A small group of volunteers is making a big difference in the lives of animals, and now you can help too. Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is holding its annual Tricky Tray on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains.
Attendees will enjoy a delicious brunch that includes an assortment of muffins, bagels and croissants, farm-fresh scrambled eggs, brioche French toast, and fruit platters, along with mimosas, coffee, tea, fruit juice, and hot chocolate in a lovely, upscale atmosphere. Ticket holders will also get to try their luck at winning some exciting prizes. And, to be entered into a Mystery Prize Raffle, just bring some cat food to donate.
Come out for a fun day with friends and family. You might leave with a basket full of goodies or a treasured item, but if nothing else, you’ll know you made a difference in an animal’s life.
Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are available through the mail and online. Please email bestfriendadoptnj@gmail.com to learn more.
Also, be sure to visit Best Friend’s cute little thrift store on East 2nd Street that’s chock full of wonderful merchandise for shoppers of all ages.All funds raised are used to help the pets in their care with spaying and neutering, boarding, food and veterinary bills. The shop is also a drop off spot for much needed cat food, litter and dog food.
When you walk into Prezzo Restaurant in Warren, which has been a staple in town since 2011, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to a lovely Italian village. In fact, the restaurant is named after Prezzo, a small, picturesque town in Northern Italy. Once you taste the food, you’ll really feel like you’ve been transported there.
The experienced and talented chefs design and create authentic Tuscan dishes, and can bring joy to any palate. If someone has a dietary preference or restriction, such as gluten-free or vegetarian, they will gladly accommodate those needs too.
Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the Branzino Picante, Osso Bucco, and the Pappardelle with Short Ribs. The antipasti includes such delights as Balsamic Marinated Portobello, Clams Posillipo, Insalata Caprese and Calamari Fritti. Pasta dishes include Fusilli Puttanesca and Penne Arrabbiata, and the Caesar, Beet and Prezzo salads are full of freshness and flavor. There are also daily specials that showcase the different regions of Italy.
“Prezzo Restaurant uses fresh produce,” says its owner, Remi, who has an extensive restaurant background. “During the summer months, it’s grown locally, so the tomatoes, basil and everything else put into the dishes is very fresh. In the winter, we pay for the best in the market.” Its seafood, chicken, veal and beef are also of the highest quality.
The restaurant encompasses a large space, so tables are not crowded together and diners can enjoy a wonderful, quiet dinner with family and friends. “Beyond our main dining area, Prezzo Restaurant proudly offers an exclusive party room, catering to an array of celebrations, from delightful baby showers, vibrant birthday parties and elegant bridal rehearsals to intimate weddings and various social gatherings,” he says.
“Moreover, this versatile space transforms seamlessly for corporate luncheons, boasting amenities like flat-screen TVs ideal for impactful presentations during professional meetings.”
If a party is being held outside of the restaurant, Prezzo will also provide catering for both large and small affairs. Customers can pick up trays of food, or for larger events, it will provide the entire set up with steamer trays and servers. For those who want to enjoy a flavorful Italian dinner at home, the restaurant also offers takeout.
The building in which Prezzo Restaurant is located has undergone a major renovation over the past four years. “It was a huge disruption to business, and I want to thank our customers for a lot of support and patience,” says Remi. “But I’m happy to inform them that all the construction is now finished. The facelift of the building is really very nice and we now have plenty of parking.”
With its warm earthtones and tasteful artwork, and linen-covered tables with sparkling crystalware, diners love to linger and savor the experience, and are made to feel like a member of the family. As they like to say at Prezzo – Grazie e Benvenuto (Thanks and Welcome!)
For more information, go to PrezzoNJ.com or call 908-755-0032 to make your reservation.
An artist who brings his creations to life and celebrates the magic of coming together
By Sue Baldani
For Ricardo Roig, being creative is a way to make sense of the world and at the same time make it a more wonderful place to live. “Art really has the power to uplift and bring people together, and so not only do I do that authentically by being an artist, it’s just who I am,” he says. “It has always been a part of me.”
Growing up in Westfield, he loved to sketch people he knew, including his fellow students. In 2006, one of his professors introduced him to the technique of cutting shapes out of paper to create depth in his works. “Using that technique, I created The Room, and it unlocked something inside of me. It was like falling in love or into a new universe.”
