On an otherwise beautiful and sunny fall afternoon, a young boy in our town lost his life while riding an electronic bike. Now, many parents and children are wondering what they can do to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Growing up, many of us had bicycles that could only go as fast as our legs could move us. And while we’ve known about the importance of wearing bike helmets for quite a long time, that isn’t always enough. Some of these bikes can reach speeds of over 60 mph, making them more challenging to stop and control in emergency situations.
According to Columbia University researchers, e-bike injuries rose by 293% nationally from 2019 to 2022. That’s a startling number. State Senate President Nicholas Scutari recently announced that he will introduce a bill to make electric bike riding safer for users in New Jersey. However, even if this bill passes, it may take some time to implement. In the meantime, it’s imperative that parents ensure that their children are aware of bicycle road safety and how to handle these types of bikes.
Here are some great tips from AAA:
Determine the right electronic bike for your child. There are three classes, with different speed capabilities and controls, and various sizes, so ensure the fit is right for your child and the weight of the bike is manageable. Wider tires provide more stability, and some e-bikes even come with parent-adjustable speed settings and speed limiters, as well as app-based monitoring.
Ensure your child is responsible and skilled enough to handle an e-bike. Have them become comfortable and proficient on a regular bike first. If possible, ride with them, and make sure they are not easily distracted, have a superior sense of balance and motor skills, and can effectively steer and control the bike. Enrolling your child in an e-bike safety course is also a great option.
Have them wear a properly fitting helmet. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and follow its steps to ensure the helmet fits correctly.
Make sure they’re visible to others on the road. They should be wearing bright clothing during the day and light-colored or reflective clothing in the evenings. E-bikes should be equipped with headlights, taillights, and a red rear reflector.
Obey the rules of the road & e-bike laws, which are often the same as those for other motorists. These include obeying traffic lights and signs, as well as knowing and observing right-of-way laws. Stopping at crosswalks for pedestrians, going with the flow of traffic, riding as close to the right edge of the road as possible, and not blocking traffic on bike trails, paths, and lanes are also critical. Explain the importance of always signaling when making turns, making eye contact with motorists, and avoiding weaving in and out of traffic.
Talk to your kids about responsible riding. Emphasize the dangers of higher speeds, including reduced reaction times and an increased risk of loss of control and serious injury.
Ensure the bike is in top condition & keep up with maintenance. Inspect tires, brakes, controls, and displays on a regular basis.
Making a Difference for Children and Adults With Down Syndrome
By Sue Baldani
When Jake and Ashlyn Burger of College Grove found out they were having a little girl last year, they were thrilled. Then, when they discovered she would have Down Syndrome, they were understandably shocked and confused.
“I was 10 weeks pregnant and we were so uneducated at that point,” says Ashlyn. “Most people think that if no one in their family has Down Syndrome, then they can’t have a child with Down Syndrome.”
She was also worried about how this diagnosis would change their family dynamic. Their son Brooks was only 2 years old. “Jake’s levelheadedness kept me calm because he just knew everything was going to be okay, which made me also believe that everything was going to be okay.”
Their family life was already a bit hectic and unconventional. Jake, a major league baseball player with the Texas Rangers, was away a lot during the season. “I thought, ‘Is she going to be able to go to baseball games with the family?’”
On October 25, 2024, Penelope Pearl Burger came into the world, and their lives have certainly changed. “She’s perfect just the way she is,” says Jake. “Every morning when she wakes up and sees either one of us, she gets the biggest smile on her face and it just warms our hearts. She’s also very sassy and she’ll let us know if she doesn’t like something.”
Big brother Brooks is very protective of his little sister. “No one’s allowed to hold her unless they ask his permission first,” says Ashlyn. “It’s been really incredible as a parent to see how your older child, especially a little boy, is just so protective of his little sister.”
While Penelope did have to have open heart surgery, the family has continued to do everything they used to do. “Having a second child is always an incredible transition. We take her to baseball games and she just sleeps through the later innings. I don’t know if she’s going to want to watch when she gets older since it apparently bores her now,” says Ashlyn, laughing.
Jake is the only active MLB player with a child with Down Syndrome. It’s important to the couple, who met in 2021 and were married in 2022, to let other families know that if their child gets a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, it’s not as scary as it might look or seem. “It’s been very special to have Penelope,” she says.
Before and after Penelope’s birth, the support from the Rangers, friends, family, and the community was incredible. They want to make sure other families facing this diagnosis have this same support.
“After being blessed with Penelope, we have had a lot of access to resources that many people don’t have,” says Jake. “We kind of felt like there was a calling from God to use our platform for the greater good of the community.”
On March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day, they announced The Burger Family Foundation, which is a College Grove-based organization that is focused on giving back to the community that’s been there for them and their family.
“It’s a two-pronged approach,” says Jake. “The first one is Pen’s Pearls, which will directly give back to the community monetarily. Whether that’s a family that needs help with therapy bills, medical bills, or maybe even a babysitter who specializes in caring for children with Down Syndrome. This way, parents can have some time to just be spouses to each other.”
Support may also include funding for education resources and camps, and basically anything else a family needs to improve their lives and those of their children. “For example, there are several entities that offer great special needs summer camps, and if a family needs help paying for the tuition, then we would love the opportunity to be able to put their child into that program,” says Jake.
The second goal of the foundation will be establishing The Lucky Ranch where children can obtain occupational, physical and other needed therapies. “The ranch will have all sorts of animals, different types of plants, and more,” he says. “We want it to be an oasis, in a sense, for families with children with Down Syndrome or adults with Down Syndrome.” The couple believes that being able to be outside and reconnect with nature is vitally important. “Brooks is always in a better mood when he’s been outside for a couple of hours during the day.”
Jake, who grew up playing baseball and once played for the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins, comes from a long line of turkey farmers on his father’s side. So, he truly understands how special it is to spend time outdoors. “I remember being on the family farm in Southern Indiana over the summers and it just felt awesome being outside and being with the animals. For me, this is a way I’m using my family’s history to help as many people as possible.”
The couple also hopes that the ranch serves as a place that can employ adults with Down Syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. “Whether that’s being a ranch hand on the farm, or working in a farm-to-table restaurant, we want to give them that opportunity,” he says.
The reaction to the announcement of The Burger Family Foundation has been extremely positive. “The Rangers have been incredible with trying to get us as much support as possible. It’s also been incredible seeing the love and support from not only the Down Syndrome community, but also from people all across the country.”
Donations can be made on its website, and people can also purchase apparel with Burger 21 on it. Jake chose to have a Rangers jersey with the number 21 in recognition of Trisomy 21, which is the extra chromosome that results in Down Syndrome.
For families and individuals needing help, there is an online application process, which can also be found on the website. “Like a traditional grant system, applications will go before a board and they will vote,” says Jake.
He adds, “We’re kind of standing on the shoulders of giants with Best Buddies, GiGi’s Playhouse, BrightStone, and The Brett Boyer Foundation, which are all these incredible organizations and foundations that have come before us.
Jake is thankful that Tennessee is very progressive when it comes to children with disabilities. “They have great early intervention services that they pay for, but sometimes there are things that are a little bit extra that are not covered by the state or by personal insurance.” Ashlyn explains that children with Down Syndrome have a high occurrence of certain medical issues, including congenital heart disease and hearing loss.
When Ashlyn speaks about what they’re doing and plan to do, she gets very emotional. “I see a different side than Jake gets to see because I’m sitting in the stands when he’s playing games. So many people come up to me and say thank you for being so vocal about how incredible our children are. I feel really blessed that God chose us to have this job and to have given us Penelope. It’s an unexpected beauty having a child with Down Syndrome – it’s a calling, not just a chromosome.”
BurgerFamilyFoundation.org
Written for Franklin Lifestyle magazine in Tennessee
GLAZE Salon in Chatham has a reputation as an upscale salon, and it’s no wonder. It takes its motto, “Beautiful Hair is Just the Beginning,” very seriously.
With its wide range of stylists catering to every age and personality, as well as top-of-the-line products, curated merchandise, greeting cards, and complimentary gift wrapping, clients love spending time in the salon. Of course, the mimosas, bellinis, and incredible cappuccinos are a big treat too!
The salon has recently brought in Eric, a new stylist specializing in hair extension techniques. “Extensions can be for more than just length and volume,” he says. “They can help manipulate your color, add weight to control frizz, or just to try a new look.”
