Check out our November newsletter!
NOV 2018
BULLETIN
An Ever-Expanding Holiday Celebrating Thanksgiving the Only Way the Russo Family Knows How
I f you marry into the Russo family, your family immediately becomes ours as well. That might be why our holiday celebrations keep growing and are brimming with more people every year. With the addition of my twins, this year is no different. Luckily for us, my wife and I never argue about where we are going to spend the holiday. Instead, her Portuguese family — who also has strong family values — joins mine at our annual Thanksgiving celebration, along with my cousins’ and siblings’ in-laws, too. Russo family holidays are sometimes pushing 60 people, all celebrating and soaking in memories together. This holiday, along with so many others, is bittersweet for us, however. My family and I are still mourning the loss of my mom in February 2017, and this Thanksgiving will be the first without my cousin Michael, whom readers will remember from our August memorial cover story. My family has been put through the ringer these past few years, but we’ve been lucky to have each other to lean on. When my mom first became sick, I took over her role at Thanksgiving, rallying our troops and preparing our meal. But last year, on our first Thanksgiving without my mom, we went against Russo family tradition. My brother Nicky took over the Thanksgiving preparations, and instead of making the event a big celebration, we scaled it back. Last year was just for us. We reflected on the loss of my mom, made sure my dad was doing okay, and took time to heal together in our little cohort. That was a restorative gathering for us. But in true Russo fashion, there’s no way we could completely halt the large multifamily celebration. We can’t help it; once you marry a Russo, you and your family are Russos for life. An example of this is my brother Anthony’s in-laws, whose Puerto Rican heritage emphasizes the same strong familial values. Sometimes they join us at family events and celebrations, but another addition isn’t weird for us, especially with this family. They also have a shore house next door to ours, so they’re family and neighbors!
My wife and I firmly believe that a marriage brings family together, so why would we all celebrate the holidays apart? If there’s anything the losses of my mom and my cousin have reaffirmed for me,
it’s the significance of family. Growing up, my cousins were like another set of siblings for me, and it’s pretty neat that my kids now get to know those same cousins of mine and the family they brought into the fold.
This year will certainly be less emotional than last year, as time is helping us all heal, but it will also bring up plenty of feelings. It will be devastating without some integral parts of our family, but as I introduce Michael and Michele to our family celebrations, and more and more family members filter through Nicky’s door, I’ll smile knowing this Russo clan — with all the support it offers — just keeps on growing.
Happy Thanksgiving!
–Dr. Michael Russo
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Enjoy These 6 Autumn Activities
Fun for the Whole Family!
time with your family while enjoying the brisk weather. If you have a fire pit in your backyard, now is the perfect time to take advantage of it by bundling up with some hot chocolate and s’mores. Autumn Arrangements It’s time to get crafty! Creating your own fall arrangements will ensure that your home has the seasonal decorations you want. Making beautiful fall flower arrangements for your kitchen table or wreaths for your front door to greet guests will create the desired autumn vibe you’ve been searching for. Movie Night Gather your loved ones in the living roomwith popcorn, blankets, and a great film. Make the most of your autumn evenings by cozying up and spending quality time with each other while watching some family holiday favorites, like“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”or the Thanksgiving comedy-drama“Pieces of April.” Home-Cooked Food When autumn rolls around, pie and warm cider may be high on your list of tasty treats you’re eagerly anticipating. This fall, encourage your family to take part in making annual goodies and sharing themwith your neighbors. Nothing warms the heart more than receiving a loaf of freshly baked pumpkin bread during these increasingly cold days. Knitted Scarves If you’re handy with knitting needles, now is the season to put them to work. Hand-knitted scarves are great gifts to give throughout the fall and winter, and you can also make it a family activity! Take some time to teach your kids how to knit and crochet to create scarves of their very own.
Throughout November, everyone is eagerly looking forward to Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, but you shouldn’t let the rest of the month slip past you! Enjoy these other fall activities with the whole family. Homemade Caramel Apples Homemade treats are no doubt far better than their store-bought counterparts. Try your hand at making your own caramel apples for the whole family to enjoy. You can also add a number of toppings to liven things up, such as nuts, white or milk chocolate, coconut, sprinkles, or pecans. Backyard Bonfire During these cold months, you may be tempted to stay indoors, but heading outside for a bonfire is a great way to spend
Patient Success Story “When I started physical therapy, I could not do anything! My hands were swollen, my shoulders hurt, and I couldn’t even lift my arms over my head. I also couldn’t turn my head from side to side, so I wasn’t able to drive. I couldn’t even squeeze my hands firmly to hold anything. After about two weeks, I felt completely different. I had no pain anymore, the swelling was gone, and I felt almost normal. Now I can do everything normally, and I feel great. I enjoyed my time here and will come back if I have any future problems.” –Giacomo M.
