Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some women, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give women a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider HRT (hormone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men and women are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
HRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
As women age, their hormones begin to go through changes that affect their day-to-day lives. For women, hormone deficiency and imbalance usually occur during menopause and can cause chronic fatigue, hot flashes, and mood swings, among other issues. Hormone replacement therapy helps correct hormone imbalances in women, helping them feel more vibrant and virile as they age.
Often, HRT treatments give patients enhanced quality of life that they didn't think was possible - even in their 60's and beyond.
The benefits for women are numerous and are available today through Global Life Rejuvenation.
As women age, their bodies begin to go through significant changes that affect their quality of life. This change is called menopause and marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and reproduction ability. Though there is no specific age when this change occurs, the average age of menopause onset is 51 years old. However, according to doctors, menopause officially starts 12 months after a woman's final period. During the transition to menopause, women's estrogen and other hormones begin to deplete.
As that happens, many women experience severe symptoms. These symptoms include:
The symptoms of hormone deficiency can be concerning and scary for both women and their spouses. However, if you're getting older and notice some of these symptoms, there is reason to be hopeful. Hormone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine for women can correct imbalances that happen during menopause. These safe, effective treatments leave you feeling younger, healthier, and more vibrant.
The most common reason for menopause is the natural decline in a female's reproductive hormones. However, menopause can also result from the following situations:
Oophorectomy: This surgery, which removes a woman's ovaries, causes immediate menopause. Symptoms and signs of menopause in this situation can be severe, as the hormonal changes happen abruptly.
Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can induce menopause quickly, causing symptoms to appear shortly after or even during treatment.
Ovarian Insufficiency: Also called premature ovarian failure, this condition is essentially premature menopause. It happens when a woman's ovaries quit functioning before the age of 40 and can stem from genetic factors and disease. Only 1% of women suffer from premature menopause, but HRT can help protect the heart, brain, and bones.
For many women, menopause is a trying time that can be filled with many hormonal hurdles to jump through. A little knowledge can go a long way, whether you're going through menopause now or are approaching "that" age.
Here are some of the most common issues that women experience during menopause:
If you're a woman going through menopause and find that you have become increasingly depressed, you're not alone. It's estimated that 15% of women experience depression to some degree while going through menopause. What many women don't know is that depression can start during perimenopause, or the years leading up to menopause.
Depression can be hard to diagnose, especially during perimenopause and menopause. However, if you notice the following signs, it might be time to speak with a physician:
Remember, if you're experiencing depression, you're not weak or broken - you're going through a very regular emotional experience. The good news is that with proper treatment from your doctor, depression isn't a death sentence. And with HRT and anti-aging treatment for women, depression could be the catalyst you need to enjoy a new lease on life.
Hot flashes - they're one of the most well-known symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes are intense, sudden feelings of heat across a woman's upper body. Some last second, while others last minutes, making them incredibly inconvenient and uncomfortable for most women.
Symptoms of hot flashes include:
Typically, hot flashes are caused by a lack of estrogen. Low estrogen levels negatively affect a woman's hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature and appetite. Low estrogen levels cause the hypothalamus to incorrectly assume the body is too hot, dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow. Luckily, most women don't have to settle for the uncomfortable feelings that hot flashes cause. HRT treatments for women often stabilize hormones, lessening the effects of hot flashes and menopause in general.
Mood swings are common occurrences for most people - quick shifts from happy to angry and back again, triggered by a specific event. And while many people experience mood swings, they are particularly common for women going through menopause. That's because, during menopause, the female's hormones are often imbalanced. Hormone imbalances and mood swings go hand-in-hand, resulting in frequent mood changes and even symptoms like insomnia.
The rate of production of estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates during menopause, largely determines the rate of production the hormone serotonin, which regulates mood, causing mood swings.
Luckily, HRT and anti-aging treatments in Norwood, NJ for women work wonders for mood swings by regulating hormone levels like estrogen. With normal hormone levels, women around the world are now learning that they don't have to settle for mood swings during menopause.
