July 2020
An exclusive magazine serving the residents of Chatham, New Jersey
www.ChathamLivingNJ.com
A Hidden Gem: Chatham Community Garden
Cover photos by Chatham Community Garden
July 2020 | 1
2 | Chatham Living
Dear Residents, On the edge of town, tucked away down a long narrow driveway surrounded by woods, you will find Chatham’s best kept secret...this month, we are thrilled to showcase our town's hidden gem: the Chatham Community Garden. Turn to page 6. Our education expert contributor Rick Michalak of Breakaway Prep discusses SAT and ACT testing for the class of 2021 on page 15.
Publication Team
Publisher: John White Content Coordinator: Stacey McEvoy Designer: Tom Zielinski Contributing Photography: Christine Loy www.christineloyphotography.com christineloyphotography@gmail.com
Turn to page 9 for "6 Signs You Need to Replace Your Carpet Now More Than Ever!" by The Carpet Girl, our carpet and flooring expert contributor. Our orthodontics expert contributor Dr. Barbara Fodero of Chatham Orthodontics addresses the return to your orthodontist's office for treatment during the pandemic on page 19.
Advertising
"Strong Holdings Helps Your Portfolio During Volatile Markets" written by Brian McGeough of Chatham Wealth Management, our wealth management expert contributor, can be found on page 13.
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:
If you're thinking of selling or buying a home this summer or fall, don’t be deterred, now may be a great opportunity. On page 17, our real estate expert contributor Marianne Slamm writes about how a trusted real estate professional can help you list and buy safely and effectively and evaluate your specific situation.
Contact: John White Email: jwhite@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 973-964-6446
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 25th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: smcevoy@bestversionmedia.com.
Wishing you and your family a restful, healthful and wonderful 4th of July! Stacey and John
Important Phone Numbers:
Chatham Emergency Squad 973-377-1131 Chatham Borough Police Department 973-635-8000 Chatham Township Police Department 973-377-0100 Chatham Borough Fire Department 973-635-9090 Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department 973-377-0100 Green Village Fire Department 973-377-7073 Chatham Borough Hall 973-635-0674 Chatham Township Municipal Building 973-635-4600 School District of the Chathams 973-457-2500 Library of the Chathams 973-635-0603 Senior Services Center of the Chathams 973-635-4565/4556 Board of Health (Madison Health Department) 973-593-3079 Chatham Borough Recreation Coordinator 973-635-7066 Chatham Township Recreation Coordinator 973-635-3201
Stacey McEvoy, Content Coordinator
John White, Publisher
Content Submission Deadlines: Content Due: November 25 December 25 January 25 February 25 March 25 April 25 May 25 June 25 July 25 August 25 September 25 October 25
Edition Date: January February March April May June July August September October November December
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
July 2020 | 3
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact John White at jwhite@bestversionmedia.com or 973-964-6446. ACUPUNCTURE Morgan Reade, NJ Advanced Acupuncture Downtown Madison 6 Green Village Road, Madison, NJ 201-400-2261 www.njadvancedacupuncture.com
Morgan Reade L.Ac., M.S. Morgan is Board Certified through NCCAOM (National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine). As a practicing Acupuncture Physician he perfected his acupuncture skills on a broad spectrum of patients including sports injuries, autoimmune thyroid, digestive and infertility. He is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the art, science and practice of Oriental Medicine in an ethical manner, enhancing the health and well-being of the general public and his patients.
®
CARPET & FLOORING Dianne Grossman The Carpet Girl 1 Cornell Pkwy, Springfield Township, NJ 973-218-1155 • dianne@thecarpetgirl.com www.thecarpetgirl.com
Whether we come to your home, meet in a convenient location for you, or you come to our Springfield, NJ showroom, we help you find high-quality flooring that fits your lifestyle at prices that fit your budget.
COMMUNITY WELLNESS Madison Area YMCA Family Center 111 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 07940 973-822-YMCA (9622) www.madisonareaymca.org marketing@madisonymca.org The Madison Area YMCA is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With quality programs that develop a healthy spirit, mind and body at any age, we believe everyone, regardless of age, income or background, should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
4 | Chatham Living
EDUCATION Breakaway Prep Test Prep & College Admissions Rick Michalak, Owner 268 Green Village Rd, Suite 2, Downstairs, Chatham, NJ and 18 Bank St. Downstairs, Summit, NJ 07901 973-457-1150 • rickm@breakawayprep.com breakawayprep.com We are a collective of top-notch teachers and counselors who have all have spent more time than we should admit with SATs, ACTs, Subject tests, college essays, college lists: You name it, we’ve worked with it. We offer one of the most deeply resourced and experienced teams in the world of test prep and college admissions.
FAMILY DENTISTRY Dr. Jacqueline S. Reid DDS 390 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 973-635-9456 www.jacquelinesreiddds.com Since 1998 our office has proudly provided high quality dentistry in Chatham and surrounding areas. Services include all aspects of modern dentistry as well implant restorations and prosthetics, cosmetic restorations. Dr. Reid is on staff at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital as director of the dental residency training program.
FUNERAL DIRECTOR Madison Memorial Home 159 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940 973-377-2735 Doug Loikith, Mgr. NJ Lic. 4560 • madisonmemorialhome.com Since 1948 our mission has not changed - providing your family with the highest quality care and service, and taking responsibility to lighten your burden as you take the first steps toward healing and recovery. We are committed to the trust and confidence of the community we serve, and to maintaining the reputation that the Madison Memorial Home has established for excellence and honesty.
