Talk of the Town Holiday 2019 by Bergen County the Magazine

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

HOLIDAY 2019 • Complimentary Issue

www.bcthemag.com

Forward Progress Put A Bow On It Gift ideas for everyone on your list

Hostess With The ‘Mostest’ Five do-it-yourself edible party gifts

Giving Guide Help neighbors that are less fortunate

Augie Hoffmann Molds His Players On and Off The Field

INTRODUCTION

HOLIDAY 2019 Publishers Steven & Sharon Goldstein Associate Publisher Brandon Goldstein Editorial Director Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo Design Director Jessica LaPlaca-Bruno Fashion Director Candace Kristin

Contributing Stylist Jorge Hernandez, Sal Lauretta for Men, Midland Park Contributing Photographer Nick Gagliano, Studio Uno, Ridgefield Park Contributing Writers Kevin Czerwinski Tara DeLorenzo Brandon Goldstein Joseph Gratkowski Tara Ippolito-Lafontant Richard Posluszny Michele Weinstein

2019 WINNER

Find us at www.talkofthetownmag.com. Talk of the Town is published two times a year by BC The Magazine. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to 297101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com. For advertising and information, call (201) 694-5197 or (201) 694-5196. For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com. Copyright 2019. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

2017 WINNER

G, T

he holidays are upon us, and no time will challenge us to remain gentlemen more than these next few weeks. As I sit here typing this, I’ve received over 20 emails telling me there is a sale on something, whether it be shoes, TVs or flowers, you name it. Then, I hop in my car, and sit in traffic because for some reason, people need new TVs, more shoes or flowers out there, too! For about one month, it is an endless display of greed, starting literal hours after we sit around a table with our friends and family and act like we are thankful for something. I may sound like a real Grinch here, but I promise, I love gift giving and receiving as much as anyone else. As with my scotch drinking though, there are limits to everything. Speaking of becoming better men, our cover subject, Augie Hoffmann, is a man who’s focused on doing just that – albeit on the gridiron. As the head football coach of St. Joseph Regional High School, Augie has been tasked with continuing St. Joseph’s football prowess while simultaneously molding his players from 14year-old boys to 18-year-old men. His journey has come full circle from St. Joseph’s player to the NFL, and now he’s back making sure St. Joseph Regional is better than ever. Speaking of storied organizations, Cadillac has been the Cadillac of American automobiles for over 50 years. We take a look at the timeline that has brought us the classic El Dorado and see where they’re headed in the 21st century. The holidays aren’t just about spiked eggnog. In this issue, we look to find some great whiskies where you’d least expect them: Japan. As Asian economies have refined, so too have their peoples’ palates. Now, we have the opportunity to enjoy some of Japan’s best exports. As we approach the New Year, we do like to remind you, and ourselves, of the many people out there who aren’t as fortunate as us. Yes, some brought it upon themselves, but we aren’t here to grandstand. However, there are many who face realities completely out of their control, and our great community can be there to pick them up and dust them off. Our Giving Guide serves as a great resource for you to connect with some of the great local charities serving to make our community stronger. Lastly, the presents. We compiled a great list of stuff we hope you haven’t seen before, but will look great under the tree regardless. On this year’s hotlist: things with electric motors (of course), watches and a few cool gadgets that will set you a part from all your neighbors – that, we promise you. With my glass of Hibiki 12-year raised in the air, I wish you the happiest of holidays. Cheers, gentlemen.

Brandon Goldstein Associate Publisher @bcthemag

TABLE OF CONTENTS 8

GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO EATING AND DRINKING A Slice of History

Elmwood Park’s Pizza Town U.S.A. Has Been Around Since 1958 But This Jersey Institution Never Gets Old

Limited Edition Holiday Foods You Should Try

AL DENTE DIVA Al Dente Diva’s Edible Party Gifts

Forward Progress

AUTO Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Augie Hoffmann Molds His Players On and Off The Field

The Story of a 700-Horsepower Sport-Utility Vehicle

Talk of the Town’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide

American Luxury: A Cadillac Story

Japanese Whisky

If You Thought English Speakers Were The Only People Who Made This Spirit, You Were Wrong

Talk of the Town’s Giving Guide

Share Your Generosity with Worthy Area Charities

On The Cover: Styled by Jorge Hernandez of Sal Lauretta for Men in Midland Park, Augie Hoffmann is wearing a Gimo shearling coat, which is available at Sal Lauretta for Men.

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Gentleman’s Guide to Eating & Drinking

A Slice of History Elmwood Park’s Pizza Town U.S.A. has been around since 1958 but this Jersey institution never gets old

By Tara DeLorenzo

ack in 1958, Raymond Tomo was working with his brothers at Tomoco Produce, a produce supplier. He was driving around Route 46 one day and fell in love with the area, which was about 90 percent farmland at the time. America is the land of opportunity, and Tomo saw one. He was in his early 30s, and he decided to take a chance: He opened Pizza Town U.S.A. in Elmwood Park. Since then, the pizza landscape in New Jersey – make that the world – has never been the same. “Up until then, other than the boardwalk, you couldn’t buy pizza by the slice,” said Tomo’s daughter Michele, who now runs the business with her siblings Bruce and Lisa. “You’d have to go to an Italian restaurant, and they didn’t really have zeppoles or calzones in New Jersey, so he introduced them as well. He loved [Italian food]. He grew up having pizza at the local Italian restaurants and he’s Italian. That alone [was enough].” From there, a business built on tradition and family values blossomed, and it has attracted customers from the entire world. “When people come back to the area, it’s the first stop they make and they’re so happy. It’s like coming home and it’s exactly as it was 20 or 30 years ago, and that is a very proud moment because we’ve kept that going,” Michele said. “Also we’ve had people travel to come and get our pie. We have a customer who went back and forth from Japan constantly because of business and those Japanese people would say bring over pizza and he wanted to open a franchise in Japan because so many were eating our pizza. It has been craved internationally.”

Pizza Town has received a tremendous amount of critical acclaim over the years., Joe Causi of WCBS-FM placed Pizza Town on his list of the best pizza places in the tri-state area. In 2009, The Star-Ledger placed a late-night slice from Pizza Town on its list of “20 Jersey Food Experiences You Must Try Before You Die.” Pizza Town was also featured in “A Slice of Jersey: Your Ultimate Guide to Pizza in the Garden State,” by Peter Genovese. The Tomo family and Pizza Town deserve every single one of these accolades. All of their success stems from the idea of keeping things just as they were for all this time. “A lot of people change things and their product becomes inferior. It’s the con-

sistent fresh-made product that kept it going. People love the flavors and they want that flavor for the last 57 years,” explained Michele. “[We want to] keep it just as my father set it up. When he asked us to take it over, his only request was to keep it exactly as he set it up, and he asked us not to change a thing. So, the future is to keep going with my father’s dream.” Michele, Bruce and Lisa have abided by their father’s values. Hard work, cleanliness and speedy service – without those things, the business would not continue to thrive. Raymond Tomo also stressed one more thing: affordability. “My father’s basic thing is we have to make it affordable for families,” Michele said. “It always has to be the best food at the best price.” The Tomo family will continue to carry on their father’s vision as the years keep flying by. “My father just had a vision and through his mother and recipes, he figured out the best product he can make and that’s where his flavors came from,” said Michele. “He’s the driving force of the business. It was his idea. It was his vision. He came up with the product the way it is and he still checks it. His children are just helping carry on his vision.” No legendary eating establishment can make it this far without loyal customers. Over the years, the Tomo family has heard all about wonderful relationships, marriages and new families that have started. Each day, a new generation of Pizza Town lovers is born. “We consider our customers part of our family,” Michele said. “Serving them is our priority.” Pizza Town U.S.A. is located at 89 U.S. Route 46 in Elmwood Park. For quick pickup orders, call (201) 797-6172.

Holiday Foods Limited Edition

You Should Try By Michele Weinstein

he holiday season is coming closer, which means one thing: limited edition foods are coming out that you can only buy and enjoy this time of the year. From coffee creamers to oatmeal, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found a few of them that you may want to consider. The best part is that you can incorporate all of them into your diet while staying on track this season. So without further ado, here are some of my finds. Try them out and see what you enjoy.

10 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

Creamers

Do you use creamer in your coffee or add some coffee to your creamer? Either way, you may want to check out two different brands of coffee creamers that are out on shelves now: Califa Pumpkin Coffee Creamer and Nutpods Seasonal Coffee Creamers (Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha and Cinnamon Swirl). Here’s a rundown of the two brands. • Califa Pumpkin Coffee Creamer (Available at Wegman’s; ShopRite; Whole Foods; and King’s) If you are looking to lighten up your pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks (there’s 380 calories found in a grande pumpkin spice latte with 2 percent milk and whipped cream), you can easily make your own pumpkin spice lattes using Califa Pumpkin Coffee Creamer which only adds on 15 calories per tablespoon. Just a mix a little with your coffee and maybe just a bit of stevia or sugar and you have a lighter alternative that you can whip up at home. Nutrition: 1 TBSP: 15 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbohydrate, 0 grams of protein. • NutPods Seasonal Flavors (Available at Wegman’s; Amazon; and Thrive) If you are on a low carb diet, you may prefer using NutPods Seasonal Flavored Creamers, which come in a variety of different flavors. You can choose from pumpkin spice, cinnamon swirl, and peppermint mocha. And unlike Califa, these creamers contain only 1g of fat and 0 grams of carbohydrate. Nutrition: 10 calories, 1 gram of Fat, 0 grams of carbohydrate, 0 grams of protein.

