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Sunday, August 24, 2014

Livingston High School Named 16th Best in the State - Schools - Livingston, New Jersey | Patch


Livingston High School Named 16th Best in the State - Schools - Livingston, New Jersey | Patch


Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes



Selling a Livingston area home involves many steps and having an experienced local New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, South Orange, Maplewood, Summit, Madison, Chatham, and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Livingston New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.



As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers



As your Livingston and Essex County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Livingston area Real Estate Market. For Livingston Open Houses please go to: www.livingstonnjopenhouses.com and for latest listings in Livingston, go to: www.latestlivingstonhomes.com .You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Livingston home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Monday, August 18, 2014

Living in Maplewood: Maplewood Recreation Opportunities Fall 2014

As summer is winding down and everyone gets ready to go back to school, don't miss out on registering for the Maplewood Recreation's Fall Programs!
FALL TENNIS:
Group lessons for the fall are available for ages 5+. Please visit www.maplewoodtennis.com for a list of sessions/times/dates.

Registration is now OPEN and can be done at https://register.communitypass.net/maplewood or by calling the Recreation Department at (973) 763-4202.



US SPORTS INSTITUTE:
USSI offers a variety of sports programs for children ages 2-5. Programs offered this fall are Parent & Me Soccer Squirts (ages 2-3) and Total Sports Squirts (ages 3-5)
Registration is now OPEN- For more information on dates of programs and to register, please visit http://ussportsinstitute.com/.


HOMETOWN ULTIMATE:
Ultimate is a fast-moving team sport that emph asizes athleticism and sportsmanship. It combines the aerial passing skills found in football with the quick transitions from offense to defense found in basketball, all using a high tech plastic disc (frisbee).

Pre-Registration* is now OPEN- Register by calling the Recreation Department at (973) 763-4202 or online at https://register.communitypass.net/maplewood
*Please note that initial registration does not guarantee you a space in the program. If demand exceeds available spots, a tryout will be held and the final roster will be determined by both individual skills and needs of the team. September 7th (1pm - 3:30) and September 13th (9:30 - 11:30) have been set aside as tryout dates. If no tryout is needed, they will serve as rookie orientations. All new players will be expected to attend both sessions. Payment will b e due as soon as the final roster is announced.

GIRLS LACROSSE:

Fall Lacrosse Clinic: This clinic is open to girls in Maplewood & South Orange, entering grades 2 through 8. We will meet on Friday nights from 6:15 - 7:30 at Chzsowhych Field in Maplewood, on the following Friday nights:
September 5, 12,19 & 26 and October 10-----GIRLS NEED A CURRENT US LACROSSE NUMBER TO REGISTER. Please visit uslacrosse.org to obtain a membership.

Girls must bring their own lacrosse stick, mouthguard, and goggles. Please also bring water for your player.

Registration is limited to 70 players. Please click the following link to register: http://maplewood-girls-lacrosse-club.sportssignup.com

Spring Lacrosse Tryouts:
Tryouts for the Maplewood's Spring Girls Lacrosse Club team will take place on October 17th and 24th. Tryout registration will be opening up in September. For more details, please visit http://www.maplewoodgirlslax.com/registration-information.html

COOKING/ ARTS & CRAFTS:
https://register.communitypass.net/maplewood.

Mini Chef II: An introduction to cooking & baking for children 4 - 7 years old. Must be four by September 1, 2014. Emphasis will be on the Fall Season incorporating the vegetables and herbs from the garden on premises. This is a drop off class. Held at the Maplewood Community Center 120 Burnett Avenue on Mondays from 4:00 - 5:00 PM for 8 weeks from 9/22 - 11/10. Cost is $110.00

Mini Chef I: An introduction to cooking & baking for children 4 - 6 years old. Must be four by September 1, 2014. Emphasis will be on the Fall Season incorporating the vegetables and herbs from the garden on premises. This is a drop off class. Held at the Maplewood Community Center 120 Burnett Avenue on Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 PM for 7 weeks from 10/2 - 11/20. ( no class 11/6). Cost is $100.00

Junior Chef: Great class for the chef inside the young ones geared for children in Grades 2 - 4 with emphasis on Fall cuisine. We will also make use of the vegetables and herbs from the garden on the premises. Classes are held at the Maplewood Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue on Tuesdays from 4- 5:15 PM for 8 weeks from 9/23 - 11/18. No class 11/4. Cost is $120.00

