20 / matters magazine / winter 2019 office with a problem, she’d often say, “Let’s talk about life. Put it into some perspective.” Then she’d help them de- termine how to solve it. She says that most kids aren’t plan- ners so she’d counsel, “Be logical. Would you ever stop watching a movie in the middle? Play out some of your plans in your head. See where it goes instead of stopping in the middle, get- ting frustrated, getting anxious, want- ing to kill yourself.” By coming up with a talking plan and practicing it with Cohen, students were better pre- pared to resolve issues on their own. Cohen laughs about her ability to help kids solve problems. “It’s not be- cause I’m so terrific. It’s because I’m so old. I’ve lived. I get it.” Fallyn Balassone, who worked with Judi Cohen was feted with a party at the CHS library. L:R: Judi with son Daniel and former student assistance counselor, Jen Clarke; Cohen's mother, Regina Gomer, and aunt, Judie Gomer; Louise Goldsmith and her son traveled from Massachussets to wish Cohen well; colleagues wrote notes of appreciation on Jenga blocks; the guidance department says farewell. See more events at www.SOPACnow.org Buy Tickets Today! www.SOPACnow.org | (973) 313-2787 South orange Performing artS Center one SoPaC Way, South orange nJ 07079 the high KingS SUN, MAR 3 AT 7:30PM Four extraordinary Irish Folk singers who celebrate the joy of traditional Celtic ballads and bring to brilliant life their own original songs. the SubdudeS THU, MAR 7 AT 7:30PM The New Orleans natives serve up an irresistible blend of Folk, swamp Pop, New Orleans Rhythm & Blues, Louisiana Blues, Country, Cajun/Zydeco and Funk with harmonies that always deliver. del mCCoury & david griSman- “del & daWg” WED, MAR 20 AT 7:30PM Del & Dawg celebrates the nearly 50-year Bluegrass friendship that these two legendary musicians have shared. CoCo montoya & tinSley elliS FRI, APR 5 AT 8PM Fiery guitar licks and passionate vocals are the hallmarks of these musical wizards. Coco and Tinsley will leave you breathless with this once-in-a-lifetime Blues double-bill. John Pizzarelli: a Centennial Celebration of nat King Cole SAT, APR 13 AT 8PM World-renowned guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing Jazz.” oleta adamS FRI, MAY 17 AT 8PM Since the runaway success of her 1990 debut album Circle of One and the impassioned hit single “Get Here,” Oleta Adams has inspired a growing legion of fans around the world. loS loboS SAT, MAR 30 AT 8PM Ritchie Valens’ iconic “La Bamba” was Los Lobos first major hit. The band continues to meld Rock, Blues, Tex-Mex, & Mexican Folk for their legions of fans.