It can be hard to hear for some, but getting older is just part of life. For many men, hitting a certain age signifies the beginning of a new chapter - where bucket list items are crossed off, and goals are accomplished. For others, however, aging is a scary prospect, filled with nagging injuries, embarrassing weight gain, and inability to perform intimately. Few things feel worse than realizing that you simply can't perform as you used to, whether on the basketball court or in the bedroom.
The reality is, as men get older and approach middle age, their testosterone levels drop. When a male's testosterone levels get lower, it can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms like:
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and feel like you're just dragging yourself through life, don't lose hope. Many men around the country are experiencing the same feelings as you. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for the side effects of low testosterone. There are proven, easy steps that you can take to reverse the negative signs of aging. If you're ready to reclaim your youth and feel like you did in your 20s and 30s, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be the perfect solution.
TRT bridges the gap between your old life and the happier, more vibrant version of you. That's where Juventee comes in - to facilitate your transition to a more youthful, fulfilling life and a brighter future. After all, aren't YOU supposed to be in charge of your wellness and health? With the Juventee team by your side, you'll have the tools to do so - backed by a personalized plan crafted by experts with more than 20 years of experience.
At Juventee, we propose a preventive and proactive medical approach to preserve optimal body function, with the best hormonal functioning to prolong vitality and youthfulness. Our specialty is Age Management, which is based on the belief that balance is the key to wellness. We employ the most innovative science, offering treatments like TRT in Leonia, NJ, and other clinical products with proven efficacy.
Living a younger, healthier, and longer life is a frequent commitment for Juventee's team of specialists. We are experts at designing customized programs that work synergistically with your body and brain. We love incorporating smart nutrition, hormonal balance, exercise, stress management, cognitive health, and lifestyle changes into our treatment programs. We also implement sciences such as testosterone replacement therapy to achieve verifiable, legitimate results.
Our doctors take differing approaches to care but share the single goal of prolonging your youth and vitality. With that goal in mind, Juventee was born from the hands of its partners, who want you to feel full strength, energy, joy, confidence, and wellbeing.
testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
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What pops up in your head when you think about testosterone? Many people associate testosterone with being overly aggressive, macho, and violent. However, the truth is that testosterone is a critical hormone for men and affects the male lifespan from puberty through old age. As a sex hormone, male testosterone is produced through the testicles. It becomes most prevalent during puberty.
Testosterone production is controlled by the pituitary gland at the base of a man's brain. This gland sends signals to the testes, which in turn produce testosterone. A feedback loop helps regulate the amount of testosterone in the blood. When levels are too high, the brain orders the pituitary gland to restrict production.
Cholesterol synthesizes the testosterone in your body. However, having high cholesterol doesn't mean you have high testosterone levels, too. T levels are too carefully controlled by your pituitary gland for cholesterol to raise testosterone levels.
During puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
Testosterone replacement is exactly what its name implies. It's a therapy for men that replaces diminished testosterone levels, which helps balance your hormones and ultimately improves your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates many of the side effects that men suffer from as a result of low testosterone.
Testosterone was originally synthesized in a lab in 1935. Its popularity has grown since, and today, it is among the most promising doctor-prescribed treatments for men in the United States.
So, how does testosterone replacement therapy work? TRT essentially gives you the testosterone needed to be healthy and have a properly functioning body. As the primary androgen for males, testosterone has a role in the natural processes your body needs for overall health. This extra hormonal intake positively affects patients and their general health, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and more.
Though there is an abundance of testosterone in your system throughout puberty and into your 20s, it gradually depletes with age. Sometimes, serious injuries and long-term conditions like diabetes affect testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
Though some symptoms of low T are abundantly evident, not all men can immediately tell they may need TRT. If you're unsure, ask yourself these questions:
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it could be time to contact Juventee about a personalized TRT plan. Still unsure if you're experiencing symptoms of low T? We have compiled a more extensive list of signs below:
Low energy used to be considered a normal part of aging. Today, most doctors know better. Modern advances in medicine show that lack of energy and low T often go hand-in-hand.
