Annual MAPSO Funk Fest is Food, Music, Great Vibes and More (Saturday, August 28, 2021)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, August 22, 2021

Have you heard about the brand new MAPSO Funk Fest? Well, MAPSO Funk Fest will be a really cool family-friendly festival targeted at helping local Black / Minority-owned restaurants, artisan businesses and the community recover and thrive through these pandemic times. The other day we caught up with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman who was being interviewed by Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer Lynette Sheard. 

That’s right, MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman has proclaimed: “MAPSO Funk Fest is going to be a family event created to celebrate the diversity of MAPSO through food, music, and the arts! 

MAPSO Funk Fest will be showcasing & supporting Black & minority-owned restaurants and artisan businesses in the greater Maplewood & South Orange area. There will be music all day by local DJs and live performers.”

MAPSO Funk Fest

Lexi stated that  "Many small brands have been faced with big challenges and this day is an opportunity to revive the flavor of our neighborhood, invigorate local hand-picked restaurants, and remind people of the rich culture that we are surrounded by." So here's a little about the day’s planned activities.

Food

Food Trucks and Restaurants

There will be food vendors sourced from local restaurants along with food trucks that will be secured from the local communities. Food vendors will ring the park in strategic easy to reach locations for fast and easy access. There will also be a food tasting selection that local restaurants will be participating in for which attendees may purchase tickets and sample a number of the vendors' menu items. 

Beer Garden

In addition, I am very happy to announce there will be a beautiful MAPSO Funk Fest beer garden hosted by our exclusive craft beer provider, Montclair Brewery. This minority-owned business will provide a host of home grown brews to our attendees all day. Please bring ID in order to be wristbanded and purchase beer garden tickets.

Live Music

“One good thing about music, when it hits you you feel no pain”

What's a festival without some funky music? From setup to shut down, there will be music highlighting the various genres representing the diversity of MAPSO, or as Lexi stated in the interview: “there will be house music, funk music and soul music.“  Throughout the day, there will be local DJs and a few live performances at the Springfield Gazebo.

Kids Zone

There will be kid-friendly vendors, educational readings and activities as well as mini workshops throughout the day. Please visit the website for additional activities being added on a periodic basis. 

Wellness Activities

According to the experts, our folks are not looking for an average wellness experience. They’re looking for wellness practices that invigorate them, that allow them to find community, and that speak to their unique sense of culture and identity. MAPSO Funk Fest Wellness events are designed with our core audiences in mind. 

Funk Fest Yoga

Stressed? - Then come on out with the kids, or not, and enjoy the vibe and engage in a relaxing yoga session, gain more flexibility and energy flow. If high energy is your thing, don't worry we got you covered. You will leave totally refreshed, relaxed and reinvigorated to take on your day. We have Funk Fest Yoga for All Ages, Yoga & Stretch Practice #Yogaworld365

Sponsorships and Supporters

The event will boost local talent, businesses, and restaurants. The event is being sponsored by Blackstock & Weber, Springfield Avenue Maplewood, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate agent Maria Morrison Heningburg. Learn more about then here. 

Other community partners include Inspired Dream Real Estate, Maplewood Bike Shed, Words Bookstore, Finlay + Gage Music Instruments, Blue Life Karate and Gregory Burrus Productions. 

Additional Sponsorships are available for you to support the MAPSO Funk Fest and you can learn more here. 

Volunteers 

That's right, all MAPSO Funk Fest volunteers are happy people. Yup, you feel real good so why not let's get happy together. We need your support and it takes a village. Volunteers are what makes events like this successful. If you're interested in helping make this day possible, please visit the MAPSO Funk Fest Support page or click here for more information.

About 

MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman 

Born and raised in Maplewood & South Orange, Lexi graduated from CHS in 2012 where she had started Diversity Rocks Club at CHS in order to educate and celebrate the diversity of the student body addressing issues of racism in the school district and the goal of creating a unified sense of community among students of different backgrounds. She graduated from Rutgers Newark in 2016 where she studied Sociology & International Affairs. With a never ending appetite for travel and a passion for all things creative and expressive, Lexi loves exploring new places, trying new things, and meeting and connecting with new people.

“With a passion for people and self-expression, I consider myself a multifaceted creative curator. I've always been proud of growing up in such a multicultural place, whose identity is shaped by a wealth of creatives and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. I truly love crafting a vision and bringing it to life. Inspired by community projects and social impact work, my mission is to continue strategizing and organizing programs, events, and initiatives that truly make a difference for people." 