Cindi agrees, “Extensions are great for so many things. We can add them in for an instant highlighter without having to undergo any chemical processes. I have a lady who comes in and changes her extensions all the time. She loves changing her look with extensions.”
While some clients prefer the more tried-and-true classic styles, others seek what’s trending, so all of the stylists stay up-to-date on industry developments. Currently, long bobs are in style, and while they can be worn straight, many women prefer adding some beachy waves and even some sun-kissed highlights.
In addition to being a special place for clients, the salon is also a highly desired place to work. “GLAZE is a happy and friendly environment, and everyone is like family,” says stylist, Vanessa.
Cindi is always looking for new talent who would be an excellent fit for the salon’s upscale and friendly vibe, and she prides herself on its welcoming staff and its commitment to keeping things fresh. The new manager, Maria Santiago, is a perfect addition. An experienced hair stylist who owned her own salon, she has a lot of great ideas to make GLAZE even better.
“She’s just so talented,” says Cindi. “Her mantra is ‘I didn’t choose hairdressing, hairdressing chose me.’ She already knows many of my stylists, and she’s been very well received.” Maria is a big fan of Kérastase, a luxury brand from Paris, so Cindi has brought in its entire line of products.
Along with Maria, Desarie Diana was hired as the new assistant front desk manager. “She has an amazing, upbeat personality and comes with many years of experience.”
Just as important to the salon’s atmosphere is its front desk staff, who warmly greet clients and offer beverages. It could be a cappuccino, a seltzer, or, if it’s later in the day, a mimosa, bellini, a glass of wine, or a beer. It’s all about ‘Relationship Before Task,’” explains Cindi. “These extras make people feel special.”
Stop into GLAZE Salon’s welcoming atmosphere and discover your own beautiful style. While there, pick up some fabulous hair products and/or a unique gift for yourself or someone else.
“We just keep getting better and better,” says Cindi.
To find out more, visit GlazeSalon.com.
Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.
Bridget Catherine Feeney’s interest in interior design was originally inspired by her childhood home. “My mom always had a beautiful, warm, welcoming home, and it instilled that idea that your environment, your space, really does affect your daily life,” she says. “It taught me how important it is to have a space that is beautiful and a reflection of you, and something that not only looks great, but functions great.”
After obtaining her degree in interior design, Bridget spent eight years building her reputation in high-end residential design. This year, she founded Bridget Catherine Interiors in Randolph in order to put her own stamp on the design world and assist clients in the best way possible. “I feel like you get into this field to put your designs out there and to help your clients live in spaces that are truly their own, a reflection of them.”
One task she enjoys the most is putting her clients at ease. “When I walk into an initial meeting with a client, they’re always so overwhelmed and don’t know where to start,” says Bridget. “I see the panic, and I’m there to relieve that panic and make designing their home a more fun and enjoyable process. I like to pride myself on the fact that I am a little bit more relaxed and lighthearted, which I believe helps with taking that stress away.”
Whether a project involves one room or completely new construction, she takes the time to carefully listen to her clients’ wishes. “It’s not my home; they’re the ones living there, and at the end of the day, I want them to be perfectly happy. So listening to their wants, their needs, and looking at their taste and their style is important to make sure that the end product is exactly what they need, what they want, and what they envisioned.”
Bridget is currently helping to create the perfect home for a growing family that has relocated from Florida to Summit and is starting from scratch. “I love having the opportunity to touch on every space throughout a home as it creates a sense of continuity and leaves no detail untouched,” she says. “I’m so excited to welcome this family to the area with a home that is perfectly them.”
While Bridget is the primary contact on every project, she has assembled a team of trusted tradespeople and vendors with whom she collaborates on each project. “Nobody’s coming in out of the blue; everybody has been vetted and is trusted,” she says.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Bridget’s own home, which she shares with her dog Bailey, the company’s mascot, is both comfortable and functional. “I love a cozy space,” she says. “I’m very textural, I’m very warm-toned. I do love a lot of neutrals, but I have pops of color throughout. I just like to feel at ease when I’m in my space, and I love walking in and feeling like my house is giving me a hug.”
In addition to being a new business owner, Bridget is also excited about another new role she will soon take on. “I’m one of three girls, and by the time this article comes out, I’ll be an aunt!” she says.
