Have you heard of the Move Over Law?  Although it has been in effect in New Jersey since January 2009, it seems that few drivers pay attention to the Mover Over Law (39:4-92.2).  When you see flashing lights on the side of the road, slow down, and if it’s safe to do so, Move Over – away from police, fire crews, paramedics and tow truck drivers.  The DMV is conducting a campaign to raise awareness of this law. Check out their website to learn more.

Ignoring the law can result in a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500.  Listen to some stories of service people who have lost their lives by those who have neglected to Move Over.  Please stay attentive and drive safely to keep our protectors and roadside helpers safe. 

Thank you...to all the wonderful people that supported the Garden State Woman Education Foundation 7th Annual Awards Luncheon on March 23 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. More than 300 guests attended to honor our twenty six awardees. As usual, it was a wonderful day with family, friends and professional acquaintances joining together. This year we were glad to welcome three of our scholars, Bria Barnes, Nana Marfo and Mahmuda Choudhury. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, we honored the New Jersey leaders and welcomed from Girl Scouts USA, Kathy Cloninger, who spoke about her new book, Tough Cookie. A community outreach award was presented to the national accounting firm, Rothstein Kass, for their generous support of the 2011-2012 scholarship fund.

Thank you...to the New Leaders Council for honoring me with the 2012 Progressive Media Leadership Award which was presented last week in Princeton. The NLC-NJ is a newly formed chapter of the national New Leaders Council which trains the next generation of entrepreneur leadership. More information can be found on their website.

Thank you... to all our loyal followers and website (www.gardenstatewoman.com) readers for your continued interest. We are refreshing the website and will have lots of interesting things coming up.

The commonality is me, Judy Chapman.  I had an amazing day yesterday in NYC. The day began, after getting a 7:45 am train from Gladstone,  at an event sponsored by Rothstein Kass.  To announce the results of a recent study of opportunities for women in alternative investments, the firm – hosted by partner Rosalie Mandel – invited key women in the financial sector to a private viewing of the auction items of Elizabeth Taylor. An impressive  collection of jewels, artwork and clothing.  The event included a wonderful  lunch and interesting program in connection with the LIFE program at Rothstein Kass.

Upon leaving Christies – even though  it was raining – I checked out the Christmas Tree and the ice skaters at Rockefeller Center.  Having time, and to get out of the rain,  I made my way toward the Discovery  Museum.  Would  you believe that in the sub basement of this building you can enjoy treats from the Cakebox!!  This is where the gift shop for the museum is located and also the Cakebox Café. Carlos is not just in Hoboken.

We had been invited to a private showing of a new exhibit at the Discovery Museum of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This is a dynamic, powerful exhibit which explores  the early history of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and their common beliefs.   The collection of artifacts along with the remnants of the scrolls provides a picture of a much earlier time in our history.

To finish off the day, we found a Korean vegan restaurant on Park Avenue where we explored the menu and had a healthy dinner;  back to Long Valley and completion of a 17 hour day.

For many it may be difficult to feel a deep sense of gratitude during this Thanksgiving season.

The world seems filled with negative thoughts and actions and it is hard to keep up a spirit of optimism when everything around us seems so filled with despair. For just these reasons it is very important to be a positive voice in the darkness. Find those things that are truly amazing. For example have you thought recently about birds? Have you marveled at the self sufficiency of these wonderful creatures that are so important to our health and well being. Have you ever heard a bird complain because it cannot find a meal? Have you neglected to fill the bird feeder so the birds that depend on you have a dependable food source? Have you noticed how busy the squirrels are getting ready for winter? Look around you at the natural world – it is very resilient. I think we need to get our inspiration from the rhythm of nature. Be uplifted by the examples of nature rather than the ugly misdeeds of humans. Be thankful that you live on this remarkable planet. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Judy

I seldom take the time to respond to articles with which I disagree but recently I did because I thought the proposed idea was destructive to anyone that might heed this advice.

A recent NAWBO SmartBrief (August 31, 2011) which crossed my desk contained advice under Best Practices that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Entitled "How to Ensure Your Startup Is a Success — No Matter What Happens" Penelope Trunk presents the theory that you should shape your start-up exit story to set up your next success. "...frame the story so it benefits you," writes Trunk. "No one needs to know whether the startup flopped or whether you were forced out, or if the company wasn't making money. The story you tell afterward can help you get what you want next. This is not lying. This is admitting that there are 10 versions of every story." (read the full text at BNET/The Windup.blog (8/29))

First of all, this advice shows an incredibly naïve knowledge of the information age that we live in. The idea that you can manipulate your history went out with whiteout. Secondly, there was a time when we were taught that honesty was the best policy. Because the internet and the national media massage the facts does not make it good practice for any individual trying to build a business.

