IV Vitamin Therapy is a highly effective way to compliment and supplement your health and wellness regimen.
IV Vitamin Therapy in West Orange, NJ
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Sometimes, making sure your body gets the nutrients it needs to be happy and healthy seems like a full-time job. After all, our bodies are highly complex, dynamic machines. Like most machines and tools, our bodies need plenty of high-quality, potent fuel to operate optimally. Unfortunately, everyday life makes it difficult to get the vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, and antioxidants our bodies need to function correctly.
The truth is most of us live busy lives. That's especially true for busy professionals and working parents who can't take the time to source organic ingredients and nutrient-dense foods. Preparing a delicious dish with lean protein and fresh, yummy veggies sounds great. But do you really have the time to buy, clean, prep, and cook a full meal with all those responsibilities on your plate? A quick trip to the cheeseburger joint is so much easier, especially when you have picky eaters for kids. If you're a parent, you know convincing a child to choose Swiss chard over chicken nuggets is harder than solving a Rubik's cube.
Thankfully, there are much simpler ways to treat your body right with vitamins and nutrients, even if you're constantly on the go. IV vitamin therapy in cityname, state is a new, revolutionary treatment from Juventee that delivers essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream. That way, you can give your body the refined fuel it needs without choking down pills or balancing supplements.
Unlike pills and food, vitamin injections bypass the liver's metabolism, where nutrients are often broken down. When nutrients are processed by your liver, it can decrease the amount your body absorbs. By injecting vitamins directly into the bloodstream, you can be sure that 100% of nutrients are absorbed by your body. Vitamin IV therapy may boost your overall brain and body health in a number of different ways:
- Enhanced Clarity and Focus
- Better Sleep
- Increased Stamina for Exercising
- Enhanced Hydration
- Better Mood
- Expedites Recovery from Nagging Injuries and Strains
Plus, with our NAD+ therapy, patients can improve more of their body's functionality and even prevent muscle deterioration. It might sound like science fiction, but Juventee's IV Vitamin Therapy is as real and effective as it gets. You're probably thinking to yourself, "That's all well and good, but what's in IV drip therapy? Don't worry; we've got you covered.
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What Ingredients Are in IV Vitamin Therapy in West Orange, NJ?
IV vitamin therapy is a wonderful choice if you want softer, healthier skin, a better immune system, and even a cure for that early-morning hangover from a weekend out. But if you're like most new patients, you're probably wondering what's actually in this type of IV therapy.
The contents are right there in the name, boosted with some extras to make you look and feel great. Some of the most common ingredients include vitamin C, a wide range of B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. Let's take a closer look at what these typical ingredients are and why they're included in most vitamin IV therapy sessions:
If you're like most adults, your parents probably loaded you up with vitamin C whenever you had the sniffles or a cold. Your younger self might not have believed it worked, but as it turns out, your parents were onto something. According to doctors, vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins to consume. It might not be the cure-all for the common cold, but it absolutely helps maintain your immune system so you can fight the cold quicker. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C also protects your body from prenatal health issues, cardiovascular problems, eye diseases, and even wrinkly skin.
When your body lacks vitamin C for a long time, you're sure to notice. Though vitamin C deficiency is relatively rare in the U.S., adults who go long periods without it may get sick frequently and suffer from other immune system issues. In extreme cases, people may get scurvy, which causes a litany of issues like joint pain, bleeding gums, and depression.
B vitamins like riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), folic acid (b9), and cobalamin (B12) play a crucial role in keeping you healthy and maintaining your overall wellbeing. If you want a healthier body, B vitamins are critical, as they are literally building blocks that help preserve your brain functionality, cell metabolism, and energy. For pregnant women, B vitamins in IV drips are especially important because they help your new baby's brain develop while in the womb. B vitamins have also been shown to prevent congenital disabilities. Plus, they help ease feelings of nausea, which is a big bonus for moms and dads alike.