Today, Ricardo is well-known for his hand-cut stencil-layered paintings. “I don’t define myself; I always find myself, but I can say that my style is modern, innovative and vibrant,” he says. “I didn’t want to be just another artist – I wanted to provide something new to the world so that it could inspire people in new ways. And I love doing it. It brings me to life and is a physical manifestation of my spirit.”
Many of his creations depict people and places from his hometown, like the Rialto theater, as well as other places he’s visited and people he’s met throughout his life. While his work The Room was his first love, another piece that has a special place in his heart is The Trumpeter. “In 2017, I created The Trumpeter after visiting Nick’s, a jazz club outside of Boston. While there, I could see this trumpeter blasting away and doing what he loved. When I created this piece, I developed color, but I also wanted people to hear and feel the instrument.”
Depicting this musician made him realize that as an artist, his style and talent will always evolve. “The Room was my first piece, but then every piece I’ve done since then has been an evolution of it.”
Now living in Scotch Plains with his wife, Michelle, and children, 5-year-old Ricardo and 2-1/2-year-old Matias, he was honored to be asked to do the artwork for the February cover of Scotch Plains Lifestyle magazine. “For this issue, I wanted to have a new piece that I was inspired to do specifically for my children’s hometown. I’m so proud and blessed to live and raise my kids here.”
His goal was to depict the image of downtown, and include places where he and his family spend time. Black Drop Coffee, where he stops regularly, is there, as is the steeple of the church where Ricardo attends daycare.
While many artists are solitary, Ricardo believes in the power of people coming together. “When you can come together, it’s just magic, and that’s what this cover is all about. The magic of people coming together and what they’re trying to do here.”
In addition to owning and running two galleries with his wife in Hoboken at the W Hotel and in Westfield, he’s also the artist-in-residence at Kean University. He’s excited to be holding a show there on January 25.
“I’m half Cuban and half Dominican, and I grew up with good values and I’m happy to share myself and my talent with others,” he says. “When you share your heart with the world, the world grows smaller as your heart grows bigger.”
Ricardo receives commissions for his talent from all over the country, and would love to make a special piece for your home or business. To see his unique and exceptional works of art, make an appointment to visit one of his galleries, and also check out his Instagram page.
“Allowing myself to put myself in other people’s shoes, sharing kindness, showing up for the moment, and being mindful – all of that goes into my art.”
RoigCollection.com
Written for Scotch Plains Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.
A young woman overcoming adversity one card at a time
By Sue Baldani
“I hope my cards bring a little bit of happiness to each person that gets one,” says Janey Carter, founder of Paper by Janey. “I hope when people hear my story, I encourage them and show them that, no matter what, anything is possible!”
She definitely has proven that anything is indeed possible. In 2017, Janey was in a car accident that damaged her spinal cord, causing her to be partially paralyzed from the neck down. She was only 17 years old. Instead of sinking into despair, she found a way to bring joy not only to herself, but to others as well.
“What I love most about making cards is the opportunity to create something meaningful that will bring a smile to someone’s face,” she says.
It all started in 2020, when COVID shut down the world. Using watercolor paints, Janey decided to make Mother’s Day and other cards people could order online to spread some cheer. “I made little cards with Bible verses on them and I sold more than I expected,” she says. “People were excited to have a card made by me! So next I made Father’s Day cards and birthday cards. Things continued to be successful so I just kept going.”
Janey’s ideas are inspired from the world around her, and she also loves doing custom work to make other people’s ideas come to life on paper. In addition to cards, she makes invitations, announcements and anything else customers desire.
Subscription Boxes, which arrive every January, April, July, and October, are another fun offering. “Each one contains 20 cards (worth $60) for just $30 each time,” she says. “They’re a convenient way to keep a ready-to-use supply of cards on hand, making it easier to send cards whenever you need to.”
There’s also a bonus surprise included in each package such as bookmarks, coupons for her website, tags for presents and very unique plantable cards. “A plantable card is a greeting card made from biodegradable paper embedded with seeds,” says Janey. “They can be planted instead of discarded. The paper decomposes and the seeds grow.”
In addition to creating beautiful keepsakes, she also shares information and tips about living life with a spinal cord injury. “By sharing my own experiences, I aim to connect with others as they go through challenges as well,” she says. “Inspiring others to live their best lives despite challenges is important to me because I believe in the incredible strength that lies within each person.”