Staying fit and healthy is hard for anyone living in modern America. However, for women with hormone imbalances during perimenopause or menopause, weight gain is even more serious. Luckily, HRT treatments for women coupled with a physician-led diet can help keep weight in check. But which hormones need to be regulated?
Lowered sexual desire - three words most men and women hate to hear. Unfortunately, for many women in perimenopausal and menopausal states, it's just a reality of life. Thankfully, today, HRT and anti-aging treatments Norwood, NJ can help women maintain a normal, healthy sex drive. But what causes low libido in women, especially as they get older?
The hormones responsible for low libido in women are progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
Progesterone production decreases during perimenopause, causing low sex drive in women. Lower progesterone production can also cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. On the other hand, lower estrogen levels during menopause lead to vaginal dryness and even vaginal atrophy or loss of muscle tension.
Lastly, testosterone plays a role in lowered libido. And while testosterone is often grouped as a male hormone, it contributes to important health and regulatory functionality in women. A woman's testosterone serves to heighten sexual responses and enhances orgasms. When the ovaries are unable to produce sufficient levels of testosterone, it often results in a lowered sex drive.
Often uncomfortable and even painful, vaginal dryness is a serious problem for sexually active women. However, like hair loss in males, vaginal dryness is very common - almost 50% of women suffer from it during menopause.
Getting older is just a part of life, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for the side effects. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women correct vaginal dryness by re-balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When supplemented with diet and healthy living, your vagina's secretions are normalized, causing discomfort to recede.
Uterine fibroids - they're perhaps the least-known symptom of menopause and hormone imbalances in women. That's because these growths on the uterus are often symptom-free. Unfortunately, these growths can be cancerous, presenting a danger for women as they age.
Many women will have fibroids at some point. Because they're symptomless, they're usually found during routine doctor exams. Some women only get one or two, while others may have large clusters of fibroids. Because fibroids are usually caused by hormone imbalances, hysterectomies have been used as a solution, forcing women into early menopause.
Advances in HRT and anti-aging medicine for women give females a safer, non-surgical option without having to experience menopause early. At Global Life Rejuvenation, our expert physicians will implement a customized HRT program to stabilize your hormones and reduce the risk of cancerous fibroid growth.
Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS, and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.
Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.
Xenoestrogen is a hormone that is very similar to estrogen. Too much xenoestrogen is thought to stimulate endometrial tissue growth. HRT for women helps balance these hormones and, when used with a custom nutrition program, can provide relief for women across the U.S.
Hormone stability is imperative for a healthy sex drive and for a normal, stress-free life during menopause. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women balance the hormones that your body has altered due to perimenopause or menopause.
HRT for women is a revolutionary step in helping women live their best lives, even as they grow older. However, at Global Life Rejuvenation, we know that no two patients are the same. That's why we specialize in holistic treatments that utilize HRT, combined with healthy nutrition, supplements, and fitness plans that maximize hormone replacement treatments.
If you've been suffering through menopause, is HRT the answer? That's hard to say without an examination by a trusted physician, but one thing's for sure. When a woman balances her hormone levels, she has a much better shot at living a regular life with limited depression, weight gain, mood swings, and hot flashes.
Here are just a few additional benefits of HRT and anti-aging treatments for females:
Hormone imbalance causes a litany of issues. But with anti-aging treatments for women, females can better process calcium, keep their cholesterol levels safe, and maintain a healthy vagina. By replenishing the body's estrogen supply, HRT can relieve symptoms from menopause and protect against osteoporosis. But that's just the start.
Global Life Rejuvenation's patients report many more benefits of HRT and anti-aging medicine for women:
If you're ready to feel better, look better, and recapture the vitality of your youth, it's time to contact Global Life Rejuvenation. It all starts with an in-depth consultation, where we will determine if HRT and anti-aging treatments for women are right for you. After all, every patient's body and hormone levels are different. Since all our treatment options are personalized, we do not have a single threshold for treatment. Instead, we look at our patient's hormone levels and analyze them on a case-by-case basis.
