Kids, Pets and Community
August is a wonderful time in the Northern Highlands. Summer is still in full swing, families are making the most of the season, and there is a sense of excitement as we prepare for a new school year. Our Kids & Pets issue celebrates the organizations and people who help shape, support, and inspire the next generation throughout our community.
This month, we are proud to feature Immaculate Heart Academy, a school that continues to empower young women through academic excellence, leadership, service, and faith. Their commitment to developing confident and compassionate leaders has made a lasting impact on countless students and families throughout the region.
We also highlight Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics, where children of all ages are encouraged to build strength, confidence, discipline, and resilience. Their programs provide more than physical development. They create opportunities for young people to grow, challenge themselves, and discover what they are capable of achieving.
This issue also shines a spotlight on Comfort Cases, an incredible nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children entering foster care. Their mission is simple yet powerful: ensuring that every child feels valued, cared for, and respected during a difficult transition. The work they do serves as a reminder of how much of a difference compassion and community support can make in a young person's life.
As I continue my journey with Northern Highlands City Lifestyle, I am constantly inspired by the people and organizations that make this community so special. Whether through education, athletics, volunteerism, or simply lending a helping hand, there are countless individuals working every day to create opportunities and brighter futures for our children.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes each month and for supporting the local businesses, schools, and nonprofits that strengthen our community. Their stories deserve to be celebrated, and we are honored to help share them.
Wishing you and your family a safe, relaxing, and memorable end to the summer season. Enjoy these final weeks of sunshine and make every moment count.
Anthony Rizzo
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Anthony Rizzo | anthony.rizzo@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Lucille Rizzo | lucille.rizzo@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
AnneMarie Vaughn, Carly Mac Manus, Kali Kasprzyk, Gwynn Galvin, Julian Crest
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Immaculate Heart Academy, Carly Mac Manus, Janie Jones, Gwynn Galvin, Clara Wang, Cat Crew Rescue
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
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This month’s cover features AEON Gymnastics owners Amanda Lorenz and Stephanie Green alongside one of their young gymnasts at the Hillsdale facility. Together, they are helping children build confidence, strength and skills that extend far beyond the gym.
Photography: Clara Wang Photography
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Nine Immaculate Heart Academy students received fourth quarter Soaring Eagle Awards for outstanding achievement. 2: Northern Highlands STEM students showcased innovation and teamwork at a regional engineering competition. 3: USR Library guests created Dinosaur Egg Gardens while learning gardening skills and prehistoric fun. 4: USR Police honored local children during Bergen County’s annual Chief for a Day event. 5: Students enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour and hands-on learning at Ho-Ho-Kus Police Headquarters. 6: Bergen Leads Class of 2026 graduation. 7: Northern Highlands Leo Club assembled 100 care packages for individuals experiencing homelessness in Paterson.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
JOHN SNYDER/BERGEN VOLUNTEERS
business monthly
Tenafly Pediatrics Celebrates 50 Years of Caring for Families
Tenafly Pediatrics is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Since opening its doors in 1976, the practice has remained committed to providing personal, compassionate care rooted in evidence-based medicine. While much has changed over the past five decades, its dedication to children and families remains as strong as ever. Throughout the year, Tenafly Pediatrics will commemorate this milestone. For more information visit tenaflypediatrics.com
Athletic Trainer Dr. Pete Koeniges Earns National Honor
Congratulations to Dr. Pete Koeniges, Northern Highlands' Athletic Trainer, on being named Training & Conditioning magazine's 2026 Most Valuable Athletic Trainer of the Year. Recognized for his decades of dedication, expertise, and commitment to student-athletes, coaches, and the school community, Dr. Koeniges continues to set the standard for excellence in sports medicine while mentoring future professionals and advancing the athletic training field.
Photography by @tenaflypediatrics
Photography by Northern Highlands Regional High School
The Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden hosted a memorable evening, "In the Garden with Chef Stefan," featuring a six-course dining experience created by Chef Stefan and Vanda of St. Eve's using fresh ingredients grown in the garden. Paired with wines from Carlo Russo Wine & Spirit World, the event celebrated food, community and the dedicated volunteers whose efforts help provide fresh produce to local families in need.