If it's a huge struggle to keep up with your kids on the soccer field, or you just don't have the energy to be active, you may have low testosterone. Getting tired is normal, but if it's an ongoing problem affecting you and your family, it's time to consult a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish normal activities, TRT in Leonia, NJ could be the solution.
You would think that lowered libido would be easy to pick up on, but when it happens gradually, it can be more difficult to diagnose. With that said, many men use TRT because they've lost that "spark" in the bedroom. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not pleasing their partner because intimacy is an important part of a relationship.
The good news? Having a low libido doesn't have to be permanent. TRT treatments can help revert hormone levels to their normal range, making for a more enjoyable sex life.
If you're like millions of other men, hair loss is an unfortunate reality you don't want to think about. Closely related to hormone imbalances and testosterone decline, hair loss is about as distressing as it gets. This common symptom is often related to DHT - a derivative of testosterone that can cause hair follicles to die.
Thankfully, a carefully monitored TRT regimen can help restore hair, especially when combined with methods like plasma-rich therapy. While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone in your body, so hair loss isn't your only reality.
Weak erections - it's an uncomfortable subject for men to talk about. It's even worse to experience the symptom in the heat of the moment. Despite being very common, men shame themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while there are many reasons for this malady, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, you don't have to live with weak erections forever when you balance your hormones with a personalized TRT treatment plan from Juventee.
You're feeling down about everything and can't figure out why you feel crummy about life. You're successful at work but feel unaccomplished. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed - and it could be stemming from low testosterone.
Studies show that men with depression and high cortisol levels also commonly have low testosterone. Because higher cortisol levels can lead to low T, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option, when used in conjunction with therapy, is TRT. When TRT is used to replenish hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more optimistic mood. That's great news for depressed men who have had little-to-no success with powerful anti-depression meds.
Experts have found that men who lose a week's worth of sleep may experience a drop in testosterone by as much as 15%. These findings are alarming and may suggest that sleep loss lowers T levels and affects wellbeing.
If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, it could be time to have your testosterone levels checked. TRT may restore your testosterone levels which can help you sleep better with proper exercise and diet.
Are you struggling to lift weights in the gym or find that you can't pick up items that used to be easy to lift? Studies show that inactive men can lose .5% of muscle strength each year after the age of 25. When you hit 60, muscle loss doubles every ten years. While muscle loss is common with age, it can also be linked to low T.
Testosterone is a crucial piece needed for building and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors are prescribing TRT for males experiencing sharp declines in strength and muscle mass. Whether your workouts are losing steam or you're having problems lifting items that aren't very heavy, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
Nobody likes to gain weight, even though our society is more accepting of overweight people than ever before. Despite diets and carb cutting, many men aren't able to get rid of excess belly and body fat, increasing the chances of heart disease and cancer.
Sometimes, male weight gain isn't caused by sweets and carbs but by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism. This phase of life is called andropause and occurs when testosterone levels are low. Combining a low metabolism with other symptoms like high cortisol levels can be a recipe for a double-chinned disaster. Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The enlargement of male breast tissue, also called "man boobs," is a fairly common condition that many men have. Though it is closely associated with diet and other life choices, increased fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances.
If you're approaching middle age and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
The human body is amazing in so many ways. Still, we have to optimize it every now and then using science, medicine, and hard work. After 40, you may notice that your body is changing, but symptoms like low libido and lack of motivation don't have to be permanent. Juventee has the team, tools, and experience to help recapture your youth and feel better than ever before.
If you're getting older and you're worried about low testosterone, give our office a call today. It would be our pleasure to care for you using the highest quality products, backed by research and applied by professionals with your best interests in mind.
Whether you need a boost to help you get through your busy work week or a natural solution to an embarrassing problem like ED, we're here for you. Our doctors will explain your treatment options in-depth and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable and confident about TRT. Remember, when you treat your body with love and care, it will reciprocate generously. Let our team teach you the techniques to prolong your sense of youth and provide you with the treatment to solidify your wellbeing as you age with grace. Contact Juventee today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to meeting the best version of yourself.
NEW!North Jersey Interscholastic ConferenceThe teams below were selected by coaches from the conference, not NJ.com. These teams are independent from NJ.com’s All-State and All-Group teams. Again, these teams are selected by coaches from the conference.ALL-AMERICAN DIVISION1st Team...