To have Bridget help you create your own beautiful and functional space that reflects your personality, and to find out more about her, go to BridgetCatherine.com. Also, be sure to check out her amazing designs on Instagram at @bridgetcatherine_interiors.
Written for Morris Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.
Dr. Meredith Irwin knew she wanted to be a pediatrician since she was a child herself. “My dad was a nurse and worked in the nursing home industry, and so I was exposed to the healthcare industry through him,” she says. “I also loved my own pediatrician as a child.”
Today, she is a board-certified pediatrician. After working as a general outpatient pediatrician for eight years, she decided to take a different route after moving from Kentucky to Chatham, New Jersey, in 2022 with her family – husband, Justin Hurt, and children, 8-year-old Claire, twin six-year-old boys Dean and Everett, and Lily, their mini Golden Doodle.
“In my second job in Kentucky, I floated at different offices and filled in when needed,” says Dr. Irwin. “Some of the offices were busier than others, and I loved the offices that weren’t as busy so I could spend an hour with new parents and their babies, and talk to them without feeling the pressure to rush to the next patient. Developing relationships with families has always been my favorite part of my job.”
To provide this type of care, she established Little Nest Pediatrics, a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice, in Chatham in February of this year. DPC is a healthcare model that prioritizes doctor-patient relationships, offering more personalized approaches to medical care. In addition to being able to spend more time with parents and children, parents have direct access to Dr. Irwin 24/7.
“It was five o’clock on a weekday, and I had a mom who was worried her child had an ear infection,” she says. “While I was willing to go to the child’s house, I suggested that she use the camera we provide to take a picture inside the eardrum.”
Dr. Irwin could see right away that it was infected and prescribed an antibiotic. A 10-minute conversation was all it took to get her child’s ear infection treated.
Another day, a patient’s dad called because his child had cut his finger. She told him to bring him into the office right away. “I was able to just glue it in five minutes.”
This convenience factor is a great benefit, and so is knowing that you will always see the same doctor who is very familiar with your child.
Membership fees are reasonable, and in the long run, Dr. Irwin believes this model saves families money. “There are no copays, and you’re not getting any surprise bills. I’m also saving families from unnecessary urgent care and ER visits, which come with added costs.” Parents can use their HSA [Health Savings Account] if they have one to pay the monthly fee as well.
Andi Guariglia, mother of 3-year-old Andrew, is happy she chose Little Nest Pediatrics for her son’s care. “As a parent with young children, you know that they never get sick at a convenient time, so being able to text or call Dr. Irwin quickly makes everything so much easier,” she says. “She’s even come to my house once or twice when it was easier for all of our schedules.”
Another parent, Sara McMahon, also highly recommends Little Nest. “As the parents of a baby and toddler [Noah 2 ½ and Camilla 7 months], it was important for my husband and I to find a pediatric practice that was truly a good fit for our family. Dr Irwin is incredibly kind, patient, thoughtful, and knowledgeable. Her approach and style of practice is a true breath of fresh air for busy parents who want to feel seen and heard when it comes to their children.”
Little Nest Pediatrics is also designed to be a welcoming and fun environment for kids. “As a mom of three kids, I know how miserable it can be to be stuck in a tiny little white room for no telling how long waiting for the doctor, so I wanted it to be a big open space,” says Dr. Irwin. “Kids can get up and move around, and there are toys for them to play with and keep them busy while I’m speaking with parents.” Afterwards, Dr. Irwin sends personalized visit summaries so parents don’t have to remember everything or take notes.
Instead of always examining children on the exam table, Dr. Irwin will sit on the floor where they’re playing. At the end of every visit, they receive the key to the treasure chest. “There are various higher-than-average quality toys in the chest,” she says
Most kids, says Dr. Irwin, are upset when they have to leave. “It’s a happy place for them.”
To schedule a Meet and Greet with Dr. Irwin, go to LittleNestPediatrics.com.
Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.
Learn the tools for better physical, mental, and spiritual health
When Randy Mackenzie graduated from college 50 years ago, he was looking for a way to improve his quality of his life. “That’s when I found Transcendental Meditation® (TM) and I haven’t looked back since,” he says. Today, he’s a certified teacher and co-director of the Transcendental Meditation centers in Summit and Red Bank. He has taught over 5000 people around the world, including 2000 in New Jersey.