Oats

Looking for a quick seasonal breakfast to take to work? Look no further as Rachel’s Organic Overnight Oats, available at King’s and Amazon. They now come in apple cinnamon, which are perfect for fall. With just organic rolled oats, dried apples, organic chia seeds, organic hemp seed, organic flaxseed meal and organic cinnamon, it’s a “clean” option that you can buy on Amazon or King’s to make and take. All you have to do is measure one serving of this product and mix it with almond milk, stir it and refrigerate overnight. Voila! All you have to do in the morning is grab it already prepared and go.

Yogurts

Go to the store and you will see hundreds of different yogurts to choose from. But now, there are even more as there are seasonal yogurts as well! So here are a few of your options to choose from. Try one or be risky, and try them all. When you find the one you love, make sure to go back to the store and stock up. • Siggi’s Pumpkin Spice Are you looking for a quick breakfast or snack with probiotics? Then look for Siggi’s pumpkin spice in the stores. With approximately 140 calories, 3 grams of fats, 14 grams of carbohydrate, and 15 grams of protein, you can easily pair it with a few nuts (to add some fats) and/or fruit (to add a bit more fiber and carbohydrate) to make it a complete breakfast.

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 11

• Chobani Pumpkin & Spice Don’t like Siggi’s? Then try Chobani Pumpkin & Spice. With 120 calories, it contains less calories than the Siggi’s brand. It also contains probiotic content! P.S. It contains 15 percent of calcium! Nutrition: 120 calories, 2.5 grams of fats, 14 grams of carb, 11 grams of protein. • Chobani Autumn Harvest Crisp Looking for something sweet with a bit of crunch? Then this yogurt may be the right one for you. With pecans, cranberries and a gingersnap crust, this might be something that you might like to have for a quick snack that “hits the spot.” Nutrition: 190 calories, 5 grams of fat, 25 grams of carb, 11 grams of protein. Cereals

Like cereal more than yogurt and/or oats? Then you may be interested in these pumpkin-flavored cereals! • Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s Nutrition: 110 calories, 2g protein, 1g fat, 25g carbs, 1g fiber, 9g sugar. • Frosted Mini Wheats Pumpkin Spice Nutrition: 27 Biscuits: 210 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 50 grams of carb (6 grams of dietary fiber!), and 5 grams of protein. • Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola + Puffs Cereal Nutrition: 130 calories, 3g protein, 4.5g fat, 18g carbs, 2g fiber, 4g sugar.

Frozen Treats

Want something sweet and cold? Check out the freezer aisle for what’s in store. From Halo Top to Enlightened, there are so many different varieties that you can try. • Halo Top Pumpkin Pie Nutrition:½ Cup (there are 4 servings in the pint!): 90 calories, 3 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrate, and 5 grams of protein. • Enlightened Pumpkin Spice Latte Nutrition: ½ cup (there are 4 servings in the pint!): 70 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 17 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein. Want something less fall and more winter? They also make white chocolate peppermint mocha and triple shot espresso!

Kombucha

Looking to add probiotics into your routine? Try HealthAde in Pink Lady Apple and Holiday Cheers. As you can see, there are a variety of different items that you can purchase that are seasonal this year. Depending on what kind of diet you follow and what mentality that you have around food, you may consider trying them and adding them into your diet. Always do what’s best for you. This list is just a few of the many items that you will find that are seasonal in regards to food. So, enjoy and knock yourself out with this list. If you find something that you do love, make sure to stock up as everything sells out fast.

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Edible Party Gifts Holiday parties are something everyone looks forward to, as there are so many wonderful reasons to get together with friends and family. It’s easy to RSVP yes to everything. But, why isn’t it as easy to decide what to bring? Edible party gifts are a great route to take. After all, the holidays seem to be when people tend to indulge a little more than usual. Here are some easy, crowd-pleasing edible items that won’t interfere with your host’s menu.

Marinated Olives and Feta

Combine 1 cup of kalamata and manzanillanilla olives with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix in a few pieces of cubed feta cheese. Let this marinate in the fridge for 24 hours and enjoy. This would be the perfect compliment to a charcuterie board.

Bacon Jam

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of bacon until crispy. Set it aside to drain on paper towels. In the same pan (with the bacon fat) sauté 2 large chopped onions until they are soft. Add a little salt, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of sherry vinegar, a little cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Chop the bacon and add it back to the skillet along with 1/2 a cup of water. Cook until the bacon jam thickens and turns dark brown. Let it cool and transfer to an airtight container. This jam has many uses but can be served simply over crackers for an incredible twist.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Making your own crushed red pepper flakes is easy! First, you need to dry your peppers. The fastest way is in an oven. Remove the tops of the peppers and slice them long ways. On a baking sheet, cook them in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven until they are completely dry.This process can take several hours. Once the peppers have dried and cooled, add them to a food processor (seeds and all) and chop them until they are to your liking as far as size goes. Add them to a jar and you’ve got a great seasoning for partygoers who like a little heat.

Bourbon-Soaked Cherries

In a saucepan over low heat, add 3 ½ cups of Bourbon and 2/3 cups of sugar. Simmer until the sugar dissolves and let it cook for 20 minutes. Tightly pitted cherries into a Mason jar and pour the liquid over the top. The longer these cherries sit, the better. Just make sure they’re used within a year. These are a great addition to any holiday bar.

Compound Herb Butter

Mix 1 cup of unsalted (room temperature) butter with 5 minced garlic cloves, fresh chopped parsley, salt and pepper. Place butter in the middle of a piece of parchment paper. Roll into a log and place in the refrigerator to firm up. Remove from parchment paper and cut into rounds. This is a great way to enhance red meat, but is also amazing on something simple like sliced bread.

Tara Ippolito-Lafontant is a long-time Bergen County resident and local foodie. This stay-at-home mom is the creator of Al Dente Diva, a page where she shares recipes, entertaining tips and cooking hacks with her followers. Visit her on Instagram (@AlDenteDiva) for a peek into her everyday culinary adventures. Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 15

Forward Progress

Augie Hoffmann Molds His Players On and Off The Field By Brandon Goldstein

Photography by Nick Gagliano, Studio Uno, Ridgefield Park. Styled by Jorge Hernandez, Sal Lauretta for Men, Midland Park.

t’s a late October morning around 10 a.m. Augie Hoffmann’s day began about 5 hours ago, when the head coach of St. Joseph Regional High School’s football team hit the weight room with his coaches before his players come to do the same. On this particular morning though, Coach Hoffmann isn’t just dealing with the weights on the rack. Today, he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. After handing Bergen Catholic, one of St. Joe’s biggest local foes, a loss that solidified St. Joe’s #2 ranking in their group, a whooping by Don Bosco followed by a heartbreaking loss to Seton Hall Prep had everyone on edge. St. Joseph slid back to the #9 spot. With their season on the line, their next game would be a defining moment: a matchup against #1 St. Peter’s Prep. “Around the school, it feels like the world is ending,” Hoffmann admitted. “We don’t lose two in a row here, and now we have to go play the best team at their house.” A winning football program is nothing new in the world of St. Joseph Regional High School. In 29 seasons under legendary coach Tony Karcich, St. Joseph won 17 state titles. When Karcich handed Hoffmann the reigns, there were big shoes to fill. Growing up in Park Ridge, Hoffmann excelled at football from an early age. Although the journey began in Park Ridge, it wasn’t long before a Catholic school education (and a larger football program) was in the Hoffmann family’s sights. “I came to an open house, met Coach Karcich, and knew St. Joseph was the place for me,” Hoffmann recounts. After standout years under Karcich’s tutelage, Hoffmann played guard for Boston College before heading to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, where his time on the roster came to an end as injuries derailed Hoffmann’s professional football hopes. It was 2009, and Hoffmann was working for his agent and at a local Huntington Learning Center when his hometown football roots came calling. “I was trying to figure out my next move, and I get a call from Coach Karcich asking, “Why don’t you come back and work with me?” Hoffmann recalls. “Tony was a no bullshit coach. He taught me to be the best every single day. He expected it. The things he was able to accomplish sound crazy to even say, but he always got the best out of his players. 338 wins? If we make it all the way to the championship this year, we might play 12 games. Even if we won them all every season – just think of how long it would take to reach 338.”

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 17

The standout player Augie Hoffmann officially became Coach Hoffmann, charged with leading the St. Joseph freshman football team as their head coach. In his first years back at St. Joseph, he doubled as an English teacher. “My students and players first thought, “Here’s a jock teaching English, this will be easy,” Hoffmann says with a smirk. “They were in for a surprise.” Fast forward a couple years to 2013, and Karcich announced his retirement. He had already found St. Joseph’s new varsity head coach: Hoffmann. “Karcich was always a father figure to me,” Hoffmann explains. “I began as his player. Even when I left to go to college we always stayed in touch. Then, I was working on the sidelines with him as his peer. Now, I’m his successor and he’ll be a lifelong friend – even if I’m not too happy that he’s at Bergen Catholic now.” With Hoffmann leading St. Joseph, they’ve enjoyed more of the success the program had been accustomed to. They’ve appeared in four state title games and won two, one in 2016 and the other in 2018, which propelled St. Joseph to be ranked one of the top teams in the nation. Although Karcich cast a large shadow over the program, Hoffmann has emerged as the face of St. Joseph Football, and he’s done it his way. “I looked at what Don Bosco was doing, what Bergen Catholic has done and my experience with college and with the NFL and how football is viewed overall,” Hoffmann explains. “When I was tapped with the head coaching job, I wanted to bring our program to the forefront of everyone’s mind when deciding where to send their sons to play football.” Hoffmann continued, “Football is the tail that wags the dog, I like to say. You can get a great Catholic school education in 5 different schools within 10 miles of Montvale. What can I do make our program stand out? What can I do to make these boys better men?” Hoffmann admits he wakes up every morning with a single thought: How he can play the worst kids. “It’s a careful balance I try to instill in these boys,” Hoffmann says. “I’m here to coach football and, for a lot of them, they might be here just to play it. We have a lot of talent on that field, but I have to make sure I show them there’s more to life than just football, too. Having played in the NFL, having seen how quickly that all can come to an end if you’re even able to get there. Giving these boys realistic expectations about their lives while also getting the most out of them every time they put their pads on. That’s what it’s about.” Of course, every parent in Bergen County thinks their child is the next Peyton Manning or Barry Sanders. Multiply that feeling by 1000 at the top high school programs. For Hoffmann, managing expectations and setting these boys up for future success on and off the field is a priority.