At Global Life Rejuvenation, we help women rediscover their youth with HRT treatment for women. We like to think of ourselves as an anti-aging concierge service, guiding and connecting our patients to the most qualified HRT physicians available. With customized HRT treatment plan for women, our patients experience fewer menopausal symptoms, less perimenopause & menopause depression, and often enjoy a more youth-like appearance.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies. Ipamorelin can boost a patient's overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life.
When there is an increased concentration of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, there are positive benefits to the body. Some benefits include:
Whether you are considering our HRT and anti-aging treatments for women in Norwood, NJ, we are here to help. The first step to reclaiming your life begins by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation. Our friendly, knowledgeable HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933Some days, a kid (and let's be honest, an adult too) deserves to just sit back, relax, and get their hair styled. But not just any style. We're talking about vibrant mermaid braids that are so pretty you'll never want to take them out — and don't have to thanks to their rock-hard hold. And one next-level hair place seen on the heads of Bergenites across the county just opened up a brand new space to do just that, and more.You've likely come across a child's head decorated and intricately designed with a version of Dutch braids, ...
Some days, a kid (and let's be honest, an adult too) deserves to just sit back, relax, and get their hair styled. But not just any style. We're talking about vibrant mermaid braids that are so pretty you'll never want to take them out — and don't have to thanks to their rock-hard hold. And one next-level hair place seen on the heads of Bergenites across the county just opened up a brand new space to do just that, and more.
You've likely come across a child's head decorated and intricately designed with a version of Dutch braids, and it's even more likely the creation came from The Braided Crown. The braid business, which Bergen moms Tricia Towey and Brianna Schryver started in 2019, has been seen visiting homes across the area, at town days, girl scout events, hosting parties, and so much more, and now, they've put down roots in Norwood, opening their first brick and mortar spot to accommodate even more stylish requests.
The color, cozy, and inviting space has inviting seating, so you can feel comfortable whether you're with a big group or just bringing your little one. It's also open and spacious enough to host small parties and events — one of The Braided Crown's personal specialties (besides hair, of course). Once guests are all dolled up, they can take a pic in front of the Insta-worthy pink floral LED crown backdrop so your child will look like the royalty that they are.
When you're interested in visiting, you can expect a lot of the familiar offerings as their in-home services. The braid menu includes the OG of them all, Double Dutch braids with or without color, which is the most popular style. You can also choose from an Elsa Wrap Around, Braided Mohawk, Posie, and more, and add on extensions, tinsel, or accessories for a small fee.
On the party scene, you can customize the types of offerings you would like for your event. These include small colored extensions, Double Dutch braids, or customized styles that can be done with the colored extensions. Aside from braids, The Braided Crown offers themed parties based on your child's interests like a Pajama Party with slumber party games, an Olympic Party for sporty types, a Glow Party with dancing and body paint, a get-zen Yoga Party, and even more. Parties start at $550 and include the hair styles, entertainment (think: dance party or glam bingo), and your choice of food and donuts for the kids.
Appointment should be made in advance, or give The Braided Crown a call to reserve your child's next braidy birthday party in the new Norwood spot.
The Braided Crown
14 Broad Street
2nd Floor, Suite 4
ealing with addiction or mental health concerns is a struggle that requires support. For anyone at any stage of their addiction or mental health journey, all are welcome at Valley Spring Recovery Center. The boutique addiction and mental health treatment center in Norwood provides substance recovery and mental hea...
ealing with addiction or mental health concerns is a struggle that requires support. For anyone at any stage of their addiction or mental health journey, all are welcome at Valley Spring Recovery Center. The boutique addiction and mental health treatment center in Norwood provides substance recovery and mental health services.
The center provides personalized care and innovative treatment approaches, including outpatient programs for adults 18 and over. “Valley Spring Recovery Center stands out due to our dedicated, compassionate staff, and our holistic approach to recovery,” says Brian Cellary, CEO of Valley Spring Recovery Center. “We believe in treating the person as a whole—not just the primary challenges. Our environment fosters healing, growth, and a sense of community. Our success stories and testimonials attest to our unwavering commitment to making a positive change in our clients’ lives.”