IHA is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders by challenging our impressive young women to develop their God-given talents for a future filled with endless possibilities. Find out why our extensive curriculum, artistic offerings, athletic teams, and Christian service programs are second to none.
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Best Veterinary Practice
Allendale Veterinary Hospital www.allendalevet.com | 201.327.1045
VCA Ho-Ho-Kus Animal Hospital www.vcahospitals.com/ho-ho-kus | 201.652.1258
Ramsey Veterinary Hospital www.ramseyvet.com | 201.825.4545
Oradell Animal Hospital - Paramus www.oradell.com | 201.262.0010
Bergen County Veterinary Center www.bergencountyveterinarycenter.com | 201.447.4444
Best Preschool/Daycare
Archer Cooperative Nursery School www.archernurseryschool.com | 201.327.6016
The Upper Saddle River Children's Academy www.usrchildrensacademy.com | 201.995.0001
Prodigy Academie Child Learning Center www.prodigyacademie.com | 201.934.8009
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
The Learning Experience - Ramsey www.thelearningexperience.com/centers/ramsey | 201.474.3015
The Little School of Waldwick www.thelittleschoolofwaldwicknj.com | 201.689.0034
Quality That is Guaranteed in Your Time of Need
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Musty odors, stains, warped floors, or health issues like headaches and coughing could mean toxic mold—especially after flooding or leaks.
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Meet Kate and Penny
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Thoughtful & Accessible Care at Elements
of Heritage Est 1963
Panico Salon is a proud family- owned business that has served the Ridgewood community for over 60 years From its founding by Jack Panico Sr , to Jack Panico Jr and now Brianna Panico, the salon continues to grow through passion, education, and dedication to the beauty industry.
We continuously refine our craft while preserving the warmth and familiarity our clients cherish At Panico, every guest is family.
SERVICE TO THE Community
Empowering Students to Use Their Gifts in Service to Others
ARTICLE BY ANNEMARIE VAUGHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY IMMACULATE HEART ACADEMY
There is a reason why Immaculate Heart Academy has been repeatedly named the Best Private School in Bergen County. In addition to its rigorous academic program and powerhouse athletics, students are empowered on a daily basis to lead with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Service at IHA is more than just something that is required; it is a central part of the school’s mission to form students as young women who embody the Gospel and dedicate themselves to Christian service by giving back to their communities and developing compassion for others.
Students attend several Midnight Runs in New York City throughout the school year to provide food, clothes, and conversations with individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition to the Midnight Runs, IHA Campus Ministry also holds annual Christmas and Easter drives for clothes, candy, gift cards, and books for Strengthen Our Sisters Shelter and Sacred Heart School. Students also use the opportunity of Catholic Schools Week to hold an additional charity drive for Pencils for Pula (PFP), recently raising more than 3,600 school supplies for students in under-resourced classrooms. According to PFP, “IHA’s continued support is a powerful reminder of what a caring community can accomplish when it comes together for a common purpose.”
Thanksgiving Senior Dinner
Diaper Drive
Students dedicate their time to support vulnerable populations across many generations. They host diaper drives for Saint Joseph’s Care Corner in Oradell, craft cards and bracelets with encouraging messages for hospice patients at Villa Marie Claire, and treat hundreds of senior citizens to a free dinner and companionship for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Service at IHA also extends to the athletic field as sports teams regularly host fundraisers and events for various causes. The IHA Softball Team, for instance, hosts an annual invitational tournament in honor of the late IHA coach Anthony LaRezza, who passed away due to cancer. Over the last several years, IHA Softball has raised nearly $125,000 to support Tackle Kids Cancer and Hackensack Meridian Health Children’s Cancer Institute. The school’s numerous clubs also get involved in service opportunities as part of their mission. As an example, the Military Awareness Club volunteered to place wreaths on the headstones of U.S. veterans buried at the United States Military Academy.