18 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

The Perfect

Fit

When Augie Hoffmann left the NFL, he was about 315 pounds. He admits he saw a picture of himself, and even at a staunch 6-foot, 4 inches, knew he needed some lifestyle changes. On Augie: Ravazzolo navy suit, SL custom white shirt, Canali tie and pocket square and Santoni brown shoes. Available at Sal Lauretta for Men, Midland Park.

Now, having shed that weight by committing to daily workouts including boxing, as well as a very regimented, Celiac-friendly meal plan, Hoffmann enjoys (sometimes too much) his shopping trips to Sal Lauretta for Men in Midland Park. On Augie: Canali corduroy pants, Raffi turtleneck, Gimo shearling coat and DiBianco gray slip on shoes. Available at Sal Lauretta for Men, Midland Park.

Only five seasons in, the success of Hoffmann’s emphasis in shaping these young men can be seen not only by the victories his teams have racked up, but by what they’ve done upon leaving St. Joseph. “We have guys playing at Harvard, guys playing at Notre Dame. Maybe one day they’ll make it to the NFL. For most of them, if I can get them to a place where they’re receiving degrees from prestigious universities around the country, I’ve done my job,” says Hoffmann. Those players know, too, that I’m always a call or text away.” Hoffmann has made it a priority to involve his players in charitable organizations. Knowing the power and influence of those Friday Night Lights, Hoffmann has demanded more of his players, coaches, students, and alumni than just showing up for practice or games. As his program reaches new heights, Hoffmann has no problem turning that spotlight on the people who need it most. Each year, the entire football roster does a sleep out in the school’s courtyard to raise awareness and funds to fight against youth homelessness for Covenant House. Just recently, Hoffmann was named a spokesperson for Tackle Kids Cancer, a partnership between the New York Football Giants and Hackensack Meridian Health Network – and had both a “Gold Rush” game against Don Bosco to raise funds as well as a dress down day where St. Joseph students made a $5 donation to do just that. For Hoffmann, it’s about accountability and getting his kids to understand what’s going on out there in the world. Even when it comes down to his player’s grades, he holds them to the highest standards. “When I was a kid, I would do well because I wouldn’t dare come home to my parents with a bad grade,” Hoffmann laughs. “If my mom said be home by 11 p.m. and I walked in at 11:02, I was grounded. Times are different now, but making sure these boys know there’s more to life and that playing football can be fleeting is important.” From a football coach whose job parameters are clearly defined by wins and losses, it’s a refreshing point of view. While there are many similarities drawn between football and the military, it was important to coach Hoffmann to emphasize the differences. This past August, the entire team flew to San Diego to play in the Honor Bowl, an experience for these players that takes them far out of the comfort of their suburban New Jersey homes. While the team is there to play a game, the ultimate goal of their visit is much larger. Connecting these teenage boys with military veterans, gold star mothers and active members of the military helps Hoffmann give his players a look into the lives of those who truly sacrifice everything so that each fall they can suit up and play a game they love. “One day, we trained with SEALS. Suddenly, making them run suicides didn’t seem so bad,” Hoffmann chuckles. “Traveling to San Diego and being a part of Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 21

When talking about his style, Hoffmann explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was a kid, my mom was always buying me new clothes and making me look so nice. That just kind of stayed with me. I have her to blame for my expensive clothing obsession.â&#x20AC;? On Augie: Culturata sport shirt, Gran Sasso double breasted kit vest, Dion knit tie, Brax five-pocket jeans and Johnston & Murphy suede chukka boots. Available at Sal Lauretta for Men, Midland Park.

the experience. Training at Camp Pendleton – it just helps put everything in perspective not just for these boys, but for everyone in our program.” And then, that mid-October 2019 two-game slide that had the entire school feeling like the sky was falling. “Everything in this program begins and ends with me,” Hoffmann explains. “When we lose, I wear it the most.” For a man who only gets about 4 hours of sleep a night, Hoffmann wasn’t wallowing in a pool of self-pity. Instead, he was getting his team ready for what might well define his tenure at St. Joseph: There next game was to be against St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City – the number one ranked team in the state. For all the pressure firmly placed on Hoffmann’s shoulders, you’d never know it. He’s stoic in the face of adversity, and doesn’t let the outside noise affect him. “I used to take it all so seriously, I wanted to be able to help everyone, answer everyone, answer for every decision I made,” Hoffmann explains. “You just have to move on and do better, and that’s what we will do this weekend.” Sure enough, St. Peter’s Prep proved little competition for a fired up and humbled St. Joseph squad, leading to a 24-6 walloping that propelled St. Joseph to the #1 spot in the state and upon printing of this article, a playoff game at home against Paramus Catholic where St. Joseph hopes to continue its streak of state title runs. With his success, the 38-year-old coach has made a name for himself. When close friend and Boston College roommate Brian Flores was named head coach of the Miami Dolphins, it wasn’t long before Hoffmann was flying down for an interview to join his coaching staff. Ultimately, things didn’t work out this time around, but as Hoffmann or any NFL player would tell you, the football journey has many unexpected twists and turns. “I never thought I’d be the head coach at St. Joseph,” Hoffmann admits. “You just never know what life will bring you, and that’s something I try to instill in every one of my players. No matter where you end up, make the most of it while you’re there.” That’s exactly what Hoffmann continues to do. Hoffmann is determined to continue evolving the St. Joseph Football Program – and model it more after the pro and college systems he’s so in tune with. Of course, in these controversial times, safety is a priority as well. With partnerships with Under Armour and Vicis helmets, Hoffmann is ensuring St. Joseph players are equipped with top tier equipment in both functionality and safety. “We spend a lot of time with these kids. Their parents have trust that we are doing everything to protect them and help in their transition from young boys to young men. We don’t take it lightly,” Hoffmann says. Although Hoffmann lives and breathes St. Joseph football, he does try to make time to live his life off of the gridiron, which he admits isn’t always easy. You might see him enjoying a night out with his wife Drew at Capital Grille or catching his 8-year-old son Augie’s soccer game, but even those are rare sightings. Whether St. Joseph wins back to back state titles for ’18-19 is yet to be seen, but one thing is for certain: While his predecessor laid the foundation for a great football program, in just 5 short years Coach Augie Hoffmann has already taken St. Joseph Football Program to all new heights.

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 23

On Augie: Bugatchi sport jacket, Bugatchi sport shirt, Adriano Goldschmied jeans and DiBianco slip on shoes. Available at Sal Lauretta for Men, Midland Park.

“I never thought I’d be the head coach at St. Joseph… You just never know what life will bring you, and that’s something I try to instill in every one of my players. No matter where you end up, make the most of it while you’re there.” – Augie Hoffmann

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk:

The Story of a 700-Horsepower Sport-Utility Vehicle

By Richard Posluszny

he days of minivans, sport-utility vehicles and pick-up trucks simply being considered large runabouts are over. That’s because, over the years, automakers have changed just how peppy these automobiles are. When Mercedes-Benz quietly released a minivan with a V8 capable of 500-horsepower, people weren’t exactly sure what to make of the R63. Very few were made and even less were sent to the U.S. market. This surrounded other wild creations, such as the BMW X5M that posted lap times similar to its M3 coupe, and the legendary Dodge Ram SRT-10 that made use of the V10 engine from the company’s halo car, the Viper.

It turns out that the team at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) wasn’t quite done yet creating absolutely insane vehicles. While hybrid and electric vehicles are on the rise, FCA is churning out creations like the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Challenger SRT Demon. The Hellcat refers to its supercharged V8 motor that produces a jaw-dropping 707 horsepower and the Demon is a limited creation that makes 840 horsepower when using 100 octane-rated fuel. I like to think of it as a celebration of the automobile dashed with the smell of burnt rubber. Although Jeep produces the Grand Cherokee SRT, which makes 475-horsepower, for some people that’s just not enough. So, Jeep decided to employ the use of its sister brands’ Hellcat V8. Automotive enthusiasts rejoiced. It would be yet another vehicle to give a high-performance V8 salute before the age of electrification. Dubbed the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, it is Jeep’s most powerful production vehicle. Utilizing the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, it delivers 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with this immense powerplant is an eight-speed automatic that can shift as fast as 160 milliseconds. Zero to 60 happens in 3.5 seconds and it will do a quarter-mile in about 11-and-a-half seconds — that’s supercar territory. There is a penalty for this hooliganism though. As expected,

you’ll pay for it at the pumps. The Trackhawk earns a rather sad 11-12 mpg. I found myself at a gas station every other day but, honestly, it was worth it. Here’s the kicker: Frankly, you wouldn’t know any of this when looking at the Trackhawk’s exterior. This is because it, essentially, looks identical to the standard SRT variant with exception of a few minor changes. You really need a magnifying glass to tell them apart. Tell-tale signs include the “Supercharged” badging under the Grand Cherokee nameplate on the driver and passenger doors, yellow brake calipers that really popped behind my test vehicle’s black wheels —which are unique to this model — and a quad-tipped exhaust around back. Aside from those little differences, the Trackhawk looks like any other Grand Cherokee SRT. This isn’t a bad thing because Jeep nailed the SRT’s design. It appears beefier and more menacing than the standard Grand Cherokee, but without looking comical. There’s a certain type of restraint with Jeep’s design department that I truly appreciate. This essentially means you’re driving around in a 700-horsepower “sleeper.” Only the people who know…know. Well, aside from my tester’s rather loud red paint job — I’d strongly advise any other color than “Arrest Me Red.” Getting more acquainted behind the super thick, three-spoke steering wheel, it becomes apparent this isn’t your normal Jeep.