When your body is vitamin B deficient, you're putting yourself at risk of many health problems, such as complications with pregnancy, nervous system disorders, amenia, and gastric cancers.
Like the other vitamins and nutrients on this page, magnesium plays an important part in your body's total health. As a cofactor or helper molecule, magnesium has a role in 600+ bodily functions, including protein formation, nerve function, gene function, muscle movement, and energy production. If you're having a stressful day or week, high-potency magnesium has been shown to have relaxation properties that help calm your nerves and muscles. Unfortunately, most Americans don't get enough magnesium in their diets.
When your body is magnesium deficient, you could be playing with fire. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to chronic health concerns like osteoporosis, diabetes, and even heart disease. If you're feeling unusually weak or suffering from irregular muscle cramps, a vitamin IV session from Juventee could be the solution you need.
Just about every health food and drink in the stores boasts high levels of antioxidants. That's great, but what are they? Antioxidants are substances shown to slow or prevent cell damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules linked to inflammation, disease, and forms of cancer. According to the National Library of Medicine, antioxidants also act as hydrogen and electron donors, as well as enzyme inhibitors.
Most humans get some types of antioxidants naturally through eating and drinking. However, IV vitamin therapy is a much more effective way to fight back against free radicals with antioxidants. When your body lacks antioxidants, free radical production increases, which causes oxidative stress - a harmful situation linked to arthritis, cancers, strokes, and Parkinson's disease.
Thankfully, Juventee's IV vitamin therapy in West Orange, NJ contains antioxidants that may scavenge and reduce the free radicals affecting your health.
Some additional vitamins and nutrients found in most IV vitamin therapies include:
- Calcium
- Amino Acids
- Threonine
- Arginine
- Tryptophan
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- More
What Can I Expect from an IV Vitamin Therapy Session?
All IV vitamin injections are applied here at the Juventee office, where our patients are comfortable and at ease. IV vitamin therapy sessions vary in length, depending on the IV therapy you choose and how many applications you need. Vitamin IV injections are administered quickly, with the patient feeling a small pinch from the needle at the injection site.
Patients should not experience any irritation or adverse effects. Once therapy is over, they may leave and go about their day feeling fantastic. While most patients leave our office feeling great, everyone's experiences are different.
What you feel after IV therapy depends on the vitamins you choose and your unique body composition. Most often, however, patients enjoy IV vitamin benefits instantly since their bodies absorb all of the nutrients provided. For optimal results, we recommend you schedule several vitamin IV therapy sessions to thoroughly care for and cleanse your body.
Are There Other Uses for Juventee's Vitamin IV Therapy?
In the past, IV vitamin therapy in West Orange, NJ was reserved for sick hospital patients and the ultra-wealthy. Today, millions of health-conscious Americans use IV vitamin drips to give their bodies full-potency vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids. Taking supplements is great, especially if you're not treating your body to a healthy diet. In reality, though, supplements and multivitamins only give you a fraction of the benefit.
Juventee's IV vitamin infusions, on the other hand, are applied directly into your bloodstream. That way, all those wonderful vitamins and nutrients bypass your digestive system, giving your body much-needed care in the blink of an eye.
Getting nutrients in an instant is a benefit on its own, but what other advantages does IV vitamin therapy provide patients? Are there other uses for a vitamin IV drip other than getting your daily vitamins? Let's take a look and see.
IV Vitamin Therapy May Help with Your Weight Loss Goals
If you're like most Americans in modern times, you could afford to lose a few pounds. Weight loss is a big topic these days - being overweight puts you at risk for a long list of ailments and diseases, so it makes sense to shed pounds. Of course, that's much easier said than done.
One savvy way health-conscious people use vitamin IV drips is to help kick start their weight loss goals. Juventee's unique vitamin formula contains metabolic boosters that help convert fat into energy, giving you the "go" needed to finish that workout. By jumpstarting your metabolism, your body can break down fat more effectively, helping you maintain a healthy weight.
