You asked for homes in the newsletter - and this week I found a doozy. If you wanted to live in Monmouth County - this one is for you. It is affordable, listed at $450K, and features 3BR/2BA on a 1 acre lot in the quaint town of Farmingdale.

Check it out on Zillow!

Whether for your Valentine or Gal-entine, Kind Hive has a collection of some of the cleanest burning candles on the market! Not only do the candles burn clean, they are beautiful, sustainable, and help villagers in Vietnam.

Every fragrance used is cruelty-free, Prop 65 ingredients free, carcinogen-free, vegan, phthalate-free, parabens-free, mutagen-free, skin safe, and contains no reproductive, organ or acute toxins.

Yep - no yucky stuff here! Ask about free delivery in the Monmouth County area! Custom and wholesale orders are available!

Visit Kind Hive today and use the code wander to get 10% off - or check out their events calendar to find us at a local market.

Why not join your local American Legion? It is a great way for veterans to stay connected with people who "get it" – building friendships, helping fellow vets navigate benefits, and giving back to the community through volunteer work.

Many legions have a variety of fundraisers and events that are fun - and affordable! It has become on of my favorite places to chill, listen to some music, have a drink - and make new friends.

Sons of the American Legion Post 321 in Union Beach is hosting their monthly breakfast this Sunday from 8am-12pm. Get the pancakes - you won’t be disappointed!

See where there is a legion near you.

Proof the kids will be alright.

A Delbarton junior named Christian Barravecchio and his siblings, Michael and Alexa, started a nonprofit called Impactful Changemakers. The whole thing began when they watched their grandfather struggle with dementia, it hit them hard. This inspired Christian to start volunteering at a local nursing home where he would walk a service dog around to visit residents.

He noticed how powerful those moments of companionship were for people with cognitive issues, but the problem was it wasn't consistent. He got his sister Alexa involved, and what started as volunteering turned into this whole family mission. Now they've raised enough money through community fundraising and local sponsors to donate 20 of these really cool therapeutic animatronic pets—they're lifelike cats, dogs, and birds that respond to voice and touch with realistic sounds and movements.

Research shows they actually help with mood and anxiety in dementia patients, giving them comfort when family or staff can't always be there. They have done enough work and fundraising to be able to to donate 20 companion pets to the Renaissance nursing home in Lincoln Park. Another donation is expected in the Spring. Christian's dream is to create a model that other students can replicate in their communities, expanding this work wherever they go.