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(973)529-836083 State Route 23 NorthHamburg, NJ 07419

Bill DeBoer Jr


Recent posts by Bill DeBoer Jr

4 min read

Spotlight: Dan Schenker Photographer

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Sep 3, 2020 11:50:07 AM

For ten years Dan Schenker has been capturing beautiful and unique images that range from Google Street View, 360*, portraits and events. He can even take his creativity to the sky with aerial drone photography.

When it comes to his Event Photography he chooses

to stick to intimate weddings and small gatherings. He prefers being able to capture pure moments through his lens and deliver those moments and to portray the story in his photographs.
Topics: Photography Portrait Photography Drone Photography Event Photographer
5 min read

Spotlight: First of Sussex Toastmasters

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Jul 30, 2020 11:30:19 AM

Did you ever watch someone get up on stage and speak to the audience or watch  a video and be taken aback by the coolness of the person talking to you. Sometimes it’s like watching a movie with the actor speaking directly to you. You feel so comfortable, you believe every word they are saying, they are eloquent and engaging and it blows you away. That is skill! That’s a practiced professional doing what they do best. That's what toastmasters is all about. Helping people improve their ability to speak publicly. 

4 min read

Local Spotlight Scrub Masters Plus

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Jun 30, 2020 4:17:09 PM

 

Scrub Masters Plus

Now more than ever the importance of commercial cleaning is in great need. The standards for commercial businesses to have their facilities cleaned have been raised to an extremely high level with the Covid-19 virus at hand. Mia Howard is the Owner of Scrub Masters Plus and has been a forward thinker from years back. “This pandemic and virus has people reaching out in ways that we would never have expected, they are now seeing the importance of our services and how we can help them continue on with their business AND  protect their employees AND STAY AFLOAT.  These businesses were never the “type” to typically call on our services. Now that we are helping them and they are seeing the difference it makes, they will never go back to not having cleaning services again.”  

One of the great things is that Mia has all of the equipment, chemicals and the team she needs to swoop in and rescue these businesses. 

Topics: Commercial Cleaning Services
6 min read

Local Spotlight - Dan Corrigan RE/Max Platinum Group

By Bill DeBoer Jr on May 2, 2020 1:34:25 PM

Real Estate Trends with Dan Corrigan

Re/Max Platinum Group

Canadian born in Ottaway, Ontario Dan and his family came to the US when he was 10 yrs old. They lived in  West Virginia & then Ohio. He joined the military and served in Vietnam. When he returned he attended Ohio University and the Ohio Military Academy. Dan has worn many hats. He focused his career on marketing. He served as a police chief.  He was Director and CEO of a marketing company.

It was in 1980 he dove into Real Estate in West Virginia. When interest rates on mortgages were 18%-20%, it was a tough market, but he learned a lot. Today, rates of 4-5% are considered high. Now on average it’s 3.25% for a 30 year conventional mortgage and as low as the 2% for 15 year conventional mortgage.

There is a great opportunity to lower rates by refinancing now.

Dan ended up coming to NJ from CA as a result of a relocation on his wife's behalf. They explored the opportunity, and that's when they discovered Sussex County. They decided to call Sparta, New Jersey their new home.

Since he was already seasoned in the Real Estate Industry, it was easy for him to adapt and continue his career in NJ. Having a marketing background, he found a fit for himself at Re/Max Realtors. He’s been an agent with them for over 16 years. A few years ago the opportunity to buy the business presented itself. He bought out the Brokerage, and now he is the Broker/Owner/Agent of Re/Max Platinum Group. They moved  to this new office and spent several months renovating their location on Sparta Avenue in Sparta. The Office in Sparta is warm and comfortable. The technology they have is state of the art and it’s welcoming for the Clients, Realtors and Attorneys as well.