I believe that small business is the very fabric of any community like ours, representing the passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship of its residents, providing a meaningful service, safe space, or hub for people to connect.”

Contact Information Lexi Hellerman, Freelance project manager, event producer, and brand strategist.

• 973-986-8305

• info@mapsofunkfest.com

• www.mapsofunkfest.com

Won’t You Join Us?

And now, a final word from our Funk Fest Creator and Founder Lexi Hellerman: 

“The day will be a magical celebration of diversity and community with food, wellness and artisan vendor booths surrounding the park with live entertainment and folks enjoying themselves.”

“This is a highly inclusive event that supports businesses of all kinds. We’ve worked diligently to prioritize inclusion of Black, minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned entities for optimal representation.  Please know this event will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 guidelines. So bring your friends and family for good food, good music and great vibes!”

About the Author Gregory Burrus 

Gregory Burrus with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman, 2021

Whether it’s MAPSO or SOMA, Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love: the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange and Maplewood, NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey/NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus.

Contact Gregory Burrus Productions to promote your event, business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com or 8622057660.

Interview with Stephanie Sackerman (Wellness Coach)

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2019

“Motherhood can be challenging” is an understatement. For those who are new moms themselves, or have friends who are new moms, empowerment, wellness, and mindfulness are important things to remember to embrace. That’s where Stephanie Sackerman comes in. Stephanie is a Certified Wellness Coach and Certified Mindfulness Teacher and Founder of LiveLoveBeWell Wellness Coaching, LLC, and she’s on a mission to help moms “reduce stress, practice self-care, increase their self-love, and live life mindfully.” Check out our interview with Stephanie, below, to learn about what inspired her journey and how she’s making the world a better place by helping one mom at a time.

What’s your name and where are you from?

My name is Stephanie Sackerman, and I am a proud Jersey girl, living in Morris Plains. 

What inspired you to become a Wellness Coach?

I became a Wellness Coach, focusing on Mom empowerment, after I became a mother and realized just how challenging motherhood can be.  To be honest, I felt really alone-especially the first few months of motherhood.  Everywhere I looked, it seemed like moms had it together, and I wondered if maybe I was the only one struggling.  Turns out, we all struggle—at different times and about different things—but many of us feel like we’re the only one going through it.  As you may have surmised, moms—oftentimes new moms but also veteran moms—are the people I love to work with! I provide one-on-one coaching sessions which are completely individualized and focused on whatever challenge that mom is facing and whatever goals she has for herself.  Additionally, I co-lead a weekly MindfulMoms™ meet-up group at The Avalon Wellness Center in Morristown, and I also love teaching moms at my various workshops.

What has been your personal journey been like so far?

My background is actually in Education.  I taught middle schoolers to read and write for ten years before having my son.  After becoming a mom, I struggled with postpartum anxiety and had to go on my own journey to get healthy.  It’s funny but at 32, I’m the healthiest and happiest that I’ve been, but my definitions of both have changed.  Motherhood was the catalyst for me to learn some of the most difficult but also the most important lessons about life, happiness, and myself, and after I learned them, I wanted to teach others.  We can’t change our past, but we can share our journeys and what we’ve learned in an effort to help others. 

What does a Wellness Coach do?

I think that what sets a Wellness Coach apart from other coaches is how we view overall well-being, which is 360.  What I mean by that is that everything is connected.  If we’re stressed, it’s impacting so many other areas of our lives: our relationships with others, our relationship with ourselves, how we’re sleeping, how we’re caring for ourselves, maybe our spirituality…the list goes on!  When I was at my lowest, every part of myself and my life was impacted, and when I started to nurture myself and love myself, everything shifted.  I love working with moms because we are literally connected to everyone.  When we’re not at our best, everyone feels it, but when we’re flourishing, the whole house feels good. 

Who is your target audience?

Every Wellness Coach has their own niche.  Mine is to empower moms to find a balance in their lives, so they can care for themselves, love themselves, believe in themselves, be their authentic selves, and ultimately enjoy their motherhood and their lives because they deserve to!

What words of advice would you give to someone who has similar interests as you, or has faced similar challenges/obstacles?

I would say, figure out your why.  When you’re feeling defeated or doubting yourself, say it over and over again.  Let it rebuild you.  Let it motivate you.  Let it open the door for you to create the life you love. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’m truly honored to have the chance to share a little bit about myself with you, so thank you for this opportunity.  For any moms out there who are going through a tough time, please know that you’re not alone. As mothers, we can experience a wide spectrum of emotions and symptoms—especially postpartum.  Always be sure to share what you’re experiencing with your doctor. 