NEW!
The teams below were selected by coaches from the conference, not NJ.com. These teams are independent from NJ.com’s All-State and All-Group teams. Again, these teams are selected by coaches from the conference.
1st Team
Essam Assaf, Elmwood Park, Sr.
David Forzani, Elmwood Park, Sr.
Amare’A Devonish, Garfield, Jr.
Ashawn Johnson, Manchester Regional, So.
Adrian Mouzone, Paterson Charter, Sr.
Giovany Figueroa, Paterson Charter, So.
Dewayne Carter, Elmwood Park, Sr.
Ermal Kuci, Lodi, Sr.
Will Ndio, Lodi, Jr.
2nd Team
Cole Mouser, Saddle Brook, Jr.
Jessial Torres, Manchester Regional, Sr.
Ka’Juan Gee, Paterson Charter, Jr.
Ivan Corcino Mejia, Elmwood Park, Sr.
DeAngelo Hibbert, Paterson Charter, Jr.
Kermar DeGroat, Paterson Charter. Sr.
Josue Chicas, Lodi, Sr.
Alex Picinich, Elmwood Park, Sr.
Honorable Mention
Suhbi Kanaan, Manchester Regional, Sr.
Dragan Prentovski, Garfield, Sr.
Elian Tavarez, Elmwood Park, Jr.
Anthony Coiro, Saddle Brook, Sr.
Alvyn Devargas, Lodi, Sr.
Rodney Byrd, Paterson Charter, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Steve Herget, Elmwood Park
1st Team
Mason Mangione, Glen Rock, So.
Luke Famularo, Glen Rock, Sr.
Noah Hu, Glen Rock, Sr.
Ryan McFarlane, Hawthorne, Sr.
Joel Walker, Hawthorne Christian, Jr.
Lucas Genuario, Eastern Christian, Jr.
Jean Italien, Eastern Christian, Sr.
PJ Coffey, Butler, So.
2nd Team
Owen Neubart, Glen Rock, Sr.
Daniel Silver, Glen Rock, Sr.
Pablo Gonzalez, Hawthorne, So.
Dylan Cambian, Hawthorne, Jr.
N’dri Assale, Hawthorne Christian, Jr.
Carter Fowlkes, Eastern Christian, Jr.
Josh Emann, Butler, Sr.
Jack Babich, Pompton Lakes, So.
Honorable Mention
Julian Gonzalez, Hawthorne, Sr.
Brock Burres, Hawthorne Christian, Sr.
Jack McNear, Butler, Sr.
Max Moore, Glen Rock, Sr.
David Kim, Eastern Christian, Sr.
Mike Kurzynski, Pompton Lakes, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Jason Mittelman, Glen Rock
1st Team
Alan Garcia, Ridgefield, Sr.
Jason Marasciulo, Ridgefield, So.
D’Andre Perry, Leonia, Sr.
Makhi Williams, Leonia, Sr.
Jem Marchan, Leonia, Sr.
Daniel Kim, Palisades Park, Sr.
Vincent Arroyo , New Milford, Sr.
Lucas Cruz, Bogota, So.
2nd Team
Nick Pollotta, Ridgefield, Sr.
Aiden Schurr, Leonia, Sr.
Jaden Marchan, Leonia, Jr.
Jesse Gilmore, Leonia, Sr.
Chris Pollotta, Ridgefield, So.
Jean Paul Wiski, Bogota, Jr.
Luis Placido Fana, New Milford, So.
Jaiden Ortiz, New Milford, Jr.
Honorable Mention
Luke Lambert, Palisades Park, Sr.
Brian Cotes, Bogota, Sr.
Matthew Del Valle, Leonia, Sr.
Sebastian Botero, Ridgefield, Jr.
Martin Alpar, New Milford, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Mike Branagh, Leonia
1st Team
Damir Stone, St. Mary (Ruth.), Sr.
Luke Gaccione, St. Mary (Ruth.), Jr.
Julian Leveille, St. Mary (Ruth.), Jr.
Anthony Peterson, Hasbrouck Heights, Sr.
Jack Baker, Hasbrouck Heights, Sr.
Cole Thomas, Becton, Jr.