Today things are

Topics: Real Estate Sussex, Warren County NJ
4 min read

Local Spotlight - Youngevity Consultant, Kelly Kays

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Apr 2, 2020 8:26:00 AM

We'd like to introduce you to Kelly Kays. Kelly lives in Newton, is a full time HS English teacher in Randolph. She’s been married to her husband Josh for 12 ½ years, has two daughters Maggie (8) Ella (5) and is very active in her church community. On top of that she’s an Independent Distributor and Consultant for Youngevity. If that doesn’t put a super woman cape on her we don’t know what does. 

Kelly started out using the Jamberry nail line  She fell in love with the nail wraps because she got to have pretty nails while being a busy mom and couldn’t get to the salon. 

She explored some of the other products they featured and was amazed at the variety of Health/Wellness and beauty products that were available to her. She tried the Core Stik products and was amazed at the results she could feel. It was almost immediate. She was thrilled to try more products and to share with her family and friends. The bonus was knowing their immune systems were getting a boost, being supported and becoming stronger, which is a constant struggle working in a school everyday and sending her young children as well. 

7 min read

Local Spotlight - Mosquito Hunters, Vernon NJ

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Mar 4, 2020 9:30:00 AM

Yes! The day has come, the weather is absolutely beautiful and the fabulous outdoors is welcoming you to come play. Don’t take a moment to hesitate. You are out in the yard, tossing the ball for Rex to go fetch. You take a break with some iced tea and you are set to chill on your deck. Before you even get settled in, you feel a little sting.

Fwap! A mosquito landed on you and before you know it, you have a welt on your leg.

Topics: take back your yard
5 min read

Local Spotlight - Manipura Soul Yoga

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Jan 31, 2020 8:41:00 AM

Interior design was the “former life” of Lisbeth. Knowing this, the gorgeous, newly renovated space shouldn't shock you.  She expresses that it’s a “work in progress” but after looking around you would see a finished work of art. Beautiful, spacious, warm and welcoming. She definitely put her talents to work and it’s not only visible, you can actually feel it.

Lisbeth Ryan is a Sussex County resident from Vernon, NJ. She’s been practicing yoga for over 20 years and teaching for 15 years now.

Yoga opens up body and mind for the better.

There’s a level of yoga for all bodies! Mental, Physical, Fundamental wellness and happiness is achievable for anyone.

For the first time Yogi, it’s not about the physical and the perfect pose or competing with the person on the mat next to you. It’s about being peaceful, present and happy when you finish. Expressing that "not all postures are for all" is a message she wants people to hear and get.

"Don’t sweat the small stuff, because it is all just small stuff."

She takes the time to help people with challenges have breakthroughs. She inspires, guides and helps them heal and to become stronger. Healing is sometimes needed from a physical or mental challenge. Letting go of one's ego can also help strengthen your practice.

Benefits of Yoga

increased muscle strength and tone
improved respiration, energy and vitality
maintaining a balanced metabolism
weight reduction
cardio and circulatory health
improved athletic performance
protection from injury

They offer classes for all levels  from chair yoga , gentle/restorative Vinyasa, to dynamic flows that fit most levels of practice. They also offer massage and Reiki. 

Lisbeth has brought together a team of Certified yoga instructors and licenced massage therapists who will encourage you to open your body, mind and spirit to receiving more happiness and joy in your life. They are all there to support your growth, healing and wellness.
Giving someone the tools to help themselves to find happiness is her
gift that she offers.  It's not so shocking to hear that that in itself becomes a gift to herself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When asked what’s the best part of teaching? - “getting hugs”😊

Grand opening February 29th, class specials all day.  Music, Food and Fun 5pm-8pm

Class times and levels can be found on the website 

Introducing HandPan Drums and Singing bowls 1st Thursday of the month at 5:30pm class

Manipura Soul Yoga

26 Main Street Sussex NJ 07461

201 400 6926

manipurasoulyoga.com

mainpurasoulyoga@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/manipurasoulyoga/

https://www.manipurasoulyoga.com/classes

 
 
 
Topics: Yoga Studio Sussex, NJ
4 min read

Local Spotlight - High Point Cross Country Ski Center

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Dec 28, 2019 10:03:56 AM

High atop Sussex County NJ, where the three states converge, there is an obelisk that stands 1,803 feet above sea level. The 360° view is an amazing sight and the monument itself can get your elevation and your heart rate up after climbing inside the 220 foot structure.  The view is definitely worth the climb. You will overlook the Catskill Mountains, the Wallkill River Valley and the Pocono Mountains. 