Finally, how can people connect with you online?

You can learn a little bit more about me, what I do, and how to schedule your complimentary Connection & Reflection phone session, and read my blog by visiting my website: www.LLBWC.com.  I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram @livelovebewell, and you can find LiveLoveBeWell Wellness & Mindfulness Coaching on Facebook!

Interview with Janet Ryan (SpectraSpray)

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, September 20, 2019

If you are conscientious about your health and are worried you’re not getting the vitamins you need, if you have a fear of swallowing pills, or are curious about what “CBD” is all about, meet Janet Ryan, Founder/CEO of SpectraSpray Global which specializes in oral spray vitamins. Check out our interview with Janet below to learn more about her business, the inspiration behind it, and how you can get a hand on a variety of spray vitamin kits.

What’s your name, where are you from, what do you do?

My name is Janet Ryan, I am from Montville, NJ and I own a spray vitamin company called SpectraSpray Global.

How did SpectraSpray get started? 

SpectraSpray got started as a result of my passion to help others feel their best and live their best lives everyday. After supporting health professionals with various supplements, I met a naturopathic doctor who introduced me to the unique ‘oral spray’ delivery.

What inspired you to build your company? 

I have always been in tune with living a healthy lifestyle, but my dedication and determination to share cutting edge wellness information with others sprang from my family history. My mom, who had early onset Alzheimers, and my son, who suffered with ADD and had learning disabilities, have been the main driving factors behind my vast education, research and passion to educate and empower others. It’s still almost impossible to “TREAT” Alzheimers, but they are finding we can prevent it if we understand how our bodies work. Also, my twins were about 10-years-old when my son needed serious support for ADD, anxiety and focus which lead me to learning more about natural solutions rather than medications.

What kinds of products do you offer? 

My company SpectraSpray offers oral Spray Vitamins that support wellness. We call them “foundational and functional” since they are typically nutrients that are deficient due to our poor food quality and stressful lifestyles.

If you take vitamin pills, your body could well be STARVING. People don’t realize that their bodies do not absorb 90% of any vitamins they take by pill, or even from some foods they assume are good for them. Their bodies are running on EMPTY, yet people wonder why they’re exhausted and not able to focus. Due to the high-tech nano-emulsion delivery system, our spray vitamins and supplements have the highest absorption of any competitor on the market today. The only higher absorption is through intravenous delivery. It’s not what you take, it’s what you ABSORB!

Our unique product formulas help people increase their mental focus and energy, reduce stress on the spot and sleep better to recharge. As a result, they increase their longevity by fueling their body with depleted baseline nutrients that naturally reduce as we age, or when we have genetic, digestive or environmental (epi-genetic) challenges.

Who’s your target audience? 

Anyone can use our sprays. We find those who travel, work a long day, don’t sleep well or have digestive issues particularly love the convenience and effectiveness of our products.

https://www.spectraspray.com/why-spray-vitamins

How do you help people? 

We help people by providing them with THE MOST CONVENIENT wellness spray they can carry with them anywhere they go. Most people have a cabinet FULL of vitamins and supplements that they forget to take. Our sprays GO WITH YOU and can be sprayed anytime, anywhere since they do not require food or water to absorb. The nutrients are already in a “ready to absorb” form that goes right into the bloodstream via the oral cells (buccal cells).

https://www.spectraspray.com/cbd-products

You’ve recently started offering CBD Spray. What does “CBD” stand for?

CBD stands for Canna-BiDiol, which is the oil extracted from the hemp plant.

What are some of the benefits of CBD?

It has been proven to help regulate the homeostasis (general functioning of all systems) of your body in many ways; especially supporting anxiety, sleep, pain and immune health.

What are some commons myths surrounding CBD?

People still think it will get you high, like Marijuana. CBD, especially the ISOLATE from, which we use, has no THC, the psycho active ingredient that gets you high. We provide a COA (certificate of analysis) to prove that, which is super important. CBD is not regulated YET, and there are many brands with toxic qualities, or not as much CBD in the product as advertised.

What might people be apprehensive about, and how would you dispel their fears?  

They are apprehensive for good reason. It’s new, its everywhere, and it’s just beginning specific research. It’s important to buy from a company you can trust, one that provides a COA, uses Isolate form so that you are not drug tested positive for your job. You can start with a low dose, just a few milligrams once or twice a day, and see how you feel, then increase as needed. It takes time for your body to achieve homeostasis, but in time many functions will be supported because your body is able to work “in sync: much better. That’s extremely simplistic, but you can read our recent blog on the science behind CBD, or search the internet for reputable sources and studies. Like anything else, educate yourself. I did.