This is her way, she explains, of bringing positivity to the world. “When people embrace their resilience, they not only improve their own lives but also impact the lives of those they touch. Plus, seeing someone embrace their potential and find strength in adversity is incredibly fulfilling and, in turn, inspires me to continue supporting and uplifting others.”
What makes her cards so special, she explains, is the story behind them. “With time, perseverance, and a shift in perspective, I discovered ways to adapt, discovered new passions, and found alternative ways to contribute and make a difference in the world. And I think that is what people appreciate the most.”
While many of Janey’s cards can be found on her website, they’re also available in stores in over 18 states across the country, including Tennessee, New Jersey, Alabama, California, Texas and Wyoming.
To give your special someone a very special card this Valentine’s Day, go to PaperByJaney.com, and check out more of her lovely creations on the sites below.
Instagram: @PaperByJaney Instagram.com/PaperByJaney/ & @JaneyCarter_ Instagram.com/JaneyCarter_/ Facebook: Paper by Janey YouTube: @JaneyCarter1036 Channel/UCVlbsg7C_DKyoIOKd_cWHwg TikTok: @JaneyCarter Tiktok.com/@JaneyCarter
Written for Franklin Lifestyle magazine in Tennessee.
Enjoy great food, win fun prizes and meet your neighbors
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad’s 14th annual Pancake Breakfast will take place on Sunday, February 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at its building located at 1916 Bartle Avenue. This event is hosted by the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary, which raises funds for the volunteer squad.
All-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage, along with coffee and juice, will be offered for just a $7.00 per person entry fee (children 5 and under eat free). There will also be a raffle for baskets, which are filled with gifts and goodies donated by the community and area businesses.
It’s clear by the number of people who attend that it’s something the community looks forward to every year. So, come out with your family and friends and enjoy a hearty, delicious breakfast along with good conversation. It’s a nice way to spend a Sunday morning and give back at the same time. And for those with mobility issues, downstairs dining will be available.
The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary meets once a month, and its grass roots function is to assist the Squad in many capacities – from holding fundraisers and providing meals during crises to performing outreach to squad and fellow auxiliary members. Members also attend town functions, such as fairs, concerts and holiday events, in order to connect with the community and promote Squad interests.
When Silk Road opened in Warren in 2004, most people in the area weren’t familiar with Afghan cuisine. “Some people like to put us in the same category as Indian, but it’s nothing like that,” says Mohamed Sidiqee, whose parents, Hashim and Naomi Sidiqee, founded the restaurant.
Hashim, a longtime Warren resident, immigrated to the U.S. from Afghanistan in the early 80s and later wanted to share his love of the food from his native country with his new community. The recipes used in the restaurant have been passed down from Hashim’s family.
In the beginning, many of their customers were those who were familiar with the food because they had lived in that area of the world. But then they started coming back and bringing their friends, who had no knowledge of the cuisine.
“They were really surprised by our food and the ambience, and then those new customers started bringing in their family and friends,” says Naomi. These people eventually became not just customers, but friends of the family. “That is how we survived in this business. It’s our loyal customers. We are so thankful they keep coming.”
She says Hashim is a perfectionist. Every part of the restaurant – the kitchen, dining room, and restrooms – are always kept clean and sanitary. “And the food is prepared from his heart – that’s how he does it.”
Customers’ favorites include lamb chops and shanks, and salmon, lamb, and chicken kabobs. “All of them are marinated and they’re so flavorful, but none of the spices are hot,” says Mohamed.
The food is also very fresh and prepared in a healthy way. The family cuts its own meat and makes the yogurt, cheeses and flat bread served in the restaurant. The bread is baked fresh in a tandoor oven for every customer and is accompanied by Hashim’s homemade condiments.
Entrees come with a salad and a variety of unique rice medleys. The most popular is the Naringe Palow with orange peel, saffron, pistachio and almonds. Others include the Kabli Palaw, made with brown rice and topped with carrots and raisins, the Ladam Palaw with spinach, and the Chalaw, a lightly seasoned rice with Afghan spices. Vegetarians can order these rice dishes as entrees and add in vegetables grilled to perfection.
After dinner, customers can choose baklava, rice pudding, custard or elephant ears for dessert.
The atmosphere of this Afghan and Mediterranean restaurant is very warm and comfortable. “It’s like you’re walking into someone’s house,” says Mohamed. “Once someone comes in, they always want to come back. Plus, we serve a lot of food, so they usually take some home to have the next day.”
Adds Naomi, “We raised our children here and they learned the business. This is a family legacy that we would like to pass down to our three children.”
Silk Road is also a great place for private celebrations such as anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings. Catering is available as well.
To make reservations, call (908) 561-8288, and for more information, go to SilkRoadRestaurantNJ.com.
When it comes to home technology, most people want the best. They’ll buy the latest televisions, state-of-the-art sound bars, and the most secure alarm systems. But, if they don’t have the right person installing all of this great technology, these items will not perform at their best.
For many years, Giovanni Atanasio, owner of MyPCGuy, LLC, would often hear his clients complain about the cost of these installs and the problems they were having while he was working on their computers and laptops.
“They would ask me if I knew anybody who mounted TVs, or did Ring installations or surround sound,” he says. “I’ve been doing all that for over 20 years, but they had no idea.”
In January of 2020, Gio founded Audio Video Technologies, LLC, to assist people with these needs as well. “The name itself pretty much defines what we do. A lot of people ask us to install home automation so they can turn their lights on and off from anywhere and control other aspects of their home remotely. We’ve also installed Sonos® smart speakers throughout entire houses, so one person can be in the kitchen playing 80s rock while in the living room someone else is listening to classical music.”
This technology also extends to the outside of the house, so homeowners can listen to music while hanging out in their yards. To make that area even more attractive, he does beautiful landscape lighting too.
Gio is also a reseller for PowerShades. “This is one of the best companies for shades and they’re all automated,” he says.
He gets a lot of requests for Ring cameras and alarm installations as well as home theaters. For the latter, clients can buy a television through him since he’s a Samsung and LG reseller, or buy it on their own and he’ll install it.
Gio doesn’t just do residential work, but commercial too. Business services include conference room technology, boardroom audio and video installations, video walls, digital signage for retail establishments and more.
While other companies offer these services, what makes Audio Video Technologies stand out is the outstanding service Gio provides. “I treat my clients the same way I want to be treated,” he says. “First and foremost, I ask the client, ‘What are your needs?’”
If they give him a huge list, he’s going to take each one and prioritize what’s most important to them. “They may want all kinds of things, but that’s a lot of money. I say, ‘Let’s start off with the basics and then we can always build bigger down the road.’”
Gio also never tries to upsell a client. “I always give them three options – good, better, and best – and they make the decision. I’m not going to spend their money.”
Once he’s done with an installation, he leaves behind a pristine working area. He believes in going above and beyond, and this is why many of his clients have also become his friends.
To learn more, go to Audio Video Technologies, LLC, on Facebook, call 201.723.3139 or email info@avtech.us.
Optimal healthcare for women at every stage of life
By Sue Baldani
In 1996, Somi Javaid and Komel Caruso’s mother’s medical complaints were repeatedly dismissed as stress and anxiety. One day, she was rushed into emergency surgery and was extremely fortunate to have survived.
It was then that Somi, who was already in medical school, was inspired to empower other women and make sure they were heard. But, after completing an OBGYN residency, the realities of the healthcare system prevented her from doing so.
“She was seeing 40 to 50 patients a day with eight to 10 minute appointment slots,” says Komel.
After 15 years plus of practicing, Dr. Javaid realized that in order to give women the time, education and compassionate care they deserved, she needed to open her own practice. In 2015, she and Komel founded HerMD. Today, there are five physical locations in five different states, include one in Millburn, NJ.
With appointments ranging from 20 to 60 minutes, and medical care provided by experienced board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners specially trained in sexual health care and menopause, women are finally receiving the proper care.
“There’s still a stigma around talking about sexual health and menopause, so women are suffering in silence without any treatment options because only 20% of OBGYNs are trained in menopause care,” says Komel.
There are a broad range of services offered at HerMD, including general gynecology. There’s a laboratory and ultrasound on site. “We also have the ability to perform minimally-invasive surgical procedures on site,” she says. “We’re fixing that broken healthcare system with our outcomes and also having truly comprehensive healthcare under one roof.”
When it comes to finding optimal healthcare for women, it can be difficult no matter who you are. She says actress Melissa Gilbert, who lives in upstate New York, recently drove over two hours to HerMD in Millburn. Today, she says the practice is changing her life. Another patient commented, “I have found the heart of my health in the hands of these providers.”
241 Millburn Ave Millburn, NJ
862-289-6590
HerMD.com/Locations/Millburn-NJ/
Written for Inside Livingston/ Vicinity Media Group in New Jersey.