Through all four seasons the park sees pretty steady traffic. The camp ground,  Lake Marcia, and hiking trails. Even though the trails are covered in snow now, that should not discourage you. When learning about High Point Cross Country Ski Center operating at the park, it was eye opening. The business concept is actually pretty brilliant. Some may think that the park, or at least the trails, were not open for the average hiker, but then after speaking with the owner, Hans Jensen, we found out the true deal.

Hans grew up in Norway and competed in the World Cup for cross country skiing. Racing was his passion. His love for nature and being outdoors was part of his childhood, and as an adult has always been enjoyable for him.  "It feels good to exercise and be healthy enjoying winter activity then retreating to the warmth of a roaring fire and enjoying rich creamy hot chocolate. It doesn’t get too much better than that! Being able to share this with other outdoor enthusiasts makes it 

all worthwhile." Hans says.  

 Being in NJ, the weather is pretty unpredictable and so relying solely on mother nature would make it very difficult business to sustain. Operated under contract with the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Parks and Forestry, Hans and his team spend hours and hours grooming the trails and making snow. They use four wheelers to pull grooming machines, setting tracks and manicuring the over nine miles of trails so that you have the most enjoyable experience. This is their 26th season - hard work, dedication, research and experience has produced quite a nice get-away destination at the top of our High Point State Park. The only open to the public park that grooms it’s trails for the complete benefit of the skiers and snow shoers. 

Hans explained about the difference between cross country and downhill for novices. He suggested that there is usually a crossover and most skiers will enjoy both. Downhill is a more individual activity where once you have confidence and get into the sport you challenge yourself, go faster, take steeper inclines, be more adventurous and then there’s higher risk of injury! Not too many cross country skiers leave via EMT transport. People don’t generally plow into a tree or fall and break an ankle on the trails..

Cross Country is a continuous exercise, you move at your pace, however you can definitely go with a buddy and both enjoy the workout and fresh air.  There are different trails where you may encounter more hills and challenging 

inclines. There are a lot more chances that you will see some wildlife and absolutely gorgeous surroundings while cross country sk iing . You might just might miss out these experiences if you are whizzing down a steep and slippery slope.

Cross country is also a more economical way to go as well.  The equipment investment is similar however the trail rates are a mere $20 for the day vs. lift tickets that can be anywhere between $80-100 for per pass. That can equal quite an expensive way to spend the day, especially if  you are doing it as a family. “Many are doing cross-country here for the first time,.” he says.  Having the ability to include the baby on a backpack or sled is yet another way that you can include the entire family. Literally the cross country skier ranges in age from toddler to 70 or 80 years young. Offering lessons to beginners is really popular and it is usually  a shorter learning curve which means they are out on the trails enjoying their adventure pretty quickly. 

If you have a case of cabin fever this winter and are considering some outside activities the whole family can enjoy., take a ride up High Point Mountain and explore your possibilities. 

High Point Cross Country Ski Center

High Point Cross Country Ski Center

Located at High Point State Park

1480 Route 23 Sussex NJ 07461

Phone: 973-702-1222                                                                                                 http://www.xcskihighpoint.com

 
 
 
Topics: cross country skiing at its best!
4 min read

Local Spotlight - High Profile Events

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Nov 21, 2019 4:39:30 PM

Bryan Murphy is a Sussex County native with an affinity for music and love for his guitar. He spent many years playing live, with a band doing gigs. When he got an opportunity to DJ and MC, it seemed like a great fit for him. He learned so much from this experience and found that this added yet another dimension to his love of music, the spinning of the records, mixing the tempo. The art of it “grabbed” him, he said.