To recognize all of these efforts, IHA held its annual Service Awards Ceremony earlier this year to celebrate students for their inspiring commitment to service. From service to the elderly and individuals with disabilities to breast cancer awareness and dedication to veterans, IHA students served more than 33,000 hours during the 2025-2026 school year! Ms. Emily Ash ’19, theology teacher and director of Campus Ministry, explains why IHA is proud to recognize their service, “Through their dedication to service, our students bring so much light to the world and make the Love of God Himself present and real in the lives of others. In a world that says, TikTok and Instagram likes determine your worth and that a perfectly curated Instagram feed with a catchy caption is what you have to do to be known in the world, we celebrate all of our young women who say we know differently — we know that the one who truly knows us is God, and He asks us go out and love His people through our actions. Their service points to what authentic service should be: selfless, loving, and using one's God-given gifts to meet the needs of His people.”
Immaculate Heart Academy
Founded in 1960, Immaculate Heart Academy is an allgirls Catholic regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark presently celebrating its 66th year. A Blue Ribbon School, IHA enrolls approximately 650 girls in a competitive college preparatory program from nearly 100 towns in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties in New Jersey and more than 20 towns in Rockland and Orange counties in New York. Over the years, IHA has continually grown and evolved, fortifying its academics, activities, and facilities to prepare students for further education, and for the enhancement of society through their personal, professional, and spiritual gifts.
Immaculate Heart Academy is located at 500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township of Washington, NJ.
Easter Giving
Tacos, Tiles and a Whole Lot of Heart
Building Hands, Building Hope: How Cinco de Mahjong Rallied Bergen County for Children Experiencing Foster Care
Margaritas. Mahjong tiles. And somewhere between the tacos and the first winning hand of the night, something quite remarkable happened.
What looked from the outside like the most fun Tuesday in Upper Saddle River’s recent memory turned out to be something far more intentional: a room full of neighbors who showed up to play a game and stayed to help change a child’s story.
Cinco de Mahjong was exactly what it promised: festive, lively and filled with the kind of laughter that comes when people are genuinely glad to be together. But beneath the clatter of tiles inside the Upper Saddle River Fire Department was a mission that gave the evening its real purpose.
On a Tuesday evening in May, nearly 100 members of the local community came together and proved a point that needed no rulebook. When people gather with purpose, even a fun night out can build something that lasts.
The event was hosted in support of Comfort Cases, and by the time the last tile was set down, the community had delivered. Sixty backpacks were packed, filled and destined for CASA of Passaic and Union Counties in Wayne, ready to remind a child that someone is thinking of them.
THE MISSION BEHIND THE MAHJONG
For many children experiencing foster care in the United States, the reality is
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CARLY MAC MANUS
heartbreaking. Children enter the system every day, and many leave their homes carrying their belongings in nothing more than a trash bag.
It is a reality that Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer has made it his life’s work to change.
A Navy veteran, CNN Hero and father of five children adopted through foster care, Scheer lived this trauma himself. Today, he leads a national movement chronicled in A Forever Family, published by Simon & Schuster and Derek Jeter Publishing.
Comfort Cases replaces that silent symbol of neglect with something far better: a sturdy backpack filled with brand-new pajamas, a blanket, books, hygiene essentials, a stuffed animal and a personal note of encouragement written by the person who packed it.
These are not simply backpacks. They are a child’s first reminder, during what may be one of the most disorienting moments of their life, that someone cared enough to think about what they carry.
The 60 backpacks packed at Cinco de Mahjong were delivered directly to CASA of Passaic and Union Counties in Wayne, a program dedicated to advocating for children experiencing foster care who need a consistent and caring voice in their corner.
For those children, a Comfort Case backpack and a CASA advocate arriving at the same moment is no coincidence. It is a community deciding, in two very different but equally meaningful ways, that no child should feel invisible.
BERGEN COUNTY WOMEN DON’T JUST PLAY THE GAME. THEY CHANGE IT.
If mahjong has quietly become the “new golf” for female entrepreneurs and executives, a social game that
creates connection and community, Bergen County women are proving they play for keeps.
What made Cinco de Mahjong work was not just the mission. It was the network already in place: a community of women who have spent years building relationships, leading organizations and showing up for one another without waiting to be asked.
When Upper Saddle River resident Aimee Berger extended the invitation, they did not simply RSVP. They rolled up their sleeves.
Leslie Labell, a professional mahjong coach who runs her own network, LBI BeachBams, and teaches workshops through The Tile Society, stepped in as co-chair and volunteered her time to coach first-time players at the event.