Partner with a professional to make the best financial decisions in the new year
By Sue Baldani
Our country’s economic climate is constantly changing. Some years are relatively stable and financially sound while others are fraught with upheaval and uncertainty. Many people find these fluctuations challenging and stressful when it comes to financial planning. It’s important to keep in mind that help is out there.
Wealth advisors and certified financial planners are professionals who can help make planning for the new year and into the future both seamless and effective by taking into account their clients’ particular lifestyles, ages, and goals.
Laura Marie Raulinaitis, CFP®, a certified financial planner who, along with her husband Darius Raulinaitis, CFA, founded The Lake Avenue Group at Morgan Stanley in Westlake Village, are experienced professionals. “Your financial advisor is here to be your guide when you’re nervous or scared,” she says. “You call your financial advisor when you need advice, when you need handholding, and when you need guidance – we are akin to financial doctors. We aim to help keep your finances healthy and keep you from making bad decisions. When it comes to making healthy decisions in your portfolio, it’s hard to do without an experienced professional.”
Jennifer Strong, CFP® a wealth advisor with MB&T Advisors in Westlake Village, is another such expert, and she agrees that having a financial partner is a necessity. She explains that when people try to develop financial plans on their own, they may not know what things are critical to take into account. Here are some common items she often sees missed:
Failing to consider life insurance or long-term care insurance when a person is young. Premiums are much more affordable the sooner once implements life insurance.
Failing to include emergency funds for unexpected expenses.
Not factoring in inflation and taxes in making projections for the future.
Making unrealistic investment return assumptions.
When Jennifer first meets with a client, she usually begins by simply getting to know them, which is one of her favorite parts of the job. “I ask them to tell me about their work, family, lifestyle, current financial situation and habits,” she says. “What makes them happy? How do they see themselves in retirement years – travelling? charity? hobbies? Where will they live? I ask how they feel about their current financial situation and how they envision their future. Have they set specific goals?”
Once Jennifer has this information, she can work with clients to establish an appropriate, customized financial plan to target these goals. “This plan could include long- and short-term investment recommendations, estate planning recommendations, tax considerations, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and education savings strategies,” she says. “For business owners, this could include cash management, retirement plan implementation for employees, business succession planning and key man insurance.”
MB&T Advisors offers complimentary consultations with wealth advisors like Jennifer, mortgage loan officers, commercial loan officers, personal bankers and business bankers.
“I like the phrase ‘Jack of all trades, master of none,’” she says. “I truly value the relationship I have with my CPA, my realtor, my attorney and my hair stylist. Each of those people in my life have many years of experience and knowledge I could not possibly have and still be an expert in my own field, not to mention managing my family and personal life.
“When was the last time you cut your own hair, and how did that turn out? Each of those people are part of my team of trusted advisors and I am happy to compensate them for the value they add to my life, not to mention the time saved and mistakes avoided!”
As financial professionals, she and Laura have some great suggestions for 2024 that will help not only to maintain assets, but to help grow them. “Every year we should look at our financial plan or financial situation and work to make it stronger,” says Laura. “Take a good hard look at how much things cost today, including gas and groceries,” she says. “Most things are now more expensive than they were before.”
When it comes to groceries, many people, she says, don’t realize that while they may be paying the same price for something in the supermarket, the size of the packaging has become smaller. “Little things like that really start adding up and I think being aware of that is important.”
Something else that has changed dramatically and will still most likely be true throughout 2024 is the increased interest rate, which means CDs (Certificates of Deposit) and money markets are offering much better returns now than in the recent past.
However, this increase in interest rates can affect other financial aspects in a negative fashion. “It’s tough because the last several years we’ve had low inflation and very low interest rates and people aren’t realizing that now they can’t buy as much with the same amount of money,” she says. “For example, if they thought they could buy a million dollar house in the past, now they are realizing they can only buy an $800,000 house. Because of these higher rates, the cost of that house to the borrower is the same as a million dollar house was when interest rates were lower.”
Adds Laura, “I think 2024 is the year of rebuilding of the economy, so people are pretty legitimately back to being social and traveling. We’re seeing experiences as more important to people in society today versus items, so they should expect to plan for their next experience because those are the things that seem to matter more now. When their kids are going off to college, they’re going to be visiting them on parents’ weekend. Plus, the average college student is spending more money on experiences too. They’re not so worried about their wardrobes and things like that, so it’s changing the way that we spend money and the way that we think about material items.”