He  gained more experience, he tried new things, he  grew quite a following. After years of mixing and being a part of these special events, he sought out ways to improve the crowd experience, he invested in equipment, and expanded his database. He partnered with Michael Andolina "the most talented MC I've ever heard" and collected a group of talented staff to deliver the best possible entertainment possible. In 2018 he started his own business, High Profile Events.

When you hire DJ Bryan and his team, you're not just getting a DJ. You get an experience designed straight out of your dreams.  They customize everything to your wants and needs. If you want a vocalist at the ceremony, a string quartet at your cocktail hour, you got it. You want lights and fog and a saxophone player at the reception, done. Photo booth check. "It’s amazing what a difference it can make when you incorporate live energy to the entertainment at your party. It’s a complete game changer.  To Bryan none of this is a game, but is fun!

The music is his passion, his love of people is a notch above that. He clearly loves to make people happy and taking the time to sit with a couple before their day and hear about their dreams of how the most important day should unfold. They sometimes explain how a special relative will be in town, or how they recently lost someone and would like a moment in remembrance.  He understands all the pressures of life stuff, and how they just want this day to be perfect. Through listening for years and meeting with many couples,  Bryan has devised a plan for getting the best context and quality personal anecdotes from each client. His planning process very precise. He uses a template that is detailed, thorough and covers everything. He designs each event based off of learning about each individual, everything in detail from the ceremony, cocktail hour, wedding profile, reception seating everything throughout the night. 

He's also happy to say that he has added corporate events, to his experience and he's provided entertainment for companies such as Red Bull, Victoria's Secret and Mercedes-Benz. Being able to raise the energy and set the bar high for these events is fun and exciting and a lot of detailed work!  Being able to get a room buzzing with excitement, engaging the crowd, knowing when to go low key and when to kick it to the next level.  There’s a director on the scene of this movie, It’s High Profile Events. - Music-Lights - Camera - Fog-  ACTION!

I asked Bryan what advice he could offer to someone like himself just starting out. He immediately replied, "First focus on a quality product, second make your customer service as strong as it can possibly be." He believes that focusing on the few not the many, has made him grow as a business and a businessman. Energy and passion. That is what makes the difference.

When a couple comes up to me at the end of the night and says everything was perfect, if it wasn't for you it would never had been this great. That's the reason I put so much into this business. Their happiness makes it all worthwhile. 

High Profile Events provides and matches the music to the atmosphere. Years of experience and the love of music makes this entertainment company a must for brides & grooms and anyone having an event.

Featured on The Knot, the feedback is positive and energetic. Here are some of their customers reviews.

Timothy B  They made the day!!! Weddings are a celebration and thanks to Bryan this celebration will be remembered by my whole family and all my friends forever. Every one of my family said Bryan was the best DJ they had ever heard. I was one of my first friends to get married and my friends were so impressed they ended up hiring High Profile Events for their own weddings. Me and my wife can't thank you guys enough! You are the best! I can't wait for our vow renewals to hire you again.

Eryka B DJ Bryan Murphy (with High Profile Events) has a reputation of being the very best around so, naturally, hiring him for our wedding was a ‘No Brainer’. Not only were we non-stop dancing throughout the night but so were all of our guests and to this day we’re still being told the music selections were impeccable. There aren’t enough good things that I can say about his service, perfection is a gross understatement for the overall experience you’ll have! My husband and I are looking forward to hiring High Profile Events for our next celebration!

High Profile Events provides and matches the music to the atmosphere. Years of experience and the love of music makes this entertainment company a must for brides & grooms, corporate, private and anyone having an event.

