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CONTENTS

Towering Lighthouses Harbor The History of Maritime New Jersey (And They Make Great Day Trips!) BY WENDY GREENBERG

The Ins and Outs of Alfresco (or Close to Alfresco) Dining BY WENDY GREENBERG

Shore, Surf, & Open Water: New Jersey Coastal Fishing BY TAYLOR SMITH

An Ecological Inventory: The Impact of Invasive Species

BY TAYLOR SMITH

SUMMER 2019

Inspired Steps: Montclairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buzz Aldrin and the Apollo 11 Mission BY DONALD H. SANBORN III

If Walls Could Talk: The Immigration Experience at Historic Ellis Island

BY TAYLOR SMITH

Urban Books: Reimagining Immigration BY STUART MITCHNER

Fashion & Design: A Well-Designed Life

40 52 Official crew photo of the Apollo 11 Prime Crew. (NASA)

On the Cover: The Restaurant at Maritime Parc. Photography by Peter Bonilla.

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50, 52

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SANAYI313 VIVARA SANDAL, BERGDORFGOODMAN.COM; THE RESTAURANT AT MARITIME PARC; BARNEGAT LIGHT, SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; EMERALD ASH BORER, SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; APOLLO 11 PRIME CREW, NASA; FORNASETTI PESCI APPETIZER SET, AMARA.COM; ELLIS ISLAND ARCHIVE PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; ELLIS ISLAND ARRIVALS, ELLIS ISLAND MURAL DETAIL, 1937, PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS SERVICE, GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, WASHINGTON, DC.; SURF FISHING, SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

TOWERING LIGHTHOUSES HARBOR THE HISTORY OF MARITIME NEW JERSEY (AND THEY MAKE GREAT DAY TRIPS!) BY WENDY GREENBERG

East Point Lighthouse shutterstock.com

The ﬁrst known engraving of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, 1790. (NPS)

Sandy Hook Lighthouse in 1968 with Fort Hancock buildings. (Photograph courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)

gleaming white lighthouse, capped with red, which are open to the public. (There are about 15 lost lighthouses, and towers over a strip of land at Sandy Hook, other towers and lightships standing, but not open to the public.) between Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic Lighthouse lore — coordinates, beam distance, classes, and Ocean. The lighthouse has been standing there characteristics of lights — is all there for those who want to find the facts. since it was built in 1764. And, for those who just want breathtaking views of the coast, 11 towers “Think about that,” muses Carol Winkie, await your sensible shoes. president of the New Jersey Lighthouse Most have been lovingly and meticulously restored by area citizen Society (NJLHS). “Sandy Hook Lighthouse, groups so visitors can enjoy the panoramas that reward them after the oldest lighthouse in the United States, was climbing narrow and often winding staircases. But the destinations have built before the United States was a country.” plenty to offer even for those who don’t climb up the steps, not the least Sandy Hook is the lone survivor of the Eastern of which is oft-overlooked history. Seaboard Colonial lighthouses. The lighthouses of New Jersey that stand THINK MARITIME today are beacons of maritime history. It is a quirky history, and a fascinating Sara Cureton, head of the New Jersey one. The “ABCs” (Absecon, Barnegat, Historical Commission, who was a and Cape May) were designed by keeper at Absecon Lighthouse for George G. Meade, a hero of the nine years, emphasizes the state’s Battle of Gettysburg. Finn’s Point maritime history when asked about Rear Range Lighthouse was built the shore. in Buffalo, N.Y., shipped by railroad, “I think New Jersey is justifiably and pulled on wagons by mules to known for the Jersey Shore, but Supawana Meadows National Wildlife people do think of beaches and Refuge in 1877. The Tinicum Rear boardwalks as the predominant Range Lighthouse sits in a football images,” she says. “The part of the practice field in Paulsboro. story that gets overlooked is that And, sadly, the original 1868 On October 12, 1927, the lighthouse keeper’s nephew Paul Rider photographed the Tucker's Island New Jersey is a maritime state and Tucker’s Island Lighthouse, a white Lighthouse toppling into the water. (Photos courtesy of Kraig Anderson, lighthousefriends.com) the New Jersey story includes a rich tower with red trim, went into the sea maritime history.” in 1927, and soon after the entire island, formerly a resort, was wiped out. With the state’s seaboard located between New York and Philadelphia, A replica stands today. there was “tremendous maritime traffic traveling our shoreline,” Cureton notes. “Because of shipwrecks and the need to safely navigate, lighthouses were built.” LIGHTHOUSE LORE Sandy Hook was built to address the dangers of coastal ocean travel, but lighthouse service was not standardized until the mid-19th century “Steadfast, serene, immovable…” is how the poet Henry Wadsworth with the building of Absecon, Barnegat, and Cape May lighthouses, which Longfellow described the lighthouse in 1849. And 170 years after he wrote “The Lighthouse,” we can not only still see many of the imposing happen to be the three tallest in the state. Many lighthouses are still equipped with a Fresnel lens — a multilighthouses that dot the New Jersey shoreline, but we can climb those

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Barnegat Lighthouse at sunset. Barnegat Lighthouse is a historic landmark located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island. (shutterstock.com)

part lens invented by physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel of France — which consists of a beehive arrangement of glass prisms, allowing light to be seen over greater distances. The NJLHS, one of the largest regional lighthouse societies in the U.S., has assisted on many lighthouse preservations, and on cleaning Fresnel lenses so they can be used or displayed on lighthouse sites, or in museums. The lighthouse society has helped in making renovations possible, including a railing at Finn’s Point, and help in obtaining grants.

built within a house); when the light was first lit; the number of steps; the height; the colors; title of person who took care of the lighthouse; and who or what organization maintains the light. Each lighthouse is unique and all have a “personal” history. For example, Gugliemo Marconi demonstrated the wireless telegraph from Navesink Twin Towers in 1899. Navesink was one of the first electrically-lit seacoast lighthouses in the country. Adds Cureton, “What is fun is comparing different lighthouses. They are all different on purpose. Every lighthouse has its own colors and flash THE ROMANCE OF patterns so ships can tell them apart. LIGHTHOUSES “I think for folks starting out visiting, the fun thing would be to pick two Jean Muchanic, keeper of the Absecon different ones — get a sense of the range Lighthouse near Atlantic City, credits of geography, the style.” a fellow lighthouse fan in explaining Consider, she says, the geography, the romance of lighthouses. “Other whether they are on the ocean, or continents, more ancient than the inlets. There was a need for mariners to United States, have castles and differentiate during the day and night. structures that last through time,” They daymark was physical appearance she says. “Lighthouses are akin to — pattern colors, stripes. And at night, these. They are recognized as having the pattern of light itself, whether it was tremendous value to our history.” a flash, pattern, or fixed light. Muchanic also explained why some Some, like those at Hereford Inlet, lighthouses have different ways of East Point, and Sea Girt, have small reporting height. Some measure height houses integrated into the buildings. by bricks and mortar. Others measure Others, like Sandy Hook, are by focal plane, which is where the light pyramidal with an octagonal base. shines out to sea. A lighthouse built on Barnegat’s tall tower is a conical shape. a cliff would have a taller focal plane Barnegat Lighthouse in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Illustration originally published in Hesse-Wartegg's Rear range means that ship captains Nord Amerika, Swedish edition published in 1880. (Public domain illstration) whereas Absecon’s tower, for example, must line up the light from the rear range is right on the ground. It is the tallest in New Jersey and the country’s with the lights of the front range lights in order to be able to turn the ship third tallest masonry lighthouse in terms of bricks and mortar. to keep it in the channel, such as at Finn’s Point and Tinicum.

BEST WAY TO VISIT

LIGHTHOUSE DAY AUGUST 7

What is the best way to visit lighthouses? Winkie would like visitors to be able to observe aspects like type of lighthouse (tall tower, skeletal, or

To better get to know each lighthouse, Winkie recommends participating in a special day this summer. She pointed out that the Ninth Act of the

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SUMMER 2019

Abescon Lighthouse. (Photo by Donna Connor)

Cape May Lighthouse. (shutterstock.com)

First Congress of the U.S. on August 7, 1789 created the Lighthouse Service under Alexander Hamilton’s Treasury Department. In 1989, the 200th anniversary of the Lighthouse Act, National Lighthouse Day was inaugurated. NJLHS celebrates by encouraging all lighthouses to be open August 7 for a free climb or reduced rate, with some exceptions. Some lighthouses will observe National Lighthouse Day the first Sunday of August. Please check the NJLHS website to see when each lighthouse celebrates. Youthful climbers will get a junior keeper certificate. This precedes the annual fall Lighthouse Challenge, which attracts more than 1,500 hearty climbers, this year on October 19 and 20, 2019. The NJLHS has an extensive website at www.njlhs.org with a membership form, which Winkie encourages enthusiasts to complete. She says, “We want to attract a new generation of lighthouse fans.”