IV Vitamin Therapy May Help with Nutrient Deficiencies
In hospital and medical settings, IV nutrient drips can help patients who are too sick to eat. Outside of those settings, it can also be a great way to address certain nutrient deficiencies caused by conditions like:
- Colon Cancer
- Celiac Disease
- Crohn's Disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Short Bowel Syndrome
Generally, people with the conditions above have a hard time getting the nutrients their bodies need via supplements and diet. Because IV vitamin therapy in West Orange, NJ bypasses their digestive system, these patients can get nutrients that they otherwise wouldn't get.
IV Vitamin Drips May Boost Energy
Are you sick and tired of relying on teeth-staining coffees and chemical-ridden energy drinks to stay awake and focused? Nutrients like amino acids and B vitamins, found in IV vitamin therapies, give you a natural boost of energy, lessening your need for sugar and caffeine.
IV Vitamin Therapy May Cleanse Free Radicals & Toxins
In addition to helping with weight loss and giving you essential nutrients, vitamin IV therapies may also cleanse your body of damaging toxins and free radicals. Free radicals, in particular, can damage your DNA and speed up the aging process.
The antioxidants in Juventee's IV vitamin therapy help protect your body and its immune system by neutralizing free radicals and eliminating toxins. Some common antioxidants used include:
- Vitamin C
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- Glutathione
Vitamin IV Therapy May Reduce Anxiety
Ingredients in IV vitamin drips like magnesium sulfate are great for lowering blood pressure and calming nerves. But magnesium has also been shown to:
- Relax Your Muscles
- Calm Feelings of Anxiety
- Help You Sleep
- Support Your Immune System
- Prevent and Deal with Migraine Headaches
Magnesium sulfate is also a common ingredient in stress-reducing products like Epsom salts as well.
IV Vitamin Therapy in West Orange, NJ May Help Cure Hangovers
We've all been there before - it's Friday afternoon, and you and your work colleagues decide to leave the office early. One of your co-workers suggests you go to a bar to let off some steam and reflect on the work week. One or two drinks, you promise yourself. The next thing you know, you're three sheets to the wind, singing bad karaoke and making new friends with everyone at the bar.
You had a great time, but now it's Saturday morning, and it feels like a cinderblock was dropped on your head. Instead of grabbing a can of salty V8, why not treat yourself to vitamin IV therapy from Juventee? The hydration provided by our IV vitamin drips helps fight back against hangover symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Muscle Aches
- Nausea
- Sour Stomach
- Dehydration
- Brain Fog
- Fatigue
Fluids from vitamin IVs get to work quick, replenishing the water you lost while you were out partying. Vitamin IVs also have much-needed electrolytes for your body, which may relieve feelings of dizziness, fatigue, and thirst.
Treat Your Body Right with IV Vitamin Therapy from Juventee
If your goal is to nourish your body with nutrients and vitamins, Juventee's IV vitamin therapy in cityname, state is the key you need to unlock success. We believe that balance is key to your health and wellness, which is why our specialists employ the most innovative medical advances in our treatment options and products. Unlike other vitamin IV clinics, our focus is on providing you with a full range of health services to help you reach your full potential.
That way, you can satisfy your aesthetic, physical, and nutritional needs while positively impacting your emotional wellbeing too. If you're on the fence about getting healthy and re-discovering the joys of youth, contact our office today. It would be our pleasure to talk about your concerns and how our preventative, proactive treatments like IV vitamin therapy can help on your journey to health.
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Latest News in West Orange, NJ
West Orange Fourth Quarter Rally Stuns Plainfield
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/plainfield/sections/sports/articles/west-orange-fourth-quarter-rally-stuns-plainfield
The following article originally appeared on the Jersey High School Sports Blog (www.jerseyhighschoolsports.com) which is run by Plainfield resident and high school sports enthusiast Noel Pyne.PLAINFIELD, NJ — In a game where inches count, injuries and the bounce of the ball can decide a game, Plainfield fans wondered what could have, should have, and would have. West Orange took advantage, with the help of the bounce of the ball and t...