Adrian Rozon, Becton, So.
Ryan Lagrasta, Wood-Ridge, Sr.
Dariel Gil Polanco, Wallington, Jr.
2nd Team
LJ Falcon, St. Mary (Ruth.), Jr.
Victor Torres, St. Mary (Ruth.), Jr.
Evan Werner, Hasbrouck Heights, Jr.
Eric Barton, Wood-Ridge, Sr.
Owen Caprio, Wood-Ridge, Sr.
Jhamir Soto, Wallington, Sr.
Jasdeep Nagra, Becton, Jr.
Honorable Mention
Caleb Brown, St. Mary (Ruth.), So.
Ryan George, Wood-Ridge, Jr.
Shane Ike, Hasbrouck Heights, Sr.
Greg Childers, Becton, Sr.
Filip Lyczko, Wallington, Jr.
Coach of the Year: Brian Gaccione, St. Mary (Ruth.)
1st Team
Edward Burgos, Harrison, Sr.
Anthony Pizzuti, Lyndhurst, Jr.
Matt Slaby, Lyndhurst, Jr.
Jack Spirito, Secaucus, Sr.
Tarik Bicic, Rutherford, Sr.
Jon Michael Santiago, Rutherford, Sr.
Keanu Ray, Weehawken, Sr.
Jack Gobel, Weehawken, Sr.
Jayden Ayala, Weehawken, So.
2nd Team
Tristen Cole, Weehawken, Sr.
Jason Gonzalez, Weehawken, Sr.
Matthew Chin, Rutherford, Sr.
Ahmet Djurkovic, Rutherford, Sr.
Reuben Stokes, Harrison, Jr.
John Underwood, Secaucus, Jr.
Ricky Pizzuti, Lyndhurst, Sr.
Jake Mayer, Lyndhurst, Jr.
Honorable Mention
Ethan Oeckel, Harrison, Sr.
CJ Baillie, Lyndhurst, Jr.
Kyle Villani, North Arlington, Sr.
Christopher Gioia, Rutherford, So.
Kyle Garcia, Secaucus, Sr.
Nehemiah Hernandez , Weehawken, Jr.
Coach of the Year: Jake McNish, Weehawken
1st Team
Ryan Woolbert, Waldwick, Sr.
Matt Post, Waldwick, Sr.
Deron McLaughlin, Park Ridge, Jr.
Matt Garito, Park Ridge, Sr.
Jeremy Lachman, Emerson Boro, Jr.
Talen Zitomer, Cresskill, Sr.
Cody Song, Cresskill, Sr.
Marko Radovich, Cresskill, Jr.
Daniel Fells, Midland Park, Sr.
2nd Team
Andrew DelRey, Waldwick, Fr.
Zach Mallis, Park Ridge, Sr.
Sam Fasola, Park Ridge, Fr.
Ryan Berkowitz, Cresskill, Jr.
Omer Tal, Cresskill, So.
Thomas Maceira, Emerson Boro, Sr.
Matthew Sabatella, Emerson Boro, So.
Honorable Mention
Kamari Cox, Bergen Charter, So.
Jack Hayward, Cresskill, Jr.
Jason Ziemba, Emerson Boro, Jr.
Kyle Martinkus, Midland Park, Sr.
Anthony Walter, Park Ridge, So.
Carson Benvenuto, Waldwick, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Brian Koch, Park Ridge
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You voted, we tallied. Here are the results for (201) Magazine's Best of Bergen Readers' Poll Places to Go, Things to Do and People to Meet categories.How we determined the Best of Bergen winnersBest of Bergen 2023 winnersTo view winners in all four categories, click here.Art Gallery/Museum335 Franklin ...
You voted, we tallied. Here are the results for (201) Magazine's Best of Bergen Readers' Poll Places to Go, Things to Do and People to Meet categories.
To view winners in all four categories, click here.
335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus; (201) 445-8311, thehermitage.org.
Finalists
100 Oakland Ave., Closter; (201) 750-3275, northernvalleysportsacademy.com.
Finalists
216 Forest Ave., Paramus; (201) 336-7275, co.bergen.nj.us.
Finalists
Board and Brush Creative Studio, 119 E. Main St., Ramsey; (201) 466-7222, boardandbrush.com.