Chef in Training:This class is geared for older children in grades 4 -8 who want to experience hands on cooking in the kitchen. Emphasis will be on the Fall Season and we will make use of the vegetables and herbs from the garden on the premises. Classes are held at the Maplewood Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue on Wednesdays from 4 - 5:30 PM for 8 weeks from 10/1 - 11/19. Cost is $130.00

Talented Tots I: For children 2 to 3 years old accompanied by an adult. Must be 2 years old by Septemb er1,2014. Learn the basics of arts and crafts while socializing with other toddlers. Emphasis will be on the Fall Holiday Season. Mondays 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Civic House/Memorial Park 124 Dunnell Road for 10 weeks from 9/29 - 12/1. Cost is $110.00

Kiddie Krafts: Geared for children 3 1/2 to 5 years old. Must be 4 by December 9, 2014. Children will use different types of art media: paints, crayons, markers, oil pastels, glue, etc. Emphasis will be on the Fall holiday season. This is a drop off class. Children must be toilet trained. Held at the Civic House /Memorial Park 124 Dunnell Road on Tuesdays from 9:30 - 10:30 AM for 10 weeks from 9/30 -12/9. No Class (11/4). Cost is $110.00

Kid's Krafts: Geared for children 4 to 5 years old. Must be 4 by October 1,2014. Children will use different types of art media: paints, crayons, markers, oil pas tels, glue, etc with emphasis on the Fall season. This is a drop off class. Held at the Maplewood Civic House - Memorial Park 124 Dunnell Road on Thursdays from 9 - 10:30 AM for 10 weeks from 10/2 - 12/18. (no classes 11/6 & 11/27). Cost is $130.00

Baking for the Holidays II: Geared for children 4 to 7 years old. This is a drop off class. Children will bake a different holiday treat each week. Classes are held at the Maplewood Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue on Mondays from 4 - 5 pm for 3 weeks from 12/1 - 12/15. Class size is limited to 8 children. Cost is $40.00

Baking for the Holidays I: Geared for children 4 to 6 years old. This a drop off class. Children will bake a different holiday treat each week. Classes are held at the Maplewood Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue on Thursdays from 4 - 5 pm for 3 weeks from 12/4 - 12/18 Class size is limited to 8 children. Cost is $40.00

Holiday Baking for Kids: Geared for children in Grades 2- 4. Children will bake a different holiday treat each week. Classes are held at the Maplewood Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue on Tuesdays from 4:00 -5:15 pm for three weeks from 12/2 -12/16. Class size is limited to 8 children. Cost is $45.00

Holiday Baking Creations for Kids: Geared for children in Grades 4 to 8. Children will bake a different holiday treat each week. Classes are held at the Maplewood Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue on Wednesdays from 4:00 -5:30 pm for three weeks from 12/3 -12/17. Class size is limited to 8 children. Cost is $50.00


BASKETBALL:

Travel Team Tryouts: Maplewood Recreation Department Sponsors teams from 4th through 8th Grade. These teams are highly competitive and will compete in the Suburban Essex Basketball Leagues and various other tournaments throughout the season. All Players MUST live in Maplewood and are expected to be fully committed to this team. Tryout dates are listed below. Cost will be $175 if your child makes the team.

4th Grade Boys Travel Team Tryouts: Monday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 8th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Maplewood Middle School

5th Grade Boys Travel Team Tryouts: Tuesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 9th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Maplewood Middle School
6th Grade Boys Travel Team Tryouts: Monday, October 6 & Wednesday October 8 from 7:30pm-9:00pm at Maplewood Middle School
7th Grade Boys Travel Team Tryouts: Tuesday, October 7 & Thursday, October 9 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at Maplewood Middle School
8th Grade Boys Travel Team Tryouts: Friday, October 10 from 7:30pm-9pm & Saturday, October 11 from 9:00am- 10:30pm at Maplewood Middle School

***Girls Travel Team Tryout Dates will be available shortly. Please call the Maplewood Recreation Department for further information. An email reminder will be sent out when they girls tryout dates

ALL PLAYERS MUST PRE-REGISTER ONLINE AT https://register .communitypass.net/maplewood.
Recreation Basketball League: An instructional basketball program for Maplewood and South Orange children in grades 2-5. The program will focus on teaching the basics of basketball through drills and game play. This program is instructed by the Recreation Department and the coaching staff of the Middle School Travel Teams. It runs for 10 weeks beginning Saturday December 6th. (THERE WILL BE NO GAMES ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 27th). Cost is $75.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN FOR THIS PROGRAM ON OCTOBER 1st ONLINE at https://register.communitypass.net/maplewood.



Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes



Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.



As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers



As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Feeling Blue: South Orange Blues Festival 2014



SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

11:15-12:15 | REGINA BONELLI
12:35-1:50 | LONG TALL DEB
2:10-3:30 | STEPHANE WREMBEL
3:45-4:45 | LIL BASTAD
5:10-6:30 | MICHAEL HILL’s BLUES MOB
6:50-7:50 | JOHNNY SANSONE
- See more at: http://www.southmountainblues.com/#sthash.0KuIPDkS.dpuf








Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes



Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.



As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers



As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

The Biggest Piggy Bank of ALL: YOUR HOME


Eric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. Last year, he released a paper on homeownership - The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America. In his paper, Belsky reveals five financial reasons people should consider buying a home.

Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study

1.) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available.
“Few households are interested in borrowing money to buy stocks and bonds and few lenders are willing to lend them the money. As a result, homeownership allows households to amplify any appreciation on the value of their homes by a leverage factor. Even a hefty 20 percent down payment results in a leverage factor of five so that every percentage point rise in the value of the home is a 5 percent return on their equity. With many buyers putting 10 percent or less down, their leverage factor is 10 or more.”

2.) You're paying for housing whether you own or rent.
“Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord.”

3.) Owning is usually a form of “forced savings”.
“Since many people have trouble saving and have to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings to another day.”

4.) There are substantial tax benefits to owning.
“Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from income...On top of all this, capital gains up to $250,000 are excluded from income for single filers and up to $500,000 for married couples if they sell their homes for a gain.”

5.) Owning is a hedge against inflation.
“Housing costs and rents have tended over most time periods to go up at or higher than the rate of inflation, making owning an attractive proposition.”
Bottom Line

We realize that homeownership makes sense for many Americans for an assortment of social and family reasons. It also makes sense financially.


Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes



Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.



As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers



As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Living in Maplewood: Boot Camp in Your Own Backyard Anybody?


I am so excited to share my friend Allison's new venture with all of you.

In addition to her regular personal training sessions at THE GYM on Springfield, She has now added a new, warm-weather option that may be preferable to many of you.

On many occasions, it is difficult to get out of the house and to the gym. Sleeping babies, construction workers, whatever. While we still have some beautiful weather left, let's use that time and your backyard and get moving! Whether you are new to adding exercise to your life, or if you are an active athlete, She can help. Allison will work with people looking to add fitness to their lives, as well as those who will benefit from focused strength and cardio training in their competitive endurance efforts.

Beginning the week of September 8, she will be offering packages of 6 Backyard Boot Camp sessions. The Backyard Boot Camp brings the workout to your yard. With little or no equipment, Allison will lead you through 60 minutes of stretching, endurance-building exercises, and strength training. All in your own backyard!

The first session begins the week of September 8 and continues through the week of October 13. The fee for the session is $360 and she's booking time slots in the early morning and during school hours. Group rates are available as well.

You will get a good, fun workout and won't have to leave your home. If you have any questions at all, please let her know. She is also happy to provide references for you from previous personal training clients if you wish. Don't hesitate to ask!

For more information, click here.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Allison Kalsched’s passion for endurance sports has brought her to THE GYM. Our newest trainer, Allison has competed in numerous triathlons, cycling and running events. She is an active swimmer, cyclist, runner and yoga practitioner. Strength training is a vital, and often overlooked, part of the endurance athlete’s training, and Allison is particularly aware of the impact functional strength work can have for these athletes. If you want to improve times in running, riding or swimming, schedule an appointment with Allison and get started working towards a more productive body.

She has trained extensively with Tim Reynolds and hopes to share her enthusiasm for fitness and healthy living with all those she trains.

Before joining The Gym, Allison had a 15 year career in marketing and public relations in the contemporary art world, and is very excited to be starting a new adventure as a personal trainer.

Allison lives in Maplewood with her husband and son, and their big labradoodle, Wilson.


Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes



Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.



As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers



As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade