siding, roofing and window installation. We also offer porch remodeling, decks, masonry, patios and more, with a variety of affordable product choices to fit any budget. Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and is fully Insured with over 30 years of industry experience. We are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner and encourage everyone to check our reviews on Google, Houzz, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, Yelp and BBB!
855.624.6655
WWW.MAGNOLIAHOMEREMODELING.COM
SCENIC LANDSCAPING
Scenic Landscaping, the premiere landscape design-build firm, is celebrating 50 years of award winning projects. In collaboration with our sister companies, Tapestry Landscape Architecture and Tranquility Pools, we provide superior craftsmanship and creativity. Our services include everything from intimate gardens, to custom pools, outdoor living spaces, and entire property transformations. We pride ourselves on our ability to exceed all expectations while bringing our clients visions to life.
7 ARGYLE RD., HASKELL
973.616.9600
WWW.SCENICLANDSCAPING.COM
Be There
From flowers and food trucks to plays and parades, there’s something for everyone this spring in our counties.
APRIL 13
Is it even spring if you don’t see the cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park in Newark?
The annual BLOOMFEST is the ideal time to enjoy these colorful trees, as the free event includes cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, food, a marketplace and plenty of photo ops. Head to the park between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to join the celebration. For more, visit essexcountyparks.org.
APRIL 19
Relive the smooth sounds of Motown when THE TEMPTATIONS AND THE FOUR TOPS play Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center as part of their 40th Anniversary Tour. The legendary singing groups will belt out fan favorites like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “I Can’t Help Myself,” “Baby I Need Your Loving” and more. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets and more details are available at njpac.org.
APRIL 20
The Northeast Earth Coalition (NEC) will hold its EARTH DAY CELEBRATION from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Montclair’s Crane Park. Visitors can enjoy live music while browsing environmental displays and participating in volunteer opportunities. Find out more about the free event at experiencemontclair.org.
APRIL 25–27
Head to the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown for CLUE, one of the greatest whodunnits ever. There are four live performances over three days to enjoy the mystery, comedy and suspense of the show. Check mayoarts.org for showtimes and tickets.
MAY 2
Guys aren’t the only ones flicking wrist shots this time of year. Watch the NEW YORK SIRENS of the Professional Women’s Hockey League take on the Montreal Victoire during a 7 p.m. game at Newark’s Prudential Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. contest. Head to prucenter.com to purchase your tickets now.
MAY 2–18
Audiences of all ages will love KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL, which is being staged The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of NJ, in Netcong. Based on the award-winning picture book, Knuffle Bunny tells the tale of a girl on a journey to save her beloved staffed animal. Multiple performances are available. info and tickets, visit growingstage.com.
MAY 3
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival will feature dozens of artists, who’ll be showing and selling their pieces vendors out
MAY Morris MEMORIAL which Glenbrook Mountain early your along parade and VFW games, refreshments.
Food, music, fun and games—sounds like the perfect day. You’ll find it all at the CHESTER FOOD TRUCK AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening at Municipal Field from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be 18 food trucks, three live bands, a beer garden, kids’ activities, vendors and more. Admission is $5, free for kids 5 and under. Proceeds will benefit the Chester First Aid Squad and the Chester/Mendham Food Pantry.
Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. production’s month-long Sunday caption Showtimes papermill.org
Gatherings
Morris and Essex residents always show up to support their friends and neighbors.
1. COOPERMAN BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center were treated to a special presentation to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The Center for Asian Health presented the event to commemorate Lunar New Year.
2-3. PROJECT HOMELESS
Morris County hosted its annual Project Homeless Connect event at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown. The program brought together more than 40 organizations to provide essential services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
4. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity was recently honored by the Morris County Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce as Community/Nonprofit Organization of the Year.
5. THE SEEING EYE
The Madison High School Girls’ ice hockey team dedicated their year-long fundraiser to The Seeing Eye, a nonprofit that trains guide dogs. The players represented the organization by wearing their practice jerseys at one of their recent games.
6. MORRIS MUSEUM
The Morris Museum recently hosted NJPBS for a VIP screening of “Treasures of New Jersey: Jockey Hollow.” The latest film in the series focuses on Morristown’s historic Jockey Hollow, a key location of the Revolutionary War.
7. SOUTH MOUNTAIN YMCA
The South Mountain YMCA in Maplewood started off the year by celebrating its amazing staff. The team appreciation event featured plenty of prizes, delicious food, music, laughter, and fun for all.
“My children and I were participating in a New Year’s Day ‘day one’ hike in Hedden Park in Randolph with the Firefly Forest School. Later that day, we hiked along the Appalachian Trail boardwalk. It was a perfect way to start the year, enjoying all nature has to offer with other like-minded parents.”