NEW JERSEY’S OPEN LIGHTHOUSES

Barnegat Lighthouse 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light 609.494.2016 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/barnlig.html “Old Barney” offers majestic views of Long Beach Island. The site of the lighthouse on the northern part of the island was an important change of course point for coastal vessels, which depended on the lighthouse to avoid shoals. It was re-lit on January 1, 2009, 150 years to the day it was originally lit in 1859. The original lens is on display at the nearby Barnegat Light Historical Society and Museum. Without climbing, visitors can see views from the top through four cameras that transmit live images to screens in the Interpretive Center. Located in Island Beach State Park. Climbing fee. Steps: 217. Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day, open daily 10am to 4:30pm . (Off season, weekends only, 9am to 3:30pm .)

Cape May Lighthouse 215 Lighthouse Avenue (Rt. 626) Cape May Point 609.884.5404 www.capemaymac.org

Absecon Lighthouse 31 South Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City 609.449.1360 www.abseconlighthouse.org Want an awesome view of Atlantic City? Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, is also the third tallest masonry lighthouse in the U.S. at 171 feet tall. Completed in 1857, it is the only lighthouse in the state with its original first-order Fresnel lens still in place at the top. Although Absecon was decommissioned in 1933, it is lit every evening, thanks to a restoration by the Inlet Public Private Association (IPPA). Other activities include a museum, keeper’s house replica, children’s programs, and theme parties. A bonus: keeper Jean Muchanic officiates at weddings on site. Climbing fee. Steps: 228. Hours: September to June – open Thursdays through Mondays, 11am to 4 pm . July and August – open daily 10am to 5 pm ; Thursdays until 8pm . (Last tower climb is 1/2 hour before closing.)

The third time was the charm…. In 1821, Congress appropriated money for the construction of a lighthouse at Cape May Point, and that lighthouse was completed in October, 1823. After some 25 years, beach erosion put the tower in water at high tide. A second lighthouse was built more inland, on a high bluff, with a light showing 14 feet higher than the first one. Yet this lighthouse was eventually razed and the present one was built in 1859, further inshore, equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, lit by kerosene wick lamps. In 1938, a 250-watt electric bulb cast a beam for 19 miles. The light is now visible 24 miles to sea. The Fresnel lens is at the Cape May County Historical and Genealogical Museum in Cape May Court House. Nautical-themed story times are held from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Family Fun days are Wednesdays in July and August. Look for full moon lighthouse climbs. Located at Cape May Point State Park. Parking: free. Admission fee. Steps: 199, open grid. Hours: Call to confirm — through mid-June, daily 10am to 4pm ; mid-June to mid-August, daily 9am to 5pm ; September, 10am to 5pm ; reduced hours fall and winter.

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East Point Lighthouse. (shutterstock.com)

Sea Girt Lighthouse. (shutterstock.com)

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. (shutterstock.com)

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse 111 North Central Avenue, North Wildwood 609.600.1561 www.herefordinletlighthouse.com

East Point Lighthouse 10 Lighthouse and East Point Roads, Heislerville 856.785.0349 www.eastpointlight.com

Tucker’s Island, replica. (Wikipedia)

Known for many years as the Maurice River Lighthouse, it is the second oldest lighthouse in New Jersey, built in 1849. The lighthouse was blackened out during WWII, and it was decommissioned in December, 1941. With no keepers, it quickly deteriorated and in February, 1971, the Maurice River Historical Society was founded with the goal of restoring the lighthouse. A fire that year damaged the lantern room, roof, and most of the interior, but over the years restoration work has been completed, including an accessible ramp to the first floor. To tour the lighthouse museum, check the schedule for times and dates. Admission fee, but free for 12 and under. Steps in tower: 17. Hours: July through September, every weekend from 1-4pm .

While the Wildwoods are known for beaches and boardwalks, Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is surrounded by English country gardens that showcase more than 200 plant varieties. The lighthouse, built in 1874 to stem frequent shipwrecks, is the only lighthouse on the East Coast built in Swiss Gothic style. As a result of a storm-damaged foundation in 1913, it was moved inland. In May 1938, there was a fire in the lighthouse that caused extensive damage. Used until 1964, it was discontinued and superseded by a nearby iron tower. But in 1986, the light was relit and is maintained by the Coast Guard as a navigational aide. The original Fresnel lens is on display. Look for full moon night climbs. Admission: free. Steps: 56. Hours: May 10 to October 20, daily 9am to 5 pm ; October 21 to December 8, Friday to Sunday 10 am to 2pm .

Finn’s Point Rear Range Lighthouse Fort Mott and Lighthouse Roads, Pennsville 856.935.1487 www.friendsofsupawnarefuge.org

Sandy Hook Lighthouse 85 Mercer Road, Highlands Sandy Hook Visitor Center: 732.872.5970 www.nps.gov/gate

This 115-foot tall iron tower with a skeleton support structure was built in 1877 near a turn in the Delaware River, and was automated in 1939. It was discontinued in 1951, due to a change in the shipping channel. The keeper’s house was demolished in 1977, but in 1981 local citizens formed a “Save the Lighthouse” committee to refurbish the tower. It is part of the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Admission: free. Steps: 130. Hours: Third Sunday of the month through October 20, 1 to 4pm .

With its whale oil lamps lit on June 11, 1764, Sandy Hook was the fifth lighthouse to be built in the U.S. and today it is the country’s oldest operating lighthouse. New York colony merchants raised the money by lottery for its construction because of loss of property due to shipwrecks on the shallow sandbars around the hook. The 103-foot octagonal stone tower survived an attack during the Revolutionary War. The Sandy Hook lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the country to be lit by electric incandescent lamps in 1889. Since spring 2000, it has been administered by the National Park Service. Surrounded by Fort Hancock and part of Gateway National Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, birding, and a holly forest. Kids must be at least 48 inches tall to climb the tower. Steps: 95, and a nine-rung ladder to the top. Lighthouse admission: free. Hours: Lighthouse tours through October 31, 1-4:30pm ; until 3:30pm thereafter.

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Twin Lights (Navesink). (shutterstock.com)

Sea Girt Lighthouse 9 Ocean Avenue, Sea Girt 732.974.0514 www.seagirtlighthouse.com

Tucker’s Island (Replica) 120 West Main Street (Route 9), Tuckerton 609.296.8868 www.tuckertonseaport.org

Sea Girt Lighthouse was lit in 1896 to bridge the gap between the Barnegat and Navesink lighthouses after numerous shipwrecks. The last live-in lighthouse built on the Atlantic Coast, it was in disrepair until it was restored by a citizens’ committee. Today the lighthouse is open for tours, including the keeper’s office and living quarters. It was used until 1955, when the shipping lanes changed to a more easterly direction. Visitors can see historical photos and artifacts from Morro’s Castle, the cruise ship that burned offshore in 1934, when the lighthouse served as a first aid station. Admission: free. Steps: 42. Hours: Sundays 2–4PM , April through November 18, except holiday weekends.

Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum illustrates the coastal culture of Ocean County, N.J. The Seaport is a recreated maritime village and nature trail, including museum exhibits, a lighthouse, visitor center, and coffee shop. The lighthouse is a reproduction of an 1868, 42-step lighthouse that fell into the ocean in October 1927. Admission fee. Hours: Daily 10 AM to 4PM . (Last museum admission 2:30 PM .)

Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse 70 2nd Street and Mantua Avenue, Paulsboro www.tinicumrearrangelighthouse.org This still-active 1880 lighthouse, which sits in the middle of an athletic field, is equipped with a fixed red light of 1,000-watt lamps (500,000 candlepower), and is 112 feet above sea level. The Tinicum Rear Range Light Society maintains the structure, which is on the foundation of the old front range light. Admission: free. Steps: 112. Hours: The third Sunday of the month through October, noon to 4PM , and October 19-20 for the Lighthouse Challenge.

Twin Lights (Navesink) Lighthouse Road, Highlands 732.872.1814 www.twinlightslighthouse.com

The unique dual tower design of the Twin Lights (Navesink Lightstation) offers views of the Atlantic Ocean from the north tower. The first twin lights, in 1828, were two identical but unconnected towers. In 1841, the towers became the first lighthouse in the U.S. equipped with the Fresnel lens. Twin Lights was the first to be fueled by mineral oil (kerosene) in 1883, and the first electrically powered lighthouse in 1898, when a huge bivalve lens was installed in the south tower, illuminated by an electric arc lamp. At that time, the south tower became the most powerful lighthouse in the country, producing a light that could be seen 22 miles at sea, though there were reports of greater distances. By 1862 however, the lighthouses were in such a state of disrepair that the current Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse. (Wikipedia) structure replaced them, until it was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1949. The bivalve lens is at the Boston Museum of Science. The Fresnel lens was returned. The on-site museum exhibits lighthouse and lifesaving station artifacts. Admission: free. Steps: 65. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10AM to noon, and 1– 4PM.

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SAILING CHARTERS ON NEW YORK HARBOR AND BEYOND Come aboard for a morning, afternoon or sunset sail and enjoy breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline. Half day or full day cruises and sailing instruction are also available.