The following article originally appeared on the Jersey High School Sports Blog (www.jerseyhighschoolsports.com) which is run by Plainfield resident and high school sports enthusiast Noel Pyne.
PLAINFIELD, NJ — In a game where inches count, injuries and the bounce of the ball can decide a game, Plainfield fans wondered what could have, should have, and would have. West Orange took advantage, with the help of the bounce of the ball and the legs of Adonis White. White would rush for 162-yards and score the winning touchdown with 59 seconds remaining in the game to seal the Cardinal’s fate.
Plainfield's players entered the field in the first ever post-season game played at the legendary Hub Stine Field to the light show of the newly installed lights being used for the first time. The crowd went crazy, and this energized the Cardinals. On the first play from scrimmage, West Orange sent 7-men in on an all-out blitz as Plainfield’s signal caller Al-Amin Watkins dropped back to pass. Watkins scrambled and dipped the blitzing linebacker. The 6’2” 210 Lb junior signal caller then outran the Mountaineers for a 56-yard run into the darkness of the night to erupt the 2,500 fans in attendance.
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The Mountaineers were a battled tested team led by one of the best coaches in New Jersey, Darnell Grant. The Mountaineer’s were the defending North II Group V State Champions and they shook off the Cardinal left hook with a 65-yard 9-play scoring drive. The arm of Charlie LaMorte guided the Mountaineers down the field. Noah “The Bruiser" Terry finished the drive with a 1-yard plunge. The Mountaineers 2-point conversion attempt failed.
Both teams played to a stalemate in the 2nd quarter leaving the score 7-6 going into intermission.
Plainfield had a chance to add points on the board. Key passes of 14-yards to Al-Khabir Bethune and 22-yards to Joel Cordoba had the Cardinals with a first and goal. Watkins took the wildcat play and his knee hit the ground before his reach for the goal-line hit the pylon. Facing a 2nd and less than 1 for a touchdown, Plainfield fumbled the ball and West Orange's Myles Snead recovered the pigskin to shut down a golden opportunity for the Cardinals.
Before the half was over there was an injury that occurred when Plainfield’s Ala-Meen Watkins was tackled and suffered a lower leg injury that prevented the record setting signal caller from participating for the remainder of the game. Watkins totaled nearly 150-yards from the line of scrimmage in less that 2-quarters of play.
The Mountaineers returned the favor as how Plainfield started the game. On the first play from scrimmage in the 2nd half, Adonis White took the handoff and outran the entire Plainfield defense for a 45-yard jaunt to pay dirt. This gave West Orange their first lead of the game.
The Mountaineers defense grabbed the shifting momentum and stalled the Plainfield offense. The Plainfield Cardinals answered the Mountaineers defense as Joel Cordoba picked off a pass and darted 37-yards into the end zone to recapture the lead for the Cardinals.
Plainfield’s defense seized the momentum as on the next West Orange’s possession, Eatoniel “EJ” Brown picked off a deflected pass. Plainfield went on a ground attack. Eatoniel used his legs as the elusive running back on 6-carries helped Plainfield get into the red zone at the end of the 3rd quarter.
On the first offensive play of the final stanza, Joel Cordoba took the reverse and darted 18-yards into the endzone. Kamai Lowery connected with Al-Khabir Bethune on the 2-point conversion to extend the Plainfield's advantage to 21-12 with 11:50 left in the game.
There was an eerie sense after Plainfield’s Darren Hester suffered a serious injury. The game was delayed and the excitement in the stands turned to silence even though Plainfield held a 2-possession lead with 11-minutes remaining in the contest.
West Orange’s Adonis White seemed to have gotten stronger as on the West Oranges possession Adonis churned up 43-yards on 4 carries to put the Mountaineers in scoring position. On a 3rd and 6 from the Plainfield’s 12-yard line, West Orange’s Charlie LaMorte threw a dart across the middle that was deflected by a diving Plainfield defender. West Orange wide out, 6’5” 200lb Mikervens Auguste, dove and grappled the tip ball in the end zone to make the score 21-19.
