Coalescence Holistic Expo - a joining of likeminded people and ideas

 Coalescence is the bringing together and joining of like-minded people, ideas and things. 

The Coalescence Expo, set for Sunday, September 14^th from 1-7 pm, was created when Kathy Steinberg was guided to join the local Rockland County area’s spiritual and holistic community.  

“[This is] an opportunity for vendors, healers, speakers and psychics/intuitives to gather and interact with others,” Kathy said.

Kathy is a Licensed Master Social Worker and was the owner of Good Vibrations Personal Growth Center and New Age Shop in Suffern, NY.  During this time Kathy said a community formed around the Center and Shop.  Although the space closed in 2008, the community continues to thrive through her website WeHealTogether.com.  Kathy currently works as a therapist and healer in Suffern.  

According to intuitive Star Blossom Goddess: “Kathy’s willingness to help others is unfounded. I am honored when I am in her company and find myself being a sponge to experience her wisdom.”

Mitchell Cooperman from Shido-Kan Karate of Mahwah and his partner, Lorin ONeal of MaYoga Meditation have also been a part of creating a local community through their business, programs and events.  Their participation in the Coalesence Expo and the use of their space in Mahwah was simply a natural extension of their work.  

“For the spiritual/holistic practitioners, networking and expos can be too expensive and I felt that it was important to create a venue that was an affordable way to connect with others,” Kathy said.

The Coalescence Holistic Expo is scheduled for Sunday, September 14^th – from 1pm to 7pm at MaYoga Meditation, 1029 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ.  There will be 4 rooms –one for vendors, one for psychics, one for healers, and one for presentations (running every hour).  A $5 donation is requested at the door to donate to Shelter Our Sisters Organization, a domestic abuse victim support service located in Hackensack, NJ.

What’s at the Coalesence Expo:

Psychic and intuitive readings, healers of varying modalities, presentations on energy and healing, and vendors of varying wares including jewelry, crystals, oils, aura photography, artwork and more….

Presentations: 

45 min. - free with $5. donation to enter expo

1:15pm  (30mins)

      Energy Movement Meditation with Tapping with Jeanne Andrews, LCSW   

2pm  Crystals and Stones with Aliza Musleah

3pm The Godfather’s Daughter: An Unlikely Story of Love, Healing & Redemption with Rita Gigante    www.spaceofgracehealing.com

4pm Principles of Energy Medicine with Gloria McCahill

5pm Archetypal Dreamwork with Jill Eras

6pm  Shen Shing QiGong with Justin Derringer (Energy cultivation through spiritual movement)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Energy Healers:  15mins $25/ or 30 mins $50

·      Beth DiMeo, LMT, NCTMB, CST     5pm-6:45pm

                        Massage and Bodywork http://www.therainbowessence.com/

·      Christy Curran   1pm-4pm & 5pm-7pm

                   Celestial Healing Chair Massage

·      Gloria McCahill, RMT, EEMP-AP     1pm-3pm

                Energy Healing/Cranial Sacral/Eden Method

                     http://www.therainbowessence.com/

·      Jimmy Starman   2pm-5pm

                Shamanistic Healer Reiki/IET/Fire&Wind/Shamanism

·      Joan Snow  4pm-7pm  

Reiki/Intuitive Energy Healer  www.sweptbyangels.com

·      Nancy Christopher  1pm-4pm  

Reflexology  www.nwchristopher.com

·      Sean Guerin   1pm-5pm  

Cranial Sacral Therapy/IET/ Reiki

·      **Oscar Santillan**  healings offered only 45min sessions

                                  $100.   – register appt. in advance

                                  wehealtogether@aol.com

                                   Call 845-304-4804/Kathy

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Psychics/Intuitives:

 listed in alphabetical order.