“If you’re seeking a highly entertaining highway cruiser, the Trackhawk’s worth considering. But if you’re trying to replace a sports car and put your new acquisition around curves, I’d strongly suggest you look elsewhere.”

That’s because the interior is wrapped, top-to-bottom, in leather. This includes the upper and lower dashboards, the center console, the entirety of the doors and a suede-like headliner. My tester featured an exclusive red leather interior, which is not for the faint of heart. The waft of leather when you open the door reminded me of high-end German vehicles with their fully leather-wrapped interiors. The more heavily bolstered seats are a nice touch and as the seating isn’t especially firm, it’s reminiscent of a La-Z-Boy. I mean that in the best possible way as the Trackhawk is an excellent long-distance cruiser that you can get comfortable in. What will look familiar though is the center stack’s infotainment system, which makes use of an eight-inch screen. Powered by FCA’s Uconnect software, it is a touchscreen that’s quick and intuitive. I just hope in the next-generation, Jeep makes the screen bigger and sharper (Think: Retina Display). Aside from that, it is a breeze to use. Similarly, the Trackhawk’s instrument panel is quite basic. It has all the right information one would expect but it just seems a bit dated and though FCA could have refreshed its visualization. With the Trackhawk’s base price starting at just over $87,000, it needs to justify its cost just a wee bit more. The best part? Since it’s a Grand Cherokee, it has plenty of room to seat five adult-sized passengers. While many critics insult these high-performance SUVs, their utility cannot be argued against. If you want the ability to haul a few friends — with luggage — out to the Hamptons, the Trackhawk makes plenty of sense whereas a Ferrari 458 Italia doesn’t. Powering up the Hellcat V8 reminds you this is far from ordinary. With a loud rumble, there’s a chance your neighbors may not love your Trackhawk but, honestly, who cares? They wouldn’t like your Lamborghini either. With five selectable drive modes, the vehicle always starts in Auto. Running errands around town I found myself engaging Sport and when I wanted to have fun I selected Track. I imagine Snow is a nice way to keep the tires from spinning in the wet and slush, but I didn’t get to find out. As I wasn’t pulling anything, Tow wasn’t used either. At normal speeds in Auto or Sport, it’s actually hard to believe it is a gnarly beast. That’s because it performs much like you’d expect a typical Grand Cherokee. The ride is comfortable, the steering’s fine and shifts aren’t particularly noticeable. You do have a rather bassy V8 soundtrack, however, meaning you will get noticed while idling in a parking lot.

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It’s when you enter Track mode that things change drastically. Just merging the Trackhawk onto Route 17 becomes an event. Downshift two gears and a roar comes from the exhaust. Plant your foot on the throttle and the supercharger whine fills the cabin like a jet engine spooling up for takeoff. The speed climbs way too fast and after every shift there’s a bit of a “bump” as the transmission swaps cogs as fast as possible. Gear changes are accompanied by what can be best described as a “thwap” sound. This is what it feels like to be alive. And, it’s addicting. But this is where the fun ends. That’s because when you put the Trackhawk in the twisties, it starts to show its SUV side. The steering lacks precision and the Grand Cherokee’s heft at over 5,300 pounds makes itself known in corners. Going around a highway cloverleaf you just feel the Trackhawk push wide and the body rolling. With a higher center of gravity, this isn’t a huge

surprise; however, when compared to other high-performance SUVs like the BMW X5M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the Jeep definitely feels archaic when taken to the limit. You see, when you’re driving something with this type of street cred, you want as much confidence as possible. It’s just not there in the Trackhawk’s case. If you’re seeking a highly entertaining highway cruiser, the Trackhawk’s worth considering. But if you’re trying to replace a sports car and put your new acquisition around curves, I’d strongly suggest you look elsewhere. With the Trackhawk’s as-tested price nearing the $100,000 mark, this is awfully close to what a mint X5M costs except the BMW is a much more capable handler. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo fetches an additional $25,000 but you get what you pay for, at least in this situation.

Talk of the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s editorial team has expertly curated a list of the best gifts to get the special people in your life this holiday season.

Leica SL2

Cake Osa+ Forty-seven megapixels and outstanding low light performance, what more can you ask? Although it may look like the simple Leica’s of years past, the SL2 is loaded with technology including WiFi and Bluetooth for syncing to your phone and editing pictures immediately. No, there’s no selfie filter built in.

Aston Martin & Brough Superior AMB 001 Looking like it was built from all the spare parts you ominously had left over from your latest IKEA creation, this Swedish designed motorcycle by Cake is – to put it kindly – interesting looking. The Osa+ is an electric and modular utility motorcycle whose frame allows for many customizable attachments – letting you piece together your bike one piece at a time – if you can follow the instructions. Disclaimer: No actual construction required.

The iconic wings of Aston Martin will for the first time appear on a motorcycle, and they didn’t hold anything back in creating their inaugural two-wheel masterpiece. A 997cc engine lets this track only beast spread its wings. Limited to just 100 models, you best put down your deposit fast.

Rubber Band Minigun The only fun part about being an adult is being able to afford the toys you couldn’t buy when you were kid – literally, the only fun part. Check this Kickstarter campaign out and be one of the first to own this 12-barrel, quick loading system cannon capable of firing 144 rubber bands up to 30 feet at either a fully automatic or single shot pace. Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 33

Gucci Grip Watch

Lotus X Hope Track Bike

Inspired by the world of skateboarding – and quite obviously, a bathroom scale you’d find at grandma’s house, the Grip Watch is cool and different, if you’re into those kinds of things.

Although most don’t know that Lotus has created Olympic-winning track bikes in the past, their latest iteration, which Great Britain will ride in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, is a testament to the automakers ability to expert craft anything with wheels. Utilizing secret technology, the bike’s carbon fiber composite material is stronger and lighter – just like you look in your racing spandex.

EarthRoamer LTi Getting off the grid seems harder and harder these days. Luckily, expedition vehicles are making it a little easier, and luxurious. The LTi will let you conquer any terrain, and with its rooftop solar array you’ll never have to worry about your iPhone running out of battery – the best of both worlds while exploring ours.

34 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

The United States of America Take a look at the past century through hundreds of beautiful “National Geographic” pictures. If you’re not one to purchase the EarthRoamer and explore, you may find this coffee table book much more suitable for an afternoon lounging on the couch.

Hennessey Maximus Jeep Gladiator

Who needs a 1000hp pickup, you ask? Who doesn’t! That, at least, would be Jeep’s reply, as they’ve worked with Hennessey Motors to create this 060 in 3.9 second behemoth. Expect to see a few of these roaming the suburban streets of North Jersey real soon.

Founded by Joop Donkervoort in 1978, Donkervoort has been making custom, lightweight sports cars for over 40 years. Their latest iteration with way too many ambiguous letters in its name, the D8 GTO-JD70, is a sleek, mold breaking design weighs just 1,500 pounds. Packed with 415 horses, this pony will fly to 60mph in under 3 seconds.

Donkervoort D8 GTO-JD70

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 35

Luisaviaroma Gucci Boxing Gloves

Certain to never find these gloves in the ring, this statement piece makes any memorabilia room memorable.

Tiffany & Co. Advent Calendar While we might be too late for this year, it’s worth keeping on your radar if you want to make the lady in your life happy all December long. For a smidge over $100,000 you can own a bunch of random Tiffany jewelry and accessories – not to mention the sterling silver harmonica you’ve always pined for.

36 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

Lundi Paris 36-Hour Travel Bag

You’ve got that bag perfect for 24 hours, but it’s just too small for 36. With Lundi Paris, you’re in luck. The bag was designed with 2 days and one night away in mind. As such, you’ll have just enough space for your clothes, laptop and toiletry bag. Overpacking not suggested.

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Enata Foiler Flying Yacht

While calling it a “yacht” is more indicative of its price than its size, the Enata Foiler Flying Yacht is nonetheless impressive. Glide 5 feet above the water in a comfortable carbon fiber body with four hydrofoils while your hydrostatic propulsion system puts out 740 horses. Not sure what any of that means? Us either.

Steel Speaker Handcrafted from repurposed metal by Swedish blacksmiths, this stylish speaker booms with sound powered by 3-inch full range drivers and a 6.5inch woofer with a built in 100w amplifier. If you know, you know.

Brekr Model B If you haven’t noticed, we dedicate a lot of this gift guide to going places. This motorcycle built in the eco-friendly confines of The Netherlands offers its rider a zero-emission option for getting around town easily. Good for 50 miles of range, this cruiser tops out at 30mph – making you most likely the slowest motorcycle rider of all time.

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Beats Solo Pro Wireless headphones are already old news, but with the latest offering from Beats headphones, these are worth every penny. Upgrading from their older models, Beats has, in the Solo Pro, made headphones perfect for being able to hear every note, while simultaneously drowning out the in laws with noise cancellation. A battery that lasts up to 40 hours also ensures that you won’t hear them on Christmas Eve, or most of Christmas Day.

Analogue Pocket

Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Squelette

Gameboy was cool. Gameboy was really cool. It launched the mobile gaming revolution back in the 80s and now our phones essentially double as a portal for games much like Gameboy had imagined back in the day. With the Analogue Pocket, you can now play those games of our past once again, but not just Gameboy games. A simple adapter and you can play Sega’s GameGear games too, and with 10x the resolution of your old pocket gamer. Keeping those cartridges in your mom’s basement was well worth it. Now you just need to blow on them so they’ll work.