Your faraway place, close to home

6 Woolverton Rd. • Stockton, NJ 08559 • 609-397-0802 • www.woolvertoninn.com

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Rustic Elegance in a Beautiful Pastoral Setting Luxurious overnight accommodations Weddings, Elopements, Meetings, Retreats, Private Events

At the core of Terra Momo’s culinary philosophy is a deep appreciation for a “taste of place.” We believe that food should speak eloquently of its provenance — its soil, its climate, and the people who nurture it. Albariño Restaurant features Spanish-inspired dishes, using the best ingredients that New Jersey, and the mid-Atlantic region, have to offer. The Grove West 508 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 (732) 852-2640 | www.albarinorestaurant.com

The Ins and Outs of Alfresco (or Close to Alfresco) Dining BY WENDY GREENBERG

Battello

sure sign of summer is when tables and chairs are set outside at restaurants, frequently brightened by colorful umbrellas and accompanied by succulent summer menus. Whether you prefer an awning, an old-fashioned porch, or are a purist who shuns any barrier to the elements, now is the time to take advantage of the many alfresco options offered in the Northern New Jersey area.

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The Grand Café

One patron put it this way: “Why would I want to sit and eat in a place with artificial lighting, when I am in an office all day?” Area restaurateurs report that they field many requests for reservations at tables in the open air, even when clouds hang low. “Alfresco dining creates a different energy and vibe,” says Chris Perez, general manager of Albariño in Shrewsbury. “It’s a more natural, rustic space in which to break bread.” Restaurateur Afrim Berisha, owner of Bernardsville’s Bistro Seven Three, explains the lure, “We’re not in California or Florida where it’s nice all year. After a dreadful winter and wet spring, people want to be outside. It’s a limited season, five months or so, but they love it.” At Bistro Seven Three, the outdoor seating area is an alley between two buildings, which protects patrons from some wind but allows them to “people watch” among twinkling lights, hanging plants, and navy blue umbrellas when its sunny. The European setting, which reminds Berisha of Italy, doesn’t feel like it is on a busy street. “It’s charming,” he says. The extra 40 seats turn over twice on a weekend, adding the possibility of 80 additional dinners. Although the challenges of outdoor dining are many — permits, architects, and rain, to name a few, “It’s absolutely worth it,” says Berisha. “It’s a big winner for us. People go away in the summer and it used to be slow, but with the patio, the entire summer is busy.” The intimate patio space is open mid-April through November. “It’s BYOB and its casual – no stress!” Certain menu items just shout “summer on the patio.” For example, at Bistro Seven Three the Swordfish Kabobs with Basmati Rice, Arctic Char, and Bronzino all complement dining out of doors, as do fresh zucchini chips with a side of tzatziki sauce, oregano, and sea salt.

If George Washington stayed in Morristown today (as he did in the late 1770s), he would no doubt celebrate the end of his winter encampment by enjoying dinner alfresco at one of the many bistros lining Morris, South, or Washington streets. The outdoor patio at South and Pine in Morristown seats 40 to 50 people. “It’s like having another restaurant,” says Brittany Messuti, director of operations. She attributes its popularity to the “vibe” — BYO and relaxing. “Being in the heart of Morristown and having such a large outdoor dining area, we are really a neighborhood staple. You can just sit with a glass of wine.” The beige umbrellas cap the black lattice tables and chairs. Morristown has evolved into a top dining destination, and, with the opening of the refurbished Mayo Performing Arts Center in 2011 and its additional renovations in 2014, many restaurants have added outdoor café areas. The Committed Pig, the elegant Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen in the renovated 1918 Vail Mansion, and Nunzio’s Dolce Vita with its red chairs and umbrellas, are among those which have outdoor seating. South and Pine’s popular summer items include its signature Grilled Salmon, and Scallops. “I think about fresh, local seafood when I think about summer,” says Messuti.

“THE PATIO IS OPEN”

Outdoor dining is so popular that some restaurants let guests know the patio is open, via website, like The Grand Café in Morristown. The elegant patio, called The Grand Allee, is under a black and white striped awning and surrounded by plantings and hanging flowering plants, in a long space entered through an ornate wrought iron door. Albariño The view overlooks a pocket park, and the Morristown Green can be viewed from a distance. BUSY SIDEWALKS “What our guests say and what they love about outdoor dining is that it is away from the main street and quieter than some outdoor dining on And when one establishment offers outdoor dining, others follow suit.

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Huntley Taverne

the street, and the awning gives relief from sun and chance of inclement weather,” says General Manager Walter Hansberry. “The hanging baskets are a big hit every year and very beautiful. The food is also enjoyed by all, and the selection of cocktails and special drinks.” Ahi Tuna and Lobster Fusilli Seafood Pasta are among the fine dining summer menu items. Like Morristown, Millburn has the feel of a more bustling downtown area when the tables and chairs are out at several of its restaurants. Additionally, several alfresco choices are available in Summit, including Huntley Taverne and its celebrated porch. Huntley Taverne’s unique Mission-style architecture and romantic allseason wraparound porch provide the backdrop for its fresh seasonal menu and wines and brews. The porch seats up to 50 people for a la carte dining and a maximum of 25 for private events. “It is easily one of the most requested seating areas in the restaurant due to its wall of windows and open-air feel,” says Rebecca Budd of Harvest Restaurants, which includes in its group 3 West in Basking Ridge, Roots Steakhouse in Summit and Morristown, and Urban Table in Morristown and Basking Ridge. “The plants and hanging flowered baskets make it feel like spring all year-round, and even in cold weather months guests can’t help but gravitate toward the porch in order to cure their wintertime blues.” Huntley Taverne serves a seasonal farm-to-table style menu that changes almost daily. Highlights include a crispy Calamari Salad over frisee and radicchio with a Thai chili miso vinaigrette; Huntley’s WoodFired Pizzas; and the Harvest Pork Chop, which has been a longtime guest favorite.

SKYLINE VIEWS Those who want more of an urban view can veer east for views of New York City, and head to Jersey City, where Battello on the Hudson River offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Chef Ryan DePersio has designed a contemporary Italian-based, seafood-influenced menu served in an environment that “evokes the industrial mood of a boathouse while also exudes the luxury of fine waterfront dining,” according to its website. Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of our dining room effortlessly open up, providing a haven for dockside dining and cocktails during warmer months. The outdoor seating accommodates 80 seated, and more in a cocktailstyle reception. Much of the marina-inspired decor is salvaged, including the rowboat hanging above the entrance and the brass yacht lanterns affixed to the walls. South and Pine

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Easily reached from New York City or New Jersey, Battello, which opened in spring of 2014, is a short ferry ride from downtown Manhattan and steps away from the Newport PATH and Hudson Bergen Light Rail station. Happy hours are Monday through Thursday beginning at 4 pm . Every Thursday there is live acoustic music, and on most Friday and Saturday nights there is live music. Battello regularly hosts events such as wine dinners from notable estates both stateside and from across the globe. The summer menu includes such warm weather favorites such as Pan Roasted Day Boat Scallops with quinoa torta; Tuscan White Bean Stew and steamed cockles; Mediterranean Bronzino with barlotto, green olive, sun-dried tomato, tahini yogurt, and arugla pesto; and Line-Caught Swordfish with Sicilian eggplant caponata, pine nuts, and caper-raisin emulsion, in addition to aged beef dishes and pasta. Several other restaurants offer Manhattan and Hudson River views, including The Restaurant at Maritime Parc, which just re-opened after a remodeling. Owner/chef Chris Siversen presides over a grand restaurant that includes an outdoor stone patio at Liberty State Park, where he discovered the waterfront property and envisioned a modern version of a coastal seafront destination. Steps away from boats docked in the marina, the patio is a sunny and tranquil setting for a leisurely brunch or dinner with large umbrellas. The patio accommodates 68, plus an additional 25-30 at the lower bar area. Summer menu items are light and simple — look for appetizers of Charred Octopus or Grilled Asparagus, and main courses of Lobster Thermidor, steak, and chicken.

The Restaurant at Maritime Parc

CHOICES ABOUND A leisurely drive toward Asbury Park will get you to Shrewsbury, slightly inland from Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach, home of Albariño, which opened in 2017 as part of the Princeton-based Terra Momo Restaurant Group. A patio with a retractable roof and side panels seats 30 people. The cozy space is lined around the perimeter with an herb garden, which at different times grows lettuce, rosemary, thyme, mint, lemongrass, and the like, used in the kitchen. The menu features Spanish-inspired dishes with local ingredients, and the wide selection of tapas, which is a selection small plates meant to be shared, and paired with wine, beer, or crafted cocktails, seems particularly suited to summer dining. Tastings and special events are scheduled. Outdoor dining choices abound. Check Ninety Acres farm-to-table outdoor dining in Peapack or take a drive to Whitehouse Station’s Ryland Inn. Wherever you dine, enjoy the warm nights, and the special atmosphere. There is a limited window until it’s time to fold up the tables and chairs.