·      Allis Dunleavy – Intuitive Angel Cards/Medium   1pm-4pm

           www.sweptbyangels.com

·      Danielle Rose – Medium between Faerie   1pm-3pm & 4pm-7pm

          www.MindKey.me

·      Dawn  1pm-3pm  Angel Intuitive, Psychic/Chairvoyant/Clairsentient 

                Angel Card Readings

·      Joy Herald  Intuitive/Medium/Astrology   2pm-7pm

·      Marianne Carroll – Astrology & Astrodice  1pm-3pm & 5pm-7pm

·      Robert – Intuitive Tarot   1pm-3pm & 5pm-7pm

·      Star Blossom Goddess - Intuitive Oracle Cards   1pm-7pm

·      Starr – Intuitive Tarot/Medium    2pm-7pm

·      Susan Squittieri – Animal Communicator/Intuitive   1pm-6pm

          http://www.twobearherbs.com/

Susan reads 1 animal per reading.  You can bring a picture (not necessary).  We will have the ability for anyone who wants an animal reading with the animal present to meet with Susan in the rear of the building for the reading. (Please sign up and pay first – no animals inside building at expo)

Susan is making appts in advance – call Kathy @845-304-4804 to book appt.

·      Yasmina – Palmistry   1pm-7pm

****  There will be a sign up table set up at the fair – pay cash only – and you can see from the list when your reading will be.  You can pick whichever psychic that you want – and you can have reading or you can have more readings (each paid separately). 

Dark Side of the Moo: What’s in that burger?

Dark Side of the Moo, owned by Tyrone Green, specializes in Americana with a twist, such as alligator sausage and kangaroo burgers.   They also offer traditional dishes, like pulled pork and hamburgers.  

Green conceived the idea for his cart in Hoboken in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, when food trucks saved the day by providing hot meals to locals. He discovered his niche when he realized he could pool together his love of traditional American fare with his extensive travel experience.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled quite a lot, Green said.  “Wherever I go I always look for street meat. In poorer countries some people have to eat the cheaper cuts of meat. As a result they get creative with seasoning and can produce the best food. I love that.”

A survivor of the corporate world, Green found that despite the exhausting nature of running a food truck, his stress levels have been greatly reduced.  He’s lost weight due to the activity of running a truck, his heart rate has dropped and his eyesight has actually improved since he is no longer looking at a monitor all day.

“My favorite part is when people come up and say, ‘that was the best burger I've ever had’,” Green said. “I never take anything for granted. I've had people say ‘I’ve drove two hours to check you out.’ That's very humbling.”

Discover the Dark Side of the Moo:

www.TheMooFoodTruck.com

facebook.com/DarkSideOfTheMooHoboken

@TheMooFoodTruck

Learn more about food trucks on this week's

BLOG ROLL

Food trucks: Dirty water or gourmet?

Rockland Roots: Farm-to-table on the go

Mausam: Bringing Indian food mainstream 

Rosies Weenie Cart: Hot dogs and smiles with a twist

Dark Side of the Moo: What’s in that burger?

Rosies Weenie Cart: Hot dogs and smiles with a twist

After working in corporate for many years, Rosario D’Rivera of Rosie’s Weenie Wagon found herself struggling when her business closed up shop and moved halfway across the country.

“I was so distraught and desperate that I sat down in front of the computer one day and just asked God to guide me in the direction he was planing on taking me,” she said.

That’s how she discovered hot dog carts as a business and took the simple concept levels beyond what most people are familiar.  The cuisine chose her, she said, as her Cuban mother taught her to cook (including black beans).  She also drew upon her experience as a waitress and manager of an East LA Mexican restaurant in Hoboken in order to deal with not only food service, but customer service as well.

Rosie sells hot dogs, nachos, Sloppy Roes (her my take on Sloppy Joes), and rice and beans.

“My marketing niche is fun food, ‘concoction’ dogs w/different toppings, and a fun and smile filled experience, especially for kids.”

Rosie enjoys being her own boss and, although it was a bit of an adjustment, not having to answer to anyone but herself.

“I love what I do and I run the business all on my own.  It’s the hardest I have ever worked in my life….but the rewards are incredible.  I’ve been blessed with incredible followers including my favorites, their children and even their pets.”

Check out Rosie’s Weenie Cart at Van Saun Park in Paramus, NJ and every Wednesday starting September 24^th at the food truck court in Overpeck Park in Leonia, NJ.

www.rosiesweeniewagon.com
facebook.com/RosiesWeenieWagon
@MyWeenieWagon

Learn more about food trucks on this week's

BLOG ROLL

Food trucks: Dirty water or gourmet?

