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Found a Chatham NJ Home For My Elderly Mother, Finally!

July 26, 2013 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Finding a Chatham NJ home for my motherAs a Chatham NJ home and real estate agent, I’ve toured many homes for sale in New Jersey. I’ve fallen in love with my local towns and many Millburn-Short Hills homes  I’ve visited with New Jersey home buyers and sellers. I’ve seen beautiful Summit estates and Maplewood condos, but until recently I’d never considered where an elderly person (like a parent) would live once they needed care and were “forced” to move from their home.

Unfortunately, I found myself not only considering it, but having to make a decision, quickly. My mother fractured her hip while alone in her NYC apartment and it wasn’t her first fall. My sister and I were advised to find an assisted living facility as her new residence. The costs in New Jersey were staggering running anywhere from $4-$10,000 a month depending on the level of care and accommodations.

I started our “home” search immediately, wanting to be within close proximity to my Chatham home. I visited no less than 12 residences before I finally found the one that I “thought” would meet my mother’s standards and give us enough time to work on my mother’s reluctance and fear to make this change.

Unfortunately, the place I chose was not as close as I would have hoped and the commute for me was difficult. My mother thought the place was “very fancy” with all the bells and whistles but they promised more than they delivered. The level of dementia among the residents was extremely high and finding people for my mother to “talk to” was rare. So, the decision was made to make another move.

I went to visit a few more facilities in the area and decided that location was critical and we chose Juniper Village in Chatham, which is one mile from my Chatham NJ home. My mother had now moved 3 times in 4 months, not of her own will, and was not adjusting to her new circumstances well. Being 87 years young and having her independence taken away has been a challenge.

As it was no longer feasible for her to be on her own and she had some strong opinions, the time had come to hire an Elder Care Attorney who would be able to handle the legal roadblocks that might hinder elder-care choices (and there are many!). Talking to your family about finances, durable power of attorney, and all legal factors is no picnic! We chose Hauptman and Hauptman in Livingston, NJ to facilitate our discussions and process and have found them to be a life saver.

My mother’s move from her apartment in NYC has been a six week journey. She has kept that apartment for 40 years and never thrown out a paper cup. Suffice it to say, the move was not something I could do alone. My friend and colleague, Pam Carlson of Ready Set Organize was a gift from the Gods!

Pam was at our side every step of the way. From completely taking charge of the move to consoling my distraught mother and even taking the time to buy her flowers on their way home from the city, she made the move possible! My mother and I are still adjusting to the changes in our lives. We “boomers” have to be prepared and know what our options are, and the true lesson learned from this is that professionals know the questions you won’t even think to ask, when it comes to life transitions such as these.

If you can relate or find yourself in a similar situation and need help selling your parent’s home, please give me a call. I can help!

Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ, Robin Benjamin Tagged With: assisted-living facility, Chatham Home, Chatham NJ home, Elder Care Attorney, Juniper Village, Maplewood condos, Millburn Short Hills homes, New Jersey home, New Jersey home buyers, New Jersey home buyers and sellers, real estate agent, Summit estates

Midtown Direct Home Town Fun Awaits

February 8, 2013 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

midtown direct home and spa celebratingValentines Day is nearly here and should you happen to find yourself as a single woman(like me), living in Millburn-Short Hills or any of our midtown direct towns for that matter, I suggest you treat yourself well on this holiday. I know I will! Have some fun taking some time out to experience something new, like reflexology or aromatherapy, or some other treatment you can enjoy close to your midtown direct home.

Choose one or choose them all, make your reservations, and have the time of your life embracing your status, living in a midtown direct home, and being your own Valentine!

If you have a home in Short Hills, a short trip to the Hilton Short Hills eforea spa will have you grinning from ear to ear as you explore a full range of services or a packaged “journey” of experiences. The “essentials” journey delivers instant, noticeable results, while the “escape” journey nourishes your body with organic plants and substances and healing practices. Men can take their own “men’s journey” with the end result of balance and restoration.

