Sen. Andrew Kim on The Sandwich Generation, Aging in Montclair, Plus the Results Are (Finally) In

Are you feeling "squeezed"? This week, we’re tackling the "Sandwich Generation"—that unique, often exhausting stage of life where you’re simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising young children. We’re joined by Senator Andrew Kim, who shares his firsthand experience navigating his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis while parenting two young boys.

We also bring in the experts: Elder Law attorney Laurie Hauptman gives us the "Sandwich Generation" survival guide for estate planning, and psychotherapist Maris

Pasquale Doran teaches us how to regulate our nervous systems when the world feels like it’s on fire. Finally, we sit down with Lynda Hollander, President of Aging in Montclair, to discuss how our town is (and isn't) supporting its seniors.

Senator Andy Kim: The Personal Side of Policy

Senator Kim opens up about the "catastrophic" financial reality of elder care. He discusses the emotional weight of moving his father out of his home and why he’s fighting for policy changes that support the millions of families currently being squeezed by the healthcare system.

The "Granddude" Odyssey

Mike shares the deeply personal story of his father, the "Granddude." Ten years ago, a fainting spell led to a decade-long medical journey involving brain bleeds, multiple surgeries, and the staggering expense of long-term care. It's a raw look at how these life-changing events never happen on your own schedule.

Expert Advice: Pockets & Presence

• Laurie Hauptman: Why you shouldn't wait for a crisis to start elder care planning. She breaks down VA benefits and the five things every family needs to do now.
• Maris Pasquale Doran: How to handle the "fight or flight" response when a parent is in decline. Plus, her advice on having the "Being Mortal" conversation with your parents before it's too late.

Local News: The BOE Meltdown & Lackawanna

• The Results are (Finally) In: After weeks of legal challenges and manual recounts, the March 10th school referendum results are officially certified. We break down the final tally and what this means for the district's borrowing power.
• Renaissance Closes: We recap the emotional "meltdown" at the last Board of Education meeting where the vote to close Renaissance Middle School was finalized.
• Lackawanna Delay: Why the tax deal for the Lackawanna Plaza redevelopment is stalled again—and the potential for PILOT money to be diverted to our schools.
• Porchfest 2026: Mark your calendars for May 16th!

Links & Resources

• Guest: Learn more about Senator Andy Kim at kim.senate.gov.
• Legal Help: Find resources and free articles at HauptmanLaw.com.
• Wellness: Connect with Maris Pasquale Doran at marispasqualedoran.com.
• Senior Support: Join the conversation at AgingInMontclair.org.
• Lifelong Montclair: Access Township senior services, the Do-Drop-In schedule, and the Senior Bus at MontclairNJUSA.org/Senior-Services.
• The MILL: High-level classes for adults 55+ at PartnersFDN.org.
• BOE Coverage: Read the full story about the reaction to the Renaissance closure at TAPinto Montclair.
• Read: My Mother’s Money by Beth Pinsker, CFP
• Watch the Show: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• Newsletter: Sign up for the Montclair Pod Weekly.

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