West Orange’s defense played with a sense of urgency holding the Cardinals to a 3 and out. Plainfield returned the favor by forcing West Orange to a 3 and out with less than 5:00 minutes remaining in the contest. The play of the game may have come off the foot of the senior offensive lineman, 6’3” 290lb Ricardo Camacho. Camacho came into punt and booted a 50-yard punt to pin the Cardinals on their 11-yard line.
West Orange's defense continued their aggressive play and forced Plainfield on their 2nd consecutive 3 and out. After a Plainfield’s 33-yard punt, the Mountaineers held excellent field position with less than 3:00 minutes remaining in the game. Adonis White continued to churn up yards as a 33-yard game put the Mountaineers in scoring position with less than 2-minutes remaining. A pass breakup by Plainfield’s senior linebacker, Alijah Burnett, helped force a 4th and 9 from the Plainfield’s 15-yard line with 70-secs remaining in the game. Coach Grant sent out their strong-legged kicker, 6’4” Jaden Gachette to attempt the 32-yard field goal to give the Mountaineers the lead.
An offside penalty against Plainfield shortened the field goal attempt to 27-yards.
West Orange got off a good snap, but Plainfield penetrated the line of scrimmage and blocked the field goal attempt to an ecstatic standing only room Plainfield crowd. But the cheers suddenly turned to delusion, as there was yellow laundry on the field. Plainfield suffered their 2nd consecutive offsides to give the Mountaineers, 1st and goal from the 5-yard line. White would take the hand off and score with 59 seconds remaining in the contest to give the Mountaineers a 25-21 lead.
Plainfield was able to get down to the Mountaineers 37-yard line in hopes of one last play to the end zone but the West Orange’s defense nullified the Hail Mary try.
West Orange advances to the semi-finals to play the #2 seeded Union City Soaring Eagles.
Scoring: 1st Quarter 11:38 – P- Watkins 56-yard run (Avril kick) 06:05 – W- Terry 1-yard run (2-point conversion failed)
2nd Quarter No score
3rd Quarter 11:39 – W- White 45-yard run (2-point conversion failed) 08:53 – P- Joel Cordoba 37-yard interception return (kick failed)
4th Quarter 11:50 – P-Joel Cordoba 18-yard run (Bethune pass from Lowery 2-point conversion) 08:27 – W-Auguste 12-yard pass from LaMorte (Gachette kick) 00:59 – W-White 5-yard run (2-point conversion failed)
Offensive Stat Leaders:
Touch Downs P-Joel Cordoba – 2 W-White – 2
Passing W-LaMorte – 9/23 – 77-yards
Rushing W-White – 162-yards on 19 rushing attempts
Yards Receiving W-Moore – 36-yards on 4-receptions
Defensive Stat Leaders:
Tackles W-McAdams – 7
Tackles for Loss Yardage P-Williams, Cordoba – 2
Sacks W-McAdams, Aziz, Stanley, Ndukwe, Camacho– 2
Interceptions P-Kirkland, Cordoba, Brown – 1
Fumble Recovery/block fg/xtra points W-Snead– 1
Pass Breakups P-Joel Cordoba – 3
Longest Punt W-Camacho – 50-yards
Longest Punt Return None
Longest Kick-Off Return W-Gainer – 30-yards
Longest Field Goal None
Penalties P-19-penalties; 143-yards W-10-penalties; 89-yards
Please visit Plummer Photography to view the action-packed pictures of the game: https://plummerphotos.smugmug.com/Sports/2023-24-JerseyHighSchoolSports/10272023-West-Orange-at-Plainfield
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West Orange High School Sports Media Association Receives NJSPRA School Communication Award
Elise Margulishttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/west-orange/sections/sports/articles/west-orange-high-school-sports-media-association-receives-njspra-school-communication-award
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- In a dazzling moment of recognition for their exceptional work in school communications, the West Orange High School Sports Media Association (WOHSSMA) proudly accepted the second place award in the Photography category at the New Jersey School Public Relations Association's (NJSPRA) School Communication Awards held during the New Jersey School Boards Association's Annual Workshop on October 23, 2023.The NJSPRA School Communication Awards were designed to commend the exceptional efforts of school communicators acros...