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Conversations Appropriate for the Dinner Table Dodging Thanksgiving Awkwardness
3. Dad did what as a kid? Getting to know your relatives, friends, and significant others better will only strengthen those bonds. You’ll likely hear some interesting stories you can share with others and forge a stronger connection with your relatives. 4. Stupid human tricks, anyone? Let’s see those double joints! This one might not be for the squeamish at the dinner table, but it’s a fun, goofy activity that’s best shared over a glass of after-dinner wine. 5. How about we get coffee? Sometimes part of the stress of answering your relatives’questions stems fromholiday pressures. It may force you to address your bank account, love life, and general life choices. If you really do want to talk about your job or your love life with relatives, suggest meeting up again without the holiday atmosphere. While you’re all in one place trying to enjoy a piece of pie, plan a family winery tour, beach day, or camping trip. Family situations will always be a little stressful, but without the pressure of the holidays, youmight feel more relaxed.
Thanksgiving conversation is often a minefield of topics: political divides, your English degree, and Aunt Marjory’s insistence that youmeet her neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker’s uncle’s son who’s a fantastic up-and-coming podiatrist. Between constantly passing the potatoes and dodging your relatives’ questions, Thanksgiving can be an exhausting holiday. But it’s a day to be grateful for what and whom you have in your life, so why do somany people leave their annual gatherings feeling overwhelmed andmisunderstood? This year, when the conversation begins steering in an awkward direction, try these conversation starters for a more relaxing and fulfilling holiday. 1. What’s your pet been up to? Maybe Fluffy learned a new trick or Oscar is undergoing some intensive grooming next week. Whatever the case may be, people love to talk about their pets. 2. What Thanksgiving dish can you not live without? Without going culinary critic on your grandma’s meal, gush about your favorite dish. Just like with pets, people love discussing foods and recipes. Youmay start a fun debate or a recipe swap with this question.
Chipotle-Roasted Carrot Salad
HAVE A LAUGH!
Ingredients
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30 small carrots (2–3 bunches), tops removed and carrots scrubbed 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 ounces watercress, stems trimmed Plain Greek yogurt, for serving Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon molasses
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss carrots with chipotle peppers, molasses, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30–35 minutes. 2. Transfer carrots to a plate and let them cool completely. 3. Once cooled, toss carrots with adobo sauce. Lay across a platter, and top with watercress. 4. Serve alongside yogurt.
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine 3 www.NJIB.org
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INSIDE This Issue
A Russo Family Thanksgiving
Caramel Apples, Knitting, and Bonfires
Patient Success Story
What to Talk About This Thanksgiving
Chipotle-Roasted Carrot Salad
Northern New Jersey Shows
Bringing Fiction to Life
Check Out These Shows This November
‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ When: Friday, Nov. 23–Sunday, Nov. 25, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Where: Count Basie Center for the Arts (Nov. 23), New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Nov. 24),
minutes and is recommended for children ages 4–10. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit sopacnow.org or call 973-313-2787. ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ When: Sunday, Nov. 18, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center Admission: $20–$30 Celebrate the stories of author and illustrator Eric Carle at this production of some of his best-known works. See“Brown Bear, Brown Bear”performed in celebration of its 50th anniversary, and enjoy some of Carle’s other classics, including“10 Rubber Ducks,”“The Very Lonely Firefly,”and, of course, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”If you can’t make it to this particular event, check with the Mayo Performing Arts Center for more dates and times. Visit mayoarts.org for more information.
Books, folklore, and a galaxy far, far away all come to life in northern New Jersey this November. Check out some of these events, and don’t miss your favorite story in action! ‘Pinocchio’ When: Saturday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m. Where: South Orange Performing Arts Center 333 State Park Rd., Great Meadows, NJ Admission: $20 Come see the classic story of the wooden boy who came to life. Carved by his“mother,”Dame Gina Geppetto, Pinocchio turns into a real boy and experiences Stromboli’s traveling show, Pleasure Island, and the inside of a whale. Go on an adventure with this boy as he journeys from being a toy to meeting new friends, like the Blue Fairy and Jiminy Cricket. This show runs 60
State Theatre New Jersey (Nov. 25) Admission: Varies by seat and venue
Join Luke Skywalker and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra on a journey that will change the galaxy. Follow along with live music from the orchestra as Skywalker leaves his planet to battle the Empire and master the Force. Each day’s performance will be held in a different location, so learn more about ticketing and venues at njsymphony.org .
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