For those with debt, she encourages them to pay it off as quickly as possible, especially those with adjustable interest rates. “Pay down those credit cards with the highest interest rates first,” says Laura. “With these rates going up, a lot of people who may have been paying less for that credit card are now paying a lot more and it’s costing them a lot more to keep that debt.
“We are at the highest credit card balances of all time. We just rolled a trillion dollars in credit card debt – that’s a really big deal.” The ever increasing cost of health insurance and college costs are also major influences on determining a workable financial plan.
When it comes to savings, she’s worried that younger people are only going to see the fluctuations in the stock market versus that 5% interest rate and have reluctance to enter the stock market, which she’s seen after recessions in the past. “I would like to encourage all people to think longer term.”
Laura says it’s also necessary to realize that inflation can eat away your ability to pay for your child’s college education, to buy a house or car, manage the cost of the goods in your home and purchase other items. “That means we need to invest in things that can make up an interest rate higher than inflation because inflation is our biggest risk.”
Adds Jennifer, “We experienced some anomalous conditions in 2023 to include high inflation and a fast and steady increase in interest rates. Recession was a looming concern. As a result, borrowing and spending slowed. The silver lining was that US Treasury short term rates skyrocketed to levels that became very attractive for those with extra cash on hand.
“Having said that, one can see that from year to year financial conditions change which could affect the trajectory of your financial plan. It is helpful to check in with your financial planner/advisor to ensure you are on track.”
In addition, she says, life events such as marriage, babies, divorce, job/employer change, geographic relocation, inheritance, loss of a loved one, sale of a business, and other changes may alter your original financial plan.. “For 2024, it would be helpful to be aware of changing interest rates as this may influence a real estate decision, obtaining a loan and effect returns on short-term and long-term treasuries and bonds.”
Another big change is AI, or artificial intelligence, which is also making its way into the financial sector. “AI is certainly changing the way that we will operate in this world,” says Laura. “It has been said that a robot can do my job by having you fill out a questionnaire and then giving out financial advice. That part may actually be true.
“However, the part that’s not true is that robots can’t exercise compassion and try and talk you through that big down day, or week, month, or year and keep you invested. They will only talk to you at a logical level. Of course, Morgan Stanley is definitely investing in AI and trying to help stay ahead of the curve in many ways.”
Laura also encourages everyone to be informed on topics and to get news from more than one source and then check those sources. There is a lot of misinformation out there that may lead to making the wrong financial decisions.
There are many brokers and institutions that people can turn to for financial advice, but before choosing someone to handle one’s assets and financial planning, Laura recommends going to BrokerCheck.finra.org/. “From an investment perspective, it’s more important than ever to know who you’re working with and to do your homework and then to take a long term approach.”
Laura and her team also believe in giving back and paying it forward. “The Lake Avenue team are members of the community and we get involved,” she says. “We think that it’s important to do that because we care.” At the end of each year, to plan for the new year, they decide on which causes they wish to support.
“There are a number of nonprofits that we are involved with as a team,” she says. “We decide where we want to show our support, where we want to get involved, and where we want to go. We have packed boxes for the local food bank and built houses for Habitat for Humanity. We are very involved in our yacht club and so we’re raising money for the Lahaina Yacht Club that burned down during the Lahaina fires in Hawaii.”
MB&T Advisors is also a key financial supporter in the local non-profit community through generous grants and sponsorships with over $2.3 million donated in 2022.
When it comes to helping others, Laura often thinks of this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.”
For more information, and to get expert advice and assistance for your financial health, go to Advior.MorganStanley.com/The-Lake-Avenue-Group and Montecito.Bank/Personal/Advisors.
Written for Conejo Valley Lifestyle magazine in California.
Laura Raulinaitis is a Financial Advisor with the Wealth Management division of Morgan Stanley in Westlake Village, CA. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC. http://www.sipc.org. Laura Raulinaitis may only transact business in states where she is registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Laura Raulinaitis is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors.
Bringing comfort, compassion, and joy to the soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War
By Sue Baldani
After graduating from college in 1968, Debby Moore wanted to travel and see the world before following in her parents’ footsteps and becoming a teacher. Most young women would have chosen to go to London, Paris or some other swanky destination. Not Moore.