You might also want to call Massage Envy on  Morris Turnpike, as they offer a LONG massage (an hour and a half) and Sugar Foot Scrub Therapy to boot, which may very well be a better solution to a sweet treat this Valentines Day than chocolate.

If you live in a Chatham home, you may want to stop by Chatham Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. You’ll find a full range of pleasures, from stone massage and facials to waxing (Did I just call that a pleasure? ugh). And, if you happen to be part of a couple, they do offer special, private sanctuaries just for couples. I must mention that they are offering Valentines Specials, as well, which you can see by clicking here.

Another favorite that I had to list is a bit farther away, in Denville NJ, but the Urban Muse is truly an enchanting place. Called “The Best Day Spa in Morris County” you will find the expected list of traditional spa treatments, even including mudwraps, mixed with holistic offerings of Reiki, Angel Readings, Nutritional/Life Coaching and Intuitive Counseling which may come in handy this Valentines as you, like me, choose to love yourself.

Filed Under: Chatham NJ, Featured Blog Posts, Midtown Direct Events, Millburn/Short Hills, Places to go Tagged With: Chatham Home, home in Chatham, home in Short Hills, Living in Millburn-Short Hills, midtown direct Area, midtown direct home

New Normal for Millburn/Short Hills Homes

November 16, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

New day in a Millburn Short Hills homeRecovery.  Each day is yet another step to recovery for our towns.  As I enjoy the natural beauty that is so evident in my New Jersey towns, I see recovery and I recognize that each of us in our Summit, Chatham, or Millburn/Short Hills homes have had to declare a “new normal.”  This is the time where we need to recognize our hope and strength as a community, as families, and as individuals and move forward with gratitude at what we still have.

Because we still have a lot.

As I snuggled with my pup in my Chatham NJ home, I am grateful for electricity (it was finally turned back on over the weekend), fantastic friends (who took me in and warmed me up), the kindness of strangers (spotlighted in my storm posts), and the fact that my Chatham home is standing.  Driving through our boroughs I have seen devastation and community service at it’s side.  I’ve seen friends lifting one another in diners and city officials lending a hand to help someone in need as they try to uncover what is left of their Millburn/Short Hills homes.

However, those good deeds aren’t what I am referring to when I say the “new normal.”  Those acts of service have always been seen in our MIDtown Direct towns and will continue to be seen, no matter the hurricane, tropical storm, or flood.  Our New Jersey towns and the people who live in Millburn/Short Hills, Summit, and Chatham have always been willing to meet stormy weather with fortitude and grace.  We are strong and we love our MIDtown Direct towns.

Our “new normal” is more of an adjustment phase as we recognize the short-term changes and adjustments needed to succeed on a daily basis post-storm.  Adjustments like taking a different train into the city or finding a new route home. How about filling up your car with gas and owning a generator now seem to come with the territory. I, like you, am finding ways to accept to these changes and adapt to my “new normal.”  If you have any pointers on how to make it easier, please comment on this post.  Thank you!

 

Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ, Millburn/Short Hills, Summit Tagged With: Chatham Home, Chatham NJ home, midtown direct towns, Millburn/Short Hills homes, New Jersey towns