High Profile Events

High Profile Events DJ & Productions

800-259-0949

https://highprofilevents.com

info@highprofilevents.com

Instagram High.Profile.Events

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/highprofilenj/

Topics: Taking DJ Entertainment to the next level
4 min read

Local Spotlight - Crystal Concierge, LLC

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Oct 29, 2019 12:57:15 PM

So, what the heck is a lifestyle management company, seriously what does that mean? Well, I asked the right person to explain it to me and the light bulb 💡went on. Ann Marie Miskewicz is the President of Crystal Concierge, LLC.  She’s the lady who literally can make your life easier. She takes away that stress that we all find ourselves dealing with in our day to day routines.

Let's back up a bit to find out that Ann Marie was in corporate America specializing in third party logistics and also had an in-depth knowledge of the hospitality industry. She was the middle woman, the one who set up the dates between two potential matches and let the universe take over. Not really, she was the universe that put the right people and companies together to get whatever the task at hand done. And then, she managed and oversaw everything to make sure that it was going according to plan. Kind of a superwoman if you will.

Eleven years ago she decided to focus her talents on her own business. Realizing all the things she couldn’t get done at her home, the errands, the time consuming scheduling of appointments, the endless phone calls trying to get quotes. Planning a party that should be fun,  would end up being an enormous undertaking. At the end of the evening you didn’t even get to sit and enjoy your company because you exhausted yourself playing planner, shopper, cook, decorator, server, bartender, hostess, and cleaning crew. Now I remember why I don’t entertain much anymore.

Let's think of Ann Marie as the “fixer”; you have a problem, she fixes it.  Literally taking the load off your shoulders. "Oh, so she’s a party planner". Well it doesn’t start or stop at parties.

Looking at her website and the back of her business card you might think, "All that, can one person do all this?" The beautiful thing is that one person can arrange the right people, staff, contractors and coordinate what needs to be handled. She pulls all her resources together and viola!

Arrange deliveries and installations

Business Services

Cleaning and Move-outs

Contractors

Companion Travel, Electronics assistance, Event planning and Staffing, Home Care, Maintenance and Organization, Property Management, Shopping, Vacation Security Checks, Wait Staff, Chefs and Bartenders.

“Lifestyle management, having the right people in the right place at the right time can be the solution to most of your problems.” She has been referred to by her clients as a "the phantom" or "the magician"

 "I'm the paid family member, there's no tally of I owe you's or you owe me, no favors to call in". You (the customer)  go through your day uninterpreted,  She handles it all. The biggest compliment she feels is the level of trust her clients put in her. The majority of her business is referrals and having a new potential customer call and say "Jessie, said I absolutely have to get in touch with you, you are the best, your spot on reliable, and never disappoint." Well that's just an advertisement that is worth more than gold to me.

Her clients turn to Ann Marie to manage their properties, plan events and provide professional contractors for a variety of jobs, big or small. Corporations to individuals, she has the experience, the staff and the network to get it done. 

So when you are in a tailspin over the upcoming holidays and thinking, about the new carpets coming, decorating, finding a caterer and getting your mom to the doctors and wondering "how on earth will I ever get all this done" Pick up your phone and dial 973-919-7430, Ann Marie is the first call to making miracles happen. 

Crystal Concierge, LLC

Ann Marie Miskewicz 

Lifestyle Management Company

5 Spyglass Hill Unit 6

Vernon, NJ 07462

973-919-7430

Topics: Lifestyle Management Company
2 min read

Renaissance Full Service Salon Hardyston NJ Local spotlight

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Nov 2, 2018 9:15:56 AM

Renaissance Full Service Salon

For Michele Paradise; studio owner and stylist, opening Renaissance was a dream come true. Michele has been a stylist, “enhancer of beauty” for over 20 years.

You will surely recognize her the moment you walk in and meet her. She’s been making magic with hair throughout the county in local beauty salons for quite awhile. She’s always loved working with people, creating and producing beautiful results.  

Topics: local spotlight fullservice salon hamburg nj hardyston nj local business spotlight
3 min read

From Piper's Desk:  What's New in November 2017

By Bill DeBoer Jr on Nov 28, 2017 10:25:00 AM