Bistro Seven Three

Where To Go 3 West

665 Martinsville Road Basking Ridge 908.647.3000 www.3westrest.com

Albariño

The Grove West 508 Broad Street, Shrewsbury 732.852.2640 www.albarinorestaurant.com

Battello

502 Washington Boulevard Jersey City 201.798.1798 www.battellojc.com

Bistro Seven Three

The Committed Pig

28 West Park Place, Morristown (also in Manasquan and Summit) 1.800.908.4960 www.thecommittedpig.com

The Famished Frog

18 Washington Street, Morristown (Patio in progress) 973.540.9601 www.famishedfrog.com

The Grand Café

42 Washington Street, Morristown 973.540.9444 www.thegrandcafe.com

Huntley Taverne

3 Morris Avenue, Summit 73 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville 908.273.3166 908.766.7400 www.thehuntleytaverne.com www.bistroseventhree.com

SUMMER 2019

Jockey Hollow Bar and Kitchen 110 South Street, Morristown 973.644.3180 www.jockehyhollowbar andkitchen.com

Ninety Acres

2 Main Street, Peapack 908.901.9500 www.natirar.com

Nunzio’s Dolce Vita 90 South Street, Morristown 973.984.7700 www.nunziosdolcevita.com

Ryland Inn

115 Old Highway 28 Whitehouse Station 908.534.4011 www.rylandinnnj.com

South and Pine

90 South Steet, Morristown 862.260.9700 www.southandpine.com

Urban Table

40 W Park Place, Morristown (Also in Basking Ridge) 973.326.9200 www.urbantablerestaurant.com

The Restaurant at Maritime Parc

Liberty State Park 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City 201.413.0050 www.maritimeparc.com

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PHOTOS BY PETER BONILLA; REBECCA FERRIER PHOTOGRAPHY

THE RESTAURANT AT MARTIME PARC AT 10: A C U L I NA RY D E S T I NAT I O N R E I M A G I N E D BY HOPE CASEY

ince first opening in 2010, The Restaurant at Maritime Parc has been known for its sophisticated space, award-winning food, and enviable views of the Hudson. Now, in its 10th year, chef/owner Chris Siversen steps up this Jersey City gem’s game with a new interior and menu to die for. Known for its picture-perfect views, positive guest reviews, and its smartly curated menu, many would wonder why executive chef and partner Chris Siversen would close The Restaurant at Maritime Parc’s doors for a complete overhaul of its space in advance of its 10year anniversary. However, in February 2019, that is exactly what he did. Maritime Parc is in an elite class offering an elevated waterfront dining experience, having made New Jersey Monthly’s Top Restaurants list every year since 2011, including last year’s Top 30. While many would argue to not fix something that is already unique in its own, ahead of its 10th year, the team — including Siversen, his partner Marc Haskell, and vice president of operations, Jette Starniri — set its sight on enlarging the space, adding more seats, a fresh new lounge area, and a reimagined design. The overarching goal was to evoke a modern, inviting, and relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy light bites and any one of the establishments signature craft cocktails (all of which are aptly named after notable shipwrecks along the Eastern Seaboard) or a full-course meal. The result is a beautifully designed and well-appointed interior that subtly balances drama and elegance that complements the stunning views of the Hudson and Lower Manhattan skyline that diners enjoy from its dining room and patio. The outdoor patio and wet bar provide the ultimate Happy Hour setting, and an ideal pit stop for commuters returning to the Jersey suburbs. Specials include The Restaurant’s weekly Wine Wednesdays, where consumers will receive 50 percent off any bottle of wine over $100. Working alongside longtime colleague and friend Jette Starniri, who oversees the operations for the restaurant and event space at Maritime Parc, Siversen applied the same precision and personal attention to detail in the redesign as he does with his craft. Together, the pair realized a handsome space replete with nearly all custom-made fixtures and furniture. “We were inspired by the cool, sleek palette and lines of a space in Denmark, which we reconceptualized to balance the beauty our location affords by means of its sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline,” says Starniri. ‘You’ll see several textures and materials utilized throughout — from our custom-made wallpaper that plays with the shades one finds in

a dramatic sunset just hitting the horizon and the velvety blues of the sea beneath, to concrete, copper, and marble.” In addition to its new aesthetic, the restaurant features a “chef counter,” where guests can enjoy a bit of “culinary theater” thanks to its completely open kitchen. Several sleek white tables adorn the dining room, many of which line the windows looking out on the pier. On the patio, guests enjoy outdoor seating and a full bar, bordered by botanicals and herbs that are later to be enjoyed in the dishes they devour or the cocktails they drink. In the kitchen, Siversen remains — if not more — passionate about his culinary focus, which places an emphasis on the ingredients themselves, often delivering unconventional spins on traditional dishes. His inventiveness is on full display every Thursday where, as part of the restaurant’s popular O.B.B. special, guests enjoy six oysters, the week’s specialty burger (also available in a vegetarian-friendly form), and their choice of a beer or glass of wine for $25; recent installations include a chipotle burger, Korean burger, and a lamb burger. Previously, the restaurant primarily focused on seafood with multiple fish entrees, a scallop burger, and even a raw seafood tower. However, with the new Maritime Parc, Siversen aims to expand people’s perception of the restaurant as a singularly seafood restaurant, now offering a more diverse menu with several proteins ranging from chicken and pork as well as a 20-ounce aged porterhouse. Siversen wants to make sure people realize that it is much more than just a seafood restaurant. Seafood fans need not fret, as there are plenty of seafood options including Siversen’s rendition of a lobster thermidor entree, something that’s near impossible to find at any Jersey City restaurant. Not to be outdone by the interior itself, Siversen added some serious muscle to his culinary team with the addition of pastry chef Michael Lee, alum of Eleven Madison Park, and luxury cake designer Karen Padilla testament that the food will never take a back seat to the restaurant’s design. Located on Audrey Zapp Drive, with Liberty State Park as its neighbor, The Restaurant at Maritime Parc is a treasure waiting for discovery. “We enjoy the hiddenness of our location; it adds to the drama upon discovery for guests who have yet to experience dining with us,” adds Siversen. Do yourself a favor and add The Restaurant at Maritime Parc to your summer “to-do list,” enjoying dinner or brunch, which is offered on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You will not be disappointed.

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Shore, Surf, & Open Water New Jersey Coastal Fishing BY TAYLOR SMITH

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or a small, densely populated state, New Jersey provides a wealth of fresh water and salt water fishing opportunities. The Garden State is home to 93 freshwater species and more than 330 marine species.

Surf fishing at the Jersey Shore is the sport of catching fish while standing on the shoreline or wading into the surf. Surfcasting or beachcasting is done in saltwater and involves casting bait or a lure as far out as possible. The more general shore fishing can include casting from rock jetties, fishing piers, and sandy or rocky beaches. Many surfcasters time their activity to coincide with the nocturnal feeding habits of certain saltwater species, such as sharks. Island Beach State Park is filled with knowledgeable and enthusiastic anglers. Located at Exit 82, the 10 miles of preserved barrier island is landscaped by naturally occurring sandbars. The majority of the park is open to the public. For a fee, visitors can even drive their SUV onto the beach. Anglers at Island Beach State Park commonly fish for bluefish, striped bass, and fluke. By beach or by boat, Shore Catch Guide Service (www.shorecatch.com) boat charters, beach guides, and offshore charters promise that they will to “bring the fish to you.” With a season that runs from early April through late fall, Shore Catch Guide Service can help you to plan your Atlantic fishing experience. According to its seasonal chart at www.shorecatch.com/ season, “By mid-June, the outer beaches become thick with trophy migrating stripers while the back bays continue to produce stripers, large bluefish, and tide runner weakfish.” During the months of July and August, the waters surrounding Island Beach State Park are alive with bonito, skipjack tuna, false albacore, dolphin, sharks, and larger tuna varieties. To contact Shore Catch Guide Service, call (732) 528-1861. Sharks of several species can be found off the Southern New Jersey coastline, particularly in Ocean and Cape May counties. According to the New

Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Guide to New Jersey’s Salt Water Fishing, “Sandbar and occasionally sand tiger sharks can be caught in the bays and inlets as well as in the ocean.” In the deeper waters, “tiger, hammerhead, mako, and blue sharks can be found. They are generally taken on large chunks of bait. Chumming with ground-up fish increases the chances of success.” For eating, fluke and summer flounder are some of the most sought-after fish for New Jersey fishermen. These flat fish are attracted to squid strips and minnows that are presented to the flounder by drifting along the bottom of the ocean with the tide and current. With both eyes positioned on top, flounder will make a sudden surge or sprint to grab their bait. Flounder typically hang out at the edges of salt marshes, inlets, near the surf line, and back bays. Thanks to the convergence of the Hudson River flow and the Delaware River flow, the fishing in Point Pleasant Beach, and particularly the Manasquan Inlet, is one of New Jersey’s most popular areas to fish. Barnegat Bay is frequently used for crabbing, with August being the best time of year. With a small boat, anglers can plan to catch seasonal fluke, flounder, crabs, and weakfish. Year round, charter fishing boats depart for deeper ocean waters in the hopes of landing large game fish like albacore, tuna, and shark. The town of Point Pleasant has plenty of fishing and crabbing opportunities. For example, adjacent to the Point Pleasant Hospital is a substantial dock perfect for summer crabbing with the family. On a Mission Fishing Adventures (www.omfishing.com), captained by Eric Kerber in Belmar, pursues fish of all kinds along the Atlantic Coast. Adventures