To Stay or To Go – Sandy’s Effect on New Jersey Homes, People and Pets

November 5, 2012 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Pets displaced from New Jersey homes, tooHurricane Sandy has left many of us who live in Midtown Direct towns in New Jersey in a difficult situation. With cold weather and another nor’easter on the way, the ability to stay warm in our New Jersey homes is a critical issue. Blankets and jackets can only do so much. And while some New Jersey homes have power, many do not. For those without power, like me in my Chatham NJ home, the options are limited. We can burn wood or fuel, but those items exhaust themselves quickly. Possibly restaurants and movie theaters have heat, but those cost money and have limited hours, so are not a complete solution, either.
After a little over a week of coping without electricity and other amenities, I’ve decided to take a friend’s offer and get out of town for a little while. Others are doing the same on a day-trip basis and three charter buses are transporting residents tomorrow, leaving the Madison Municipal Lot #3 at 7 a.m., for a trip into NYC for a round-trip charge of $20. Find out more at the Chatham website here.
Pets are not allowed on the bus for obvious reasons, which brings up another point. Now, I realize my next topic may not be the most important issue when it comes to priorities but for pet people who have been made homeless, our pets have become a big issue! We’re between a rock and a hard place. We board them if we’re lucky enough to be able to afford the incredible prices of boarding at $100 dollars a day or we stay in our freezing homes and pray for power! The truth is, none of our friends (as much as they love us) are going to take us in with our beloved pets.
When leaving,  I had to find lodging for Bailey so I could spend a few days away because quite honestly I just am not sure I’m up for another storm quite yet. Luckily Morristown Inn in Morristown NJ had space available.  We are expecting this next storm on Wednesday and with the ground as wet as it is and the trees being as precarious as they are, it could be more troublesome than a typical nor’easter. People need to be prepared once again, physically and emotionally. We’ll all be praying for each other. If you have online access, click here for important numbers and information on how to get help.

Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ, Midtown Direct Events, Millburn/Short Hills, Summit Tagged With: Chatham NJ, Chatham NJ home, live in Midtown Direct towns, live in Midtown Direct towns in New Jersey, Midetown direct towns, New Jersey homes, NJ home, towns in New Jersey

Find Gas Near Your Millburn/Short Hills home

November 3, 2012 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Gas Near your Millburn/Short Hills homeI’ve learned a lot in the last week since Hurricane Sandy barreled through our New Jersey towns.  It used to be that my day to day activities were focused on the search for a Millburn/Short Hills home listing or meeting with clients and friends.  Now, however, my search is limited to finding a full gas station or a working ATM, as is the case for many residents living in Millburn/Short Hills.

My search at least came to an end, thankfully this morning.  Gas rationing has begun and I found a gas station in Summit, located on River Road, by The Broadway Diner, that had working pumps!  Yesterday I waited in line at another station only to be turned away, but this morning I realized that I only had 80 miles of gas left and knew something needed to be done immediately.  I was very blessed to have been chosen in gas rations to be one of the first in the mile long line to purchase gas.

So… I went to wait in line and I thought about how lucky we are to have just lost power in our towns. Yes, it’s difficult, but it’s nothing compared to the devastation in some areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.  While waiting, some amazingly nice people from Congregation Beth Hatikvah (I believe) brought donuts and coffee to those of us in line.  It was a literal God-send!  This is the type of thing that you’ll find in our New Jersey communities and I’m glad I was there to witness it.

Lines near your Millburn/Short Hills homeI only had to wait a little over two hours (not bad compared to some people) and when I finally got to the pump I discovered that they weren’t taking credit cards!  I suppose I should have anticipated this with no electricity throughout  our towns, but it was still a shock.  I had waited so long!

In Summit, New Jersey and all of our towns, however, people really care about each other.  The workers at the gas station were SO nice about it and in broken English we agreed that I would come back with the $50.  I couldn’t believe it – I was so grateful!  To my surprise, two seconds later a woman behind me in a car offered me $50 in cash so I could pay for the gas and I wrote her a check. Wow, these small random acts of kindness are what keep me going and are examples of why I live in Chatham NJ.  I love our community, and the fact that even in times of extreme crisis, we, as neighbors watch out for one another.  Thank you, New Jersey!

Glennwood Crosswalk near your Millburn/Short Hills homeBy the way, I saw that the gas station on Morris turnpike, across from Benihana’s in Millburn, NJ was pumping this morning, too.  I’m trying to post and share more updates like these to Facebook as I get more news that you may need, so you can follow my Facebook page here.

Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ, Midtown Direct Events, Millburn/Short Hills, Summit Tagged With: live in Chatham NJ, living in Millburn/Short Hills, Millburn/Short Hills Home, New Jersey towns, Summit New Jersey

A Hard Day and A Good Day at My Chatham NJ Home

October 30, 2012 by rbenjamin Leave a Comment

Today was a good day.