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- In a dazzling moment of recognition for their exceptional work in school communications, the West Orange High School Sports Media Association (WOHSSMA) proudly accepted the second place award in the Photography category at the New Jersey School Public Relations Association's (NJSPRA) School Communication Awards held during the New Jersey School Boards Association's Annual Workshop on October 23, 2023.
The NJSPRA School Communication Awards were designed to commend the exceptional efforts of school communicators across New Jersey, acknowledging their tireless work in disseminating vital information to their various stakeholders. In a record-breaking year for the competition, with 102 submissions from 41 different school districts, the West Orange High School Sports Media Association stood out among its peers, exemplifying the spirit of excellence in educational communication.
The panel of 18 judges, comprising industry experts from across the country, reviewed the submissions in eight diverse categories: Newsletter, Marketing, Branding, Image, Media Relations-Human Interest, Photography, Social Media, Special Interest Publication, Video, and Website. WOHSSMA's stellar performance in the Photography category showcased their dedication and passion for capturing the essence of the West Orange High School sports program.
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The winning entry that earned WOHSSMA its well-deserved recognition was their record-breaking photo gallery. Their captivating photos have amassed over 5.5 million views, encapsulating the spirit of West Orange High School's media day, game day, and special events. This incredible achievement underscores the Association's commitment to celebrating the athletic journeys of its students and athletes.
Principal Oscar Guerrero of West Orange High School expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the West Orange High School Sports Media Association. They have not only set the bar high for themselves but have also raised it for all others in New Jersey. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to their continued success."
The accolade was also met with enthusiasm by Athletic Director Stephan Zichella, who emphasized the significance of the photo gallery. He remarked, "This photo gallery allows our former, current and future students to celebrate their athletic journeys at West Orange High School. It captures the essence of our sports program and the dedication of our athletes and fans. We're thrilled that their work is being recognized and appreciated."
The West Orange High School Sports Media Association (WOHSSMA) is a dynamic organization comprising 9th-12th grade students, established in 2022. Their mission is to connect the West Orange community with the acclaimed West Orange High School sports athletics program through an engaging social media presence, showcased on @wohssports. WOHSSMA's comprehensive network includes 25+ sports teams, engaging hundreds of current and former students and reaching 75,000+ unique users monthly. Their website ranks #1 in New Jersey and within the Top 50 in the U.S. among RSchool powered sites, offering full sports schedules, articles, interviews, and more.
The New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) is a state chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). NJSPRA is nationally recognized for its efforts on behalf of school public relations professionals, including public relations and communications professionals, superintendents, administrators, board members, principals, teachers, and consultants, all of whom benefit from the wealth of information and networking that is available through the organization.
The NJSPRA School Communication Award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the West Orange High School Sports Media Association, showcasing their remarkable ability to capture the spirit and essence of their school's athletics program. This achievement not only brings honor to their school but also serves as an inspiration to school communicators and students across New Jersey. It is a reminder of the power of photography and storytelling in conveying the achievements and experiences of student-athletes.
West Orange Teen Uses Poetry To Change The World, Releases Book
Eric Kieferhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/westorange/west-orange-teen-uses-poetry-change-world-releases-book
"Advocacy" and "art" go hand-in-hand for this ambitious West Orange teen.WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.At 18, West Orange High School senior Makayla Rivera is already an award-winning poet, nonprofit business owner, and a Youth StoryTell...
"Advocacy" and "art" go hand-in-hand for this ambitious West Orange teen.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
At 18, West Orange High School senior Makayla Rivera is already an award-winning poet, nonprofit business owner, and a Youth StoryTeller for Georgetown Law Center. Not one to rest on her laurels, Makayla has now released a book of poetry entitled “Prayers to Catch a Butterfly.”