SUMMER 2019

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

can be planned to your specifications from a minimum of four hours up to 12 hours. All bait and tackle are included in your fare. On a Mission features the the Debra K II, a Grady White 282 Sailfish with twin 225HP Yamaha outboards. Equipped with Raymarine electronics, Fusion radio, full working head, and enough fuel to cover all the grounds of inshore and offshore in North Jersey, On a Mission Fishing Adventures may just lead you to your next big catch. To contact the captain, call (484) 678-9083 or email omfishing@gmail.com. According to the DEP’s Guide to New Jersey’s Saltwater Fishing, “Three billfish species commonly occur along the New Jersey coast — white and blue marlin and swordfish. All are found in deep, offshore ocean waters during the summer and early fall. Trolling baits and lures catches the two marlin species. Swordfish are caught at night with squid or fish baits.” Marlin fishing season begins in June of each year, but the fish really increase in number during the month of August. For those interested in fishing in a marlin fishing tournament, two of the biggest gatherings take place in the Cape May region. The Ocean City White Marlin Open and the Mid Atlantic 500 offer cash prizes and competition. This year’s Ocean City White Marlin Open (www.whitemarlinopen.com) will take place on August 5-9, and the Mid Atlantic 500 is set for August 18-23 (www.themidatlantic.com). Affectionately known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” Ocean City is home to a wide range of popular fishing spots including Municipal Beach (North and South Ends), Municipal Fishing Pier at Moorlyn Terrace, Bayview Marina, Lamont’s Marina, Corson’s Inlet State Park, Ocean City-Somers Point Causeway, and the Ocean City-Strathmere Bridge. The town’s shoreline stretches for eight pristine miles and is accompanied by a 2.5-mile-long boardwalk. Surf fishing is allowed anytime on unguarded beaches, anytime in Corson’s Inlet State Park on the island’s southern tip, and on guarded beaches before and after lifeguards are on duty. To learn what’s biting on a particular day and which bait and lures are

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preferable, Ocean City’s tackle shops and fishing docks are your best bet. Ocean City New Jersey Fishing & Cruising Fleet (www.oceancitynjfishing.com) has been operated by the Hartley family since 1999. Popular fishing trips for families of all ages are the Dolphin Watching Cruise, Back Bay Family Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing (half day), Deep Sea Fishing (full day), and Back Bay Cruise. To book a private charter or to learn more information, call (609) 391-6446. Founded in 1913, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest, continuously operating fishing club in the United States. Its headquarters are located at the clubhouse and pier at 14th Street and the Boardwalk. The Club maintains tide reports, live webcams from the various piers, water temperature, forecasting, tournament events, and more at www.oceancityfishingclub. com. Finally, keep in mind that the fishing season continues in New Jersey well past Labor Day. In fact, many locals look forward to the first signs of fall each year, as it signals the end of the crowded tourist season. The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_forsythe) protects more than 47,000 acres of Southern New Jersey coastal habitats. Of the refuge’s 47,000 acres, 78 percent is salt marsh. An important nesting habitat for coastal songbirds, the salt marsh acts as a nursery for young fish, butterflies, and turtles. Beginning in mid-September there is plenty for birdwatchers and fishermen to see and experience. Freshwater fishing opportunities are provided at Lily Lake in Atlantic County and Galloway Township. A boat launch for saltwater anglers is at Scott’s Landing in Smithville. Keep in mind, there are many closed areas on the refuge, and some activities, such as hunting, require permits. Check the website for current rules regarding pets, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles.

SUMMER 2019

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We are inviting you to join us for Bottle Hill Day 2019 on Saturday, October 5. This year will mark the 45th Anniversary of this signature Madison, NJ event. This street festival draws between 10,000 and 20,000 people to the heart of Madison every fall. The Madison Chamber of Commerce and Madison P.B.A. #92 will be hosting their Madison Show h ir he i popular pop opu op pul ula lar ar an aannual nnu nn nua ual al Ma M adi ad dison Car a Sh ar S ho how ow in i conj conjunction n un nj unc nct cti tion wi w with ith it th Bott Bottle ttl tt tle le Hil Hill ill il ll Day Day. ay. ay y.

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AN ECOLOGICAL INVENTORY THE IMPACT OF INVASIVE SPECIES BY TAYLOR SMITH

Extensive damage caused by emerald ash borer larvae.

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SUMMER 2019

English ivy, Hedera helix

IMAGES COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys

Jetbead, Rhodotypos scandens

INVASIVE Webster’s New World Dictionary defines “invasive” as “the onset or appearance of something harmful or troublesome, as a disease.” A massive influx of invasive flora and fauna has negatively impacted huge swaths of our native ecosystem, disrupting plant, animal, and human function. In contrast, native plants help to sustain native wildlife like butterflies, birds, mammals, reptiles, beneficial insects, and other fauna. The vision of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) is to protect New Jersey’s natural lands with their native plants. Its focus is on eliminating threats posed by newly emerging invasive species before they become widespread pests. Created to do just that, the FoHVOS New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team is currently working on a project to protect rare species throughout the municipality of Princeton. Since 2017, the Strike Team has focused a great deal of its efforts on Herrontown Woods and Mountain Lakes. Both areas are battling invasive plant species including Amur corktree, Boston ivy, Callery pear, English ivy, Japanese aralia, Japanese maple, jetbead, Kousa dogwood, oriental photinia, Siebold’s viburnum, Toringo crabapple, and wintercreeper. According to the group’s website, “Japanese maple has been of primary concern due to the high population in the Princeton area. Since 2017, we were able to eradicate more than 110 populations.” The Strike Team goes on to note, “As in the Hopewell Valley, Japanese aralia has several limited, but notable, populations. Our goal is complete eradication of this

Japanese maple, Acer palmatum

highly threatening species in both Princeton and throughout Hopewell Valley.” Project partners are Friends of Herrontown Woods, Friends of Princeton Open Space, and the Municipality of Princeton. Another active site for the Strike Team is protecting the Highlands forests of the Morris County Park Commission. Project locations of Tourne County Park and Lewis Morris County Park are seeing great threats to forest health due to the proliferation of oriental photina, Japanese aralia, Siebold’s viburnum, and linden viburnum. These species are threatening due to their height. Growing up to 20 feet tall, they are most prolific in shaded habitats where they spread through fruit and underground runners. Since early 2019, the NJ Strike Team has targeted the newlydiscovered Photinia fraseri population in Morristown National Historic Park. The Morristown branch team said it will also be targeting populations of jetbead, winged burning bush, border privet, and oriental photinia. While non-natives have been here for a long time, the first invasive plants most likely came over with the first settlers in bags of seeds. Not all plants turn out to be invasive, but the one’s that do take hold often share a number of traits, such as producing vast quantities of seeds naturally, as well as offspring that easily take root and have a tendency to crowd out natural diversity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Invasive Species Information Center recently shared a study on the discovery of a new invasive pest in New Jersey’s Warren County — spotted lanternflies. Also known as the Asian plant hopper, the lanternfly could be potentially devastating to New Jersey crops and hardwood trees. A complementary Rutgers University study on the discovery of lanternflies in Warren County states, “The insect was accidentally introduced

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Oriental photinia, Photinia fraseri

Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Callery pear, Pyrus calleryana

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Japanese Angelica tree, Aralia elata

Kousa dogwood, Cornus kousa Winged burning bush, Euonymus alatus

SUMMER 2019

IMAGES COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Asian long-horned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis

Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica

into Pennsylvania in September 2014. At first, it was found only in Berks habitats and compete with [our] native wildlife and are thus harmful to County, however, today it has been collected from Lehigh, Northampton, our fish, wildlife, and plant resources.” Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester County. Since its discovery in For example, in the Florida Everglades, federal officials have spent Pennsylvania, a state quarantine encompassing 13 Pennsylvania counties millions of dollars addressing threats posed by pythons. According to fws. for SLF was issued, meaning that live SLF and any material or object that gov, “the Burmese python has established breeding populations in South can spread the insect cannot be moved from the quarantine area.” Florida, including the Everglades…. Burmese pythons on North Key Largo It was suggested last year that people and businesses traveling into have killed and eaten highly endangered Key Largo wood rats, and other and out of Mercer, Hunterdon, and Warren counties should inspect their pythons preyed on endangered wood storks.” If the pythons spread to vehicles for “hitchhiking SLF.” other states, the federal government will be forced to spend more Approximately 1 inch in length, the colorful adults have a money on control and containment purposes. black head, gray-black spotted forewings, and reddishSo, what can you do to prevent the spread of invasive black spotted hindwings. Their egg masses are laid on species? smooth surfaces and appear like a patch of mud, and the juveniles will hatch from the eggs around midThe Nature Conservancy offers six easy guidelines: May. In terms of destruction, “feeding occurs on 1. Verify that the plants you are buying for your the trunk and limbs of plants, not on the fruit or yard and garden are not invasive. leaf tissues.” 2. When boating, clean your boat thoroughly Another blight on New Jersey’s environmental before transporting it to a different body of water. health is the emerald ash borer. Much has been 3. Clean your boots before you hike in a new area. reported on this insect, which was discovered in May 2014 in Somerset County. According to the 4. Don’t “pack a pest” when traveling. Fruits and State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture Spotted lanternﬂy, vegetables, plants, insects, and animals can carry (NJDA) website, “Through March 5, 2019, emerald ash Lycorma delicatula pests or become invasive themselves. borer has been found in New Jersey in Bergen, Burlington, 5. Don’t release aquarium fish and plants, live bait, or other Camden, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, exotic animals into the wild. Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties.” This non-native insect infests and kills all species of ash trees in North 6. Volunteer at your local park, refuge or other wildlife area to help remove America. The emerald ash borer has killed tens of millions of ash trees in invasive species and/or help to educate others about the threat. Michigan, alone. Of the many forests in New Jersey, 24 percent of them No matter where you live, chances are you’ll be able to find an invasive have ash trees, according to the NJDA. The lifespan of an infested tree is species volunteer opportunity nearby. Some state governments organize just 3-4 years. Protection treatments are soil treatment or trunk injection, online training programs where you can become a “Weed Warrior” and be and bark spray. certified to conduct removals on state property. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the only agency of the U.S. Lastly, remember that if you see an unfamiliar plant or animal in government whose primary responsibility is the conservation of the your community, you should report it to a local environmental, state, or nation’s fish, wildlife, and plants. Because of its responsibilities, the academic group specializing in invasive species management. Service is dedicated to “the impacts that invasive species are having across the Nation…. Invasive species degrade, change, or displace native

NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA XIAN ZHANG Music Director

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209 Central Avenue, Westfield 209 Central Avenue, Westfield 209 Central Avenue, Westfield 209 Central Avenue, Westfield Office: 908-233-5555 Office: 908-233-5555 For more follow on Instagram @frankdisoldi | twitter @homeswestfield For more followfollow on Instagram @frankdisoldi | twitter @homeswestfield For more on Instagram @frankdisoldi | twitter @homeswestfield Office: 908-233-5555 Office: 908-233-5555 Office: 908-233-5555 ©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Forfollow more follow on Instagram @frankdisoldi | twitter @homeswestfield For more on Instagram @frankdisoldi | twitter @homeswestfield

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Inspired

Steps

Montclair’s Buzz Aldrin and the Apollo 11 Mission BY DONALD H. SANBORN III

uly 20 will mark the 50th anniversary of the day that Apollo 11 they spoke about it, as if it had just happened,” says Taylor, who nevertheless astronauts Neil Armstrong and Montclair, New Jersey, native Dr. Buzz agrees with Murray and Brandt. “I don’t get a sense that the moon landing is Aldrin walked on the moon. Despite the recent films First Man and something that people often talk about; it’s not prevalent.” Apollo 11; the character of Buzz Lightyear from Disney’s Toy Story series, named after Aldrin; and a commemorative coin launched by the U.S. Mint; some question the extent to which the milestone is remembered today. Dr. Aldrin was born in Montclair on January 20, 1930. Although he was named “Knowledge of the moon landing has kind of receded into the past, and Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Jr. after his father, who also was an aviator, the younger people are unaware that we were actually a very active space-faring nation Aldrin legally changed his name to Buzz “for the convenience and clarity,” back in the 1960s,” says William Murray, he quips in No Dream Is Too High the planetarium technician for the New (National Geographic Partners, 2016). Jersey State Museum. The museum He remembers that his sister Fay Ann, now presents “Many Inspired Steps,” a two years his senior, “had difficulty retrospective of the moon landing. pronouncing ‘brother,’ so she called me Jacob Brandt, a composer and lyricist ‘Buzzer.’” Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name who conceived the song cycle, 1969: was Marion Moon. The Second Man, remarks that “Aldrin Aldrin played center for the Montclair was just as integral to that mission as High football team, which won the New Neil Armstrong. There were hundreds Jersey state championship in 1946. A of thousands of people working to special edition of Life magazine that was make the moon landing happen. But published shortly after the moon landing in our collective memory we think of notes that “not surprisingly, considering Armstrong first, even though he stepped his father’s example, Buzz decided that on the moon minutes before Aldrin did. he wanted to be an aviator, which meant We don’t often think of Aldrin.” trying for an appointment to West Point Still, in 2015 Montclair’s Mount or Annapolis.” He graduated from West Hebron Middle School, which Aldrin Point in 1951, third in his class. attended, was renamed for him. The Upon entering the Air Force in 1952, change is the result of a successful Aldrin was assigned to the 16th Fightercampaign led by the Man on the Moon Interceptor Squadron. His service in Korea earned him two Distinguished Committee, spearheaded by Montclair Flying Crosses and three Air Medals. resident Katie Rubacky Severance. Through the Air Force Institute of “I … can remember gazing over at Technology, he enrolled as a graduate the house he grew up in, on Princeton student at MIT in 1959; in 1963, he Place, and just marveling that someone who lived there went to the exact same Buzz Aldrin regards the flag he and his crewmates placed on the moon. (Photo by NASA) earned a Sc.D. degree in astronautics. His doctoral thesis, “Line-of-Sight schools I did, and ended up walking on Guidance Techniques for Manned Orbital Rendezvous,” is “dedicated to the the moon,” Severance tells Baristanet in 2015. “It’s been a mystery to me … why crew members of this country’s present and future manned space programs. If one of the schools he attended is not named in his honor.” only I could join them in their exciting endeavors!” Daniel Taylor, a teacher at Buzz Aldrin Middle School, has spoken to a few Jim Zarrilli is a paraprofessional who has worked in the Montclair Public people who remember the Apollo 11 mission. “They said it was incredible — Schools district for 16 years, the last 14 of which he has worked at Buzz Aldrin. the pride that they felt — knowing that someone from their community, who He works as an aide, helping special needs children. He remembers, “When I went to school with them, accomplished that feat. They were emotional when A plume of flame signals the liftoff of the Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle and astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins from Kennedy Space Center. (Photo by NASA)

Countdown

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(Below) One of the flags that was used in the welcoming parade in Montclair for Buzz Aldrin in September of 1969. (Photo by Jim Zarrilli)

‘’Apollo 11’’ Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin’s bootprint. Aldrin photographed this bootprint about an hour into their Lunar Extra-vehicular activity on July 20, 1969 as part of investigations into the soil mechanics of the lunar surface. (Photo by NASA)

was a senior at Montclair High School in 1966, Aldrin came and talked in the auditorium. This was three and a half years before the moon landing, before he was really on the map. He had not reached the height of what he was about to do. He talked about growing up in Montclair, and how he was involved in the NASA program — which hopefully, one day, would put a man on the moon.” In 1962 Aldrin applied to join NASA’s Astronaut Group 2, but was rejected because he was not a test pilot. However, in 1963 NASA changed the requirements to include pilots who had at least 1,000 hours flying time in jet aircraft, and Aldrin had logged 2,200 hours flying in jets. He was selected for Astronaut Group 3, becoming the first astronaut to hold a doctoral degree. NASA launched Gemini 12, the last manned Gemini flight, in 1966. It was commanded by James A. Lovell, who later was part of the Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 missions. Aldrin’s extra-vehicular activities included installing electrical connectors, testing tools, and taking photographs. During a space walk Aldrin took a photo of himself in which the Earth is behind him.

“The Eagle Has Landed” Commanded by Armstrong, Apollo 11 launched on July 16, 1969 at 9:32 a.m. Aldrin, who was the mission’s lunar module pilot, previously had worked with Armstrong when they were part of the backup crew for Apollo 8. Michael Collins piloted the command module, Columbia. On July 20 Armstrong and Aldrin entered the lunar module, the Eagle. “Landing was the hardest part,” Aldrin remembers in No Dream Is Too High. “Our planned landing site was filled with large boulders surrounding a crater that Neil estimated to be more than a hundred feet wide, with steep slopes, so we continued maneuvering the Eagle … when we finally touched down, we had only 15 to 20 seconds of fuel remaining!” Nevertheless, Armstrong radioed Houston, “Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” Two and a half hours after landing, Aldrin broadcast these remarks: “This is the LM pilot. I’d like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way.” In front of the TV camera, and with considerable difficulty posed by the hard surface, Armstrong and Aldrin planted a United States flag, which Aldrin saluted. They also left a plaque which reads, “Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon. We came in peace for all mankind.”

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The Apollo 11 crew at the White House. From left, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, President George W. Bush, Commander Neil Armstrong, and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin. (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Buzz Aldrin receiving the “key to the city” (actually township) of Montclair in June of 2013. (Photo by Jim Zarrilli)

“Many Inspired Steps” Presented by the New Jersey State Museum, “Many Inspired Steps” is presented at the Riverside Gallery through November 10. Thomas A. Lesser has organized and donated the exhibition, which is “a photographic retrospective on not only the Apollo 11 moon landing, but all of the space programs that led up to it, as well as some of the space missions after Apollo 11,” says Murray. “The main photographic part of the exhibit is from NASA,” Murray continues. “It’s a traveling exhibit … a retrospective of Apollo moon landing. We’re also doing a special new planetarium show — CAPCOM Go! — about the Apollo 11 moon landing, to go with the exhibit.” The web page for the exhibition promises that it will “emphasize New Jersey’s connection to this historic event.” Murray explains, “There are some artifacts in the exhibit that were created by New Jersey firms for the space program.” Of Aldrin, Murray says, “It’s noted that he was a New Jersey native; we have a large mock-up of his famous picture on the moon.” Murray hopes that the retrospective will increase viewers’ “appreciation of where we were in the 1960s, and hopefully get us started on further exploration of space in the future.”