She also recruited fellow coaches because she understood that for an event like this to succeed, the room had to welcome both seasoned players and curious newcomers who did not know a Pung from a Joker.
She made sure no one felt left at the wall.
Leslie Lahoud, president of the Upper Saddle River Valley Junior Women’s Club, a nonprofit civic organization, helped connect Berger to the Upper Saddle River Fire Department, which generously offered to host the event.
That single connection meant 100 percent of every ticket sold and dollar donated could go directly to Comfort Cases because overhead expenses were covered by the community itself through individual underwriters and in-kind business supporters.
WOMEN RAISING EACH OTHER’S HANDS
Bergen County’s giving community is not without competition for hearts, minds and calendars. There is no shortage of causes worth supporting and no shortage of remarkable women championing them.
What sets this community apart is that its leaders do not treat other people’s events as competition. They see them as proof that the community is working.
Lisa Halperin and Jann Reissman, former and current presidents of JCO of Northern Bergen County, had hosted their own mahjong fundraiser for CFPantry.org just two weeks before Cinco de Mahjong.
Rather than protect their momentum, they were among the first to amplify this event, extending their networks and helping drive attendance.
That is not simply courtesy. That is character.
This is the hyperlocal magic of Bergen County. When a woman becomes a trusted voice in her circle, someone people turn to for what is happening, what is worth attending and what is worth supporting, her endorsement carries influence that no ad campaign can replicate.
Multiply that across a dozen women like her and you do not just fill a room. You build a movement, tile by tile.
MORE THAN A GAME NIGHT
Perhaps what made the evening most memorable was not the number of backpacks collected, though 60 is nothing short of remarkable.
It was the atmosphere.
People who arrived expecting a fun night out stayed for something deeper.
Part of that came from an unexpected and deeply moving moment midway through the evening when Scheer addressed the room.
In a space filled with laughter and the cheerful shuffle of tiles, he brought the kind of stillness that only a personal story can create.
He spoke about his own childhood, the instability, the trash bags and the feeling of moving through a system that did not always pause long enough to see him as a person.
He explained how those experiences became the foundation of Comfort Cases, why a backpack filled with new items is far more meaningful than its contents alone, and why organizations like CASA create an impact that extends far beyond a single placement.
For many in attendance, it became the moment the evening shifted from fun to unforgettable.
Neighbors connected. New friendships formed. Conversations that began between rounds and across tables continued long after the last tile was drawn.
There was laughter, margaritas and a shared understanding that helping children experiencing foster care does not require a gala or grand gesture.
Sometimes it begins with a game, a room full of neighbors, a founder willing to share his story and a community deciding together that tonight, they play for something that matters.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY
Cinco de Mahjong would not have been possible without the generosity of those who believed in the mission before a single tile was drawn.
Because of their support, 100 percent of every ticket sold went directly to Comfort Cases.
Their deepest gratitude goes to Three’s A Party Design, Party Rental LTD, B&M Caterers, Roxanne’s, The Hafter Family, Monika Baginski, Empire CLS and co-founder Michelle Seelinger, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Looksee, Greek City, Susan Camus, owner of The Plaza, Mike Tenebruso, Bergen Pickleball Zone, Smooth Sailing Painters, Harvest Hill Beverage Company and Hungry Harvest Garden.
For more information, visit comfortcases.org and aimsleymgmt.com
Comfort Cases founder Rob Scheer
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With just four ingredients you'll have Oreo Ice Cream for dessert! This homemade ice cream is so easy to make without an ice cream maker.
Notes: This recipe makes 6 cups of ice cream / 12 servings (1/2 cup per serving).
EQUIPMENT:
• electric mixer
• hand mixer
• spatula
• measuring spoons
• loaf pan
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 15 oreo cookies , crushed, about 1 1/2 cups crushed cookies
INSTRUCTIONS:
Beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Using a spatula, fold in the sweetened condensed milk.
Add the crushed cookies.
Transfer the ice cream mixture to a loaf pan. Top with more cookies, if desired.
Cover with plastic wrap and freeze 8 hours to overnight.