KITCHEN & BATH RENOVATIONS Alan Archuleta, Archuleta Builders 973.986.6656 alan@archuletabuilders.com https://archuletabuilders.com/ Whether you are a homeowner, architect or real estate investor, finding the right contractor is key to the quality and success of your home renovation project. With attention to detail and a stylized eye, Alan Archuleta has his name on every home renovation project his team undertakes.
Law Offices of Rosemary Stone-Dougherty A Limited Liability Company
LEGAL REAL ESTATE Rosemary Stone-Dougherty, Esq. NJ & FL Bar Member 54 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 973-635-0300
rsdlawfirm@aol.com • www.rsdlawfirm.org Legal Services offered: • Real Estate Purchases/Sales • Estate Planning • Refinancesoffers exceptional Based in Chatham, Rosemary proudly • Landlord/Tenant Disputes • Land Use/Variance Applications • Probate• Collection
legal assistance for your real estate transactions. To Rosemary, the key to success is keeping 973-635-0300 • 54 Main Chatham, NJ 07928 you informed and St., educated, while protecting you as you move forward www.rsdlawfirm.org rsdlawfirm@aol.com through the legal•processes of buying, selling, or making improvements to your home.
LEGAL: DIVORCE MEDIATION AND LITIGATION Phyllis S. Klein, Esq. and Stephanie Frangos Hagan, Esq. Donahue, Hagan, Klein & Weisberg, LLC 44 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ (973) 467-5556 pklein@dhkwlaw.com and shagan@dhkwlaw.com www.dhkwlaw.com Legal disputes involving marriage and children are among the most difficult situations a family can face. Phyllis Klein and Stephanie Hagan have been practicing family law for over 30 years. Their goal is to help clients through this challenging experience with compassion and understanding- advocating for favorable resolution through negotiation or mediation whenever possible, but always with total preparation to litigate successfully, if necessary.
NURSING HOME Garden Terrace Nursing Home 361 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 973-635-0899 info@gardenterracenursinghome.com www.gardenterracenursinghome.com Garden Terrace has been family owned and operated for over five decades by the Flemming family. We are a private, thirty bed, skilled nursing facility that specializes in long term care for individuals with cognitive and/or physical limitations.
ORTHODONTICS Dr. Barbara Fodero, DDS, MS Chatham Orthodontics 33 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 973-701-2200 www.chathambraces.com Dr. Barbara Fodero has provided orthodontic treatment for children and adults for over 17 years. She earned her dental degree from the University of Michigan, graduating first in her class, and continued there to complete three years of training in the specialty of orthodontics.
PHARMACY Liberty Drug 195 Main Street Chatham, NJ Phone: 877-836-0111 • Fax: 973-635-6208 www.libertydrug.com Liberty Drug and Surgical serving the Chatham area since 1965 has evolved into a premier compounding center as well as a full service pharmacy. Our state-of-the-art compounding lab enables us to provide customized medications in a variety of dosage forms for adult, pediatric, and veterinary patients.
PHYSICAL THERAPY Matthew Riordan Professional Physical Therapy & Training 111 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 973-270-7417 matthew@professionalptandtraining.com Matthew Riordan holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University. He is the founder of Professional Physical Therapy & Training and has been conveniently located within the Madison and Summit Area YMCAs for more than 14 years. Matthew and his staff of Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy provide One-on-One specialized treatments to help people prevent as well as recover from musculoskeletal injuries and surgeries. He and his staff are also active members in the community.
REAL ESTATE Marianne Slamm, ABR, SRES Sales Associate Keller Williams Premier Properties marianneslamm@gmail.com www.Marianne-Slamm.kw.com M - 973-216-1912 Chatham has been my home for 25+ years. As your local agent, I’d welcome the opportunity to help you, your family and friends fulfill their dreams of buying, selling or investing in real estate in Chatham and the nearby towns.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT Chatham Wealth Management 10 Town Square #100, Chatham, NJ 800-472-8086 www.chathamwealth.com Chatham Wealth Management is a SEC registered investment advisor serving high net worth individuals, retirement plans and trusts. Our expert portfolio managers and financial planners average more than 25 years of investment experience.
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RESIDENT FEATURE
CHATHAM COMMUNITY GARDEN Contributed by Chatham Community Garden Photos by Chatham Community Garden
O
n the edge of town, tucked away down a long narrow driveway surrounded by woods, you will find Chatham’s best kept secret, The Chatham Community Garden. This sanctuary is where 75 families go to escape the hustle and bustle, enjoy some peace & quiet, and tend to their individual plots to grow vegetables during the spring, summer and fall months. The garden was not always at this spot, when it first opened back in May 2010, it was located under the PSE&G power lines off Main Street on the border of Madison. After a couple of years, the garden lost its lease and a new site had to be found. After a year of searching, the Community Garden opened its doors at its current location off Woodland Road on land owned by both the Borough and the Township. Families join the garden because they may live in a condo or townhome and do not have access to a plot of land. Others may have the land but not get the proper amount of sun or they may not be able to place a fence around their garden to protect it from hungry animals. The community garden provides the right environment to have a successful garden. In addition to the proper environment, the garden is 100% organic, chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not allowed. A lot of the gardener’s will start their plants from seeds in their homes. Once the frost has passed, they will then transfer their seedlings to their plot in the garden. This normally happens in the middle of April, but due to COVID-19, the garden was closed for two weeks and did not reopen until the first week of May. Now that the weather is getting warmer, the garden is in full swing. Tomatoes are the most popular item grown in the garden, but if you walk around you will see people growing pretty much anything you can find in the produce section of your local grocery store. Right now, some gardeners may have already planted peas, radishes, spinach, chard and mesclun.
For those gardeners who started their plants from seed indoors may already be harvesting some of these crops. Each year, existing members must renew their spot at the garden by submitting an application. This is usually done during the month of November. At the same time, new gardeners are submitting their applications with the hopes of getting a plot for the upcoming season. There are two plot sizes, full (10’ x 10’) and half (5’x10’). A full plot costs $35 for the season and a half plot is $18. While many of the families are from Chatham, applications are also accepted from non-residents. Between 90% to 95% of the garden members return each season. New garden applicants are either assigned to an available plot or are added to a wait list. There is usually a plot for all gardeners who have sent in their application. At the start of every season the committee holds its annual “All Gardener’s” meeting. For the past several years, a guest speaker from The Rutgers Master Gardner program has given a presentation. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our meeting was not held. In the past, the presentation topics mainly focused on vegetable gardening. The Rutgers Master Garden program covers a multitude of topics and we are considering adding another “All Gardener’s” meeting so we could take advantage of the different topics. Each member is responsible for maintaining their plot and the area around their plot. Members are also encouraged to volunteer their time and help with the general up-keep of the garden. Members can help with mowing the grass in the common areas, keeping the fencing secure so critters from the surrounding woods cannot get in and feast on all our hard work, or adopting a section of the garden’s beneficial beds.
Farmer Paul 6 | Chatham Living
The beneficial beds contain flowers that attract insects that will be benefit to the garden. These insects might help with the pollination process or eat the invasive insects that are destroying our plants.
Bench dedicated in Farmer Paul's honor.
Members can also volunteer to be on the Garden Committee. The committee meets the first Tuesday of every month in the Borough Municipal building on Fairmount Ave. The Committee is made up of five Borough and five Township residents, plus one council member from both the Borough and Township. They discuss the day to day activities that need to be done to keep the garden running smoothly as well as prioritize and approve larger projects. In the corner of the garden is a bench, made from recycled plastic bags, and dedicated to the memory of “Farmer Paul” Suszczynski who died in September 2016. “Farmer Paul” was a long-time member of the Community Garden and was instrumental not only in getting the current garden up and running after they had to move but also helped with its design. He shared his love of gardening and his wealth of knowledge with all his fellow gardeners. The garden is not just for families, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts both have plots. The scouts are encouraged to help with the weeding and watering for their plot. Last season one of the Boy Scouts used the garden for his Eagle Scout project and this year the Girl Scouts were going to collect produce from the gardeners and donate the items to a local food pantry.
For more information about the garden such as an application or the rules, please visit www.chathamnjgarden.org. Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues!
We would like to thank Salerno Duane Inc. in Summit for bringing you this month’s cover story.
Contact us at smcevoy@bestversionmedia.com.
We would like to thank Salerno Duane Inc. in Summit for bringing you this month’s cover story.
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EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
6 SIGNS YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR CARPET NOW MORE THAN EVER!
A
Contributed by Dianne Grossman, owner of The Carpet Girl
lthough proper maintenance can dramatically extend the life of your carpet, every carpet that sees regular use will need to be replaced sooner or later. Some of the signs can be obvious, but there are others that may be more subtle.
Stains in carpet Are you covering up carpet stains with furniture and rugs when carpet cleaning fails to remove them? If your house is starting to resemble a minefield, it’s time for a carpet replacement. Most carpets come with a stain-resistant finish, but over time, the treatment fades and eventually leaves the carpet unprotected. Do you find yourself staring at stubborn stains just won’t go away or keep coming back? Are your worried about Covid-19? Have you used bleach or harsh cleaning products? These products void warranties and can do irreparable damage to carpets. Wear and tear on carpet Has your carpet seen better days? Are you putting rugs all over it to cover rips and tears, or rearranging furniture to cover defects? Are your kids scared to lay on it? Matted carpet, tears and significant wear on the main walkways are major signs your carpet is on its death bed. Polyester carpet fibers have a reputation of matting and losing their form. Once it falls down and loses its tuft, it doesn’t return to normal, even with professional cleaning. Nylon or wool carpeting, however, is typically more resilient ideal for heavy traffic areas like steps. Stinky carpet If you own a pet or haven't cleaned in a while, you may notice a lingering smell on your carpet, but the odor should be gone or noticeably diminished after a proper cleaning. If it doesn't, this means that the odor has penetrated deep into the carpet fibers, the carpet pad or the subfloor, and it may even indicate mold and mildew growth. In cases like these, it's often more cost effective to replace the entire carpet completely in order to fully eliminate the odor or odors. Condition of carpet padding Carpet padding is like the pillow under the case, the carpet is nothing but a layer of fabric without the padding. It helps support the carpet, working as a foundation and making it comfortable to walk and lay on. It buffers sounds and keeps a room quieter and even improves insulation. However, carpet padding also absorbs many spills, and cleaning the carpet doesn’t necessarily clean the padding. Signs of old padding include unevenness, wrinkles and a crinkling sound when someone walks over it. Increased allergy symptoms Often, older carpets or padding catch and retain more allergens and particulate matter which may cause your allergies to act up. If you notice an increase in allergies, one source may be your old carpet. Technology in manufacturing carpets has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Your smartphone has changed so should the carpets in your home. Old carpet After 7-10 years, signs of wear show on the major walkways and the carpet fibers start losing their texture and tuft. If you find yourself cleaning the carpet over and over and not getting the results you want, it time to call us! To schedule your worry free showroom appointment with The Carpet Girl. wwwww.thecarpetgirl.com
July 2020 | 9
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY
Publisher's Note: This month we're spotlighting an array of live and virtual events happening here in NJ and beyond. Enjoy! THE LIBRARY OF THE CHATHAMS' virtual offerings include: book groups, video game club, storytimes, yoga, music, dance, chess and more. www.chathamlibrary.org VOTE!
New Jersey's primary election was moved to Tuesday, July 7th. While everyone has been sent information about voting by mail (and VBM is strongly encouraged), select polling locations will be open. For full details, visit the Morris County Board of Elections website. https://elections.morriscountynj.gov/ CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY!
At press time, we don’t have a list of happenings in our area—but you don’t need us to help you celebrate and enjoy this year’s July 4th. Have a great day full of sparklers, sunshine, and good company. HEAD OUT ON A HIKE
Plan an easy hike or something heart-racing for you and your family. This site makes it easy to plan a route that works for you. https://www.nynjtc.org/ VISIT THE MUSEUM OF EARLY TRADES & CRAFT -- ONLINE!
The METC in Madison has so many fascinating interesting things to do online. From online events to a virtual tour of the permanent exhibit to the call for stories for the Share Your Story Project, there's something for everyone at the METC.
HELP PRESERVE HISTORY
You can help the Library of Congress preserve important historical documents by becoming a volunteer transcriber. No special equipment needed (just a computer with a WIFI connection). A satisfying way to spend a few hours on a rainy day. https://crowd.loc.gov/
LEARN SOMETHING NEW WITH THE MORRIS COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU
The tourism bureau continues to update Morris County Residents with the goings-on of our 300 members of the Morris County Tourism Bureau. The staff is working to bring you the latest ways to stay safe & sane in Morris County. https://www.morristourism.org/23367-2/ CHECK OUT THE MORRIS MUSEUM
Until the museum is back open to the public, there's plenty to see, hear and do online. Visit their social media handles and the Virtual Morris Museum page for all the details. https://morrismuseum.org/virtual-morrismuseum/ VISIT ELLIS ISLAND TOGETHER
Thanks to Scholastic, kids (and adults) can go on a tour of Ellis Island. It's almost like being there (without having to wait on a line!). http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/ immigration/tour/ WRITE SOMETHING
Arts by the People has moved its programming online. Check out their website for opportunities to read and listen to your work and the work of other writers. Bonus: Email your work to rbarry@ bestversionmedia.com and we might print it in a future issue. https://www.artsbythepeople.org/ event-poss
https://www.metc.org/
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KEEP MOVING WITH THE MADISON AREA YMCA
While the doors are closed the Y is still sharing workouts and daily encouragement on their social media channels. Bonus: Make up your own fun fitness routine-soundtrack included. https://www.madisonareaymca.org/ TAKE A VIRTUAL ART CLASS
Author and illustrator Wendy MacNaughton teaches fun, accessible online drawing classes on her Instagram channel. Suitable for all ages. https://www.instagram.com/wendymac/ RACHEL KEMPSTER BARRY | TUESDAY MAGIC MARKETING rachel@rachelkbarry.com 917-573-2918 3RD ANNUAL “GREAT SWAMP GREAT MUSIC FESTIVAL”
A Sunday in August (Check GreatSwamp.org periodically for date) @Hartley Farms Polo Field in Morristown Live music; local vendors; food; adult beverages from a unique beer dispensing firetruck; free water and parking Tickets: $25/adult ($30 at the gate) $15/ high school & college students, children 13 and under are free. Advance tickets: GreatSwamp.org or call 973-538-3500.
Property Type
Price Range
Date Range
Area Type
Single Family Home, Townhome, Condo
500,000 - 2,999,999
6/4/2019 - 6/3/2020
City
Cities:
Chatham Boro, Chatham Twp
NOBODY MORE BUYERS TO CHATHAM THAN WE DO! Percentage By Unit BRINGS Volume
#
Name
List #
List $
Sell #
Sell $
Total #
Total $
1
Coldwell Banker Realty
59
69,162,150
55
65,227,250
114
134,389,400
2
Keller Williams Realty - Summit
73
80,698,899
53
63,025,899
126
143,724,798
3
Weichert Realtors
16
15,949,500
26
27,483,000
42
4
Name Sothebys Prominent#Properties
List # 13
List $ 13,360,999
Sell #15
5
1 Estate Coldwell Banker Realty Turpin Real Inc. All Other 2 Keller Williams Realty - Summit
17 59
69,162,150 17,813,900
5510
65,227,250 10,713,500
114
26 219
27,483,000 239,952,448
42
17,203,500
28
6
3
Weichert Realtors
4
Prominent Properties Sothebys
5
Turpin Real Estate Inc.