If you were ever wondering how a watch works, this open-work Breguet is a prime example of Swiss watchmaking perfection. The 41 mm 18-carat rose gold, selfwinding timepiece is ultra thin, and ultra beautiful. Available at The Timepiece Collection, Englewood.

Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono Girard-Perregaux LAUREATO Skeleton “Earth to Sky” Edition

This 45mm cased 18-carat white gold chronograph with flyback function and perpetual calendar is limited to just 20 pieces. If looking up at the moon to see if it’s full or not is too laborious for you, this might just be what you need. Available at The Timepiece Collection, Englewood.

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Meteorite

An 18-carat red gold case encapsulates this fine testament to Swiss craftsmanship. A 43mm face meteorite dial with its off-centered displays creates a classic yet nouveau look sure to get conversations started. Available at The Timepiece Collection, Englewood.

Surrounded by its black ceramic body, the GP Skeleton “Earth to Sky” Edition is 42mm of self-winding beauty. Available at The Timepiece Collection, Englewood. Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 41

Ulysse Nardin Mega Yacht

Limited to just 30 pieces, the Mega Yacht Limited edition is wrapped in a gorgeous platinum case. The self-winding Tourbillon movement is water-resistant to 50 meters. You won’t find anything like it. Available at The Timepiece Collection, Englewood.

Phonocut Home Vinyl Recorder While burning CDs may be a thing of the past, the days of burning records are just beginning. In a simple three-step process, you’re able to create high quality records. Hipsters worldwide, rejoice!

42 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

Bollinger Moonraker Limited Edition Champagne

Although our favorite spy is often associated with a martini, 007 can often be found sipping champagne throughout his various clandestine exploits. It was 40 years ago in Moonraker that Bond first sipped on Bollinger champagne. Now, a limited edition celebration calls for – you guessed it – popping bottles. Displayed in a Moonraker inspired space shuttle case, it won’t be long before the limited 407 bottles will be gone without out a trace.

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Marram Brass Safety Razor Sometimes we find items that are both functional and pretty. With a head and neck made from solid brass this will make any bathroom vanity look beautiful. Sure, you can use it for a smooth and clean shave, too, but do you really want to get it dirty?

Flor de Cana V Generaciones Rum If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a rum guy, you know Flor de Cana has been distilling liquid gold since 1890. To celebrate their 130th anniversary, the release of their 30-year-old single barrel celebrates five generations of Flor de Cana family behind the company. Sitting at the base of the San Cristobal Volcano, the bottleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cap is crafted from volcanic rock meant to pay homage.

Nomad Base Station Apple Watch Edition In what might be one of the few attainable products on this list, the Nomad Base Station is just as it sounds. Utilizing an Apple Watch Charger and three charging coils set under a sleek aluminum body, you can now charge your phones, earphones and watch all in the same bedside spot.

The Navy Seal Experience While some people enjoy sitting on the beach during vacation, others like things a bit more adventurous. The Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina has partnered with Trident Adventures run by, of course, ex-Navy Seals, to create experiences that let you live a day in the life of some of America’s most incredible warriors – whether it be on land, by air or sea.

Rimowa Original Cabin

Whiskey Vault

Made from anodized aluminum, this luggage is made to last. Designed to fit in most airline overhead bins, the lightweight carry on designed in Germany is made to last a lifetime. With bold colors, you’re certain not to lose it, either.

You’ve already spent all that cash on some of the world’s finest and oldest spirits. Now, protecting them should be paramount – whether it’s from a home invader or your pesky high school children who don’t truly appreciate a 50-year aged bottle of Macallan.

Survival Belt

Whether you find yourself in the mall on Black Friday or stranded in the backwoods of West Jersey, it’s never bad to be properly equipped.

Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer

Remember that time I said the cool part about being an adult is that you get to buy the fun toys your parent’s wouldn’t? This is what I meant.

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912 1915 1930 1948 1953 1957 1958 1959 1967 1981 1991 1998 2002 2008 2016

1902 1908 1909 1912 1915 1930 1948 1953 1957 1958 1959 1967 1981 1991 1998 2002 2008 2016

AMERICAN LUXURY:

A CADILLAC STORY

o American brand is associated with luxury driving as much as Cadillac. These bold vehicles are organically American, and indicate power, class and attitude. Elvis Presley drove a pink Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60. You can see it down at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. to this day. Duke Snider, the Hall of Fame outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers, once said, “My high salary for one season was $46,000 and a Cadillac.” You’ve seen them in countless movies from Goodfellas to The Mask. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson became the first head of state to ride in a Caddy, and later Calvin Coolidge became the first to use one as his personal limousine. President Barack Obama cruises around in Cadillac One, an amalgamation of parts from several Cadillac models ranging from the STS, DTS and Escalade. You get the point: These vehicles are symbols of our Americana, and it all started with one man in Detroit, Mich.

Henry Martyn Leland, born in Vermont in 1843 and a master machinist, founds the Cadillac Automobile Company. Leland names the company after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the founder of Detroit, Mich. The founder’s family coat of arms inspired the Cadillac crest. Leland wanted to build a car that had 100 percent interchangeable parts. The first model was completed on Oct. 17, 1902, but was not given the “A” name that you see here until 1903. These first Cadillacs had a 98 cubic-inch single cylinder with variable valve timing and high ground clearance. The 1903 model pictured here would probably have set you back about $850 – not too shabby. They’ve come a long way since then. 1903 Cadillac Model A Runabout

48 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

1902

1908

Cadillac wins the Dewar Trophy, awarded by the British Royal Automobile Club, for its advancement with interchangeable parts. How did they prove it? Three Cadillacs were picked randomly, dismantled and then put back together. Then the Cadillacs ran on a 500-mile course in Brooklands, England – sans problems.

1909

Cadillac’s growth as a brand prompts William Durant to purchase Cadillac along with Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile and Oakland car companies to form General Motors.

1912

This four-door Touring model could seat five comfortably. In this year, Cadillac featured an electric “self-starting system,” as well as electric headlamps. There was no crank on these models. Cadillac was the first car to function in such a way. The features made Cadillac a much safer vehicle, and helped earn the company its second Dewar Trophy.

1915

Power and speed! Cadillac introduces the first V-8 engine. In September, these 5.1 cylinder, 70 horsepower engines were featured on two Touring cars that drove at speeds of up to 70 mph for 100 miles at Chicago Speedway.

1912 Cadillac Touring Car

Ernest Seaholm, Cadillac’s chief engineer from 1923 to 1943, unveils the V-16 engine that propelled the stunning model (shown here). Notice the colorful paint job. In the previous decade, the company began offering hundreds of different lacquer paint combinations while competitors offered much more drab colors. After the V-16 debuted in 1930, Cadillac came out with a V-12 to offer a middle-ground alternative between the V-8 and the ultra-powerful V-16.

1931 452-A V-16 Sport Phaeton

1930

1948

Like every company in America, Cadillac spent World War II focused on the war effort. The company used its V8 engines in M5 light tanks, and in M8 Howitzer motor carriages. Cadillac surely did its patriotic part. But in 1948, the company returned to production, and what you see here in this Cadillac 60 is the first use of the tail fin, a design feature that would revolutionize American cars. The tail fin came from the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane, and gave the car an edgier and victorious quality. 1948 Cadillac 60 Special

1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

Cadillacs truly take off with the post-war boom. In 1952, Cadillac celebrated its 50-year anniversary, and unveiled its Eldorado concept, which would be released in limited production a year later. For a lack of a better word, this car is simply beautiful. Also in the decade, Cadillac started to offer power steering, windows and automatic transmissions as standard equipment.

1953

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

The Eldorado was the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;50s. You can clearly tell from the exhaust, fins and side detailing that Cadillac gained invaluable design insight from combat aircraft.

1957

1958

Cadillac produces its two-millionth car.

1959

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

1967

Cadillacs keep getting more and more comfortable – safer, too. In 1963, the company made seatbelts available, and the next year they would become required by law. Oh and that famous wreathed crest emblem? That appeared for the first time on the 1963 Eldorado. In 1964, Cadillac introduces Comfort Control, a thermostatically regulated heating, venting and air-conditioning system. We don’t think twice about modern fixtures like those, but they started with Cadillac. Where did the tail fins go? Cadillac discontinued them in 1965, thus marking the end of an era. Cadillac introduced front-wheel drive as a new drive train for the Eldorado in ’67. The ’60s also saw

1976 Cadillac Eldorado

The Eldorado had the highest tail fins of any Cadillac model in its history. The brand keeps raising the standard of design.

1967 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Coupe

the introduction of stereo radio. Now you could cruise in your Cadillac and listen to your favorite program or song.

1976

The last Eldorado convertible is built by General Motors in 1976, and you see one of them here. Future models of the Cadillac convertibles would be custom built through coachbuilders. Becoming the first U.S. car manufacturer to do so, Cadillac debuted electronically fuelinjected engines in 1975.

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 51

1981

The 1980s saw a great era of redesign amid a decade of change. This top-of-the-line Seville pays homage to the stylistic designs of the prewar years. It was a sight to be seen, and was often imitated by other brands. The Seville had a long list of luxury items that were standard, including cast aluminum wheels, lighted vanity mirrors and an illuminated entry system. Cadillac yet again ups the ante when it comes to the standard of luxury. During this decade, Cadillac also entrenched itself as a leader in customer service when J.D. Power ranked the company number one in sales satisfaction.

1981 Seville Elegante

1998

1998 Cadillac Seville Touring Sedan

1991

1993 Cadillac Allante Convertible

The ’90s were big years for the Cadillac. Cadillac introduces new body styles, and the brand gives the Eldorado and Seville an update. Also, Cadillac updates its engine technologies with the new 32-valve Northstar V-8 in 1992, which is inside the hood of this beauty of a ’93 Allante Convertible. The Northstar Engine had unique cooling technologies that optimized performance.