Where can people purchase your CBD sprays, as well as all the other sprays your offer?

Online at www.SpectraSpray.com. First time purchasers can use code SAVE20 to save 20% on their first purchase! They’ll love them. Our Success Kit and Travel Kit are very popular and can be used everyday, not just while at work or when traveling. Sleep Support, Stress Support, Immune Support and B12 are all must haves! 

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

 We are on Facebook as SpectraSpray and Instagram as SpectraSprayVitamins.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Yes, your health is in YOUR hands, not your doctors. Learn, read, talk to people who understand nutrition and functional medicine. It is growing fast, and helping people live their best life, while aging positively into the future. Most chronic health issues are based on inflammation. Eating right, understanding your gut health and supporting your system with the right supplementation (not too much!) will help your very intelligent body to take care of you for a long time. Here’s to your health and a wonderfully energetic life!!

Interview with Steve Guttman (Mind Body Dynamics)

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Tuesday, September 17, 2019

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Steve Guttman. I was born in Newark, NJ and live in Morris Plains, NJ now.

What do you do?

I am a Mind Body Health/Wellness Life Coach, Integrative Personal Trainer, Massage/Energy Therapist. I am the owner, CEO of Mind Body Dynamics, a personal wellness company. I help shift/transform the mental, physical, emotional health and wellness of my clients for the better through my various fitness wellness services.

One-on-one personal training with Steve.

What kinds of services do you offer?

My services include Personal Training, Yoga, Qi Gong, Meditation, Mindfulness Training, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Stress Management training, meal planning, nutritional guidance, massage, energy therapy and more.

Who is your target audience?

My clientele range from the busy business professional, to the stay at home mom or dad, to a teenager, child, baby boomer or senior adult. My client might be an athlete or a person with disabilities.

Meditation session with Steve.

What makes you different from other people in your profession?

My versatility and varied experience. Given the fact that I have my education as a Personal Trainer as well as that of a Yoga, Qi Gong, Meditation teacher, clinical hypnotherapist, NLP and E.F.T. practitioner gives me a wide range of modalities to use for their overall health, fitness, wellness. When we add in my background of 35 plus years as a Massage Energy therapist, and as a professional trained in weight management and sports nutrition combined with my overall fitness background, I can serve people in even more ways. Finally, with my experience of 40 plus years working with children, people with disabilities and senior adults I am really blessed with the opportunities to make a positive impact on many people.

Tell us a little about yourself. Who inspires you?

I am a 59-year-old single father of 16-year-old son, Dylan — best kid in the world! My inspiration is my late mother, Elaine, who was very involved her whole life with her dedication in making a positive impact through selfless service with the people around her.  As a child with numerous learning disabilities as there were thoughts of me being possibly developmentally disabled, I think I learned the qualities of empathy and compassion early on.

Along with that, I had other early influences in reference to health, fitness. As a 12-year-old in sleep way camp I was exposed to Yoga and loved it. At age 16 my older sister got me to trade shoulder massages with her and loved the idea of making her, other family members, friends and girlfriends feel good. My older brother got me into working out, so this all became a way of life.

I am inspired through my son Dylan to be the best dad and role model that I possibly can.  

Additionally speaking, I can think of fitness icons such as Jack Lalanne, Joseph Pilates, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and many others who have helped shape the landscape of fitness.

Beyond that, I think of leaders such as Henry David Thoreau, Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. who held very high ideals in making an impact on society.

Finally, I am inspired by such positivity people as Tony Robbins, Werner Erhard, Dan Milliman and Dr. Wayne Dryer among others.

Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with one day?

As far as collaborating with, I seek out other wellness professionals that I can be complimentary with such as Chiropractors, mental health professionals and acupuncturists, among others.

What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or maybe facing obstacles similar to what you’ve faced?

Be sure to love what you do and the positive impact it can make on people. Learn as much as you can, from as many people that you can, and of course read as much as you can. Knowledge is power!  Be confidant and yet humble and realize that what you know is just the tip of the iceberg! Enjoy life, learn from mistakes and in fact welcome them. Lastly, come from a place of gratitude, acceptance and appreciation.

Finally, how can people find you online?

My website is www.mindbodydyn.com. They can find me via Facebook, LinkedIn, and just recently Instagram.