“Right After First” In an episode of The Simpsons, Homer asks Aldrin how it feels to be the second person to walk on the moon. Aldrin retorts that “Second comes right after first.” However, in No Dream Is Too High Aldrin admits, “For years, I bristled at my notoriety, being known as ‘the second man on the moon.’” He adds that he would have been first — “the commander normally stayed with the spacecraft while the junior officer … left the spacecraft to perform the EVAs” — had NASA not changed its procedures prior to the Apollo 11 launch. Brandt reflects that “I believe that it may have felt painful to be the second man rather than the first man. In 1969: The Second Man, I imagine what that might have felt like, to be something great but want something more.” Brandt wrote the song cycle with playwright Dan Giles. Directed by Jaki Bradley, the show premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in August 2018.

SUMMER 2019

From left: Liliane Braun-Arnold, Shonita Srinivasan, Buzz Aldrin, Daniel Taylor, Kaleb Hurtado De Mendoza, and Dana Oscar. The students pictured were finalists in Buzz Aldrin Middle School’s Engineering Design Challenge. Aldrin attended the finals to be the primary judge for the finals and spend time with a few of the students. (Photo by Joy Glenn)

“Using the moon landing as a mythic event, I was curious to explore what kind of toll the drive toward exceptionalism can take on a person,” Brandt continues. “I’m a musician and composer, as well as a performer, and I love folk music, so I thought, what better way to tell a grand adventure story than through folk music? The show is performed by a band of actormusicians who loosely take on characters throughout the story, but it presents itself in the form of a concert.”

“He came back in September 2016 for a dedication ceremony,” Sack continues. “We had dignitaries, the mayor, the Essex County freeholder, Town Council members, and Board of Education members. We had a drum corps play. It was a dedication to the district’s most famous alumnus. It was a special day for us, and I think it was a special day for him. I think he was touched by all the fanfare and excitement around the dedication. When he talked to the kids, he spoke about his memories of going to the school.” Aldrin’s website notes that he “has been a life-long advocate of STEM.” Fittingly, the school that bears his name has a STEM focus. “In our district, there are seven “To achieve something so great as to be one of the elementary schools, three middle schools, and one first men on the moon, and have to return to Earth high school,” Taylor explains. “Each of the elementary — figuratively and literally — must be an immense and middle schools has a magnet theme. As long as challenge, one to which very few people can relate,” I’ve been here, our school has been the science and Brandt observes. “That kind of isolation must have technology magnet; about seven years ago they been difficult; nobody could really understand what redefined it as the STEM magnet, to add engineering he’d been through, because few others had been and math.” through it.” “We just started a stargazing event in the fall of “Six weeks after Aldrin landed on the moon, there 2018,” Taylor continues. “It was open to the community was a parade for him in Montclair, around Labor Day and held in association with the New Jersey weekend, in September 1969,” Zarrilli remembers. Astronomical Group (NJAG). We are in discussions “There’s a picture of him in a convertible, waving to with NJAG to have monthly or biweekly stargazing some people. I was so disappointed at the time, since events here at our school, so that the community can I had to go back to college a few days before the enjoy looking at the moon and deep space objects, parade. A lot of my friends were there and told me as well as planets. We plan to hold future stargazing how exciting it was.” evenings next year.” Dr. Jill Sack, the principal of Buzz Aldrin Middle Sack says that Buzz Aldrin is an inspiration to the School, adds, “A banner from the parade is hanging in students. “There’s a bust of Aldrin sitting in our lobby,” our school office.” she says. “The kids know that he was educated in this building, and his education in the STEM fields inspired him. This is what he talked about when he was here; he was a student in this school when he decided that The plaque that was dedicated at the key ceremony held at Montclair High School in June those were his areas of interest. That helped to launch Aldrin visited his former middle school on October 27, of 2013. (Photo by Jim Zarrilli) him in the direction of NASA, and then to the moon. 2015. “We toured him around the school, and he talked to some kids,” Sack How can you not be inspired by that?” remembers. “This was during the time when the Board of Education was still considering the name change.”

Homecoming

Buzz Aldrin Middle School

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERIS, INC.

Take Your Game to the Next Level at New Jersey National Golf Club

estled in the lush meadows of the Watchung Mountains, New Jersey National Golf Club in Basking Ridge is a premier private golf club featuring 18 holes of championship golf and the highly-rated Red Oak Grille restaurant. It is a special place to play, entertain, and relax in a family-friendly atmosphere. It also serves as the perfect venue to host corporate and charity golf events on Mondays only. Designed by noted British architect Roy Case, the course is set on more than 260 acres of rolling terrain and mature woodlands. New Jersey National Golf Club is one of only 20 golf clubs in New Jersey that has received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System. It has also received numerous accolades and a reputation as one of the finest courses in the region. With its unique layout defined by distinctly different holes, New Jersey National is a championship-level course that provides a true test of golf. Each hole offers five sets of tees, so members can play at any level, from beginner to advanced. A hole-by-hole aerial view of the course can be found at www.newjerseynational.com, along with scorecards and handicaps. Practice facilities include a full-size, 300-yard

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By Laurie Pellichero practice range; both grass and mat surfaces; an oversized putting green; and a short game area with practice bunker. New Jersey National offers full memberships, weekday memberships, and junior executive memberships. Full and junior executive memberships include Club Max benefits, with membership privileges at championship-caliber private golf clubs including Pine Barrens Golf Club in Jackson, N.J.; Hollow Brook Golf Club in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.; and Twisted Dune Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Pacific Links reciprocity also provides members with access and discounts on green fees at more than 140 additional courses around the country and around the world. New Jersey National features skilled PGA professionals who can provide expert instruction for men, women, and children. Junior programs include a series of camps and clinics as well as participation in the Club’s Junior Club Championship and the PGA Junior League. The camps and clinics are designed for the beginner-to-intermediate junior golfer ages 7 – 17. Weather-permitting, all the clinics and camps include an on-course play day. Members can also enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of the New Jersey National Clubhouse, which features finely-appointed locker rooms, a

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fully-stocked Pro Shop, and a private members’ patio. Sean Toohey, the longtime Head Pro, now General Manager, can be contacted for membership. At the Red Oak Grille, which is open to the public for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, Chef Julio Castellanos offers diverse menus featuring American cuisine with international influences. There is also an extensive wine list and beers from around the world. The spacious restaurant and seasonal decked terrace provide lovely settings to enjoy a delicious meal, with beautiful views of the course and Somerset Hills. The Red Oak Grille also features a Happy Hour Tuesday through Sunday from 4 to 6PM, live music from local bands on Saturday evenings, and Sunday Brunch, along with special dining events such as a Seafood Extravaganza in July. The restaurant is also available for banquets and private parties. Check the website at www.redoakgrille.com for the calendar and menus. New Jersey National Golf Club 579 Allen Road, Basking Ridge 908.781.9400 www.newjerseynational.com

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IF WALLS COULD TALK The Immigration Experience at Historic Ellis Island by Taylor Smith Photos courtesy of The National Park Service and Wikimedia Commons

Main Building, Ellis Island.

ore than 12 million immigrants passed through the U.S. immigration portal at New York’s Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. These determined individuals — many of whom were escaping extreme poverty, famine, and persecution — often spent all of their savings on a single ticket, causing many families to become separated. Teenage children were left to cross the ocean alone, not knowing what was in store for them when they arrived in America, or whether they would every see their parents again. This uncertainty did not dissipate after the ships sailed past the Statue of Liberty, a literal beacon of light, hope, and freedom to the arriving passengers. The inspection process at Ellis Island was another big hurdle to cross, and the health and confidence of the arriving immigrants — who often did not speak English and had eaten little and seldom bathed during their long journey — was not strong. All arriving passengers were processed in the Registry Room where they were organized in pens similar to cattle or livestock. Public Health Service doctors poked and prodded as they asked the new arrivals to cough, stand up straight, and answer a few questions to assess their psychological state. Special attention was paid to individuals who appeared weak and off balance, struggling to carry their own luggage up the broad staircase to the Registry Room. Of primary concern were cholera, scalp and nail fungus, tuberculosis, epilepsy, trachoma, insanity, and other mental impairments. Trachoma, a contagious eye infection that can lead to blindness and death, was itself somewhat akin to a death sentence, sending afflicted patients back to their home country. During their examination, Ellis Island

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physicians used a hooked metal tool to literally flip a new arrival’s eyelid inside out. Excessive redness on the under-eyelid was taken as suspected trachoma. Cases of misdiagnosis were not uncommon. Registration involved documenting the arriving passengers’ names, age, and country of origin in encyclopedia-sized journals. The handwritten notes offer a chance for modern-day visitors to search for their own distant relatives who arrived in the United States via New York Harbor. All of the data has been digitized into the Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.’s Passenger Search, a database of over 65 million passengers. All that is needed is a first name (or initial) and last name. The database, found at www.libertyellisfoundation.org/ passenger, even takes into account alternative spellings and close matches, as many new immigrants were given new names based on their ship boarding passes. In fact, contrary to popular belief, your great-great-grandmother ’s last name was not altered at Ellis Island, but most likely was changed when she bought her ship ticket at whichever European port she departed from. In general, the registration officials at Ellis Island spoke many of the same native languages as the new arrivals. However, most cases suggest that the attendants at the shipping ports, where most immigrants traveled to from their family homes, hurriedly wrote out tickets in whatever name they heard. This was then the official documentation (akin to a driver ’s license for those who had no other forms of ID), that followed the passengers into the New World. Consonants and vowels were dropped from last names, which thus became more “Americanized.” Similar to a modern Visa, registration required that all immigrants

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An Albanian woman wearing her native costume, photographed at Ellis Island, N.Y. Circa 1905.