6
All Other
TOTALS
TOTALS
41 73 219 16 13
80,698,899 42,967,000 15,949,500 239,952,448 13,360,999
5360 15
Sell $ Total # 17,203,500 63,025,899 56,299,299
126
43,432,500
28
Total 30,564,499 $
27
134,389,400 28,527,400
101 438
43,432,500 479,904,896
143,724,798 99,266,299 30,564,499
17
17,813,900
10
10,713,500
27
28,527,400
41 219
42,967,000 239,952,448
60 219
56,299,299 239,952,448
101 438
99,266,299 479,904,896
©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Based on information from Garden MLS,Reserved. LLC for Coldwell the period 6/4/2019 through 6/3/2020. Dueare to trademarks MLS reporting methods andReal allowable policy, this data System is only informational may not be ©2020 Coldwell Banker.State All Rights Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos of Coldwell Banker Estate reporting LLC. The Coldwell Banker® is comprised ofand company completely accurate. Therefore, Coldwell Realty of does not guarantee the data Data maintained byindependently the MLS's may notand reflect all real estate activity in the market. owned offices which are owned Banker by a subsidiary Realogy Brokerage Group LLCaccuracy. and franchised offices which are owned operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
on information from Garden State MLS, LLC for the period 6/4/2019 through 6/3/2020. Due to MLS reporting methods and allowable reporting policy, this data is only informational and may not be Best VersionBased Media does notTherefore, guarantee the Banker accuracy ofdoes thenot statistical data on this page. data by does not represent the any inone agent or agency but represents the activity of the completely accurate. Coldwell Realty guarantee the data accuracy. DataThe maintained the MLS's may not reflect all listings real estateof activity the market. entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
July 2020 | 11
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CHATHAMS SPOTLIGHT: CHATHAM FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE TEACHER AND HER STUDENTS SEW MASKS FOR CHATHAM NURSES AND FRONTLINE WORKERS School graduates who are nurses at Memorial
S
Contributed by the School District of the Chathams
chool District of the Chathams’ teachers may be remote but their efforts to engage students beyond the classroom emulates why it’s great to be a Chatham student. Chatham Middle School Family and Consumer Science teacher Pam McHugh is using her sewing skills to connect students and help keep others safe. Assembling a group of “sewing angels,” comprised of 8th graders, CHS students and alumni and their parents, McHugh and the group have sewn upwards of 1,000 masks since March. Mrs. McHugh already had been sewing and donating masks to the Front Line Sewing Angels, when Marguerite White, a CHS parent, was able to secure supplies from JOANN Fabrics and Crafts. The store donated and expedited almost 20 bolts of fabric, thread and elastic. Mrs. McHugh hosted a virtual training session for students and their parents. She also created a “How To” video to reference and share which allowed students to further engage friends and the community. CHS 9th grader Ella Jones and her mom Megan sewed 150 masks and hosted a “lunch and sew” for her mom’s company that needed 365 masks. The company’s pharmacy warehouse workers in Memphis, TN, are working around the clock to ship chloroquine and azithromycin to hospitals. “Making masks is an easy and fun way to help people in the community. Everyone can get involved because there are so many people across the country that can use masks right now,” said Ella. This effort took on special meaning when Mrs. McHugh learned that a number of Chatham High
12 | Chatham Living
Pam McHugh
Megan and Ella Jones
Sloan Kettering (MSK) in Manhattan were in dire need of masks. Isabel Sitar, CHS Class of 2019 graduate and University of Texas at Austin textile and apparel design major, has sewn more than 250 masks. “I am so grateful to be a part of this volunteer sewing project of making masks for my neighbors, friends, and nurses,” said Sitar. “It’s about the small things we can do as the first aid responders do the big jobs, working so hard to help fight off this pandemic.” MSK nurses from Chatham that include Katie Fox, Kit Whiteman, Grace Caufield, Allison Nall, Megan Gyves, Sarah Rassmussen and Eileen Moran, Kathleen Ughetta and Blair Gallietto were honored that the community stepped up and provided them with functional and beautiful masks to protect themselves on the frontlines. Fox has been serving her patients remotely during the pandemic. She said she feels that she will be able to safely commute with one of McHugh’s reusable washable masks when she returns to work at the hospital. “The wash and reuse aspect of these masks is important for keeping other PPE for the healthcare workers,” said Fox, adding “Mrs. McHugh has gone above and beyond for her friends, family and other Chatham residents by putting in countless hours making safe and fun masks. I am so proud to have her as a friend and witness firsthand the care that has gone into helping others.”