A day to witness miracles and a testament to the strength of our communities.

Leaving my Chatham NJ home to visit and see family and friends alive and well and standing next to their Millburn/Short Hills homes (many of which were still standing) was amazing. Visiting the Millburn Deli brought a tear to my eye as I watched them remove the boards from windows, a sign that things were going to be okay. Many of you can remember when that wasn’t the case.

Preparing for disaster in Millburn NJ, near my Chatham home

Yes, there was devastation in our community yesterday.

Yes, it will take time (many months, likely) to recover and rebuild.

Yes, it was a hard day.

But, it was still good.

And I will sleep well tonight knowing that my friends, family, pets and loved ones and their homes in Summit, Millburn/Short Hills, and Chatham are still here. We will continue to draw strength from one another and make each day good until one day everything will be great in our small communities again.

Devastation hits near my Chatham NJ home

You see, we as a community are resilient. Our towns have weathered major storms, like Hurricane Irene and last years ice storm on Halloween and now Hurricane Sandy, and have bounced back. In fact, we are already bouncing – Halloween has been re-scheduled to Monday in many of our towns so that we can embrace our neighborly spirit despite the tragedy that has occurred. I am excited to have a chance to have trick or treaters visit my Chatham NJ home this week and recount the blessings of having children who are able to dress up and walk through our community.

Please join me in embracing the challenges that lie ahead – the challenges that will try our patience and resolve and may at times seem insurmountable.

Devastation hits near my Chatham NJ home
Together as a community, whether you live in Summit NJ or have a home in Millburn/Short Hills, Chatham, or another of the affected areas, we need be strong, patient and move forward.  We have no choice.

Millburn, Summit & Chatham NJ Home Resources & Emergency Numbers

Listed below are some emergency resources that may be of help as you seek to rebuild and repair whatever challenges you may face individually and as a family. If I can be of service to you, please give me a call.

  • PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG ( 1-800-436-7734)
  • JCP&L/First Energy: 1-888-LIGHTSS ( 1-888-544-4877)
  • Radio Stations with Updates: 98.7FM or 1050AM Radio
  • Mental Health Help: 877-294-HELP (1-877-294-4357)
  • Red Cross
  • NJ Social Services
  • NJ Updates & Other Info
  • Road & Tunnel Updates: dial 511
  • Information & Disaster Referral: Dial 211
  • Individual County Website Links
  • Summit Info
  • Millburn/Short Hills Info
  • Chatham Info

Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ, Midtown Direct Events, Millburn/Short Hills, Summit Tagged With: Chatham NJ home, home in Millburn/Short Hills, homes in Summit, Hurricane Sandy, live in Summit NJ, Millburn homes, NJ home

Halloween Candy Home Search in Chatham Rewards Kids

October 26, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

candy & home search in ChathamLast year’s Halloween was delayed due to snow and if you’ve been watching the news, you are aware that this year’s trick-or-treating requires extra caution from parents, as well. Several New Jersey towns are instituting curfews of 8 p.m. this year and even more are just encouraging parents to accompany their children in their quest for treats on October 31st. If you and your family plan on conducting a door-to-door candy home search in Chatham, you should also know about a way to profit from your adventure, quite literally!

Families who live in Chatham NJ can visit local dentist, Dr. Atanase of Advanced Dentistry, LLC to cash in and receive $1 per pound of candy on November 2nd, from 3 to 5 p.m. These special treats will then be collected and shipped to Operation Gratitude Program for our troops serving away from home. Children can also bring or make a card to send when they make their exchange. The dental office is located at 33 Main Street, Suite 101, in Chatham NJ.

If you live in ShortHills/Millburn NJ and are conducting your trick or treat search in Millburn home areas, you’ll find Dr. Richard C. Schonberg offering the same exchange rate for candy and a chance to win a new iPod Touch for participating. His dental office is located at 225 Millburn Avenue, Suite. 205, nearby your Millburn home.

Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ, Millburn/Short Hills Tagged With: Chatham NJ, home search, home search in Chatham, live in Chatham NJ, live in Short Hills/Millburn NJ, Millburn home, New Jersey towns, search in Millburn home, Short Hills/Millburn, Short Hills/Millburn NJ

Fair Helps “Green Up” Your Chatham NJ Home

September 18, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

Green Fair Coming to Your Chatham HomeWhether you are already living a “green” lifestyle or want to learn more about ways you can be more eco-friendly, you’ll find a number of tips, tricks, and resources at The Green Fair of the Chathams this weekend!  On Saturday, September 22nd, you’ll find plenty to do, see, and learn for greening up your Chatham NJ home from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Reasoner Park, on Fairmount Avenue, and Railroad Plaza North.

Themed, “What You Can Do to Live a Greener Lifestyle,” the fair is set up as as how-to event to help all residents who live in Chatham NJ gain information.  If you feel your life is “too busy” to be green, this is definitely the place to go this weekend.  Fair organizers suggest walking or biking to the event, unless you live far enough away to take the train.

Several interesting events can help you to clear the clutter in your Chatham NJ home, when you attend the fair.  A community shredding/recycling project will be held and confidential documents can be micro-shredded anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Railroad Plaza North.  Also, if you have a need to donate items from your home in Chatham NJ, you’ll find them put to good use at the Fair, as well.  Residents can donate “gently used” furniture and building materials to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, at Railroad Plaza North, and used bicycles are welcome, too.  Used books can also be swapped at the event or donated to the Chatham Library, giving you more opportunities to build your community in your green efforts.

Even children enjoy the green experience found in the hour-long show provided by Rizzo’s Reptiles, at 11:30 a.m. However this event is open to any age and enjoyment will be had by all as a local community band plays, food booths are attended, and free filtered water (if you bring a water bottle) and yoga classes are by Powerflow Yoga (in the morning 9:30 a.m.).  Vendors and the nearby Farmers’ Market will have plenty to offer attendees, too.  This “green” day is sure to be great and will have you feeling better about you and your efforts toward helping the environment and will continue rain or shine.  Plan to attend!  You can also find out more about living a “green” lifestyle by visiting the Chatham Township Envitonmental Commission online.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ Tagged With: Chatham NJ, Chatham NJ home, home in Chatham, home in Chatham NJ, live in Chatham, live in Chatham NJ, NJ home

Chatham NJ Home Owners Encouraged to Recycle

August 24, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

Chatham NJ home owners recycleThe Chatham Borough is encouraging (or rather pleading) with residents who live in Chatham NJ to join in their newly launched recycling efforts. In a recycling challenge issued by SC Johnson Green Choices on July 1st, communities were asked to have residents register and check in weekly on their recycling habits. Chatham NJ home owners have from now until December 31st to gauge their progress and provide a change for Chatham to win a $100,000 community sustainability grant.  Help Chatham NJ win!

Register Your Chatham NJ Home Efforts

Click here to register and get started. Now is a fantastic time to start new habits as school is just beginning and schedules are being adjusted. In the coming weeks you are likely to see an increase in the amount of paper that you can recycle, too, as Chatham NJ teachers send reminders home with your students. That alone may give you cause to get a jump on recycling! You can also find even more ideas on recycling after registering on the Recyclebank website. Chatham NJ officials will be notified on January 15, 2013 if our recycling efforts place us as a Potential Community Winner and the official determination will be announced on March 1, 2013.

Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ, Schools Tagged With: Chatham NJ, Chatham NJ home, live in Chatham, live in Chatham NJ, NJ home

Top 100 New Jersey High Schools: 2012

August 22, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

For the first time since 2008 New Providence HS has taken over the number 1 position in the New Jersey Monthly list of the state’s Top 100 Public High Schools. Take a look at how Millburn, Summit, Chatham, Madison, Livingston and all the local communities ranked.

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Filed Under: Blog, Chatham NJ, Featured Blog Posts, Livingston, Millburn/Short Hills, Schools, Summit

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