Portrait of three women and a baby. Just arrived to Ellis Island along with hundreds of other immigrants that day. Circa 1905.

had potential work and a definite place to stay. Government officials at the time were greatly concerned that immigrants with no place to live and no relatives would live on New York City’s streets, become vagrants, and join various gangs and mafia rings. Organized crime was a constant battle for New York City’s police force (as it still is today). Unmarried and unattached young women were not allowed to leave Ellis Island. For the disoriented, fearful, and exhausted women, having an aunt, uncle, cousin, or other relative currently living in New York City where they knew they could stay was sufficient, but they had to be able to give the registration official the exact address of where they were staying and what type of work they planning to pursue. It was not entirely uncommon for pimps to show up at the registration process, having paid off Ellis Island officials, to recruit single women into prostitution. Impromptu (but binding) wedding ceremonies were sometimes conducted on the spot, so that women with no husband and unconvincing stories had somewhere to go. Little did these ladies suspect that they had married into a web of prostitution affiliates. Once they had passed the medical inspections and registration, the immigrants were free to enter the New World and adjust to the sights and sounds of the United States. Those less fortunate were sent back to their home country or died in containment facilities on the island. It is estimated that more than 120,000 immigrants were forced to sail back and 3,500 immigrants perished from disease on the island itself.

Beyond prostitution and organized crime, other significant concerns for American politicians and the general public during Ellis Island’s half-century of operation were criminality, anarchists, and communists. Suspected Bolsheviks were labeled as “immoral” and were not allowed to leave Ellis Island. Of the 20 percent of immigrants that were detained at the island, 10 percent were detained for moral or political reasons. Fear of radicals was (and is) nothing new in America. Dating back to 1692, the Puritan Minister Cotton Mather expressed his concern over “heretics and malignants” to the people of the Massachusetts Bay Colony: “To Ye Aged and Beloved, Mr. John Higginson, There be now at sea a ship called Welcome, which has on board one hundred or more of the heretics and malignants called Quakers, with W. Penn … at the head of them. The General Court has accordingly given secret orders to Master Malachi Huscott, of the brig Porpoise, to waylay the said Welcome slyly as near the Cape of Cod as may be, and make captive the said Penn and his ungodly crew, so that the Lord may be glorified and not mocked on the soil of this new country with the heathen worship of these people. Much spoil can be made by selling the whole lot to Barbados, where slaves fetch good prices in rum and sugar and we shall not only do the Lord great service by punishing the wicked, but we shall make great good for His Minister and people, Yours in the bowels of Christ, Cotton Mather.” Such expressions of nativism dramatically rang out through the general voices and consciousness of U.S. society during America’s

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period of isolationism during World War I. The anti-immigration viewpoint peaked in the spring of 1917 when newspapers, radio, comics, advertisements, songbooks, films, theater, and other forms of marketing warned of the backwardness and inhumane quality of the foreigners, suggesting that America was on its way to becoming a melting pot of non-English speaking criminals, radicals, and racially subset hoards. American children consumed this type of racial profiling in singalongs, backyard games, and comic strips. Fear of immigration was not just a concern of the upper classes; the American farmer, laborer, and factory worker feared that the Irish, Italians, Polish, and Russian arrivals would strip them of their hardearned jobs. The nativist years prompted President Warren G. Harding to sign into law the first Quota Act in 1921, which effectively ended America’s “opendoor policy.” Monthly quotas were established and limitations were placed on the nationalities of those being allowed into the country. It was intended that census data would reflect a reduction in the number of specific ethnic groups that were essentially deemed “a threat to American society.” Additional anti-immigration restrictions followed. The National Origins Act forced prospective immigrants to undergo an extensive investigation in their home country before ever boarding a ship to America. Most were never allowed to depart.

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With immigration slowing to a halt by the 1930s, Ellis Island was used primarily as a detention and deportation center. During World War II, some 7,000 detainees and political prisoners were housed on the island. Within the surreal setting, Nazi prisoners were given the right to celebrate Adolf Hitler’s birthday each year. After 62 years of operation, Ellis Island’s Immigration Services closed in 1954. For the next 10 years, the buildings stood vacant and filled with flood waters from each passing hurricane season. In 1965, Ellis Island became part of the Statue of Liberty Monument overseen by the National Park Service. Twenty-five years later, in 1990, the Main Building was fully renovated and restored into the Immigration Museum, which remains open to the public today. Now, through the efforts of the National Park Service and the nonprofit Save Ellis Island, more than 30 other buildings on the island have also been restored. For modern-day visitors, the walls of the processing buildings on Ellis Island seem to have their own voice and life, eager to tell the tales of the hopeful passengers who passed through their halls. To plan your own trip to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island’s Immigration Museum, visit www.libertyellisfoundation.org.

SUMMER 2019

“Giving While Living”: A Front-Row Seat to Your Legacy

he word “legacy” carries a lot of personal meaning. In most cases, it represents how we’ll be remembered and what we’ll leave behind, both in the abstract and more materially. For most of us, a significant aspect of our legacy will be tied to the assets we leave to our loved ones and the causes close to our hearts. While much of this generosity tends to be carried out through our wills after we’re gone, there is a growing trend of “giving while living,” or gradually giving away assets during your lifetime. I’ve seen increasing interest in this approach among my own clients in recent years, and it has been so rewarding to witness their joy as they get a front-row seat to their own legacies playing out before them. “Giving while living” offers many advantages. For one, it gives you more control over how your assets are deployed. It also gives you the opportunity to share your long-term vision with your heirs and observe how they handle money in their care. Your beneficiaries, meanwhile, can consult with you while they learn to manage the money they receive from you, putting everyone in a better position to preserve family wealth for the future. Practically speaking, charitable giving during one’s lifetime also decreases the size of the estate that will be passed on, which is important for tax reasons. Individual estates valued above $11.4 million face a 40 percent federal tax in 2019. Notably, beginning the process of wealth transfer while you’re still alive allows you to witness and be an active participant in your legacy in action. You get to actually see the benefits and happiness your gifts bring.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT

CHARITABLE GIVING A good starting point for any “giving while living” strategy is to gift a small portion of your wealth to a loved one or charity in the near term. You can give up to $15,000 annually — or twice that for a married couple — to each of an unlimited number of beneficiaries without incurring taxes. If you give above this amount, you may use some of what’s called the lifetime federal gift tax exclusion, also currently set at $11.4 million. Lifetime gifts exceeding that amount are currently subject to a 40 percent federal tax. Some gifts, like charitable donations and direct payments for educational and medical expenses,

By Brooke M. McGeehan

are free from limits and exempt from annual gift and estate taxes. Those who wish to make a charitable gift to a single entity larger than $15,000 or want to ensure long-term family involvement can consider establishing a private foundation. Alternately, a donor-advised fund is a simple way to donate smaller amounts through a parent nonprofit organization, which handles administration and investment management.

TRUSTS Charitable giving isn’t the only way to pass on your assets during your lifetime. Parents of young children can transfer money to a custodial account, which is owned by the child but essentially governed by the parents until the child comes of age. With this approach, your beneficiaries will receive the money when they are most likely to need the help. Trusts are another common choice because of the level of control they afford, including over timing and distribution of funds. A revocable trust, also known as a living trust, holds assets while you’re alive. Because it is revocable, you can make changes at any point during your life, but once you’ve passed on, the trust becomes irrevocable and cannot be changed. You can also create an irrevocable trust, whose primary advantage is related to taxes. By making gifts to the trust instead of directly to your beneficiaries, you can ultimately lower the size of your estate and, thus, the amount of tax owed on it. Based on what you learn about how your beneficiaries manage your wealth during your lifetime, you can make adjustments to your wealth transfer plans as needed.

BARRIERS TO LIFETIME GIVING An estimated $3.2 trillion will be passed down over the next generation in the United States. Families must grapple with how and when to transfer assets, but not everyone feels comfortable broaching the subject. Rather than considering a long-term, holistic strategy, you may decide not to take any steps until there is a need to do so, such as establishing

a 529 plan for a grandchild’s education or making a sizeable gift for an adult child’s mortgage down payment. As much as you may want to leave a legacy, it’s crucial to consider your own quality of life and future finances. Cash flow is a very legitimate concern, especially as you approach and enter retirement. Before embarking on any of these lifetime gifting strategies, it’s important to make sure you’re in a position to meet your personal retirement objectives. Speaking with a trusted financial advisor or estate planning professional is a sound way to get all of these issues out in the open, formulate a plan and ensure your own needs are addressed before you gift to others.

THE GIFT OF TIME Ultimately, a “giving while living” strategy is a gift of time — it offers you time to explain your intentions, educate your beneficiaries on managing the assets they are receiving, and answer any questions they may have about stewarding your wealth for the future. Brooke M. McGeehan is a Princetonbased senior vice president, branch director and ﬁnancial advisor with RBC Wealth Management — U.S. To chat about your ﬁnancial future and how RBC can help, email brooke.mcgeehan@rbc.com or call 609.936.6456.

Brooke M. McGeehan

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