The ’90s were marked by Cadillac’s efforts to position itself on the global stage and its commitment to innovation. The Seville, like the one shown, was developed for export in more than 40 countries. In the early part of the decade, the Seville won “Car of the Year” honors. The decade also saw Cadillac’s bold entrance into the SUV market with the unveiling of the Escalade in 1998. As the pre-eminent SUV on the market, it soon became a top seller.

2002

Now with more than 100 years of car-making experience, Cadillac continues to push the boundaries of design, speed and luxury. In 2008, the company released a hybrid Escalade to address ever-rising fuel costs and environmental concerns. The CTS is now available in coupe and sedan models. If you want to kick into a high gear, then you can get the V-Series version of the CTS. Henry Leland, I tip my hat to you. 2002 Cadillac ST

2016 Cadillac CTS

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

The Escalade goes green! In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Cadillac introduces a hybrid version of the top-selling SUV. (Editor’s Note: The Cadillac 2009 shown was introduced in 2008.)

2008

After years of stale sales, Cadillac’s continued rebranding brought back more of the old refined with the new. The CTS represented Cadillac’s first fullsize rear-wheel drive sedan since the discontinuation of the Fleetwood in 1996. While it may not have been announced as Cadillac’s “Flagship” marquee, for the time being, it will act accordingly, as Cadillac ushers in their new models to compete with an evergrowing luxury market.t.

2016

Photos courtesy of GM Heritage Center.

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e s e n Japa y k s i Wh If you thought English speakers were the only people who made this spirit, you were wrong By Joseph “Whisky Joe” Gratkowski

ormally, when most people think of where their whisky comes from, they come up with the same typical places: Scotland, Ireland and the U.S. However, exploding consumer interest in whisky has opened the door for expressions to originate outside of those standard locales. Japan has kicked down the door, and is leading the way with some fine bottles. Perhaps some of you have seen the film “Lost In Translation.” In the 2003 Sofia Coppola film, Bill Murray’s character travels abroad to promote Japanese whisky made by Suntory. His classic line, “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time,” seems like foreshadowing for the recent phenomenon. Suntory, a Japanese powerhouse, is scheduled to make a $13 to $16 billion acquisition of Beam

Inc. This means that Suntory will control beloved American bourbons, such as Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. The Beam Inc. move should give Suntory a bit more traction in the U.S. market, and it bodes well for Japanese brands going forward. Whisky aficionados have argued the pros and cons of this acquisition, but I’ll steer clear of that debate in this write-up, as it is worthy of an entire article itself. While Suntory is Japan’s largest whisky maker, and is certainly the one that spends the most time in the spotlight, there are many other stars in this show. Nikka is Suntory’s chief competitor, and it owns the highly respected Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. Kirin, another big player in Japan, not only owns the Fuji Gotemba distillery, but also Four Roses here in the U.S. A rapidly growing number of craft distilleries have popped up in Japan in recent years in an attempt to play David to the already established Goliaths.

With about 8,000 to 10,000 cases per year, the overall presence of Japanese whisky as a category is not that large yet. However, I find the premium positioning of the vast majority of these Japanese expressions to be quite impressive. The two primary players in America right now are Suntory and Nikka, and their bottles are priced right in the same neighborhood as their Scotch brethren. Please note that this is for good rea-

son! Japanese whiskies have been racking up awards over the last few years, and have bested even Scotches on multiple occasions. In 2001, a 10year-old Yoichi whisky from Nikka won the “Best of the Best” award in an international tasting conducted by Whisky Magazine. That was just the beginning, as Suntory’s Yamazaki 12-year-old took Gold at the International Spirits Challenge in 2003. The Hibiki 30-year-old won the overall trophy in 2004 and the Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 57

Yamazaki 18-year-old won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2005, and all of those were the tips of the proverbial iceberg. There is not enough room in this article to detail all the achievements and accolades that have been showered on Japanese whisky in the new millennium, but let’s just say that it is now the norm to expect a Japanese whisky among major winners at whisky events. The story of how Japanese whisky came to be is as enthralling as the products themselves. At their heart, almost all Japanese whiskies are Scotchesque, if you will, and the reasoning behind that becomes clear when you trace their origin. Essentially two men created Japanese whisky: Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru. Keizo Saji is worthy of an honorable mention for his work with single malts and developing Suntory into the powerhouse it is today. Just after World War I, a 25-year-old organic chemistry student named Masataka Taketsuru set off on an ambi58 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

tious journey. He wanted to learn Scotland’s distilling craft from the source and absorb the wisdom of the locals. He was the perfect young man for the job as his family had a long-standing history of producing sake since the 1730s. He took courses at the University of Glasgow, worked at Longmorn and Hazelburn Distilleries and kept track of everything he learned. He became the ﬁrst Japanese man to study whisky production in Scotland, and his extensive notes served as a blueprint for others to follow once he returned to Japan. Taketsuru didn’t just ﬁnd outstanding

distilling theories in Scotland; he found the love of his life as well. He married a Scottish woman, Rita Cowan, and together they returned to Japan. During this time, Shinjiro Torii was operating in an unorthodox fashion as well. A pharmaceutical wholesaler, Torii was not satisﬁed with his successes and had the dream of making whisky for Japanese people. He fought strong opposition from company executives to create a distillery in Yamazaki. Famous for its amazing water, it was virtually sacred ground when you consider legendary tea masters were housed there. Nonetheless, he founded Kotobukiya, later to evolve into Suntory, with the Yamazaki Distillery as the core. Uniting forces, Torii hired Taketsuru as a distillery executive at Yamazaki, once Taketsuru returned home from his journey. Ultimately, Taketsuru set off to create his own distillery on Hokkaidō, an island in northern Japan. He felt that Hokkaidō’s climate resembled the climates of Scotland. This new operation, based in Yoichi, was a coastal mountain farm society, and the company later

became Nikka, its adversary. Japanese whisky production styles may have derived from the Scottish methodologies, but they have now progressed into their own unique expression over time. While many Japanese distilleries utilize pot stills, malted barley and cask aging like they do in Scotland, there are some characteristics unique to Japan. Nikka has been exploring new still shapes, Suntory has been experimenting with yeast strains, and both have dabbled in alternative cask maturation. Much like their contemporaries, they are venturing outward from sherry and ex-bourbon casks to new horizons like brandy, port, and even plum wine casks to impart unique colors and flavors. Speaking of casks, one unique feature of Japanese whisky is the use of their native Japanese Oak known as Mizunara. Whisky matured in Mizunara barrels loses a stunning amount of water through evaporation, leading to a potent final product. As far as taste is concerned, Mizunara creates subtle notes of sandalwood and traditional incense – flavors that are rare in whisky. Japanese consumers, just like those here in America, have little patience for a lack of balance and harmony in both food and spirit items. Considering the high standards that have been associated with Japanese cuisine, it seems only natural that their exceptional whiskies would follow suit. While we’ll always love bourbon and Scotch, if you are looking for a change of pace, there is good reason to look to the Far East. Here is a quick primer of Japanese whiskies available here in the U.S. that are worthy of your palate:

Hibiki 12 (Suntory)

Whiskies, both malt and grain, are blended from Suntory’s many distilleries to form a sweet tooth lover’s dream. Tart fruits, honey, and a bit of spicy

clove are balanced out by a solid grain presence. The nose will give you a fresh garden scent and the palate will hit you with a little bit of nutty sweetness. Think Almond Joy. Two fun facts: Bill Murray was selling Hibiki in “Lost In Translation,” and the range of casks used in maturation of the Hibiki 12 vary so widely that even plum wine barrels were used!

Taketsuru Pure Malt 12 (Nikka)

Nikka’s blend answer to Suntory’s Hibiki, the Taketsuru sticks strictly to malt whisky vatted together from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. There is no grain whisky in the Taketsuru Pure Malt, hence the name Pure Malt. Balance is at play again here as Yoichi is generally associated with masculine whiskies fueled by coal in the production process, while Miyagikyo produces gentle ﬂoral whiskies created in humid conditions. You can just taste the quality in this

one, from the light and sweet honeyed floral notes, to the liquorice and citrus tones mid-palate. That slightly smoky finale just solidifies the complexity on the everlasting finish.

Yamazaki Single Malt 12 (Suntory)

Suntory’s flagship single malt comes from Japan’s first distillery. Born where three rivers unite near Kyoto, this one greatly resembles a Speyside Scotch with its mellow and approachable manner. It is laden with malt, light and fruity. Crisp apples and varied spices shine through deep into the finish. This one is a gateway into the world of Japanese whisky at an excellent price point.

Hakushu Single Malt 12 (Suntory)

Nicknamed “The Forest Distillery,” the Hakushu 12-year-old is created at one of the highest single malt distillery locations in the world. While this expression has a bit of the citrus and sweetness that its cousin Yamazaki carries, this expression is slightly peated. This dichotomy marries together so well that rather than washing each other out, both ends of the spectrum unite in a clear way. There is a drying smokiness on the backside of the sweet pear notes that adds crispness and remarkable freshness, a testament to ﬁne craftsmanship. This type of freshness can be hard to ﬁnd in peated whiskies.

Yoichi Single Malt 15 (Nikka)

Yoichi is made in the mountains of Hokkaidō, the northernmost island of Japan. The nose has the classic fruit notes of sherry, and the palate is so balanced it has everything. Ginger meets sweet fruits and a slight peppery kick fades into the faintest strand of delicate smoke. It is completely rich and luxurious, and truly fantastic. Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

Share your generosity with worthy area charities.