I would like to have your opinion. Maybe I am just too old fashioned. Send me your thoughts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or better yet, let's get a debate going on LinkedIn.

Two things are noticeably missing when we look at the crowd running things in Washington. We don't have enough talented, top level, capable women and we certainly don't have enough men with experience at successfully managing large national and international organizations.

Our states' and national government are being managed by people with obvious skill raising money and getting elected and then re-elected (unless they really mess up like Anthony Weiner!). With few exceptions, none have ever had serious bottom line responsibility for anything! What have any of them accomplished or grown?

What we are going through with the horrible lack of jobs, the diving stock market, escalating health care costs, terrible education system and the lowering of America's credit rating, which will hurt us all, is a disgrace and a direct reflection on the incompetent, self-serving leaders we have elected to run this country. I do not have a political party ax to grind. Republicans, Tea Party members, Independents and Democrats, they are all essentially the same. All poor leaders, with very limited skills, taking us down a very slippery slope from which it will be hard to recover without a great deal of pain for us and our succeeding generations.

In my opinion, America is nothing more and nothing less than a "big international business." It should be led and managed as such. Like any large organization America has:

· expenses to be managed and costs to be controlled

· revenues to be generated

The Garden State Woman Education Foundation (GSWEF) has developed a novel approach to breaking down resistence to networking.  Hosted by  Judy Chapman, Founder of Garden State Woman, veteran networker Jack Killion shared tips on how he approaches networking.  The workshop was held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park.

The purpose of the workshop, attended by corporate as well as individual business people, was to stimulate the thinking of the participants on innovative ways to use networking opportunities to enhance their professional as well as private lives. The two hour morning session was the latest education program offered by the GSWEF.  Participants were invited to send in their expectations for the event beforehand. The interactive program was tailored for the attendees which included a job seeking MBA graduate; one of the scholarship recipients from Garden State Women; as well as a variety of others with specific goals and objectives.  

Comments from the group: ...take a chance, you never know...if you don't plan it, it won't happen...be open to new opportunities...get out of your comfort zone...don't be afraid of cold calls...always follow up...how can I help you. 

To arrange a presentation for your organization, contact Judy at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 908-8797143

Former Governor Christine Todd Whitman was in attendance last week at the 2011 Governor's Conference which she created along with the input of Jeannine LaRue. I attended that first conference (one of 100) which was held at Skylands in Randolph. This year the conference attracted 1400 and was held in the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Breakfast speaker Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno challenged women to not be afraid to wear pink and high heels. Dressed in a muted pink suit which she modeled for the crowd, she shared the story of being told - when elected sheriff of Monmouth County - "they" did not want their sheriff to wear pink or to wear high heels. Incidently she was the first woman in the country to be elected sherrif.  She admitted that she did not then, but in her current role as the first Lt. Governor, she does wear pink and high heels.

The luncheon speaker, Star Jones, who grew up in the projects in New Jersey, was introduced by Lori Grifa, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. Sharing a personal connection with the TV Personality, Host, Author and former Prosecutor Star Jones, Ms. Grifa assured the group that this event would provide educational workshops, motivational stories and networking opportunities.

The importance of networking as a tool for growing a business and expanding your personal growth was stressed throughout the day.  With this in mind I invite you to sign up for the Garden State Woman Networking Workshop on Friday, May 20, 2011 from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. Sign up at www.gswoman.com

How often in the course of a day's events do you come across the opportunity to seek advice? Often you are looking for validation of a decision. Do you have a network of people that you trust, that you know are confidants? This is particularly challenging when you are faced with a business decision. What are the resources that you have available?

Is there someone with expertise that you can consult? Too often we do not focus on building a network of personal as well as professional resources. Traditionally women rely on a network of "girl friends" to serve as a sounding board. This will be helpful as long as the friend understands the big picture with which you are dealing.

Being diligent about building a reliable network is key. It does not just happen. It requires thought and planning. Join Garden State Woman on Friday, May 20, 2011 from 8:30 am to 11 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park for tips from a master networker, Jack Killion. Sign up here.

A special thank you to everyone who supported the 6th Annual Garden State Woman Awards Luncheon on March 18 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. From the special ambiance of the historic Park Avenue Club to the warmth and enthusiasm generated by professional connections and family and friends of the honorees, the day was truly special. The event was seamless and the 260 guests all had high praise for the benefit which is sponsored by the Garden State Woman Education Foundation.

Our annual "Gets It" award was presented by last year's honoree, Patricia Bell, to this year's honoree, Ruth Lipper.

Photos can be seen at www.gswoman.com; click on Women Leaders and select Woman of the Year.

