Open your mind to a fun and fascinating experience

By Sue Baldani

The inventions of Thomas Alva Edison were numerous and changed the way people lived. And, he brought his ideas to fruition right here in New Jersey.

The Thomas Edison National Historic Park, located in West Orange, gives its over 60,000 visitors a year a fascinating look into Edison’s life and extraordinary works. Regardless of age or interest, there’s something for everyone.

At the Visitor’s Center, watch movies about the inventor and get a helpful orientation to the grounds. Then, take a tour of his laboratory where he developed amazing innovations such as long-lasting light bulbs, phonographs and batteries. Here, you’ll also find his library, heavy machine shop, music room and more.

“What I find fascinating is that everything that is on display is really inspirational because he experimented with every single thing, including hair follicles from animals,” says Susan McCartney, a trustee, board member, and educator for over 20 years. “He had his hand in everything.”

Another must see on the property is the Black Maria (pronounced Mariah). “It was the first movie studio, and where the first movie camera was invented,” says Michelle Mihalkovitz, chief of cultural resources. While the all-black structure that stands today is not the original built in 1893, it’s an exact replica and placed very close to the original spot.

“As a videographer and a photographer, I personally find a great deal of inspiration from it because I use the tools today every day that he invented and honed,” says board member, Rich Silivanch. “We’re all influenced day in and day out by what this man and his team did, and from an entertainment standpoint, a lot of that comes back to the Black Maria. It really was the birthplace of cinema.”

The building, which was built around 1953, is in dire need of renovation, and fundraising for that project is now underway. The roof, which slides open to let in light, needs to be replaced, the electrical system needs updating, the structure itself needs fortification, and many other changes, including accessibility, need to be done.

A “Raise the Roof” fundraiser was held in May, and other events are being planned. Of course, straight donations to the non-profit are always appreciated from individuals and corporations.

The complex also offers many interesting programs for children and adults. “We have a Junior Ranger program, which is like a learning scavenger hunt,” says Michelle. “At the end they get a National Park Service badge and are sworn in by a ranger.”

While in the area, also visit the Queen Anne Victorian-styled Glenmont estate in historic Llewellyn Park, where Edison lived with his wife, Mina. Built in the early 1880s, its lovely gardens and historic bird feeders won’t disappoint.

Volunteers are always welcome as well. Rich is the volunteer coordinator of  the Friends of Thomas Edison Center National Historical Park, and is happy to speak with anyone who has an interest in carrying on its legacy. To date, they have raised $1 million for over 200 projects.

“We also have a volunteer program at the Park, and these volunteers assist visitors, present programs, work within the curatorial division, and perform other duties,” says Michelle. “They also help maintain the grounds, gardens and the greenhouse at Glenmont. We couldn’t provide all the services we do without our volunteers.”

Another way to support its mission is by becoming a member, which provides many benefits. Depending on the level you choose, you will have access to discounts on tickets and store merchandise, as well as events and parties, and even receive a private tour of laboratory.

To plan your visit, attend an event, or volunteer, go to https://www.menloparkmuseum.org/ or https://friendsofedison.org/.  

Written for Chatham and Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.

Choosing the best place for treatment

By Sue Baldani

When a serious accident happens or when someone is experiencing chest pains or other life threatening signs and symptoms, it’s imperative that he or she is brought to and treated in the Emergency Room or Emergency Department of a hospital. Whether taken in by ambulance or personal vehicle, the person is given priority and seen right away.

Of course, many other non-life threatening issues, such as broken bones and lacerations, are seen in emergency rooms as well. The all-volunteer Scotch Plains Rescue Squad answers over 1100 calls every year, and while some of these fall into the first category of critical emergencies, others are of the latter variety. Getting patients who need emergency care to the hospital quickly and keeping them as stable as possible during transport are always the goals.

However, some people believe that calling 911 and being taken to an emergency room by ambulance means they’ll be prioritized and seen quicker, even for something as minor as a small cut that may need one or two stitches. But, this is not the case. Who is seen first is determined by medical need, not by mode of transportation.

Others with even minor ailments, such as a stomach upset or a wrist sprain, may call for an ambulance with the belief that their discomforts will be taken more seriously. Although the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad cares for all patients, people suffering from these issues would probably be better off going to their own doctors. Many hospitals are still dealing with staff shortages due to the pandemic, and the wait to see a medical provider for a minor issue often means hours and hours of sitting around. Then, they’re usually told to follow up with their primary care physician anyway.

Going to an emergency room for non-dire medical problems also exposes people unnecessarily to much more serious illnesses such as COVID-19 and other viruses and bacteria.