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The qualified team, integrated care programs, and collaborative approach set Valley Spring Recovery Center apart. They offer comprehensive and coordinated treatment to addresses any and all concerns. In particular, professionals tailor treatment plans to meet specific needs, preferences, and goals. “We aim to provide a compassionate, holistic environment where healing and transformation can happen, one day at a time,” Brian says.
The center is at the forefront of innovation in substance use and mental health treatment. Their treatments combine thorough ongoing research, collaboration with experts, and cutting-edge technology. As a result of their commitment to innovation, patients receive the most advanced care available.
The center takes a holistic approach to care, addressing not only substance use but also mental health and well-being. For instance, their integrated care programs combine outpatient treatment, mental health counseling, diagnosis support, and wellness initiatives. This gives patients a comprehensive recovery experience. Valley Spring Recovery Center understands the interconnected nature of substance use and mental health. With this in mind, their integrated approach promotes long-term recovery.
Valley Spring works closely with other mental health and substance use treatment providers, healthcare professionals, and community resources. This ensures patients receive coordinated care and support, enhancing the recovery journey. CEO Brian Cellary was born and raised in Bergen County. His life’s mission is to provide access to the highest quality care to all local residents and families.
The center also empowers individuals to take control of their own recovery. They provide the tools, resources, and support necessary to build a fulfilling and meaningful life beyond treatment. Their emphasis on long-term recovery and relapse prevention teaches patients the skills to maintain their sobriety and mental wellness.
The goal of Valley Spring Recovery Center is not for everyone to leave each therapy session happy. It’s to achieve meaningful results. “The most rewarding part of what we do is seeing our clients reclaim their lives; witnessing their transformations, and knowing that we played a role in their journey to wellness,” Brian says.
Visit Valley Spring Recovery Center at 830 Broadway in Norwood. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more:
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All Photos: © Valley Spring Recovery Center
With spring and warmer days quickly approaching, it time we come out of hibernation, get out, and take advantage all the Bergen County has to offer. And what better way to enjoy the area than to eat, drink, and be merry. Luckily, one new Norwood spot which just opened its doors on March 14th is ready to serve up all three.86 & Vine, from the team that brought us De Novo European Pub in Edgewater, is flipping the script on we enjoy an adult night out with food and...
With spring and warmer days quickly approaching, it time we come out of hibernation, get out, and take advantage all the Bergen County has to offer. And what better way to enjoy the area than to eat, drink, and be merry. Luckily, one new Norwood spot which just opened its doors on March 14th is ready to serve up all three.
86 & Vine, from the team that brought us De Novo European Pub in Edgewater, is flipping the script on we enjoy an adult night out with food and spirits. The massive, 3,500 square foot space combines an extensive liquor store (that houses hard-to-find picks) with a unique space to hang out with friends and sample wine (after all, if you can't travel to wine country for a tasting, let the tasting come to you). Sip from as many as 50 wines in 2- , 4- , or 6-ounce pours by way of rechargeable cards that give you an all-access pass to their three Cruvinet dispensing systems.
Wine is only the beginning, though. Find other cocktail options from their more than 300 spirits, plus a highly curated beer selection of up to 30 flavors. But don't worry, there are plenty of global small bites to whet your appetite, too. Think: charcuterie boards, tuna carpaccio, foie gras truffle paté, Swiss truffles, and, wait for it, a chocolate flight.
Food and drinks can be consumed in 86 & Vine's casual, hip, and romantic lounge with a full bar, where cushioned seating abounds to big and small groups. Expect a warm and cozy feel that includes a mix of textures and surfaces. The lively vibe is seen in the decor, too, which includes bold colors and a wine-inspired barrel vaulted ceiling, a live-moss wall with backlit onyx slab, and plenty of windows letting in natural light. 86 & Vine operates on a first-come, first-served philosophy, so head there early with your crew to get a good spot.
While you're there, check out their cocktail baskets, home bartending, and other on-theme gifts. Book your sitter, call up your favorite crew, and head to 86 & Vine in Norwood, which is ready to welcome Bergen County and beyond through their doors.