Rivera’s journey began at Roosevelt Middle School when she joined the Poetry Club and participated in a poetry slam.
“I realized I could use poetry as a tool for Black activism – to cultivate change through people’s emotions and reactions,” Makayla began.
Rivera became involved in what was to be a life-changing mentorship with New Jersey NAACP ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Achievement Program.
Find out what's happening in West Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The website states:
"Each year, high school students across the country start a journey to sharpen their skills through the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). From visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, participants work with community-based volunteers for a year to develop projects and performances."
ACT-SO is a year-long youth enrichment program that culminates in a local and national competition where students compete for scholarship awards, and prizes totaling over $300,000.
Often referred to as the “Olympics of the Mind”, ACT-SO centers around the dedication and commitment of community volunteers and business leaders; to serve as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence among students of African American descent.”
“I can’t say enough about the program and how it helped me accomplish so much,” Rivera said.
The program is free.
In May, 2022 Makayla received a NJ Governor’s Award in Arts Education for her poem “Beneath the Mattresses.” Since then, she has won two additional poetry competitions and shared her work at churches, galas, the Board of Education, and churches, where she is requested to perform. On Oct. 19, she was featured at the NAACP of the Oranges/Maplewood Gala.
Georgetown University contacted her to become a Youth Story Teller at the Georgetown Law Gender, Justice, and Opportunity Initiative. Rivera utilizes their statistics about issues like sexual abuse, prison, and inequality and creates poetry that gives an emotional voice to them.
When asked about the genesis of her recently published book of poetry, “Prayers to Catch a Butterfly,” Rivera explained:
“As a freshman, I had big dreams. I had so many poems and thoughts and ideas collected, and I decided to put them into a book of poetry.”
Her work reflects a wide range of emotions, from growing up as a teenager, black pride, eating disorders, and sexuality, commemorating high school and going through her own metamorphosis.
Her decision to title her work “Prayers to Catch a Butterfly” stems from her connection to butterflies and what they represent.
“Butterflies are not meant to be caught, but we learn from them," she explained.
The first part of the book is called ‘Chrysalis,’ and her poems represent the ‘first cracks in the shell.’ The second section is called ‘Emergence,’ celebrating love and loss, and the final section ‘Metamorphosis’ shows Rivera’s journey of growth and self-discovery.
“The book has been so much fun,” she noted.
“I’ve never been prouder. It was nerve-wracking because it’s so intimate and real – like reading my diary. I have family and friends reading about the intimate details of my life.”
In January, Makayla started a nonprofit called Black Butterfly Rising, Inc. to “uplift black girls and their voices.” In addition to this, Rivera is the President of the Black Student Union at WOHS, Vice-President of the Escriptus Honor Society, a member of Rho Kappa and the National Honor Society, and a member of the Unity Club. She recently completed an independent study project researching art programs in low-income schools with Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Stephanie Pinder-Amaker. She plans to become a lawyer and focus on advocacy. She knows she could be accepted at Georgetown University but would really like to attend Spellman College, an all-female HBC.
“If I had to describe my mission, it would be ‘advocacy’ and ‘art’ in a nutshell,” Rivera concluded, “and I really love that.”
To find out more about the ACT-SO Program, check it out on Naviance or go HERE.
To purchase “Prayers to Catch a Butterfly” on Amazon, go HERE.
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No Halloween During School Hours This Year, NJ District Says
Eric Kieferhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/westorange/no-halloween-during-school-hours-year-nj-district-says
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — “A district that celebrates diversity.” This is the message that scrolls across the top of the website for the South Orange and Maplewood Public School District. And according to its superintendent, this important mission is the reason that there will be a conspicuous lack of Halloween festivities during school hours for 2023.Earlier this month, Superintendent Ronald Taylor announced that the district is laying down some rules this Halloween season in a letter to the community. They include:...
