Dolores (Dee) Mauriello

This is a funny Turkey story. Do you have one?

I will never forget preparing my first turkey for Thanksgiving about 20 years ago. At the time, my husband and I were renting this adorable apartment in good old Paterson, New Jersey.

Have you ever heard of Paterson, New Jersey? This was the home town of the famous comedian Lou Costello. Remember the comedy team Bud Abbott and Lou Costello? I am sure "Who's on first, What's on second" will trigger your memory. Lou was very proud to mention on his show and movies that he was born in what was once the "Silk City of the World", Paterson, New Jersey.

Well, let's get back to my story regarding the turkey. My husband brought home this huge turkey that he had gotten from work. He was so proud of it. On the other hand, my thoughts were, "What am I going to do with this huge- frozen- naked bird?" I had grown up in Spain, without an oven. At that time, using the oven in itself was a challenge.

Thank God for good friends! I quickly got on the phone and was able to gather enough information to start the task at hand. I wouldn't think of calling a relative and letting them know that I didn't have a clue.

I soaked the turkey for a long time. Once it was defrosted, I realized there was something inside it. My thoughts were, "look it comes with a surprise". I started pulling out all sorts of stuff, even packets, that I had no idea their purpose.

Next, was the struggle of getting this bird out of the sink. This was a true test. The bird kept slipping and sliding all over the place. I finally got up on a stepstool, said some pleasant words, grabbed it as tight as I could and held the turkey against my body. I felt I was winning this battle only to see it slip out of my hands and fall on the kitchen floor. Well, just not to get it back into the sink, I gave it a sponge bath!

To make a long story short, I roasted the turkey and it looked beautiful. I set it down on the dining room table. We all sat and gathered around the roasted turkey. I was so proud of myself. Then suddenly I heard Aunt Millie say, "Dolores you cooked the bird upside down. Turn it over"...................Well we all laughed. It was the beginning of the best Thanksgiving ever.

Do you have a funny Turkey Story you would like to share?

Let wishes of a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving rain on you all.

New Jersey Passaic County Board of Realtors -Wayne- Celebrate 100 Years.

Local New Jersey Realtors came together to celebrate 100 years of service.

Committee members took this project and went full speed ahead to make this a memorable and informative event for all those that attended.

This premier networking event took place at The Bethwood in Totowa, New Jersey, on October 16, 2008.

The participants enjoyed the many workshops that afforded insight on current real estate trends and numerous vendor exhibits.

Real estate professionals sat side by side to listen to key speakers such as:

•· Barbara Corcoran, real estate contributor for NBC's Today Show, columnist, author and real estate entrepreneur. She offered a heart- warming view of how she climbed the ladder to her success, adding humorous examples of other successful real estate entrepreneurs. A summary of her message for success is; work hard, believe in your product and work with what you got. For more info visit www.BarbaraCorcoran.com

•· Jerry Rossi offered motivation and coaching tips. His website is www.RossiSpeaks.com

•· Barry Goodman Esq. General Counsel for the New Jersey Association of Realtors also spoke.

•· Jeffery Otteau, is a recognized expert on New Jersey's real estate market and founder of the Otteau Appraisal Group. He offered attendees valuable current assessments of patterns and cycles of the real estate market in New Jersey.

It was a pleasure and an honor to come together with my fellow Realtors to attend and plan this event. The experience and information we all received was well worth the efforts. I tip my hat to all the committee members and the celebrants

Passaic County Board of Realtors

CENTENNIAL

Convention and trade Expo

1909-2009

The writer of this article is Dolores Mauriello, Broker associate at CENTURY21 Crest Real Estate at 142 Route 23 North in Pompton Plains. Dolores can be reached at her direct line 973-646-7437.

Starting a business is a very important decision. There are many factors that should be considered such as your skills, knowledge, financial capability and, of course, the location.

When considering a location, look at the big picture, what is currently there, what is happening in the area and what are the demographics? This can start with a very easy process such as driving around, looking through the local business telephone directory or surfing the internet for information. A good business location should successfully offer you an abundance of client base and consumers, proximity to suppliers and the presence of other thriving businesses.

Wayne/Little Falls, New Jersey, is an area that has become home to many national and international corporations because of its suitability for good business. There are many businesses that offer a wide array of brand names, services, products, entertainment and restaurants. Higher education can also be pursued at William Paterson University of Wayne. These are just a few reasons why so many people are deciding to relocate here.

Another example of an impressive location is Wayne's Willowbrook Mall near the border of Little Falls which features over 200 different stores, such as: Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor, Macy's and Sears. Only minutes away, one can also find movie theatres and a wide variety of sit-down restaurants such as: California Pizza Kitchen, Ruby Tuesday, or The Cheesecake Factory.

Another big attraction of this suburban area is its 20 mile proximity to New York City. Without question, the area of Wayne, New Jersey, should definitely be given serious consideration for the location of your new business venture.