Gwynn Galvin, creator of Swirls of Flavor, creates easy, family-friendly recipes with fresh, simple ingredients. Check out her website at swirlsofflavor.com
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GWYNN
GALVIN
& Concierge Services
MORE THAN A Rescue
How Cat Crew Rescue is transforming compassion into action for cats, families, and the Northern Highlands community
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAT CREW RESCUE
ARTICLE BY JULIAN CREST
Brie
Hillsdale
When a call came in about an injured cat lying along Kinderkamack Road in Hillsdale on an early May morning, the situation appeared hopeless. The cat had been left on the roadside, injured, frightened, and feral. A passerby who stopped to help feared the worst and quickly reached out for assistance.
What followed became one of the many stories that continue to define Cat Crew Rescue Inc.
The injured cat was rushed to emergency veterinary care, where euthanasia was initially recommended. Not because the injuries alone made recovery impossible, but because the animal was considered unmanageable.
Sophia Sembos refused to accept that outcome.
She requested that the cat be treated and made a promise that she would take responsibility for whatever came next. That decision marked the beginning of a long recovery and an even longer journey toward trust.
Through time, patience, and consistent care, the cat slowly healed. Once labeled feral and unadoptable, he eventually learned to trust human touch. He was later named Hillsdale, a tribute to the community where he was found. Today, he lives in a loving home with a local couple and continues to thrive years after his injury.
Stories like this are not rare within Cat Crew Rescue. They are the foundation of it.
Founded in 2018 in Oradell, Cat Crew Rescue Inc began as a response to what Sophia Sembos saw as a growing gap in animal welfare services across Bergen County. After years of volunteering with another rescue organization, she recognized an increasing need for accessible, compassionate, and community-centered care for cats in need.
What started as a personal commitment has grown into a foster-based nonprofit with more than 100,000 social media followers and a reach that extends far beyond northern New Jersey. Today, the organization receives requests for help from across the country, all rooted in the same urgent need: a safe place for cats with nowhere else to go.
From the beginning, Sembos brought a lifetime of compassion to her work. One of her earliest childhood memories involves returning a lost cat to its family at
just four years old. That instinct to help animals never faded. As an attorney specializing in mental health and elder law, she spent her professional career advocating for populations often overlooked. That same sense of advocacy now defines Cat Crew Rescue.
The organization was built on a simple but powerful belief. Helping cats and helping people are not separate missions. They are deeply connected.
In Bergen County, where stray and feral cat populations continue to rise, Cat Crew Rescue has become a critical resource. With veterinary costs increasing and public resources stretched thin, many cat owners and caregivers struggle to find affordable care. The organization responds with free and low cost spay and neuter services and strong support for Trap Neuter Return programs, widely recognized as the most humane and effective approach to managing feral cat populations.
Beyond population control, Cat Crew Rescue focuses on creating stability. Each intervention is designed not only to help a single animal but to improve conditions for entire communities of cats and the people who care for them.
At the heart of the organization is a foster based model that relies entirely on volunteers. Every cat is placed in a home environment where healing, socialization, and trust can develop naturally. That structure has allowed Cat Crew Rescue to provide individualized care while maintaining a deeply personal connection to every animal it saves.
Among its most meaningful initiatives is the Senior Cats for Senior Citizens program, which pairs older cats with senior residents in need of companionship.
One such story involved a gentle cat named Brie, who was taken in after her owner passed away. She was later placed with an elderly woman whose family had been searching for a way to ease her loneliness.
Brie quickly became a constant presence in the woman’s life. She offered companionship, routine, and quiet comfort during a period of declining health. The bond between them grew so strong that when the woman passed away, her family described Brie as the love of her life.
These moments reflect what Cat Crew Rescue strives to create. Not just adoptions, but meaningful relationships that improve lives on both ends.
The organization also works closely with local schools, libraries, scout troops, and community groups throughout the Northern Highlands and surrounding areas. Educational programs introduce children to responsible pet care and encourage early lessons in empathy, responsibility, and community service. For many children, these encounters become their first understanding of how individual actions can make a real difference in the lives of animals.
Despite its growth and impact, Cat Crew Rescue continues to face one of its greatest challenges: limited space. As a foster only organization, its capacity is determined entirely by the number of available foster homes. Every day, new requests for help arrive, often exceeding what the organization can safely accommodate. This limitation has inspired a long term vision for expansion. Plans are underway to develop a permanent facility in Bergen County that would allow Cat Crew Rescue to increase its capacity for rescues, adoptions, and veterinary services. The proposed space would also
include a community food pantry for cats, helping families who struggle to provide basic care for their pets.