Finalists
134 W. Pleasant Ave., Maywood; (201) 845-8543, maywooddancecenter.com.
Finalists
ridgewoodnj.net
Finalists
350 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah; bergencountyhorserescue.org.
Finalists
561 Piermont Road, Demarest; (201) 767-7160, tasoc.org
Finalists
216 Forest Ave., Paramus; (201) 336-7275, co.bergen.nj.us.
Finalists
100 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale; (201) 307-1100, fireandoak.com.
Finalists
449 Rivervale Road, River Vale; (201) 666-1200, edgewoodnj.com.
Finalists
700 Paramus Park, Paramus; (201) 970-4526, glitterandglamspa.com.
Finalists
274 Main St., Hackensack; (201) 343-4169, johnsonlib.org.
Finalists
Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood; (201) 227-1030, bergenpac.org
Finalists
390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack; (201) 397-1994, amctheatres.com.
Finalists
216 Forest Ave., Paramus; (201) 336-7275, co.bergen.nj.us.
Finalists
350 Engle St., Englewood; (201) 894-3000, englewoodhealth.org.
Finalists
700 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff; (201) 891-1481, sainte-school.org.
Finalists
NJridgewoodjuly4.net
Finalists
Finalists
1man3hearts.com
Finalists
NBC 4 New York
Finalists
Finalists
Finalists
Best Sushi in NJNew Jersey being located so close to the Atlantic Ocean, makes it one of the best spots for sushi in the entire country. Here is a guide to the trendiest and best sushi in NJ, providing the freshest of fish and the most creative menus sure to please your palette and sushi cravings.Shumi Omakase– Ridgewood & Leonia, NJShumi Japanese Cuisine renders world-class Omakase-style sushi in Leonia...
New Jersey being located so close to the Atlantic Ocean, makes it one of the best spots for sushi in the entire country. Here is a guide to the trendiest and best sushi in NJ, providing the freshest of fish and the most creative menus sure to please your palette and sushi cravings.
Shumi Omakase– Ridgewood & Leonia, NJ
Shumi Japanese Cuisine renders world-class Omakase-style sushi in Leonia and Ridgewood, NJ, where a chef-selected tasting menu of seasonal sushi and sashimi is offered. Executive Chef David Seo has 21 years of Japanese cuisine under his culinary belt and has worked with some of New York’s finest Japanese restaurants including Nobu. The restaurant offers a fresh and open atmosphere where sushi lovers and newcomers alike experience sushi in a traditional sense, with all five senses enticed. The Omakase bar provides an intimate experience where you can watch the sushi being prepared along with explanations from the chef. If Omakase is not your thing, there are a ton of other delectable menu items to try such as a variety of ramen, teriyaki entrees, and a plethora of unique sushi rolls including the Shumi Roll- consisting of spicy tuna, topped with caramelized spicy mayo, eel sauce, sushi ebi, scallion, and furikake crunch.
Elite Five Sushi & Grill– Princeton, NJ
Elite Five Sushi & Grill located in Princeton is a BYOB establishment that prides itself on the freshness of its fish, ramen, and a fine selection of grilled meats and seafood with some of the best sushi in NJ. Starting on March 15th, the restaurant will begin to offer limited weekly seating for Omakase Tasting via reservation only. Elite Five is not your typical sushi spot, as they offer more modern fare such as scallop bisque as an appetizer, salad entrees, plates of steak, lamb, duck, and more, along with typical sushi spot menu items like creative rolls and sashimi. There really is something for everyone, seafood lovers and carnivores alike. One eye-catching signature sushi roll is the Ice & Fire Roll- yellowtail tartare, avocado wrapped with pepper tuna, topped with jalapeno, grated fresh wasabi, and white sturgeon caviar, served with yuzu lime sauce. The atmosphere is dimly lit, with an intimate nighttime vibe, but is also just as enjoyable during the day, and can sit at the sushi bar and watch the chef prepare sushi right in front of your eyes.