(L-R) Chatham High School graduate Kit Whiteman, a nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering, is pictured with Bri Ciccone, a patient care coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
The relationships built and the dedication to the community that has been instilled in those who have taken the Chatham Family and Consumer Science Class at Chatham Middle School serve as a reminder that many of the most valuable lessons that students learn on their educational journey transcend the classroom and are inspired by a dedicated and passionate teacher.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
STRONG HOLDINGS HELPS YOUR PORTFOLIO DURING VOLATILE MARKETS Contributed by Brian McGeough, Chatham Wealth Management
D
uring periods of extreme volatility in the stock market it is not unusual for investors to abandon their long-term plan and make adjustments based on emotion. Often times these changes are made at the worst possible time…people looking to buy stocks as the market is surging to new highs or selling after the market has had a dramatic pull back, essentially buying high and selling low. Our advice to investors is to create a long-term financial plan that fits your risk tolerance and time horizon and stick with it through both up and down markets. The core piece of portfolio management is to make sure that you own stocks and bonds in high quality companies that can withstand a severe decline in economic activity and will be able to recover during better times. Companies with a solid balance sheet, strong management, with industry leading products that make money are the cornerstone of a
solid portfolio. Of course, the stocks of these companies are not immune to price declines, but the chances of these types of companies going out of business during a recession are lower than companies that have a lot of debt and haven’t proven that their business model holds up in both good times and periods of financial stress. The second part of the plan is to stick with it. If you are confident in your portfolio’s holdings, then you should be able to ride through the ups and downs without having to make drastic decisions based on daily market moves. The investor that moves in and out of the market has two decisions to make; when to get out and when to get back in. Generally, the getting out decision is made during the maximum pain in the market. To make things worse, investors wait until some sort of “all clear” to get back into the market. Missing just the few best up days in the market over the course of a year can have a drastically negative impact on your long-term returns. Looking at this year’s sell off in the market, low of the market was on March 23. From that date through May 26 the market is up 37%. During the first 10 trading days since March 23 the S&P 500 had a +9%, 7% and 6% day. Missing any one of these days will have a lasting negative impact on a portfolio.
It is impossible to determine where the market will go in the short-term, so keeping a long-time horizon is the best strategy. The table below shows the average yearly returns in the S&P 500 following bear markets going back to 1961. The 1, 5, and 10 year returns are all well above the long-term average returns.
Average Return After Bear Market 1 Year Later
38.4%
3 Years Later
19.7%
5 Years Later
17.6%
10 Years Later
13.6%
Source: T Rowe Price
At Chatham Wealth Management, we create financial plans for clients based on their individual situation and goals and construct strong portfolios to help achieve those goals. Helping clients to stay invested and not make emotional decisions is just one of the benefits of working with an experienced advisory firm like Chatham Wealth.
July 2020 | 13
CHATHAM BOROUGH'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FINDS A NEW MISSION AMIDST THE COVID CRISIS
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Contributed by Chatham Borough Mayor's Office hen Chatham’s Economic Development Advisory Committee was formed last year, no one had even heard of COVID-19.The Committee, the brainchild of Mayor Thaddeus Kobylarz, was designed to help attract new businesses to Chatham. Mayor Kobylarz’s vision was to help Chatham “pivot to the new economy” and bring in growth-oriented technology enterprises to foster a thriving downtown commercial zone, both along Main Street and in its industrial districts. This strategy would have the added benefit of spawning a secondary “support” economy catering to the newly flourishing commercial areas and residents more generally. In the midst of the COVID shutdown, however, the EDAC has acquired a new purpose: help businesses navigate the financial challenges of restrictions and closures. Assistance has been wide ranging – from producing videos showcasing shops to helping with grant applications. Initially, members focused on advising Borough businesses about government programs designed to help them survive the shutdown. One of the first moves was to advise them on the Federal Paycheck Protection Program, which provides small business loans to cover payroll and other expenses during the COVID emergency. Mayor Kobylarz then invited the mayors of Chatham Township, Madison, and Morris Plains to join him in a webinar describing a multitude of Federal and State assistance programs. While the EDAC was focusing on grants and education, two enterprising Chatham residents – and now EDAC members – were working directly with local restaurants and retailers to move them to a new model of operation, one based on Internet sales and carryout/delivery. E-commerce entrepreneur Michelle Lease created Keep Chatham Thriving! – a social media framework featuring Chatham businesses, and Internet marketing expert MJ Morgan compiled a directory of local restaurants offering carryout. These efforts became part of the EDAC’s COVID initiative as well. EDAC members have also been working with individual businesses to promote alternative ways of selling their wares, including via videos airing on Facebook highlighting gifts for special events like Mother’s Day. Most recently, the EDAC has formulated a program to showcase local businesses on the Borough’s cable TV channel, an underutilized resource. The EDAC’s original mission, to attract technology firms to Chatham, has not been forgotten. Chatham has a strong partnership with the Morris County Economic Development 14 | Chatham Living