86 & Vine
519 Livingston St., Norwood
201-272-6767
April showers bring May flowers. And for New Jersey, April showers bring…new restaurants! Check out these new (and coming soon) spots across the Garden State.86 & Vine Wine & Cocktail Parlor, from the team that introduced the much-loved De Novo European Pub to Edgewater and Montclair, NJ. 3,500 sq. ft. space featuring 500 hand-picked, personally tasted wines at all price points and from all growing regionsThree Cruvinet dispensing systems with rechargeable cards, a fun way for guests to affordably sample wines fo...
April showers bring May flowers. And for New Jersey, April showers bring…new restaurants! Check out these new (and coming soon) spots across the Garden State.
86 & Vine Wine & Cocktail Parlor, from the team that introduced the much-loved De Novo European Pub to Edgewater and Montclair, NJ. 3,500 sq. ft. space featuring 500 hand-picked, personally tasted wines at all price points and from all growing regions
Three Cruvinet dispensing systems with rechargeable cards, a fun way for guests to affordably sample wines for purchase. More than 300 spirits and 20-30 beers curated with the same personal touch, from popular brands to small-batch finds.
86 & Vine Wine & Cocktail Parlor 519 Livingston St. Norwood, NJ
The fourth location of Brownstone Pancake Factory, known for its incredible and often over-the-top pancakes, just opened, in Freehold. And this place is more than just breakfast. Stop in for sandwiches, pastas, and more.
Brownstone Pancake Factory 3445 Route 9 Freehold, NJ
With the opening of Craft Protein Bar, Cranford adds to its list of woman-owned businesses. This one belongs to 19-year-old entrepreneur Kamila Flores. Whether you need to kickstart your day or it’s time for an afternoon boost, check out their creative coffees, shakes, and teas.
Craft Protein Bar 38 N Ave E Cranford, NJ
Asbury Park welcomes Dolce Fantasia. With a focus on seasonal, classic Italian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Dolce Fantasia is located right on Cookman Avenue.
Dolce Fantasia 521 Cookman Avenue Asbury Park, NJ
With its patio opening coming up on April 28, 2023, Dulce Pecado Bistro Bar is the place to be for live music. The menu features tacos, empanaditas, and crepes, as well as specialty cocktails and frozen drinks.
Dulce Pecado Bistro Bar 848 2nd Avenue Elizabeth, NJ
Coming soon to Cherry Hill Mall, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood will open its doors on June 8. Make a reservation if you’re looking for a new, upscale spot to enjoy seafood or steak.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 2000 NJ-38 #1072 Cherry Hill, NJ
Named after the Las Vegas cross-streets of the same names, Gass & Main opened recently in Haddonfield, NJ. This BYOB spot features seasonal dishes for lunch, dinner, and brunch.
Gass & Main 7 Kings Court Haddonfield, NJ
Specializing in authentic Indian food, Godavari recently opened its third location in New Jersey, this time in Princeton. The menu features soups, appetizers, and favorites such as Babai Idly (steamed rice and lentil patties) and Bengaluru Bendi Pulusu (an okra special).
Godavari 465 Nassau Park Blvd Princeton, NJ
American Dream Mall welcomes an authentic Peruvian experience, with the addition of Jarana to its restaurant roster. Corporate Executive Chef Jesus Delgado is at the helm, ready to showcase Peruvian cooking in its purest form. And if you’re looking for a Peruvian cocktail, order yourself a Pisco Sour.
Jarana 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford, NJ
Recently opened in Elizabeth, Jerkies defines itself as the “best jerk cuisine in town. Located in the heart of Historic Midtown Elizabeth, the restaurant brings vibrant flavors with a menu that includes “big plates,” wings, sides, and more.
Jerkies 11 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ
Jersey City opens its arms to Kaffa Espresso Bar, a boho-chic coffee shop. At Kaffa, check out everything from cappuccino to chai to cortados. And yes, of course, there’s espresso.
Kaffa Espresso Bar 276 Newark Avenue Jersey City, NJ
Formerly known as the Avon Pavillion, the Promenade delivers an elevated dining experience right on the boardwalk. The restaurant will serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The Promenade’s menu offers fresh sushi and poke bowls, pasta dishes, plus all the seafood you would expect from a restaurant at the ocean’s edge.