So next time, before calling for an ambulance for a slight injury or mild illness, first see if you can get an appointment with your family doctor either in person or virtually, or visit an urgent care facility. You’ll likely be treated much quicker, and you’ll free up emergency personnel to deal with those who need help immediately.

Contributing Author:  Susan Baldani, a lifemember of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.

Written for local press outlets in New Jersey.

How one young man is sharing his passion for art with others

By Sue Baldani

Looking at art can bring people joy, soothe their souls and foster an appreciation of life. Being able to create art is even more incredible; Joe Baker of Bristow knows this well.

“It’s my favorite thing to do,” says Joe. “I like free drawing and sketching buildings and all that. It makes me happy and I like doing fun things.”

The 21-year-old ink artist has faced many challenges in his life. “He was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old,” says his mother, Colleen. “He was having a really hard time writing, so in kindergarten we pushed for occupational therapy. Within a couple years of OT, he started writing and started drawing and just never stopped.”

When Joe was in the fifth grade, he had his first major seizure. “We think the change into puberty was what prompted it; a third of kids with autism end up with epilepsy,” she says.

But art has always been there for him. It was a way to wind down after a school day and a vehicle to get his feelings out. While at Patriot High School, he took an art class and was also on the Unified Sports basketball team. “He loved playing,” says his mother.

Unfortunately, Joe’s epilepsy became much worse and Colleen, a teacher for 29 years, the last of which were in Prince William County, decided to quit working in order to stay home and care for him. She also home schooled Joe so he could obtain his high school diploma, which he proudly did.

When COVID hit, the idea of turning Joe’s passion into an actual business took hold. “I was doing some life skills with him like managing money,” she says. “We were stuck at home, and we made one of our bedrooms into an art studio. We bought all the furniture and spruced it up and bought a bunch of art equipment.” In September of 2020, Artfully Joe was up and running. Joe goes into his studio every weekday afternoon at 1:00 and usually works until 4:00, except for Fridays, which he and his mom call Fun Fridays.

“We think it’s going great,” says Colleen. “We’re always trying to come up with something different, so in addition to the drawings, we’ve added note cards to our repertoire, and made calendars for the holidays. We haven’t really been to any official art shows yet but are looking to do some.” Right now, some of Joe’s artwork can be found at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm in Gainesville, where he also did a meet and greet on February 25th.

As with many small at-home businesses, initial customers consisted mainly of family and friends. But now, Artfully Joe receives orders from as far away as California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Florida. It’s not surprising. There are wonderful collections of flowers, animals, silhouettes and more available online.

Joe encourages people to buy his artwork. “They can hang it up somewhere in their house and put it in a nice frame and love it,” he says.

Colleen believes Joe gets his talent from her father. “I’m crafty, not artsy like him, but his grandfather is an artist, although not by trade. His mother’s family was from Copenhagen, Denmark and he had a couple artists in the family that still have artwork there.”

Joe and Colleen often brainstorm together about what he should draw next. “We have a whiteboard in his studio that somebody made for us and we decorate it for the seasons and we put ideas on it,” she says. “We also put up what we have going on that month.”

Colleen enjoys helping Joe with his business. “I help him with ideas for social media and the website, and with purchases and shipping, and I try to include him in what I’m doing or what we sell.

“It can be challenging for those with his issues to find a job. This has been great because he can see the benefits of working, and yet, if he has a seizure one day, he can stop and rest. He has that flexibility.”

In addition to his business, Joe is also excited about becoming an uncle this summer. “I have a sister who is pregnant now and her name is Abby,” he says. “I also have three dogs – Billy, Baxter, and Petey.” Joe will take commissions drawing other people’s dogs, but not his own. He wants to keep them all to himself. 

“I’m really good,” says Joe. “I really love how I draw things and color them.” He would love for others to follow him and see his amazing pieces on social media. He also posts videos of himself in his studio, which are a must-see!

Facebook- Joe Baker

Instagram- @artfullyjoe

Twitter-Joe Baker
TikTok- @theartfullyjoe

Written for Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine in Virginia.

By Sue Baldani

September is Better Breakfast Month, which is a perfect time to make sure children (and parents) are starting the day off right. Eating a healthy, well-balanced breakfast has many benefits and can affect how we feel throughout the entire day.

If we’re hungry, it’s hard to concentrate on anything else. Learning new skills and absorbing information becomes more difficult when our bodies are in need of fuel. For youngsters, hunger can also lead to behavioral problems, which can disrupt learning even more.