We are ready to party. The 6th Annual Garden State Woman Awards Luncheon is set for Friday, March 18 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. An amazing group of nominees were presented to the selection committee. From that prestigious group, women who demonstrated a lifestyle that directly affected women and girls in their professional and private lives were selected as honorees. As usual, the committee found it difficult to single out individuals because everyone was worthy. The complete list of honorees can be found at here.

Several new activities have been added this year. There will be a Young Leaders recognition for high school and college age young women. Another new feature will be a silent auction that will offer an awesome collection of items for bidding. These include a Stratton (Vt.) Mountain 3 night Getaway; a Private Wine Tasting; a Goldendoddle (Golden Retreiver/Poodle) Male Puppy; Astrological Forecast; Private Soccer Sessions; Jewelry Appraisal; Image Consultation; Basking Ridge Country Club Fouresome;Park Avenue Club Membership; nature prints; Gourmet Chocolate specialities.

More than 200 guests have registered. No registration at the door. More details here.

This has been a long, tough winter. When you live on a farm it is particularly taxing if you have animals that need to be tended to. Snow is difficult but ice is dangerous and just walking takes twice as long as usual. Keeping water from freezing requires constant attention.

You are aware of the raw beauty of nature and the power of weather. It truly makes you realize how inconsequential humans are in the natural rythme of every day and you become aware of creatures that we take for granted. Once in a while I catch a glimpse of a fox diligently looking for a meal. It is always fascinating to examine fresh prints in the snow. I have spent considerable time and money taking care of birds and a few squirrels. Among the birds I have recognized in the last few weeks are a pair of cardinals; four doves, two blue jays, 3 woodpeckers and many small birds that I couldn't identify. Did you know that birds have different flight patterns?Also, the larger birds are able to perch in a leafless tree but the young, smaller birds seek the safety of a large evergreen. As I think about nature I wonder when humans will learn from all the wonderful creatures that we are fortunate to share the planet with. Let me know what birds you have seen this winter.

On behalf of the trustees of the Garden State Woman Education Foundation we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the friends of Garden State Woman who have supported our efforts this year. In these tough economic times we are especially grateful for so many loyal friends.

Just like many small business, it is a challenge to keep the doors open. It would be easy to say  "This is too hard." After more than twelve years of basically being the voice of New Jersey women, we know how important this work is. It will be increasingly important in 2011, particularly in getting out solid information about the trends in health care. We are putting together a conference on April 30, 2011 that promises to be unique. Innovations in health care will be the theme. The delivery of health care is changing. Many believe the future of health care is technology. We all recognize that major changes are before us as we all struggle to come to grips with escalating costs.

One thing is certain. Each individual is going to be expected to take personal responsibility for lifestyle choices that affect their health. Prevention is the word. Being a smart consumer is key to a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Ingredients that help us age gracefully include: an active, inquisitive mind; low levels of stress; an awareness of family health issues; a balanced diet and a regular exercise plan. These are the minimum ingredients that need to be in your life.
As you get ready for a New Year, make resolutions that you will keep. Give your health and your family's health the top resolution. We plan to give you lots of encouragement and tips, so keep clicking on gswoman.com for support of your healthy lifestyle.

A personal note. It is impossible to express my appreciation to The Provident Bank Foundation for the on going financial support they have provided to the Garden State Woman Education Foundation. Their grants have enabled us to continue to provide scholarship aid to six inner city girls studying at Rutgers New Brunswick. These students are amazing and their work ethic enviable. People helping people is the distinguishing characteristic of the human race. Happy Holidays.

As we move into the thick of the holiday gift shopping season I would like to share a shopping tip.

Look carefully at the stores who are discounting sharply. I have noticed that the "sale items" seem to have their original price inflated to the extent that the discounted or sale price just brings the cost down to where it was originally. For example, I was in a shop this weekend looking at men's sweaters. The tag read $350 with a 70% discount, bringing the cost of the sweater to $105 which is more realistic than $350. That pricing is not particularly competitive but it is an effective come on to get you in the store. The issue for all of us is "time". It is disturbing that marketing people have so little respect for consumers that they will contrive to attract customers hoping that they will believe the hype that the store is doing something to help consumers in a tough economy. I think the old adage "buyer beware" is particularly relevant in 2010.

On a happier note, try to have a stress free pre Holiday adventure, don't waste time shopping – accept the fact that you cannot win – have a budget and pick out gifts you like. Remember to have fun.

Smiles ....while driving down Rte 78 recently jockeying for position on the 3 lane speedway, we came upon a conservative driver who had a license plate that made us smile, OGROWUP. We can think of many instances where this applies, but Road Rage is certainly one.