Taka– Asbury Park, NJ
Taka is a restaurant, bar, and lounge located in Asbury Park, specializing in Japanese and seasonally-inspired small plates and cocktails. They have an extensive alcohol list with varieties of sake, wine, draft beers, and unique cocktails such as the Yuzu Drop- made with Vodka, Triple Sec, and Yuzu Puree. Taka has more of an upscale vibe and reinforces the quality of every single dish and level of service. Owner Takahiro Hirai is passionate about serving delicious contemporary Japanese food and providing a wonderful dining experience, whether it be a late-night lounge or family dinner. Taka is sure to deliver a cool ambiance and is only a short walk from the Asbury Park beach. Some interesting menu items include a burger with a Japanese twist including umami ketchup and Japanese mayo, and a New York strip with a miso butter glaze. For sushi lovers, there is an abundance of fresh sushi on the menu, with sashimi of all kinds and interesting rolls guaranteed to please the palette.
Kenko Sushi– Lincoln Park, NJ
If you are someone who enjoys unique sushi and looking for some of the best sushi in NJ, then look no further. Kenko Sushi in Lincoln Park specializes in tons of creative sushi rolls enticing to the eye, layered with all different sauces, crunchy toppings, and fresh fish. They offer family-size platters loaded with their creative rolls, one of the most popular being the Kenko special roll- with a base of spicy tuna, topped with assorted sashimi, scallion, sesame seed, and spicy mayo. They also specialize in assorted drinks including bubble tea, a variety of iced teas, and their very own “Kenko-Ade”, and you can create your own drink of choice. The environment of the restaurant is very cozy, and the service makes you feel like family. Plus, you’ll be sure to leave with an Instagram-worthy picture of this very trendy sushi.
Ryujin Sushi– Bridgewater Township, NJ
Ryujin Sushi of Bridgewater Township boasts some of the trendiest and best sushi in NJ. Known for its modern twist on classic rolls, the freshest quality of fish, and the finest service, customers cannot say enough good things about this newer sushi spot. A chef-tasting menu is available as well as a ton of creative sushi rolls and appetizers- be sure to try the sashimi pizza or the Bridgewater roll which has crunchy spicy tuna, and tempura lobster, topped with avocado. Customers rave that the atmosphere of the restaurant is terrific, and the service provided is top-notch, making it a great spot to spend time with family or friends.
Interested in other fine dining experiences? Be sure to check out the best steakhouses in NJ.
Next month in April, the Allaire Community Farm opens for another season. It’s a farm that rescues animals that help rescue people of all ages.The unique farm sits on 25 acres in Wall Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It’s an organization that rescues all kinds of animals — from horses, donkeys, cows, ducks, goats and more — and removes them from abusive and harmful situations.The animals are slowly integrated into accepting the kind hand of the volunteers that work the farm which allows the anima...
Next month in April, the Allaire Community Farm opens for another season. It’s a farm that rescues animals that help rescue people of all ages.
The unique farm sits on 25 acres in Wall Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It’s an organization that rescues all kinds of animals — from horses, donkeys, cows, ducks, goats and more — and removes them from abusive and harmful situations.
The animals are slowly integrated into accepting the kind hand of the volunteers that work the farm which allows the animals to provide help to those struggling in a hurting world.
They have several programs for kids with a petting zoo, a program of volunteering for children with special needs, a program for those veterans who suffer from PTSD along with therapeutic and standard horseback riding opportunities.
They have a greenhouse that provides fresh vegetables and eggs to those families with family members battling cancer. Families can donate their time and work the farm on weekends or can throw a birthday party at the expansive facility. They are also set up for class trips.
With major increases in stress, PTSD and suicide as a result of the effects of the pandemic, this is a great way to forget about the daily tension and enjoy the company of these fortunate animals. Kids will so appreciate the time that they get to spend with these animals, it truly is very healing and fun.
When I heard of the Allaire Community Farm and checked into their mission and the different programs that they have available and I was pleased to see the number of opportunities that they provide to those who could use a little stress-reducing therapy and even for those who don’t.
They are a 501c3 organization so donations and proceeds are tax deductable. They have plans on developing more programs along with building upgrades and although they are closed during the winter you can still sponsor one of their farm animals.
Come April, make it a point to bring the family to Allaire Community Farm. If you can find it in your heart please support their cause.