Research has proven that children who eat healthy breakfasts and well-balanced lunches are often more alert, more productive and less tired and jittery during the school day. Foods and beverages that children often prefer for breakfast, such as high-sugar cereals and juice, can initially lead to a burst of energy that quickly dissipates, leaving them hungry and irritable.

One of the most common reasons for skipping breakfast is lack of time, but eating something healthy doesn’t have to be time consuming. Of course, it’s best to sit down, eat at a moderate pace, and then have some time to digest, but eating on the run is better than not eating at all.

Here are some quick and healthy meals that every child will enjoy:

• Low-sugar, whole-grain cereal with low fat milk and sliced banana. Instead of a bowl, put it in a travel mug or thermos and let your child eat it on the way to school.

• Oatmeal with fruit and low fat milk. Choose plain quick oats and add in a small amount of honey and fruit, and pop into the microwave. Most are ready in minutes.

• Whole wheat toast with peanut or other protein butter.

• Yogurt (buy it plain, since many yogurts have a surprisingly high amount of sugar), and mix in honey, nuts and fruit.

If children are allergic to any of the ingredients above, just substitute with a safe option. There are many alternatives available.

With meal delivery services these days, keeping these staples in stock is quick and easy. Or, take an hour on a weekend day and create a treasure hunt for your kids to find what’s needed for breakfast that week.

If possible, setting the alarm clock even 15 minutes earlier can give families some time to eat and talk about what they’ll be doing that day. It’s another chance to connect before the demands of our busy schedules take over.  

Once children get into the habit of taking the time to eat a healthy meal, it will become another part of their routine. Parents can also set a good example by eating breakfast with their children. This way, healthy choices become a family affair.

Written for The Country Register newspapers distributed across the U.S. and Canada.

The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary is collecting much-needed household items for previously homeless veterans residing at Valley Brook Village on the Veteran’s Administrative Campus in Lyons/Basking Ridge, NJ.

The requested items are as follows:

Laundry soap

Dish soap

Surface cleaners

Toilet paper

Toilet wipes

Paper towels

Eight O’Clock or Dunkin Donuts ground regular and decaf coffee

These items can be dropped off at these locations:

• Scotch Plains Farmer’s Market (at the rescue squad table) on October 1 and 15
• The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad building (1916 Bartle Avenue) on October 8 and October 29
• Trunk or Treat on October 22 at our ambulance
• Scotch Plains Day (at the rescue squad table) on October 2

After collection, the collected items will be presented to the veterans on or around Veteran’s Day in November. These brave men and women are so grateful for the ongoing generosity of the people and businesses in our local communities.

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 interest.

If interested in becoming a member of the Auxiliary, go to https://www.scotchplainsrescuesquad.com/the-auxiliary/. For more information on helping the veterans at Valley Brook Village, contact Steve Hackenberg at 908-723-0788 or at dnea117@gmail.com.

Contributing Author:  Susan Baldani, a life member of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.

Meet author and attorney, Keeda Haynes

By Sue Baldani

While in college at Tennessee State University, Franklin native Keeda Haynes started dating a man who would change the course of her life. “He asked if I would accept packages of cell phones and pagers for his company,” she says. “It turned out that none of the packages contained cell phones or pagers.”

Keeda, along with 28 others, was indicted on various marijuana and conspiracy drug charges. “Everyone pled guilty except for me,” she says. “I chose to go to trial and exercise my constitutional right.”

What was the outcome?

I was acquitted of six charges, but was found guilty of aiding and abetting a conspiracy to distribute 100 to 400 kilograms of marijuana, which carried a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison. Although I had no prior criminal history, instead of receiving the minimum, I was sentenced to seven years. Upon appeal, I was resentenced to five and released from prison in December of 2006. I was determined to change the system.

What were your next steps?

I went to law school and became a practicing attorney In 2012. I worked at the Public Defender’s office for six and a half years and came to realize there was an intersectionality of the criminal legal system with so many other issues, like lack of housing and lack of meaningful employment.

I didn’t feel as if there was anyone in Congress addressing these issues, so I decided to run for Congress and received 40% of the vote. Today, I work on the national level with The Sentencing Project, and with Free Hearts, a local grassroots nonprofit. I’m also a member of Delta Sigma Theta and am one of the co-chairs on its Social Action Committee.

Why did you write BENDING THE ARC: My Journey from Prison to Politics?

I want to encourage people to have conversations about what’s happening in our world. I want them to think about how they can change things.

Personalized, signed copies of her book can be ordered from The Bookshop in Nashville, and unsigned copies are available on Amazon. For more, go to https://keedahaynes.com/.