After learning that a civilian program through the Department of the Army lowered the minimum age from 23 to 21 for young, single, female college graduates, she went for an interview for a job with Army Special Services. Shortly after, she found herself heading to Vietnam, right into a war zone.
Moore’s mission, she came to find out, was operating recreation centers, or clubs, for the enlisted soldiers where they could relax and have time away from their officers and NCOs during breaks from combat. Here, they could enjoy coffee, punch, popcorn, games, cards, ping pong, pool tables, musical instruments and more.
She and the club’s director, Louise, planned monthly events such as movie nights, bingo, pool tournaments, and unit parties. They were the only two women serving over 1000 men and lived right alongside junior medevac pilots.
“Medevac pilots or ‘Dust Off’ pilots as they’re called, like my husband, are those who bravely fly into combat to rescue the wounded and dead,” said Moore. “These guys were great and adopted us like sisters.” Moore and Louise were also sometimes the last American girls these pilots would ever see.
One of her favorite experiences in Vietnam was hosting orphans’ parties at the centers. Families of soldiers would send toys, clothing, and treats to support these events. “The children would sing and dance for our soldiers and our guys would simply melt at the sight of their smiles, temporarily forgetting the nasty side of the war.”
In addition to running these recreation centers, she and Louise were asked to learn about the missions of different units on their basecamps. “We would often visit their work sites where we would listen and empathize with their feelings about daily encounters with fellow soldiers, their superiors, local nationals, and, most importantly, the enemy!” she said.
While the soldiers were often in danger, so were the female civilians who were there to help them. Moore stated that 7,484 American women served in Vietnam during the war and 68 of them lost their lives there. Eight were military nurses and the others worked for the Red Cross, Army Special Services, and other organizations.
She herself lived through the terror of rocket and mortar attacks on her base camps while serving at Soc Trang, Cu Chi, and Dong Tam. Enemy forces even got onto the roof of her service club at Cu Chi during an incursion during Tet of 1969. The soldiers would always make sure she and Louise got into the bunkers safely.
After returning to the United States for good in 1970, Moore did go on to pursue a teaching career, but what she experienced during her two tours in Vietnam from changed her perception of herself and the world.
“I learned more about myself than I ever would have had I gone directly into teaching,” she said. “I value my time with those wonderful young soldiers and the Vietnamese nationals I came into contact with. I also learned a lot about our ‘world family’ and their cultures and understand that Americans can also learn valuable lessons from these encounters. Mostly, I think about the friendships we developed, however short, and I will always remember those I knew who served and gave ‘their all.’”
In addition to wanting to support these soldiers, another reason she went to Vietnam had to do with her father. “As the eldest of four daughters, I felt very close to my father who was a B-29 commander during World War II, flying thirteen bombing missions over Japan,” said Moore. “I’m so proud of his service.”
In 2016, she was asked to speak about the women who served in Vietnam at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Veterans Day. “I’ve been to the Wall many times and always touch the names of the men I knew who lost their lives there, but each time I go, I stare at the Wall and wonder how many more of the thousands of soldiers I spoke with during my two years in Country have their names etched there. I will never know, but I’m so happy that I might have been a small part of their lives during our time there.”
In 2023, on Veterans Day, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in D.C. celebrated its 30th anniversary. Moore and her husband, retired U.S. Army Colonel Doug Moore, were there to honor the occasion along with the founder of the memorial, former Army Nurse Diane Carlson-Evans, and best-selling author Kristin Hannah.
Although the couple, who live in Haymarket, didn’t marry until later in life, they met long ago and far away. “In early January of 1969, a young major named Doug Moore flew me from Soc Trang to Cu Chi when I was transferred there,” she said. “I flew with him and his pilots for the next six months until I went home from my first tour. After that, I didn’t see him again for 45 years until we met at the Vietnam Women’s Memorial on Veterans Day in 2013. We were married two years later.”
Colonel Moore also served his country well. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism, only second to the Medal of Honor, along with two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Purple Heart and many other awards. He has also written a book, A Bullet Through the Helmet, about his experience.
Although some of Debby Moore’s experiences in Vietnam were extremely difficult, she never regretted her decision to serve. “In the encounters I had with those incredible men, I learned more about the human spirit than I ever learned in all of my sociology and psych classes, and rarely a day goes by without my being reminded of their bravery, fortitude, and sacrifice. Even now, more than fifty years later, I still ache for those men and the choices they had to make.”
Written for Haymarket & Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine in Virginia.
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