CNJ+ May 2026

OUTDOOR TRANSFORMATIONS

Timmy’s Story: A SENSORY FRIENDLY BIRTHDAY By, Pam Teel Young Author Tim Rohrer, who has overcome many obstacles in his life due to his autism, is set to release his second children’s book. The book is a sequel to his first book, Timmy’s Story: A Story About Autism and Friendship . His first book, focuses on inclusion, and is based on his own past life experiences. His second book, Timmy’s Story: A Sensory Friendly Birthday, also is a reflection of his past, and teaches one about autism through the eyes of someone who lived it. For those with autism, sensory sensitivities may make birthday parties difficult to enjoy. Tim’s second book tells a true story, with that in mind, about how his teacher and his classmates made his birthday party one that he could enjoy. Tim’s brother Daniel, who is a senior at Allentown High School, is doing his senior practicum helping behind the scenes of “Tips4Inclusion.” He did the book editing for his brother. Tim has not only become an author but a speaker, self-advocate, and educator of disabilities. He has been asked to speak at schools, conferences, and has also received a commendation from the NJ State Senate and Assemblymen. He is also a managing partner of a teen founded nonprof it organization called 5Help Foundation. To learn more about Tim and the amazing resources he created, check out his website at: https://tips4inclusion.wixsite.com/disabilityinclusion. Tim’s new book is now available to purchase on Amazon. FURNITURE & DESIGN TRENDS | SPACES space. Are you looking for a space to grill and prepare food? Or maybe you desire a comfy area to relax with your favorite beverage. If your space is large enough, carve out designated areas for both. space. If you are designing an expansive patio, consider adding a pergola with lush A great outdoor space makes all A great outdoor space makes all the dif ference in a home. Give yours a makeover, keeping in mind the following tips and tricks. CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS First and foremost, designing your out door space requires careful reflection on how you intend to use the space. Are you looking for a space to grill and prepare food? Or maybe you desire a comfy area to relax with your favorite beverage. If your space is large enough, carve out designated areas for both. TAKE THE INDOORS OUTSIDE Pick furniture in a design similar to couches and inside pieces, and ar range seating areas like living rooms. On the same note, be sure that you bring nature into your space. If you are designing an expansive patio, consider adding a pergola with lush greens growing over a seating area. Add large planters spilling over with bright flowers to your deck. The idea is to meld the indoors with the outdoors in a way that marries the beauty of mother nature with the crea ture comforts of the indoors.

SET THE MOOD Lighting sets the mood, and there are many options at your disposal. String bistro lights, add large lanterns to the deck and on end tables or trade outdat ed door sconces with new, contemporary ones. Line walkways with solar lights for safe foot traffic and consider landscape up-light ing on bushes or larger arrangements. Tiki torches also can be a fun touch — and help keep pesky bugs away. EMBRACE BOLD PRINTS The outdoors is the space to show off your

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the difference in a home. Give yours a makeover, keeping in mind the following tips and tricks. Outdoor Transformations

creativity, so unleash it. There is something about fresh air and sunshine that pairs well with bright colors and bold prints. Look for an outdoor rug in a fun pattern and seat cushions and throw pillows in different, comple mentary hues. Remember that you can replace items such as cushions and throw pillows every few years, so don’t be afraid of picking something too bold or trendy. By the time you tire of a color or pattern, it will be time to get something new.

to show off your creativity, so unleash it. There is something about fresh air and sunshine that pairs well with bright col ors and bold prints. Look for an outdoor rug in a fun pat tern and seat cushions and throw pillows in different, complementary hues. Remember that you can replace items such as cush ions and throw pillows every few years, so don’t be afraid of picking something too bold or trendy. By the time you tire of a color or pattern, it will be time to get something new.

your disposal. String bistro lights, add large lanterns to the deck and on end tables or trade outdat ed door sconces with new, contemporary ones. Line walkways with solar lights for safe foot traffic and consider landscape up-light ing on bushes or larger arrangements. Tiki torches also can be a fun touch — and help keep pesky bugs away. EMBRACE BOLD PRINTS The outdoors is the space

greens growing over a seating area. Add large planters spill ing over with bright flowers to your deck. The idea is to meld the indoors with the outdoors in a way that marries the beauty of mother nature with the creature comforts of the indoors. SET THE MOOD Lighting sets the mood, and there are many options at

TAKE THE INDOORS OUTSIDE Pick furniture in a design similar to couches and inside pieces, and arrange seating areas like living rooms. On the same note, be sure that you bring nature into your

CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS First and foremost, design ing your outdoor space requires careful reflection on how you intend to use the

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MAY 2023

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