Rockland Roots: Farm-to-table on the go

Mausam: Bringing Indian food mainstream 

Rosies Weenie Cart: Hot dogs and smiles with a twist

Dark Side of the Moo: What’s in that fantastic burger?

Mausam: Bringing Indian food mainstream

Sankalp and Trusha Trivedi, owners and founders of Mausam Indian found their way into the food truck business a little differently, starting with wholesale catering, then expanding to open their own restaurant.  Now they have a third restaurant opening, plus Curry N Bites, their mobile food truck that spends most of its days serving businesses and locals in New York City.

As a wholesale distributor, the Trivedis discovered that they were losing out by not being able to provide versatility.  As a food truck that offers “make your own curry,” they have over 60 different menu options available made fresh and to order.

“We started in 2008,” Sankalp said.  “My wife wanted to open a restaurant banquet hall, I love to cook, and she comes from a kitchen business background.”

The Trivedis came up with the Mausam concept together and then worked out the responsibilities.  Sankalp covers the kitchen and the branding, and Trusha, who had been an accountant, handles the accounting and operations end. 

Like the Holbachs, the Trivedis love being able to work together.  Sankalp also loves that the food industry provides instant gratification, as well as the social nature of the work.

“It’s a challenge,” Sankalp said.  “Sometimes we get scared.  But if you don’t get your hands dirty in everything from washing dishes, it’s not your thing.  We are very passionate, this is our baby and that’s what we call it and think it is, that’s what it is.

“We love the liveliness of the entire business, and cherish every single moment.”

www.mausamnj.com

@mausamnyc

Learn more about food trucks on this week's

BLOG ROLL

Food trucks: Dirty water or gourmet?

Rockland Roots: Farm-to-table on the go

Mausam: Bringing Indian food mainstream 

Rosies Weenie Cart: Hot dogs and smiles with a twist

Dark Side of the Moo: What’s in that fantastic burger?

Rockland Roots: Farm-to-table on the go

Brian and Alanna Holbach, owners and operators of the Rockland Roots farm-to-table food truck started their mobile restaurant as a way to gain more control over the food they prepared.  Brian, a long-time chef, found joy in creating meals on the island of St. Thomas.  The menu was constantly changing depending on what food was shipped to the island.

He and Alanna combined the challenge and creative freedom of preparing seasonal food with their basic philosophies to create Rockland Roots.

“We only cook food we would be happy to serve our kids; source food from local farms whenever possible; and are conscious about using processed foods and GMOs,” Alanna said.

To currently stumble across their truck (often found in Rockland, Westchester and Bergen Counties, visit their website to get a detailed schedule) will uncover grass fed beef short ribs with polenta and grilled zucchini, and truffled mac and cheese with sautéed broccoli among other dishes.

Although running a food truck requires a large amount of work behind-the-scenes, most of which is done themselves, Alanna said her family (which includes her and Brian’s two young children) are far happier than they were when Brian was chained to the demands and lifestyle of the high end catering industry.

“At the end of the day it's totally satisfying work, doing something we believe in and creating something we're proud of,” Alanna said.

One of the best parts of the business for the Holbachs is watching it grow and working together as a couple.

“It's created a whole new way for us to connect,” Alanna said.

Alanna says, “Thank you to all of our customers and fans for supporting us this far. We have a small following of people who have helped us in various ways along the way which we're so grateful for. We love doing what we do, and we hope you all love it too!”

Learn more about food trucks on this week's

BLOG ROLL

Food trucks: Dirty water or gourmet?

Rockland Roots: Farm-to-table on the go

Mausam: Bringing Indian food mainstream 

Rosies Weenie Cart: Hot dogs and smiles with a twist

Dark Side of the Moo: What’s in that fantastic burger?

Food trucks: Dirty water or gourmet?

When I think of food trucks I think of dirty water dogs, knish, fat cats and possibly falafel or gyro.  What I learned this summer is that food trucks are becoming so much more.

The east coast seems a little backward in their recognition of these amazing vehicles.    Rebecca Godina said the best place to get authentic Mexican food in the Yakima valley of Washington State is on a food truck.