Written for Franklin Lifestyle magazine in Tennessee.

Come and experience the old and the new

By Sue Baldani

Looking to see great works of art, find unique programs for your children, or rent a spectacular venue for an event? If so, you don’t have to travel far. The Morris Museum in Morristown, with its affiliation with the renowned Smithsonian Institute, has all this and more.

Collections and Exhibits

While the permanent collections offered are incredible and varied, there are always new and fascinating exhibits to be found at different times of the year.

“We’re really excited to be hosting Art in the Atrium’s 30th Anniversary Show, For The Culture, By The Culture, 30 Years of Black Art, Activism, and Achievement, which opened May 25 and will run through September 25,” says the new Executive Director, Andrew Sandall.

Another exhibit on display throughout the summer is Contemporary Spin: The Guinness Collections Re/Imagined. “This shows our signature Guinness Collection interpreted through the eyes of the next generation of museum professionals.”

Children’s Programs

The amazing Spark!Lab, which opened last year, has been a tremendous hit. “It’s a fascinating, unique place,” says Director of Museum Learning and STEAM, Gabrielle Meyer. “There’s nothing quite like it within a couple of states.”

Spark!Lab, she explains, is a hands-on space that allows kids to create, think about the world differently and come up with solutions. “There might be a prompt to create a vehicle with this material or create something that moves with these gears. As a former teacher, the piece I love the most is that a 5-year-old and a 13-year-old can have a fantastic experience using the same materials.”

Another offering is the Art in Motion Tour. Children learn about various pieces, then go to the classroom and make their own kinetic art. Artful Afternoons, which will be held in July and August, is yet another fun addition. They’re each a week-long and have very specific programming based on a theme.

Memberships

“There are numerous reasons to be a member, but the number one is free admission to the museum,” says Andrew. “Members also get exclusive programs and experiences and discounts for our regular programs. You’re also helping support us financially and making sure those programs and exhibits are available for everyone in the community.”

Private Events

Hold your next party or corporate event (up to 120 guests) at this unique venue. “We still have some select Saturdays available this summer,” says Private Event Manager, Nina Hoffer. Having access to the galleries during your event adds an extra dimension to your party that is distinctive and unforgettable. 

To find out more, go to https://morrismuseum.org/.

Written for Morris City Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.

A place for food, love and learning

By Sue Baldani

Jimmy Bellas grew up in the restaurant business. “My dad, James, literally came out of World War II and along with his dad and his brother opened a series of diners on Long Island. Later, he had a bustling place called Jimmy’s Backyard.”

As a kid, Jimmy was there washing dishes, cleaning silverware, and bussing tables. He later became a waiter and bartender. “I did it all, and I studied restaurant and hotel management in college, so when I graduated, I ran the restaurant with my dad.” It’s also where he met his wife, Karen Coccari.

Jimmy eventually opened his own Italian restaurant, but after getting married in 1998 and wanting to have a family, he realized he needed to make a change. “The restaurant business is wonderful, but the hours are difficult, especially if you’re serving dinner.”

After switching careers and working in sales for over 20 years, Jimmy found himself missing the restaurant business and would often sit around the family table regaling his wife and sons, Nico and LJ, with nostalgic stories. “I would say maybe someday we’ll open up a little place, and I’ll go back into the restaurant business with my own family this time. One day, Nico just looked at me and said, ‘Why don’t you stop talking about it and just do it?’”

And so, they did. They opened Sorriso Kitchen, a charming café in Chatham that serves breakfast, with choices such as omelets, home-made sausage and thick-cut bacon, and lunch, including an award-winning burger, which you can enjoy with a cold beer (it’s a BYOB.) The food is amazingly fresh and much of it, like their produce, honey, chicken, cheeses and syrups, comes from local farms in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  

Their son LJ, who has special needs, was also the inspiration for opening up the business. They wanted to give him a place to work after graduation.

On Mondays, when the café is closed, they hold classes for other special-needs children to learn restaurant skills. In order to expand this program and encourage other businesses to do it, he and Karen will be starting a foundation.  “We’re so excited!” he says. “We’ll be able to support this type of program or similar programs that exist or even seed and create new programs.

“We really feel like we’re doing what we are meant to be.” Jimmy’s advice to others who are thinking about taking the leap into a new career or going back to a former one:  “Follow your passion, but make sure that the leap you’re taking is one that’s going to continuously provide you with the love of what you’re doing.”

Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.