One of the positive benefits of tough economic times is that we look among our friends and family for resources. Our value system rotates as we head into the holiday season. Gifts are symbolic of the value we place on friends and loved ones. Often the symbolism far outweighs the dollar value of the gift. Sharing a new idea, a new adventure, a new acquaintance are personal gifts that are priceless. Showing interest in the lives of those around us is a priceless gift. The gift of time is a priceless gift. The old fashioned idea that "little things mean a lot" is really not so old fashioned.

As you get caught up in the cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, take time to give some hugs, smile a lot and share happy thoughts. These are the gifts you can give that mean so much to everyone that you come in contact with.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and friends from all of us at Garden State Woman.

I just received an email from my friend JoAnn Dixon sharing a precious moment as a mom and a golfer.

JoAnn played in a charity golf event Sunday at Minebrook with her youngest son. Even if you do not know anything about golf you have probably heard the expression "a hole in one" which loosely translates to getting the little white ball in the little round hole with one swing of a golf club.

This is not something that happens often – JoAnn said the last time she remembers getting a hole in one, she was too young to appreciate the accomplishment. Now, a mature, experienced golfer she totally appreciates the uniqueness of her accomplishment. Not to be outdone by his mother, Peter won closest ball to the pin and they came away as the #1 team. For a mom and a golfer it does not get better than that. Congratulations to JoAnn and Peter – we admire your skill.

Annually, August 26th commemorates the passage in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which gave women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a peaceful civil rights movement that began in 1848 with the first organized women's assembly for equal rights. It took 72 years for the legislation to be enacted. The women who lobbied for this were known as suffragists –a voting tablet in ancient times.

Interestingly, the women of New Zealand were granted the right to vote in 1893. More information can be found on the website National Women's History Project www.nwhp.org

Even though it is summer and we expect things to be slower than usual, we are busy as bees getting ready for an action filled fall season.

First on our schedule is some retail therapy with Bloomingdales in October. We are participating in a two day event for non-profits.  Stay tuned for details. We could use some volunteers to help staff a table at Bloomingdales in Bridgewater. If you can spare a 4 hour shift, contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The other big event we have planned is our 5th annual Health/ Wellness/ Networking conference on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the corporate campus of sanofi-aventis in Bridgewater. This is going to be an information packed event that you will not want to miss. Keep checking www.gswoman.com for details.

Please be thinking of nominations for our Women of the Year Awards. You can find nomination information and forms on the web site.

We will be scheduling several networking events as well. Keep checking the web site.

I recently read the book The New 10 by Dawn McIntyre which I received as a review copy. The cover line is "40 days to creating a boldly beautiful life from the inside out". The author explains her motivation for writing the book. "Believing that I was fat and ugly for the majority of my life, affected my sense of self-worth and self-esteem to the degree that I kept repeating self sabotaging patterns until even the pain of that became too unbearable. I began to witness the same patterns in women and teens all around me and so, in the name of all you women and teens, this program comes from my heart to yours."
Ms. McIntyre is a Professional Spiritual Intuitive leading men and women into higher states of expression and beauty consciousness.
Dawn begins the book remembering the first time she had heard a woman referred to as a "10." It was 1979 and Bo Derek became the "official" standard for beauty. It included being tall and blonde, having a golden tan, a killer smile and a body that looked dynamite in a bathing suit. That's about all there was – an outer beauty that created a global sensation. Men quickly began ranking the women they knew from 1 – 10. Women began to judge themselves by the same standards and began to care more about what they looked like rather than who they were. A number now defined our worth.
How much progress have we made since 1979? Have we successfully redefined beauty? What value system do we teach our children? Lots of food for thought and discussion.

This coming weekend is one of the highlights of summer. It is an excuse to collect family and friends for a day of fun. The Fourth of July – mainly because of the fireworks – is a day of national celebration. This year there is the bonus of Monday as a day off from work. Red, White and Blue are the colors of the day. In true American style, tablecloths, napkins, paper plates and cups pick up the color motif. Food for the day usually calls for a barbeque of hamburgers, hot dogs, etc as well as corn on the cob and steamed clams.
Dessert can be watermelon or other seasonal fruits. In New Jersey, the garden state, we have lots of "Jersey Fresh" produce from local farm markets.
The holiday is celebrated as Independence Day. I think the holiday has additional meaning this year. As we celebrate, let's remember our men and women in harm's way around the world. Even though we celebrate the accomplishments that gave us our freedom, we owe today's service men and women a debt of gratitude. We remember the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice with the loss of loved ones. We salute our fellow citizens who have returned from combat wounded physically and emotionally. As we fly old glory – remember that the red, white and blue of the American Flag stands for all those freedoms that we hold dear. With all our shortcomings, we live in the greatest nation on earth. Happy Birthday America.