The organization’s philosophy is rooted in a simple idea. These are not just individual animals belonging to separate households. They are part of a shared community responsibility.
Cat Crew Rescue also continues to grow its fundraising efforts, including its first annual Tricky Tray event scheduled for November 11, 2026, at Seasons Catering in Washington Township. The evening will feature themed baskets, a 50/50 raffle, and community engagement in support of expanding rescue services and building a future facility dedicated to feline care.
In eight years, Cat Crew Rescue has helped more than 2,000 cats through rescue, adoption, and long term community care. Behind each number is a story of survival, connection, and second chances.
What began with one person’s decision to act has become a movement built on compassion, volunteers, and the belief that every life matters. In communities across Bergen County, that belief continues to grow one cat, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.
Hillsdale
GET INVOLVED
Cat Crew Rescue Inc can be reached at 201-965-4434 or Info@catcrewrescue.com, with more information available at catcrewrescue.org. Follow updates on Instagram at @catcrewrescue and Facebook at Cat Crew Rescue.
Supporters can help by donating, fostering, volunteering, sharing adoptable cats, or contributing needed supplies through the Amazon Wishlist at amazon.com/ registries/gl/guest-view/3HBSZSEDYTJT1
Cat Crew Rescue Inc is currently accepting donations for its First Annual Tricky Tray Fundraiser on November 11, 2026, at Seasons Catering in Washington Township, NJ. Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to contribute gift cards, baskets, services, or new products to be used as raffle prizes. All donations directly benefit the cats in their care and support the organization’s expansion efforts. To participate or donate, email Info@catcrewrescue.com.
Volunteer Angie feeding the cats at the Industrial Colony
Volunteers Joyce and Deme winterizing feral cat shelters
BUILT FOR A LIFETIME:
AEON GYMNASTICS HELPS CHILDREN DISCOVER STRENGTH, JOY, AND RESILIENCE THROUGH MOVEMENT
ARTICLE BY JULIAN CREST | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLARA WANG PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-owners Amanda Lorenz and Stephanie Green
Some friendships last a lifetime. For Amanda Lorenz and Stephanie Green, that friendship also became the foundation for a business that has impacted thousands of children across Bergen County.
The co-owners of Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics first met in third grade while growing up in Park Ridge. As young athletes, they spent countless hours together in gymnastics, cheerleading and dance. They later worked at Dora's Gymnastics throughout high school and college, discovering a shared passion for coaching and helping children succeed.
“We wanted to build a gym that would inspire kids for years to come.”
Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics
After graduating from college, Amanda with a degree in physical education, health and exercise science and Stephanie with a business degree, they entered a difficult job market. Rather than waiting for opportunities, they decided to create their own.
"We wanted to build a gym that would inspire kids for years to come," they said.
The pair spent a year developing a business plan focused on creating a positive environment where children of all ages and abilities could learn, grow and build confidence. When the opportunity arose to purchase Dora's Gymnastics in 2010,
they took the leap. At just 23 years old, they became business owners.
What began with fewer than 10 employees and approximately 300 students has grown into one of the area's most respected youth athletic programs. Today, Aeon serves more than 1,200 students and employs about 90 staff members across two Hillsdale training centers.
The name Aeon reflects the founders' belief that the lessons learned through gymnastics last a lifetime. While skills and routines are important, Amanda and Stephanie have always believed the sport offers something much greater.
"Children grow up being more confident in themselves, taking the tools they learn in Aeon's program and bringing them with them for life," they said.
That philosophy is woven into every program. Aeon offers gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading and ninja warrior classes for children ages 18 months through 18 years, along with birthday parties, summer camps, holiday camps and competitive teams. Whether a child is stepping onto a mat for the first time or competing on a national stage, the goal remains the same: helping them discover what they are capable of achieving.
Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics
“Children grow up being more confident in themselves, taking the tools they learn in Aeon’s program and bringing them with them for life.”
Gymnastics naturally teaches resilience. Progress requires patience, focus and perseverance. Children learn that mistakes are part of growth and that success comes from showing up, working hard and trying again.