“The owners are usually very friendly. A lot of them speak very limited English… and most of them don't ask for payment until after you're done eating. Very trusting, very relaxed.”

Sara Keese said in Austin food trucks are essential for her daily bread.  Her office complex has skipped the cafeteria and instead contracts with a different food truck every day to serve their employees gourmet meals such as bbq brisket, pad thai, and vietnamese braised pork belly with creamy apple slaw, smoky roasted peach bbq sauce and cilantro lime rice. (Fare from Sara’s favorite truck, The Peached Tortilla).

This is a far cry from Rutger’s so-called “Fat” sandwiches many of us remember.  

 “Loaded with everything possible and revoltingly unhealthy, and soooooo delicious,” Bethany Bauer describes them.

Eric Lang from Philadelphia always thought of food trucks as dingy fast food stops scraping by for a living until his cousin’s wife opened her own gourmet food truck selling homemade Mac & Cheese in the Indianapolis area.

In New Jersey expect to find some interesting fare from these up-and-coming mobile food vendors, everything from make your own curry, hot dogs with black beans and kimchi, free range short ribs with polenta, and even alligator sausage.  

This week will take us on a gastronomical tour of a few of these trucks and (in case you were wondering how this links to Mind Key) how starting a restaurant on wheels have changed not only the owners’ lives, but the way people are viewing food-to-go.

Learn more about food trucks on this week's 

BLOG ROLL

Food trucks: Dirty water or gourmet?

Rockland Roots: Farm-to-table on the go

Mausam: Bringing Indian food mainstream 

Rosies Weenie Cart: Hot dogs and smiles with a twist

Dark Side of the Moo: What’s in that fantastic burger?

Songs from the heart: Emma Brooke

Nineteen year old singer/songwriter Emma Brooke has a sultry country voice and a passion for music.

A year and a half ago she had the opportunity to make a dream come true when she recorded a song she wrote called "Wishing He Was You.”

“That day caused me to fall in love with recording and being in the studio,” Emma said.

While discussing her next songs Emma’s vocal instructor, Zuke Smith, suggested she write a song about Ty Rockey, whom Zuke had introduced Emma to a few years back. 

“One Day…” Emma said, then immediately realized she had the title to her next song.  “I was like ‘Ok gotta go bye!!’ …. I had most of the song [written] in 2-3 hours.”

Emma describes “One Day” as a time capsule of her friendship with Ty: the two of them dancing while Ty stood on her feet, and her dream to one day have Ty on stage with Daughtry.  But even more so is her dream that Ty and others with LCA will see the same results as those whose eyesight has been restored in the first clinical trials.

“The song is my prayer that "One Day", Ty, his family, and everybody affected by LCA will experience that miracle, too,” Emma said.

Country music calls to Emma as a songwriter because she feels it allows her the space to go deeper into the theme of each song.  Dolly Parton has been a musical influence since she was five years old.

“I get to connect with people through music and that's one of the best feelings ever,” Emma said.

See Emma play live at Rock for Retinal Research this Saturday, September 6^th at 7pm.

“I will be performing “One Day” for the first time,” she said. “Out of all my songs, it is the most important one to me so it'll definitely be a special moment to sing it live.”

All proceeds from purchasing "One Day" (available on iTunes) go to the non-profit organization for LCA research, Ty's Eyes.

Click these links to listen to "One Day" and “Wishing He Was You” now.

Learn more about Ty and Rock for Retinal Research in this week’s 

BLOG ROLL:

The story of Ty’s Eyes

Rocking for a cause: Rock for Retinal Research

Songs from the heart: Emma Brooke

Metal or Blues?: Fabio and the Footlongs

Rocking for a cause: Rock for Retinal Research

Ty Rockey is a regular nine year old boy - except for one thing - he has a condition known as Lebers Congenital Amaurosis Type 1 (LCA1) that has made him blind from birth.

According to his mother Kelly, there is a gene therapy procedure currently in clinical trials that is working to restore sight to others with LCA gene mutations.  The clinical trial for Ty’s gene should start within the next few months she said.