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.
To understand Leonia's cultural history, consider the oversized north-facing windows found in local Dutch farmhouses.Beyond them once sat dozens of artists who descended on Leonia starting in the late 1800s. Then a backwater, Leonia offered artists refuge, inspiration and old farmhouses with northern exposures that provided the indirect sunlight coveted by painters for its cool consistency and absence of glare.It also provided access to New York City, which was teeming with economic opportunity. Apart from trains...
To understand Leonia's cultural history, consider the oversized north-facing windows found in local Dutch farmhouses.
Beyond them once sat dozens of artists who descended on Leonia starting in the late 1800s. Then a backwater, Leonia offered artists refuge, inspiration and old farmhouses with northern exposures that provided the indirect sunlight coveted by painters for its cool consistency and absence of glare.
It also provided access to New York City, which was teeming with economic opportunity. Apart from trains to Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal, trolleys regularly ran from Hillside Avenue to the Edgewater ferry docks.
Across three generations, more than 170 artists called Leonia home, said Paul Mattingly, a professor emeritus of history at New York University. Mattingly, who wrote 2019's "An American Art Colony" about Leonia, lived on Brook Terrace until 1984.
Leonia art colony was fully integrated into the greater community. On weekends, artists would welcome their neighbors in for "studio tours," art lessons and occasional spot sales. On weekdays, the artists would frequent local businesses and involve themselves in community politics.
Peter Newell, one of two artists who would establish the Leonia colony's foundation, served as chairman of the town's Board of Health. Nationally known for his illustrations in Harper's Magazine, Newell was similar to many of his fellow Leonia-based artists and their neighbors. He was a modern professional, rather than an eccentric recluse in a paint-spattered smock.
Newell and Ilana Rado West, the second of the two original colony artists, welcomed extended family and friends to Leonia. West rented out her home's north-facing rooms as artists' studios when the family needed money. Other artists likewise converted empty barns and carriage houses to studios. Lessons were taught under Palladian windows in old Dutch farmhouses. Jobs were sourced and shared.
"Most of these artists took on students to pay the bills," Mattingly said. "People became professional artists because they were born in the town."
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At the outset, the colony proved alluring to artists seeking to move from easel art into commercial realms. Officials at New York City universities, publishing houses and corporations were likewise attracted by the colony's reputation.
Long before it attracted Nobel Prize winners including Enrico Fermi and Willard Libby, Leonia had been dubbed the "Athens of the East." That 1890s marketing campaign of the Leonia Heights Land Company sought to lure professors at Columbia University and other high-culture academics to the town. Between 1900 and 1930, Leonia's population increased sixfold, from 800 to 5,350 people. The vast majority were college-educated.
For their part, Newell, West and others helped form a web of informal mentorships among Leonia's potters, lithographers and illustrators, Mattingly said.
Many of the early members of the colony came from the Midwest: Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. "Museums there are filled with Leonia stuff," Mattingly said. "It's not small-time people."
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The colony reached its peak of more than 90 artists following World War I and the arrival of Harvey Dunn at his new home at Grand Avenue and Christie Street. Dunn, a South Dakotan whose illustrations were often featured in Collier's Weekly, Scribner's Magazine and The Saturday Evening Post, was the Norman Rockwell of New Jersey, Mattingly said.
"He was the man," Mattingly added. "He was actually better known than Norman Rockwell before Norman Rockwell became Norman Rockwell."
A student of legendary American illustrator Howard Pyle, Dunn teamed with artist Charles Chapman of Sylvan Avenue to open the Leonia School of Illustration in the summer of 1914. The school welcomed a flood of new talent. Many were artists from the Art Students League in Manhattan, where Dunn "taught," though he famously said, "Art cannot be taught, any more than life can be taught."
A creative spirit consumed the town. In 1919, the Players Guild of Leonia set up in the town's Civil War Drill Hall. The guild is the oldest community theater group in New Jersey. "It was a country town coming together around the art," Mattingly said.
Though artists and the colony's history remained part of the community fabric after World War II, the colony itself had disintegrated. Leonia residents' interest in and the fine arts nonetheless permeates the town today, Mattingly saidstill a place that attracts artists.