The Transcendental Meditation movement originated with its founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. “The technique is thousands of years old, and originally it was kept secluded in the Himalayas in India. But then, about 65 years ago, Maharishi was inspired to make TM available to the rest of the world by doing world tours and teaching thousands of people.”
In order to make it available to even more people, he also started training teachers, like Randy. “We learn how to teach the same way that it has always been taught.”
While many think meditation practices are all the similar, that is not true. Randy explains that there are three fundamental categories of meditation. One is concentration, another is contemplation, and the other is effortless self-transcending, which is where TM falls. They all have different brain waves and produce different results. TM has been found to be easier and produces a deeper experience.
TM is uniquely different, he explains, in the sense that it does not give the mind anything to focus on or think about. “TM uses a tool to turn the mind inwards, and because these quieter levels of the mind are more satisfying, it naturally goes in a direction of doing less and less until there is a possibility of transcending thought. We can go beyond thought and experience what we call pure awareness, pure consciousness. It is a state of being.”
The tool consists of two things: the mantra, which is a specific meaningless sound that turns the mind inwards, and then how to use the mantra correctly so that there is this systematic reduction in mental and physical activity.”
When this happens, the mind becomes more coherent and more orderly, and at the same time, a very deep level of rest occurs that releases not only surface fatigue, but deeper-rooted stresses and strains that we have accumulated over time,” he says.
“So, we’re not meditating for the sake of meditation, but rather that our activity becomes more enjoyable and more productive afterward. Mental clarity improves, and our body gets healthier, cortisol levels go down 30% each time, and the physiology becomes more resilient to stress. And, all of this automatically improves our behavior in personal relationships because we’re not so uptight or tired and are able to be more accepting and tolerant of people. Our whole environment starts to improve as a result.”
Students come from all walks of life, and once the technique is learned, it can be done anywhere. “We recommend that people do it twice a day for 20 minutes each time, but even once a day will have benefits,” he says. “TM is the most highly researched technique for personal development in the world. There are over 400 peer-reviewed studies done on TM.”
As a non-profit organization, Transcendental Meditation centers are committed to making TM available to as many people as possible with lifetime follow up. Fees are income-based, and there are currently scholarships available for free classes. There are also free information sessions and a money-back satisfaction guarantee. “Our international goal is world peace,” says Randy.
To transcend your thoughts and find your peace, and discover more about Transcendental Meditation, go to TM.org/Centers/Summit.
Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.
In 2009, when Suzanne and Mike Mayernick of Brentwood, TN, flew to Uganda to adopt a little girl, it became the impetus to save many more children. At 3 ½ years old, their daughter JosieLove weighed a mere 12 pounds and suffered not only from malnutrition but also from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV.
After receiving a combination of high-quality medical care, love, and attention, JosieLove transformed into a happy, healthy child. “My mom, Suzanne, felt the Lord calling her to do more,” says Grace Hackett, its director of engagement. In 2018, Love+ One International was founded to do just that. It’s named after JosieLove, and the “ + “ sign represents the mission to support the HIV-positive population.
After renting various facilities, the nonprofit opened a new center in Uganda last summer. “Our first center accommodated about 12 kids at a time, and then we upgraded to a bigger one that could hold around 40. We were always bursting at the seams. This new center can hold up to 300.”
The goals are to receive, rehabilitate, and resettle. Children who are suffering from severe malnutrition are received and then taken to a hospital where their immediate medical needs are met. Afterwards, they are rehabilitated at the center by a staff of doctors, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, physical therapists, and caretakers.
“Children stay at our center until they’re healthy, and then we resettle them with their families,” she says. “We educate and empower families to know how to care for them so they don’t end up in the same situation.”
Love+ One International also helps children with mild to moderate malnutrition to prevent more severe cases. The program, says Grace, has provided care to tens of thousands of children.
One of these children is Blessing. At seven months old, she weighed only 4.6 pounds. When the organization heard about her condition, she was taken to a nearby hospital for stabilization. Once Blessing was stabilized, she was brought to the Love+ One Center, where she received around-the-clock care. After a few months at the Center, she weighed a healthy 18.7 pounds and continued to meet all of her developmental milestones. Blessing has now been reunited with her family and is thriving.
Of course, all of this care takes a village of people. “When we started, it was just me and my mom,” she says. “Now, we have six full-time staff stateside, and our staff in Uganda is over 100.”
Last year, her sister Annabelle came on board and leads the ambassador program. There are a total of 442 ambassadors, and 41 of them are in the Nashville/Brentwood/Franklin area. These ambassadors assist with fundraising, advocacy, and awareness.
Donations are always needed as well. A dollar goes a long way in Uganda, and as little as $20 a month provides a nutrient-dense meal for 10 malnourished children.
Today, JosieLove is doing great. “She’s starting college at Lipscomb University in the fall and will be in their IDEAL program,” says Grace. “She’s super independent and high functioning.”
To support this worthwhile cause, go to LoveOneInternational.org.
Written for Brentwood Lifestyle magazine in Tennessee.
A family restaurant that nourishes the body and feeds the soul
By Sue Baldani
Growing up, Frank Castronovo enjoyed helping his father Francesco in the family restaurant. Today, he and his four brothers have followed in their father’s footsteps. “An immigrant from Sicily, my dad had a passion for authentic Italian food,” he says. “He felt that opening a pizzeria was a great way to bring his culture and his food to the United States.”
Master Pizza, which opened its first location in Livingston in 1990, is doing just that while staying true to its motto, “Fast, Fresh & Delicious.” One day, when Frank wanted to make his sauce even better, he brought in his Sicilian mother, Dorotea.
Frank’s wife, Marylee, explains, “My father-in-law is deceased, but my mother-in-law is still alive. She’ll be 87 this July, and she’s an amazing cook. When Frank struggled with his sauce, he picked her up and brought her to the restaurant. While she was in the kitchen with him, adding a pinch of this and a pinch of that, he wrote it all down. Afterwards, it was perfect.”
Some of Master Pizza’s most popular offerings include Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Nonna Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana, and Sunday Meatballs. “We focus on quality ingredients,” says Frank. “Everything is made fresh, from our dough to all of our sauces. We take pride in using decades-old family recipes.”
For the past two years, the restaurant has been voted Best Pizza in Essex County. “It is a huge honor,” he says. “We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers for their support. It tells me that people recognize the love and effort we put into what we do. At the end of the day, it’s so rewarding to me to know we have made people happy.”
Over the past 35 years, Frank and his staff have heard everything from “This is the best pizza I have ever had” to “Local gem” and “My go-to spot for pizza”. “We have seen kids grow up and now come back with their own kids to have a slice of Master Pizza.” The restaurant is primarily take-out and delivery, but also provides catering for all types of events.
Marylee, who handles the accounting and other duties, also coordinates donations and sponsorships. “The most rewarding thing for me in this business is to see how many people and organizations we’ve helped,” she says. “I truly feel like we’ve been so blessed in this business and with the community.”
Over the years, Master Pizza has supported school events, given back to St. Barnabas Hospital, provided gift cards and pizza kits for various fundraisers, and sponsored many local sports teams. This ongoing support comes not only from its Livingston restaurant, but also from its West Orange, Union, and Carlstadt locations.
Frank and Marylee are grateful for their team, and even their children help out with social media, contest ideas, and marketing. “We are proud to be a family-run business that has grown with the community,” says Frank. “We have always tried to evolve while staying true to our roots.”
When he first purchased the business in 1990, its tagline was “At Master Pizza, every pie is a work of art”. “It really is how we approach the business. We try to give the customer everything they ask for and more.”
379 East Northfield Road
Livingston, NJ, 07039
973-992-4500
MasterPizzaOnline.com
Written for Inside Livingston magazine in New Jersey.
Discover books and so much more in a modern and friendly atmosphere
By Sue Baldani
When reading a book, it all starts with the first chapter. For Sophia Maoli, it’s the story of her dream. In December of 2023, she opened the doors to Chapter One, an independent bookstore in her hometown of Mendham.
“Everyone is so happy to have a bookstore here again,” she says. “I had a customer come in and tell me how she used to shop at the previous bookstore as a kid, and now she’s coming to this bookstore and bringing her own child.”
While the store is cozy, it’s also very modern and bright. “My big thing was that I wanted it to feel new and clean, so there are a lot of whites happening in the store. The walls are light and the shelves are white because I wanted the books to really pop off the shelves.”
Instead of aisles of books, which can feel cramped, the shelves border the walls, so it’s easy to find the perfect book. The kids’ area has comfortable seating with small chairs and a rug, and a bunch of stuffed animals for kids to cuddle. Many want to take them home, which is an option because they’re all for sale.
Along with books from in-demand authors like Kristen Hannah and James Patterson, she has a nice array of local authors. “When I choose which books to order, I try to feed off what the community is asking for when they come in,” she says. She also has subscriptions to websites with the best sellers and what is predicted to be a hot book in the upcoming months. “My booksellers also stay very up to date with popular books.”
Sophia enjoys bringing in really cool authors like New Jersey native Harlan Coben and Jesse Watters from FOX News. “Recently, we had [actor] Keenan Thompson come in to sign his memoir, When I Was Your Age. He was so nice and was great with everyone who came in.” The store also has a shelf full of previously signed books for purchase, which is a big hit.
People can also join three book clubs. One is the Romantasy Book Club, which she runs, and it’s all romance and fantasy books. Another is called the Anything Goes Book Club, which encompasses all genres. The Silent Book Club, where people can bring in their book of choice and then read silently for an hour, allows for companionship while pursuing what is usually a solitary hobby. At the end of each book club session, participants get 10% off their purchases that night.
Customers love taking part in these as well as other events. In May, she had a cartoonist visit and teach people how to draw, and plans are in the works for more fun events this summer.
In addition to great books and events, Sophia offers an incredible array of curated merchandise. “There’s a local company called Summer Love Designs, and we sell a lot of their jewelry. We also carry Little Words Project®, puzzles, journals, bookmarks, notebooks, and kids’ toys.” Many of these have a book theme, such as stickers that amusingly state, “What happens in book club stays in book club.” There are also some hair accessories and greeting cards, so it’s a one-stop shop for gifts. Of course, holiday-themed items are always in demand, including Christmas ornaments and menorah candles, Valentine’s Day items, Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts, teacher gifts, and graduation items.
Chapter One has a welcoming atmosphere with employees who are knowledgeable, avid readers capable of offering helpful recommendations for customers and their family and friends. Speaking of family, she’s fortunate to have a lot of help with the business. Her father, Tom Maoli, her mother, Stephanie Caravela, and her stepfather, Rick Pina, actively support her endeavor.
Sophia, who is also an actress, singer, and dancer, hopes to one day open many more chapters, with a Chapter Two, Chapter Three, and so on. Since she loves baking, she also aspires to one day include a bakery on site.
“My goal in the future is to be the biggest independent bookstore in the country and be the place that people want to come to because they visited or saw it on TikTok or Instagram,” she says.
Sophia wants to show people why buying books at a local, independent bookstore is much better than ordering books online or going to one of those large commercial bookstores. So, come visit Chapter One, get a personalized experience, and live your best story while you browse, converse with staff, and meet others. You may even get to pet her little dog Lulu, who sometimes visits.
ChapterBookStores.com
@ChapterOneMendham
Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.
In business for almost 30 years, Cucina Calandra has a newly renovated dining room boasting a modern décor and a beautiful fireplace. But, it still maintains a fun, family atmosphere.
“We’re blending the two atmospheres so if you want to come for a date night, it has that vibe, but if you want to come with your kids, it’s also a perfect place to do so,” says its vice president, Thomas Calandra. Thomas’ grandfather, Luciano Calandra, founded the restaurant.
The children’s pizza station, always a popular attraction, has been updated as well. “We expanded it by adding a step-up platform where kids can stand and watch the station in action. While they’re there, the pizza man hands out dough and a chef’s hat.” There’s now a television in the dining room too, and on certain nights, the restaurant will offer kid-friendly shows and movies.
“One Sunday a month, we’re going to have family events, whether it’s a magician, balloon artist, or face painting,” he says. “These things serve as a distraction for the kids to give parents a break while eating, but they also bring families together.”
The restaurant also has special weekday events, such as Tuesday risotto night, Thursday burrata bar, and Sunday family gravy. The new modern look also makes Cucina Calandra a wonderful place to hold all types of parties.
Stop by and check out all that’s new, and enjoy some delicious Italian food with your family and friends in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
Cucina Calandra
[Located inside Best Western Plus Fairfield Executive Inn Hotel]
216 U.S. Highway 46 East Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-575-7720
CucinaCalandra.com
Written for Suburban Essex Magazine in New Jersey.
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