The Promenade’s owners are also the team behind Amelia’s By The Sea, in Spring Lake. You can expect the same quality food and service at this new location. And beach goers will love the convenient concession window, where they can grab salads, ice cream, and more.
Be on the lookout for the Fair Lawn opening of RP Prime Steak & Seafood this May. Their hand-selected steaks are center cut and aged on premises. In addition to the sit-down menu, be sure to check out the takeout selections as well.
RP Prime Steak & Seafood 41-11 Route 4 Fair Lawn, NJ
Located inside Newark’s Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Salsa Latin Bistro serves Latin American-inspired dishes from Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, and Peru.
A Norwood Public School teacher caught fourth-grader Keira Lewis picking up dropped pencils and helping her classmates with their math work. Another teacher caught second-grader Rory Neals cleaning up spilled water in the classroom.“I saw they needed help, so I helped them,” Rory said as he recalled the day his kindness was rewarded with a trip to the school’s book-filled vending machine.When Rory went to the new machine, he dispensed “The Bad Guys,” a book series about a group of animals who go on...
A Norwood Public School teacher caught fourth-grader Keira Lewis picking up dropped pencils and helping her classmates with their math work. Another teacher caught second-grader Rory Neals cleaning up spilled water in the classroom.
“I saw they needed help, so I helped them,” Rory said as he recalled the day his kindness was rewarded with a trip to the school’s book-filled vending machine.
When Rory went to the new machine, he dispensed “The Bad Guys,” a book series about a group of animals who go on good deed quests to prove they’re the good guys. Keira selected “The Cool Bean,” a book about an uncool bean that reminds children it’s cool to be kind.
With the unveiling of its new book-dispensing vending machine, the school in Bergen County launched “Caught Being Kind,” an initiative aimed at recognizing and rewarding Norwood students for their random acts of kindness.
Every week Norwood teachers recognize students’ kind acts by rewarding them with a gold token they can use to choose an item from the vending machine. Instead of snacks or soft drinks, this machine is filled with books — with nearly 300 titles available.
The vending machine, which was unveiled in September, is helping to cultivate a culture of kindness and promote literacy at the school, according to Harold Abraham, principal of the Norwood Public School’s grades kindergarten to 4.
“It motivates me to be more kind,” said Keira when reflecting on a time she got caught being kind and it was announced on the school’s loudspeaker. “Sometimes they announce it and it makes me feel good and it makes me smile.”
In addition to having their names announced over the PA system, students who are caught are given a certificate. Also, Abraham personally makes a phone call to the student’s home to share the news with their family.
“So often when administration calls home, the response is: ‘What did he do?’ ‘What did she do?’ ‘Are they in trouble?’ ‘Are they okay?,’” the principal said. “I think that mindset is starting to shift because parents are getting used to getting positive phone calls.”
So far, more than 100 students have been caught being kind, and the school administration plans to recognize 250 more by the end of the year.
The vending machine is placed at the front entrance of the school and is filled with colorful, diverse books gifted by the PTO and selected by the school’s educators, whom as Abraham said, have a great sense of what their students like.
Norwood Public School superintendent, Kevin Ulmer, was excited to green light the kindness program brought forth by the school’s administration.
When compiling the list of books for the vending machine, teachers made sure the selections would resonate and appeal to every student and their different backgrounds, said Norwood first-grade teacher Kerri Marano.
“Kids are really excited to go to the vending machine, come back with their books show the class, and it really just spreads this contagious act of kindness throughout all of Norwood,” Marano said.
The parent of two Norwood elementary students, Russell Makofsky, received a call from school administration about both his daughters’ acts of kindness, and said his children were excited when they were recognized.
Makofsky is also a chess game educator in the New York City public school district. A book that he’s featured in called, “My Name Is Tani … and I Believe in Miracles,” will soon be one of the vending machine’s newest editions.
It’s a true story written by Tani, an 8-year-old Nigerian refugee who became the number one chess player in New York after just one year of playing and being taught by Makofsky.
“My two daughters, they think their dad’s a superhero, because a book he’s in is going to be in the front of the school,” Makofsky said with a laugh.
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