This year join forces with other like-minded individuals and organizations, such as the ones that follow, to continue Bergen Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-standingspirit of caring commitment to improving our communities and all of those who call it home. 60 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

Urology Care Foundation

1000 Corporate Boulevard, Linthicum, MD 21090

www.urologyhealth.org

Mission: The Urology Care Foundation is the nation’s leading urologic health charity, promoting research, advocacy and education in an effort to ultimately cure urologic diseases. The Urology Care Foundation is a premier and mainstream organization involved across the whole spectrum of urology advocacy. One of its key areas of advocacy is expressed in its “Let Your Voice Be Heard” campaign, which urges the public to press Congress to support the Training and Research in Urology (TRU) Act.

Homes Fit For Heroes

500 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446

www.homesfitforheroes.net

Mission: The group was founded on the following principles: that as Americans we have a duty to support those that fight with honor and make sacrifices to protect the freedoms that we so often take for granted; that there is no greater honor than to extend a hand to a wounded solider and his or her family; and that if we want the United States of America to be the greatest country in the world we too need to sacrifice and be custodians of freedom. Accordingly, the Homes Fit For Heroes Foundation was established to provide wounded Special Operations warriors with shelter from the storm allowing them to recover from their injuries with the comfort, dignity and respect they deserve.

Center For Food Action of New Jersey

192 West Demarest Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631 Contact: Director of Communications & Community Relations Jennifer Johnson

Phone: (201) 569-1804, ext. 28 Email: jenniferjohnson@cfanj.org Web: www.cfanj.org

Mission: The organization’s goal is to prevent hunger and homelessness and to improve the lives of individuals and families. It provides emergency food, utility and housing assistance, advocacy, counseling services and access to other community resources. CFA helps clients find solutions to problems, achieve financial stability and create a brighter future.

Habitat For Humanity of Bergen County

121 Carver Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675 Contact: Executive Director Jacey Raimondo

Phone: (201) 457-1020 Email: jaceyr@habitatbergen.org Web: www.habitatbergen.org

Mission: Habitat For Humanity of Bergen County was established in 1994 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Its mission is to provide decent, affordable homes for hardworking Bergen County families.

Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation (SKTCF)

150 Broadway, Suite 1105, New York, NY 10038

www.seankimerling.org

Mission: Established in the memory of Sean Kimerling, an Emmy Award-winning anchor of CW11 sports and pregame announcer for the New York Mets whose life was cut stark short in his prime, SKTCF is dedicated to raising awareness of testicular cancer and highlighting the importance of self-examination. The message is clear and simple: No man should die from testicular cancer.

ZERO

515 King St., Suite 420, Alexandria, VA 22314

www.zerocancer.org

Mission: ZERO, The Project to End Prostate Cancer, takes a hard stance on prostate cancer – hence the name. The idea: ZERO means zero prostate cancer deaths, zero prostate cancer cases and for those with the disease, a zero PSA. With its hard line message comes aggressive campaigning, which includes ZERO’s Drive Against Prostate Cancer campaign, the only national mobile screening program for prostate cancer.

Generosity consists not in the sum given, but the manner in which it is bestowed. – Author Unknown

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 61

New Concepts For Living

68A West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 Contact: Associate Executive Director Adam Fishman

Phone: (201) 843-3427 Email: info@ncfl.net Web: www.ncfl.net

Mission: New Concepts For Living is a community nonprofit organization committed to people with disabilities and their families. Inspired by the vision of families and consumers, New Concepts enables people to realize their dreams and achieve their individual potential through quality community program supports and services.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

1 Bergen County Plaza, Suite 440, Hackensack, NJ 07601 Contact: Executive Director Ellen Davis

Phone: (201) 336-7520 Email: ellendavis@bergencasa.org Web: www.bergencasa.org

Mission: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) For Children of Bergen County is an independent, non-profit organization of professionals and trained volunteers who have been appointed by the NJ Family Court to advocate for children removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. CASA works to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to these children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.

Multiple Sclerosis Care Center Holy Name Hospital

718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666 Contact: Development Officer Lisa Futterman

Phone: (201) 833-3000, ext. 3899 Email: futterman@holyname.org Web: www.holyname.org/mscenter

Mission: The Multiple Sclerosis Care Center is New Jersey’s only non-profit licensed facility providing healthcare and related services to patients with MS regardless of their ability to pay.

Hope For Children Research Foundation

700D Lake St., Ramsey, NJ 07446 Contact: Executive Director Meg Minassian

Phone: (201) 962-8686 Email: cgf01@aol.com Web: www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org Mission: The hope of the foundation is finding new treatments and cures for children with neurological diseases. The foundation hopes a doctor will never again have to say to a mother or father, “Take your child home; there’s nothing we can do.”

Pet ResQ, Inc.

24 West Railroad Ave., Suite 172, Tenafly, NJ 07670 Contact: Founder Robyn Urman

Phone: (201) 450-5992 Email: petresqinc123@gmail.com Web: www.petresqinc.org

Mission: Pet ResQ, Inc. is a small group of volunteers who believe that all living creatures deserve a change. They exist solely on donations and the efforts of volunteers and foster homes. They tend to rescue the elderly and handicapped pets that otherwise would not stand a chance at life.

Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation P.O. Box 547, Tenafly, NJ 07670 Contact: Founding President & Executive Director Lisa Yue

Phone: (866) 808-2873 Email: info@childrenscardiomyopathy.org Web: www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org Mission: The Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation is dedicated to finding the cause and cure for pediatric cardiomyopathy, a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease of the heart muscle, through the support of research, education and increased awareness and advocacy.

Pony Power Therapies

1170 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430 Contact: Founder & Executive Director Donna Spett

Phone: (201) 934-1001 Email: dana@ponypowernj.org Web: www.ponypowernj.org

Multiple Sclerosis Patient at Care Center Holy Name Hospital 62 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

Mission: Pony Power Therapies is a non-profit organization giving special needs and at-risk children and adults a unique opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses. The riding and non-riding activities enhance individuals’ physical, social and emotional wellbeing in a safe, nurturing farm environment.

200 Club of Bergen County

560 Hudson St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 Contact: Executive Director Andrea Betancourt

Phone: (201) 229-0600 Email: info@200club.org Web: www.200club.org

Mission: To benefit law enforcement, fire or emergency personnel who die or are seriously injured in the line of duty. Their motto is “serving our servants.”

Heightened Independence & Progress (hip)

131 Main St., Suite 120, Hackensack, NJ 07601 Contact: President/CEO Eileen Goff

Phone: (201) 996-9100 Email: ber@hipcil.org Web: www.hipcil.org

Mission: Heightened Independence & Progress is a nonprofit agency run by and for people with disabilities. With Centers For Independent Living in Bergen and Hudson counties, hip’s mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve independent living through outreach, advocacy and education. hip offers wide-ranging programs and services to people with disabilities of all ages.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund’s New Jersey Metro and Rockland County Chapter (JDRF) 1480 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 306, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Contact: Executive Director Jess Backofen

Phone: (732) 219-6654 • Email: jbackofen@jdrf.org Web: www.jdrf.org/newjerseymetro Mission: To find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research while providing support for those living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families in the community.

200 Club of Bergen County

Julia’s Butterfly Foundation

637 Wyckoff Ave., Suite 285, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 Contact: President Christine Callahan

Phone: (201) 675-9961 Email: Christine@juliasbutterflyfoundation.org Web: www.juliasbutterflyfoundation.org

Mission: Julia’s Butterfly Foundation is a volunteer, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of terminally and chronically ill children and their families. The foundation honors the memory of 6-year-old Julia Marie Bommer, who passed away in 2005 following her brave battle against a rare kidney disorder. It is the foundation’s goal to pay tribute to Julia’s life by helping other children and their families struggling with the demands of their unique circumstances. The foundation is humbled by the courage and dedication of the children and caregivers they support, and consider it a privilege to provide financial aid, physical assistance and services to those who need it most.

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and the responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” – Anthony Robbins

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 63

Tomorrows Children’s Fund (TCF)

30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 Contact: Administrative Director Susan Garbe

Phone: (551) 996-5504 Email: sgarbe@tcfkid.org Web: www.tcfkid.org

Mission: The Tomorrows Children’s Fund was founded by a group of committed parents to help their children and others like them with cancer and serious blood disorders. With the help of friends and supporters, today, TCF provides a warm, healthy and loving environment for children in treatment, a full scope of services to relieve families’ emotional and financial stress and the very best possible medical care – all of which confirms TCF’s belief that through hope, hard work and heartfelt generosity, extraordinary things are possible.

bergenPAC (Performing Arts Center)

30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ 07631 Contact: President & CEO Dominic Roncace

Phone: (201) 816-8160 Email: droncace@bergenpac.org Web: www.bergenpac.org

Mission: To make the live performing arts accessible, and to speak to the lives of its diverse community. bergenPAC builds a creative home for artists of excellence and relevance, who entertain and enlighten, inspire and inform audiences.

Foundation for Autism Training and Education (FATE)

P.O. Box 1157, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 Contact: Director of Development Sheilagh Cirillo

Phone: (201) 541-9833 Email: info@thefate.org Web: www.thefate.org

Mission: FATE strives to help individuals with autism achieve their highest level of independence within their home, school and community.

West Bergen Mental Health

120 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Contact: Chief Development Officer Barbara Krusko

Phone: (201) 444-3550 Email: bkrusko@westbergen.org Web: www.westbergen.org

Mission: The agency’s mission is to treat severe mental illness in children and adults and promote psychological health and personal growth. It provides comprehensive treatment and supportive services for clients and the surrounding community.

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County

64 Passaic St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 Contact: CEO Lynne Algrant

Phone: (201) 489-9454, ext. 201 Email: lalgrant@bergenvolunteers.org Web: www.bergenvolunteers.org Mission: The Volunteer Center of Bergen County strengthens the community by connecting people with opportunities to serve, operating model volunteer programs, building capacity for effective volunteering and participating in strategic partnerships that meet community needs.