Corporation and is working closely with it to market the Borough as a location for such companies under the Startup/Moveup Chatham program. Despite an anticipated economic downturn, Mayor Kobylarz still sees Chatham as an attractive spot for technology firms, perhaps more so now as the COVID crisis exposes the downside of locating in high-density urban areas. Revitalizing the Borough’s downtown economy while preserving the charm of its residential neighborhoods requires a “smart” approach to economic growth. To assist with this task, Mayor Kobylarz has enlisted “the best and brightest” from amongst Chatham’s residents. The ultimate goal is a flourishing Chatham Borough, both economically and socially. With the help of the EDAC, the mayor believes this can be achieved. Indeed, the Committee is already demonstrating its worth by helping Borough businesses weather the unexpected COVID storm.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
SAT AND ACT FOR THE CLASS OF 2021
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Contributed by Rick Michalak, Breakaway Prep, LLC he world of college admissions has always been a little crazy. With Covid-19, it got a lot crazier. For the class of 2021, test optional will be more common than at any time in the past. With almost 4,000 colleges in the US, we are seeing changes day by day. Many that were not technically test-optional are suspending their testing requirements for the class of 2021. Just last month, the University of California system suspended their SAT/ACT requirement for 2020/2021 applicants. This is big news; it is among the most dependent on standardized testing. Does that mean you should give up on the tests? No. These policy shifts take the pressure off our juniors given the cancelled test dates and generally crazy life situation. I believe the colleges are also trying to preserve their timeline for application deadlines. Ultimately, this is a good thing for all students. For those who have already hit nice scores on the SAT or ACT, you can give yourself a pat on the back for being ahead of the curve on timing. For those who were aiming to take the spring tests and are now looking at summer/fall test dates, embrace this opportunity to regroup and give yourself a strong score. The best way for students to think of test optional policies is this: if you score well, it’s awesome. If you don’t, it’s ok. So, there is only upside potential when preparing for and taking the SAT and ACT at this point. Some high schools have indicated they will be moving to a pass/fail grading system for the remainder of the semester. Aim for Pass! In all seriousness, though, a lot of emphasis has been placed on the spring of 11th grade grades and for good reason. For kids who were looking forward to showing off an upward trajectory with their grades, this is still a tremendous opportunity. Teachers notice who rises to the occasion with online learning. They also notice who clicks on the audio for a Zoom meeting and then crawls back to bed! The best thing juniors can do right now is summon their inner strength and do the best they can under these conditions. This will be reflected in your recommendation letters and will in turn be noticed by admissions readers next year. Don’t underestimate the power you have this spring. If you were riding high on strong grades, keep it up! If you were struggling through the winter stretch of the year, use this as your opportunity without sports, musicals, friends, etc., to show what you are capable of and go the extra mile for your classes. So while the college process is changing, it isn’t going anywhere. Do what you need to take care of your family right now. Breakaway Prep is here and ready to help if you need us for test prep, college admissions, or academic support. As UCLA’s Director of Admission, Gary Clark said, “It’s OK to not be OK right now.” Be safe.
July 2020 | 15
JIGSAW PUZZLES RISE AGAIN
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Contributed by Patricia Wells, Chatham Township Historical Society he Covid-19 quarantine has stimulated a resurgence in the joys and challenges of the jigsaw puzzle. It is not the first time the puzzles have helped people through a difficult period. It was a favored pastime during the Great Depression during the 1930s.
The English engraver and mapmaker, John Spilsbury, is credited with creating the first jigsaw puzzle in 1767. He glued a map on a wooden board and cut it into pieces according to the general shapes on the map. The puzzle was called a “dissected map”. They were not called “jigsaw puzzle” until the 1880s. Spilsbury’s dissected maps were intended to educate children. Soon pictures of animals, nursery rhymes and historic scenes were being made as well. Because each puzzle was hand-cut, it had few pieces, and was quite expensive so only wealthy children had access to them. The invention of the treadle powered jigsaw at the end of the 19th Century allowed for cheaper, more intricate puzzles. Now the adults got their own puzzles. Beautifully engraved scenes were cut along color lines making it difficult to envision the finished picture, which WAS NOT provided as a guide. The actual picture was only revealed as the puzzle was solved.
Parker Pastime child's puzzle with its book-style box. (Donated by Sheila Goggins)
Also, during this time, the Germans, Raphael Tuck and his sons, began making interlocking pieces and figural pieces or whimsies, which were in the shapes of animals or people. They started using plywood instead of expensive hardwoods, which made the puzzles more affordable. The English company, Chad Valley, began cutting the plywood puzzles in stacks speeding up production and decreasing the cost. In the United States, Parker Brothers had been producing its popular games since 1883. They added their line of Parker Pastime Puzzles in 1887. Because of its popularity it became their main focus following the financial crises of 1908 and through World War I. During this time die cutting methods were used on cardboard stock making production cheap enough that retail companies began giving away puzzles emblazoned with their products. Puzzles series such as the Jig of the Week and Jiggers Weekly were cheap and popular, and provided inexpensive entertainment during the Great Depression. Home cut puzzles became a source of income for woodworkers and handymen. Around World War II the die cut cardboard process improved and took over the puzzle market. Wooden puzzles became a specialty. In 1963 Springbok Puzzles brought the circular puzzle to America sparking another jigsaw craze.
Homemade wooden jigsaw puzzle with a different picture on each side. (Donated by Carl Woodward whose grandfather made the puzzle).
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Today we are once again spending an inordinate time gathered around jigsaw puzzles.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
BUYING AND SELLING REAL ESTATE – “THE NEW NORMAL”
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Contributed by Marianne Slamm s stay-at-home orders in the NY Tri-State area are lifted, local data points to a pent-up demand of buyers, particularly urban buyers, getting ready to jump back in the market. Historically low mortgage rates signal a purchasing power opportunity for buyers. Unemployment claims and a careful eye on the stock market and world economy and the success surrounding the opening of the local economies will dominate both the buyer and seller mindsets. We continue to see a rise in home searches, homes going under contract and new listings coming to the market. Economists in NJ are predicting a best-case scenario showing the real estate market recovery this summer and a continued rebound this year into next. So far, prices have been holding fairly steady, as buyers and sellers reemerge. Some buyers are trying to take advantage of
Interest Rates Over Time 70s
80s
90s
00s
10s
8.86%
12.7%
8.12%
6.29%
4.07%
Interest rates are hovering near all-time lows. There’s more incentive than ever to make a move in today’s market. Source: Freddie Mac
TODAY 3.24%
the situation by renegotiating lower prices, but most sellers are not yielding, at least at this stage. What has changed? • Technology, like ZOOM, FaceTime, Matterport, and Docusign, expand to every aspect of the transaction from the initial Buyer and Seller Consultations to listing and contract paperwork, mortgage processing and closing. • Searching for homes on the internet from the comfort of your current digs is hardly something new. Bridging the gap for buyers and sellers between the on-line information, navigating this ever-changing market and ensuring a safe and effective inperson experience, for all, is the main focus of agents. • Stellar photography, virtual tours, videos and on-line marketing need to hit the mark more than ever, and safety protocols for the in-home visits of photographers, stagers and others have been implemented. • COVID-19 safety precautions are obviously a key concern. Vacant homes put buyers more at ease and generate slightly more activity than occupied homes. Virtual tours, done via FaceTime, or a similar tech solution, hosted by the agent for occupied homes help keep them in the mix. • “Hold-harmless” forms for buyers and sellers to complete prior to in-person visits to absolve all parties from liability, should anybody contract the virus as a result of a showing are continuing to evolve. • Strict pre-qualification guidelines exist prior to any in-home showings, done on a 1-1 basis, of vacant or occupied homes, with agents committed to wiping down any surfaces which are touched to ensure cleanliness for all involved. So, if you're thinking of selling or buying a home this summer or fall, don’t be deterred, now may be a great opportunity. A trusted real estate professional can help you list and buy safely and effectively and evaluate your specific situation. With so few homes on the market for buyers to purchase, this season may be the time for your house to stand out from the crowd. Buyers are looking, and your house may be at the top of their list.
July 2020 | 17
ADOPT-A-PET
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center provides services that support the human-animal bond and seeks to foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures. Learn how you can volunteer, foster, and adopt at sthuberts.org. You can meet and adopt any of the following animals at our Madison Campus, 575 Woodland Avenue.
Contributed by St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center Photos by St. Hubert’s
Meet our superheroes, Batman and Robin! Batman, the black cat, is three. Robin, the tabby, is two and a half. When they’re not busy fighting crime, they enjoy hanging out together, getting treats and taking catnaps. Would you like to adopt this dynamic duo? Email adoptions@ sthuberts.org.
Yeti is super chill. This easygoing 6 year old hound mix enjoys belly rubs and cuddling on the couch. He’s an eager baking assistant, hoping to nibble on anything that might fall on the ground. And he’s always ready to go on a long walk! Email adoptions@sthuberts. org if you’d like to make an appointment to meet Yeti!
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Bella is a sweet lady! She loves to be close to her favorite people (and loves giving them kisses). This 9 year old lab mix enjoys being outdoors and going for long walks. She’d prefer to be the only animal in the house. Email mbgroneman@gmail.com to learn more and meet Bella!
Oreo is a happy, playful cat. He enjoys hanging out with his humans (and getting a good belly rub). His foster mom says Oreo loves lying in the sun, looking out the window, playing with his toys and keeping her daughters company while they do their homework. He’s 2 years old and would prefer being the only kitty in the house. Email his foster family at rokosny@optonline.net if you’d like to meet or adopt Oreo!
MY ORTHODONTIST’S OFFICE HAS RE-OPENED. IS IT SAFE TO GO?
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Contributed by Dr. Barbara Fodero, Chatham Orthodontics
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overnor Murphy has allowed orthodontists and dentists in New Jersey to re-open, but you may be wondering what precautions your orthodontist is taking to ensure your safety. While the appointment process may look a little different, don’t worry, your orthodontist has always been on the front lines of preventing the spread of diseases. From treatment and waiting room disinfection to the strict use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the safety of patients and staff members continues to be of the utmost importance. Before, during and after treatment: When it comes to preventing the spread of disease, rest assured your orthodontist has always been strict on universal precautions. Precautions have always included the use of masks, glasses, gloves, sterile instruments and devices as well as clean and disinfected environmental surfaces. Additionally, in my office, frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and chairs are disinfected between patients by my office staff. Magazines, refreshment stations and children’s games have been removed from the waiting room. Patients will be asked to brush their teeth and use the bathroom at home before coming to the office. The use of electronic documents and signatures will eliminate the use of paper and pens. Medical-grade air purifiers are found throughout the office. A private operatory with negative pressure will be used for any procedure that would create an aerosol, such as putting on braces, or removing braces.
The process may look a little different: Your check-in will involve a few extra steps to ensure the safety of patients and staff. In my office, we will be taking temperatures curb-side and asking Covid 19 related triage questions before permitting patients to enter the office. We are asking parents to wait in their vehicle as opposed to the waiting room to follow social distancing, unless they need to accompany small children. Patients are asked to wear a mask when entering the office and when leaving. Patients are also required to use hand-sanitizer before entering the office and when exiting. We have expanded our office hours so that we can see fewer patients and space them out, with a staggered schedule to ensure social distancing and allow adequate time to thoroughly sterilize and disinfect between patients. For parents waiting in the car, we are using HIPPA compliant 2-way text or phone calls to communicate with parents what was accomplished at that appointment, answer any questions and scheduling the next appointment. Constant adhering to the latest guidelines from the CDC, OSHA and ADA Staying abreast of the latest guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ADA (American Dental Association) ensures the safety of our patients and the dental team. Your orthodontist is staying on top of what the leading authorities on the prevention of Covid-19 and other transmitted infections are recommending to keep you and their staff safe.
July 2020 | 19
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