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — “A district that celebrates diversity.” This is the message that scrolls across the top of the website for the South Orange and Maplewood Public School District. And according to its superintendent, this important mission is the reason that there will be a conspicuous lack of Halloween festivities during school hours for 2023.
Earlier this month, Superintendent Ronald Taylor announced that the district is laying down some rules this Halloween season in a letter to the community. They include:
The Halloween debate is something that resurfaces every year in the district. And that’s why it’s important to lay out a consistent approach that is “respectful and inclusive of all families,” Taylor said.
According to Taylor, there are three big questions that district administrators asked themselves before rolling out this year’s new policy on Halloween:
Under the district’s new policy, schools can partner with PTAs, HSAs or other outside groups if they want to put together Halloween-themed events after school hours, Taylor wrote.
Taylor added that administrators generally try to give the leaders of each school creative freedom to run their buildings as they want – “within our expectations.” And there may be a fall harvest festival that can take the place of Halloween, he said.
“After discussing this important topic with them, we anticipate that all SOMSD elementary schools will eventually have a Fall/Harvest Festival event or themed activities that can occur during school time and can be held on Oct. 31,” the superintendent wrote. “We ask for grace as some schools have already begun working toward this, while others are in the planning phase for a 2024 Fall/Harvest Festival.”
“I know this may make some uncomfortable and elicit some challenges across our community,” Taylor concluded. “However, in the end, I feel these recommendations align with SOMSD’s commitment to building equity, fostering inclusion, and building a sense of belonging throughout our schools.”
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West Orange Rolls Out New Fee For Local Businesses: Mercantile License
Eric Kieferhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/westorange/west-orange-rolls-out-new-fee-local-businesses-mercantile-license
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Do you own, lease or operate a business in West Orange? The clock is ticking on the deadline to pay for a new “mercantile license” fee – and there’s a hefty fine waiting for those who refuse.West Orange recently issued an advisory about a new ordinance that gives the town the authority to charge a mer...
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Do you own, lease or operate a business in West Orange? The clock is ticking on the deadline to pay for a new “mercantile license” fee – and there’s a hefty fine waiting for those who refuse.
West Orange recently issued an advisory about a new ordinance that gives the town the authority to charge a mercantile license fee to local businesses. Annual registration fees are $100 for an initial unit and $20 per each additional unit.
See the township’s replies to some frequently asked questions about the new fee here.
West Orange businesses and rental owners must obtain an annual mercantile license no later than Oct. 31. The town has created an online portal to register, which can be accessed here. Registration can also be done in person at room 214 at Town Hall, 66 Main Street.
According to the township’s FAQ page, officials plan to enforce the ordinance via the planning and zoning departments. The fine for owners who fail to comply is $2,000.
Many other New Jersey towns require businesses to have local mercantile licenses, including Paterson, Ocean City, Long Branch and Asbury Park.
The ordinance – voted into local law by the town council in June – is being rolled out in connection with a state law regulating insurance coverage. According to West Orange officials, N.J.S.A. 40A:10A-1 requires business owners and rental unit owners to obtain certain levels of liability insurance, a stipulation also included in the town’s ordinance.
BUDGET, FEES IN WEST ORANGE
The mercantile license is among a wave of new fees being rolled out in West Orange after a tumultuous budget season – including a controversial sewer fee hike. Read More: Sewer Fees Increase In West Orange; Council Gives Green Light
To help chop down a municipal tax increase that at one point stood at 16 percent – but was eventually reduced to 5.8 percent – town administrators looked at three possible ways to balance the budget: cut spending, dip into reserve funds, or increase revenues.
The latter option – adding more revenue to the town’s coffers – hasn’t been “significantly addressed” in more than 15 years, according to a budget presentation given by chief financial officer John Gross in May (watch the video below, cued to the discussion on mercantile licenses).
Gross estimated that West Orange could raise an extra $426,630 if it creates new mercantile license fees for commercial entities.
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