Beyond physical strength and coordination, those lessons often translate into everyday life. Physical activity helps children improve focus, manage emotions and build social skills, while teamwork and positive interactions with coaches and peers create lasting friendships and confidence.
For many local families, Aeon has become much more than a gym.
Over the years, Amanda and Stephanie have watched siblings grow up together through the program, with entire families participating across different classes and teams. Many athletes stay involved throughout childhood and continue competing into college. Some even return after graduation to coach the next generation.
In fact, numerous former students now work at Aeon, including several sets of siblings who have become part of the coaching staff. One cherished tradition is taking annual photos together, creating a collection of memories that captures years of growth, achievement and connection.
"It fulfills our purpose and mission," the founders said.
While Aeon athletes have earned impressive state, regional and national titles, the
greatest rewards often happen far from the podium. They happen when a nervous child gains confidence, when a new skill is mastered after weeks of practice or when a student discovers a sense of belonging.
More than 16 years after opening their doors, Amanda and Stephanie remain inspired by the same passion that started it all.
They love helping children find success, build character and develop skills that extend far beyond the gym walls. For local parents, they offer a simple invitation: become part of the journey.
Because while gymnastics may begin with a cartwheel or a handstand, the confidence, discipline and resilience it builds can last a lifetime.
LEARN MORE: Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics serves more than 1,200 students through recreational and competitive programs in gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading and ninja warrior training. The Hillsdale-based facility also offers birthday parties, summer camps and holiday camps for children of all ages. Aeon's two training centers are located at 157 Patterson St. and 270 Knickerbocker Ave. in Hillsdale. Learn more at aeonfitgym.com, call 201-664-0304 or follow @aeonfitnessandgymnastics on Instagram and Facebook.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
events
Ramsey Farmers Market
Main Street Train Station - Station Plaza & W Main St, Ramsey | 9:00 AM
Come down to the Ramsey Farmers Market to enjoy some summer shopping! With a rotating list of vendors, special events, and children's activities, it is the perfect place to find new places to try and enjoy a summer's day! For more information, visit ramseyfarmersmarket.org.
AUGUST 2ND
Summer Sundays at Hopper-Goetschius House
Upper Saddle River Historical Society - 245 Lake St, Upper Saddle River | 2:00 PM
Step back in time during Summer Sundays at the Hopper-Goetschius House in Upper Saddle River. Every Sunday in August from 2 to 4 p.m., visitors can tour the 18th-century museum and outbuildings while enjoying special live demonstrations. Learn more at usrhistoricalsociety.org
AUGUST 3RD
Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department Touch a Truck
Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library - 91 Warren Ave, Ho-Ho-Kus | 10:30 AM
Get an up-close look at a Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department vehicle and meet the officers who serve the community. This interactive event gives children and families the opportunity to explore a police vehicle, ask questions, and learn more about local law enforcement. To sign up visit hohokuslibrary.org
AUGUST 8TH
Hermitage Museum Arts & Craft Show
Hermitage Museum, 335 No. Franklin Tpke, Ho-Ho-Kus | 10:00 AM
Hermitage Outdoor Art & Craft Show features talented artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, artwork, pottery, home décor, specialty gifts, and more. Visitors can enjoy unique shopping, festival-style food, and a tour of the historic Hermitage Museum, making it a perfect day for the whole family.
AUGUST 9TH
Peace and Presence With The Horses - Grief Support
Center For Mind Body Balance - 96 East Allendale Road, Saddle River | 12:00 PM
Find peace and restoration in the calming presence of horses during this guided wellness experience. Led by a licensed psychotherapist, participants are invited to relax, reflect, and connect with nature in a supportive environment, allowing the gentle energy of these intuitive animals to promote grounding, comfort, and emotional well-being. For more information visit griefunbound.com..
AUGUST 9TH
One River School Clouds and Sky Acrylic Workshop
One River Allendale - 319 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale | 1:30 PM
Learn to paint dramatic skies in acrylic, from bold sunsets to moody storms. This hands-on workshop explores light, shadow, color, and value to create depth and atmosphere while capturing the beauty and power of the sky. For more information visit allendale.oneriverschool.com