“This is something we have been hearing about since the day he was diagnosed and now we are finally at the point where they are doing it – and it is working!” Kelly said.

Through their non-profit organization, Ty’s Eyes, the Rockey family has been supporting this research with an annual concert called “Rock for Retinal Research.”

 “Before we started Rock for Retinal Research we held other fundraisers but really wanted to do something that not only was fun and family oriented but something that Ty would enjoy and look forward to every year,” Kelly said.  “We brainstormed and a concert was the natural answer. Ty loves music and we could make it an affordable and fun event for families.”

This year’s concert is this Saturday, September 6^th from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pinecliff Lake clubhouse in West Milford, NJ (1577 Union Valley Road).  There will be live music, tricky-tray style raffle prizes and a card reader during the afternoon hours.  The suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

 “We donate every penny raised directly to researchers at the Scheie Eye Institute at UPENN who are working to start an LCA1 trial,” Kelly said.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks.  Local eateries will also deliver to the clubhouse.

“We love holding Rock for Retinal Research, it is such a beautiful inspiring day,” Kelly said. “We are not only fighting for a cure for Ty but also celebrating him and who he is.”

This year’s band line-up includes:

4:00 Fabio and the Footlongs
5:00 Ty and his friends perform
6:00 Brian Fitzpatrick and the Band of Brothers
7:00 Emma Brooke
8:00 The Bad Dogs
9:00 Raffle winners announced
9:30 Blk and Blu

This week’s posts will tell more about Ty and some of the performers playing for Ty’s cause.

Blog Roll:

The story of Ty’s Eyes

Rocking for a cause: Rock for Retinal Research

Songs from the heart: Emma Brooke

Metal or Blues?: Fabio and the Footlongs

The Story of Ty's Eyes

Ty Rockey is nine years old and about to start the fourth grade.  Like most boys his age, he enjoys watching TV, riding his bike and playing outside with his friends.  Unlike most boys, Ty was born blind. 

Ty has Lebers Congenital Amaurosis type 1 (or LCA1), a genetic retinal disorder that can occur on one of 19 different genes, causing blindness from a very young age or birth.  

“After we got a diagnosis we were completely devastated,” Ty’s mother, Kelly said.  “We had never even met a blind person before and had no idea what to expect or what his future would be like.”

The Rockey family has since learned a lot about how blindness does not have to be a limitation.  Ty reads using braille, and uses a computer called BrailleNote.  He uses a white cane to travel independently, watches TV while his mom describes what’s happening on screen, and uses voiceover on his iPod touch.  He even plays baseball using a beeping ball.

Ty’s favorite thing to do is play outside.  He said he loves the trampoline, swinging, and going to the park.  He rides his bike, plays baseball and is on swim team. He loves playing with his little sister Allie and his friends.

“I have a lot of friends at school and in my neighborhood,” Ty said.  “I also have friends who are blind that we see every couple of years, they live all over the country.”

Ty also enjoys music and going to concerts.  He even takes singing lessons.

“I honestly don't remember having much of a reaction to his condition,” Ty’s friend and vocal instructor Emma Brooke said. “He was another kid who wanted to learn how to sing and I thought that was wonderful.”

We all have disabilities that work to our disadvantage, but Ty and the Rockey family have used their creativity and ingenuity to essentially make light of what many would consider a debilitating challenge, while at the same time fighting for a change that may one day give sight to those born with LCA through their nonprofit organization Ty’s Eyes.

 “We realized … he would have to do things differently but he will be able to do it all,” Kelly said.  “Over time he has shown us that he can and will do whatever he wanted and be just like any other little boy.”

The Rockeys are in the midst of preparing for their fifth fund raising concert for Ty’s Eyes. “Rock for Retinal Research” is a family friendly event that will be held in West Milford, NJ this Saturday, September 6^th.  To learn more about Rock for Retinal Research visit www.facebook.com/TysEyes and keep reading the Mind Key blog throughout this week.

Blog Roll:
The story of Ty’s Eyes
Rocking for a cause: Rock for Retinal Research
Songs from the heart: Emma Brooke
Metal or Blues?: Fabio and the Footlongs