“We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.” – Orison Swett Marden

64 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

The Community Chest

122 S. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ 07631 Contact: Executive Director Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer

Phone: (201) 568-7474 Email: shelly@communitychestofenglewood.org Web: www.communitychestofenglewood.org Mission: The Community Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to residents and provides coordinating and planning services in Englewood, Englewood Cliffs and Tenafly to support a range of needs, including hunger, afterschool programming, elderly care, career counseling for women, mental health services, environmental education and medical care to low-income pregnant women.

The Comedy Cures Foundation

North Jersey Friendship Home

122 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ 07670 Contact: Founder Saranne Rothberg

125 Atlantic St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 Contact: Director of Operations John Alecci

Mission: The Comedy Cures Foundation is a national nonprofit organization bringing joy, laughter and therapeutic humor programs to kids and grown-ups living with illness, depression, trauma and disabilities.

Mission: To maximize the independence and community living skills of persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, in order to reduce unnecessary hospitalization, secure other health and welfare services, as required by each individual referred to Friendship House for treatment, and to render assistance voluntarily in a safe, comfortable environment. Friendship House is a non-profit rehabilitation center offering comprehensive behavioral health services, vocational training and employment support for adults with all types of disabilities. Services are designed to address the unique needs and goals of every individual.

Phone: (201) 227-8410 Email: info@comedycures.org Web: www.comedycures.org

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. (RBARI) 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436 Contact: Executive Director Megan Boyle

Phone: (201) 337-5180 Email: adoptlove@rbari.org Web: www.rbari.org

Phone: (201) 488-2121 Email: jalecci@njfriendshiphouse.org Web: www.njfriendshiphouse.org

Mission: RBARI believes that all animals have a natural right to humane treatment, including proper care, respect and safe shelter. Their primary mission is to provide sanctuary while finding permanent, loving homes for the many animals that arrive in their shelter, including feral, elderly, handicapped and formerly abused animals. Animals in their care receive lots of love, shelter, food and medical care. RBARI adheres to a “no-kill” policy, giving animals an open-ended stay at a warm, safe place until loving homes can be found.

Youth Consultation Services (YCS) Foundation

235 Main St., Third Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601 Contact: President & CEO Richard Mingoia

Phone: (201) 678-1312 Email: rmingoia@ycs.org Web: www.ycs.org

Mission: AT YCS, the mission is to advocate, educate, shelter and care for children in need and their families so that each can further develop the skills, self-worth and hope necessary for success within their communities.

Family Promise of Bergen County 100 Dayton St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Contact: Executive Director Kate Duggan Phone: (201) 833-8009 Email: kduggan@bergenfamilypromise.org Web: www.bergenfamilypromise.org

Mission: To provide hospitality to the homeless and to keep families together in times of crisis, guiding them through temporary periods of homelessness by helping them create an achievable vision and develop a strong foundation for self-sufficiency.

Verismo Opera Chorus

New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera

P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, NJ 07024 Contact: Chorus Coordinator Mary Ellen Rohon

Phone: (201) 886-0561 Email: info@verismoopera.org Web: www.verismoopera.org

Mission: New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera’s mission is: 1) to enhance the cultural life of the community by providing a complete range of fine musical programming; 2) to educate the community about the uplifting benefits of music and, in particular, grand opera; 3) to educate and introduce youth to the joy of fine music; and 4) to provide performance opportunities to musicians and offer study grants to young performing artists. Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 65

Alzheimer’s New Jersey Northern Regional Office

690 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 300, Oradell, NJ 07649 Contact: Executive Director Elaine Winter

Phone: (201) 261-6009 Email: ewinter@alznj.org Web: www.alznj.org

Participants Walk to End Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s New Jersey Northern Regional Office

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

1701 Tower Drive, Edgewater, NJ 07020 Contact: Fred Fiddle

Phone: (877) 444-1149 Email: info@djfiddlefoundation.org Web: www.djfiddlefoundation.org

Mission: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, the first not-for-profit and only all-volunteer-run organization in the United States to focus on adult autism has been blazing trails since 2002. It creates paths leading to fulfilling and potential driven lives. The endowed programs at America’s leading universities, resources, and public policy/awareness initiatives are person-centered and derive from the needs and hopes of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

Jewish Home Foundation of North Jersey, Inc. (JHF)

10 Link Drive, Rockleigh, NJ 07647 Contact: Executive Director Melanie S. Cohen Phone: (201) 750-4231 Email: info@jewishhomefamily.org Web: www.jewishhomefamily.org Mission: The mission of the Jewish Home Foundation of North Jersey, Inc. is to provide aid and support to the notfor-profit organizations of the Jewish Home Family, Jewish Home at Rockleigh, Jewish Home Assisted Living, Jewish Home at Home and Jewish Home and Rehabilitation Center. The purpose is to make healthcare, education, life enrichment, scientific and other charitable efforts available to the seniors, the elderly and infirm in the community, without regard to the individuals’ ability to pay.

66 Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019

Mission: Alzheimer’s New Jersey, formerly known as Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, provides programs and services to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and caregivers who live in Bergen County and the 13 other New Jersey counties. Association programs and services include education and training, support groups, respite assistance and a toll-free telephone, HelpLine.

Adler Aphasia Center

60 West Hunter Ave., Maywood, NJ 07607 Contact: Director of Development and Communications Elissa Goldstein

Phone: (201) 368-8585 Email: egoldstein@AdlerAphasiaCenter.org Web: www.adleraphasiacenter.org Mission: The Adler Aphasia Center’s mission is to be a vital resource to anyone whose life or profession is touched by aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs the expression and understanding of spoken language, reading and writing. It occurs most often form a stroke or brain injury. This condition affects a person’s ability to communicate, but does not affect their intellect. Adler Aphasia Center provides people with aphasia the assistance they need in regaining basic communication skills, as well as their self-esteem and self-confidence, often lost as a result of their disability.

The Office of Concern Food Pantry

55 West Demarest Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631 Contact: Director George McKenna

Phone: (201) 568-1465 Email: GMcK1230@optonline.net Web: www.officeofconcern.com

Mission: The Office of Concern Food Pantry serves “the poorest of the poor” in northern New Jersey by supplementing their food and other basic needs with bags of food each week. Food packages contain canned goods and other non-perishables, as well as fresh poultry, fruit and vegetables and dairy products. St. Cecilia’s Church in Englewood sponsors The Office of Concern Food Pantry, but the pantry is independent functionally and financially. It serves all regardless of religion, race or culture. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each week, they move 4.5 tons of food from their warehouse to their front office for distribution to 750 needy

families. The 501 (c)(3) organization is staffed by dedicated, unpaid volunteers, who operate through the generosity of foundations, businesses, churches, schools, community organizations and individuals.

The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc.

335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 Contact: Visitor Services Manager Leslie Naghshineh

Phone: (201) 445-8311, ext. 102 Email: lnaghshineh@thehermitage.org Web: www.thehermitage.org

Mission: The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc. was established to restore, maintain and interpret The Hermitage, along with its grounds and outbuildings. Their mission is not only to provide these services, but also to communicate to a diverse audience of students, scholars and the general public, the site, its archives and its collections as they relate to local, regional and national history beginning in 1740.

Giants of Generosity, Inc.

201 Piermont Road, Suite 16, Cresskill, NJ 07626 Contact: President & CEO D. Jane Chagaris Albanese

Phone: (201) 567-2622 Email: jane@giantsofgenerosity.org Web: www.giantsofgenerosity.org

Mission: Giants of Generosity’s mission is to quickly respond to the urgent needs of people in the community who are experiencing critical, life-altering situations. It does this by providing financial relief, connections to valuable resources and service providers. Its goals are achieved with much greater impact by leveraging resources, expertise and relationships with other, likeminded organizations whenever possible. Giants of Generosity is fully funded by the generous donations of area residents and by corporate grants.

Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF)

1 Grand Ave. Suite 3, Englewood, NJ 07631 Contact: Associate Director Danielle De Laurentis

Phone: (201) 568-5608 Email: nnjcf@nnjcf.org Web: www.nnjcf.org

Mission: NNJCF focuses on civic engagement, education, public health and the arts by working with local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profits and citizen groups to improve community life. Foundation partners identify and resolve regional problems and opportunities by sharing ideas, services and resources. The ArtsBergen initiative supports and encourages creative place making, the integration of arts and culture into an area to build community and boost the local economy.

Advance Housing, Inc.

100 Hollister Road, Teterboro, NJ 07608 Contact: President & CEO Carolyn Jaime

Phone: (201) 498-9140 Email: cjaime@advancehousing.org Web: www.advancehousing.org

Mission: The mission of Advance Housing, Inc. is to expand the range and scope of supportive housing opportunities available to persons with psychiatric disabilities. In addition, Advance Housing, Inc. seeks to make similar options and services available to other individuals who are in need of supportive housing. The array of outreach services, designed to help people live independently and productively in the community, will exceed the highest standards of professional practice.

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someonewho can never repay you.” – John Bunyon

Talk of the Town HOLIDAY 2019 67

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W Wellness ellness & W Walk-In alk-In Car Care e Center Garden at Gar den State Plaza Don’t lose your holiday magic to seasonal sickness. care prescriptions Get the car e and pr escriptions you need at the same time you get your shopping done. Care • Car e for minor injuries & illnesses healthcare concierge • On-site healthcar e concier ge • Phar macy services and supplies Pharmacy • Pr escriptions dr opped off by 3 p.m. Prescriptions dropped will be filled by 6 p.m. Level 1 (near Lor d & TTaylor) aylor) Lord V alet parking available Valet

Saturday, Open: Monday – Satur day, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ValleyHealth.com/WalkIn Book ahead at V alleyHealth.com/WalkIn

201-345-4410 | ValleyHealth.com/GSP ValleyHealth.com/GSP alleyH