Sports, art, music and more

By Sue Baldani

Legends Gallery at Frames on Main in Chatham has been offering sports memorabilia for over 20 years. There’s everything from framed classic sports photos and jerseys to signed baseballs, football helmets, and hockey pucks. It has also hosted autograph-signing events with professional athletes like Eli Manning, Carli Lloyd, and Keith Hernandez.

“It’s a quick thrill to get to meet, say, Mariano Rivera, get your item autographed and take a picture with him,” says owner Greg Daily. Guests buy tickets beforehand, then either bring in their own memorabilia or buy them at the gallery.

Greg is now expanding into the exciting world of music legends by offering professionally-framed photographs of iconic moments in music history signed by the extremely accomplished photographers who took them. “There’s Bob Gruen, who was John Lennon’s and Yoko Ono’s photographer. I also have Ron Pownall, who was a tour photographer for Aerosmith, and Frank White, who has been shooting concerts for years. There’s also John Comerford, a Chatham guy, who has shot multiple album covers for artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Meatloaf’s Bat Out of Hell II.”

There’s another new and unique offering as well. “I had a client bring in what’s called sound waves prints to be framed, which are pretty cool,” he says. “One was a Natalie Merchant piece signed by the singer herself.” Sound waves, he explains, are what you would see on a digital screen in a music studio.

“What this particular artist has done is create relationships in the music industry, so now he’s got all these sound waves and paints colors onto them,” says Greg. “Each one is different and signed by the musician. He does limited-edition runs of prints taken from photographs of his paintings.”

In Legends Gallery right now, there are sound wave pieces from Jamie’s Got A Gun signed by Steven Tyler, and Another Brick in the Wall, signed by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. “I’ve also got one from a band called Evanescence, featuring their main song, Bring Me to Life, which is signed by Amy Lee. It’s actually my favorite piece and has this incredible purple color. I then have an old standby, Mama Said Knock You Out, by LL Cool J.” Each one of these pieces is beautifully framed.

Greg buys each of these prints directly from the artist, who then donates the proceeds to each individual musician’s charity. If you’re looking for a great gift for Father’s Day, or for a great gift for yourself, go to https://legendsgallery.net/ or https://framesonmain.net/, or even better, stop in and see them in person.

Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.

By Sue Baldani

Forest Lodge’s lush 50-acre property in Warren has always been an amazing place to hold parties all year round, but now it’s better than ever. Owners Charles and Maria Alberto, along with their son, Charlie Alberto IV, ensure that every event receives personalized care and attention.

“We set it up from the initial meeting all the way to the final appointment and then, on the day of the event, we’re here,” says Charlie, who has been the general manager for the past two years. “I think it makes the clients feel comfortable to have us present.”

From small, casual birthday parties, picnics and corporate events to large, elegant weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs, Forest Lodge provides the perfect venue. Guests can choose one of its three modern outdoor pavilions, the sophisticated indoor Sherwood Chalet banquet hall, and/or various Groves with pools, sports courts and rides. Its new Maple Grove Pavilion was erected during COVID as a safe place to hold events.

“We set up a 40×60 paver area and invested in a beautiful, white sailcloth tent, and added firepits and gazebos” he says. “It has a unique and elegant outdoor look.

Since the tent was such a popular addition, they set up another one in their Apple Grove Pavilion as a temporary addition for proms and other large (400+) parties. “We always had schools reaching out to us for graduations and field days, but when our new director of catering, Anthony Panchery, contacted them about proms, it spiraled into something really beautiful for the kids,” says Charlie. They also installed touchless fixtures in restrooms and at work stations to keep guests and employees safe.

The changes they’ve made didn’t end there. They revamped their entire website and regularly post information and updates on social media. “It’s been great because that’s where we get in touch with a lot of our customers and where many of our inquiries now come from,” he says. “People can now look at our menus online, gain more information through our digital brochures, scan QR codes to join us and post on Instagram!”

They’ve also brought in some new and creative team members and vendors, and have added to their list of food truck offerings. “All of our catering is done in house, but people love that they can get fried Oreos or Cuban sandwiches from award-winning food trucks.”

Charlie feels his prior work in film production has given him the skills to handle the logistics of coordinating over 300 parties and events each year and ensuring that they all run smoothly. He grew up working at the Lodge as well, which gives him a great understanding of what its guests expect.  

He’s also excited about Forest Lodge being able to hold Oktoberfest once again this fall, where people can enjoy brats, spaetzle, music, and everything German. He also hopes to offer some additional public days as well featuring live bands and other enjoyable entertainment.

For more information, go to www.forestlodgecatering.com/ and/or check out its Facebook page.

Written for The Showcase Magazine in New Jersey.