Northwest Bergen, NJ February 2019

NorthwestBergenLifestyle.com

FEBRUARY 2019

Artists + Makers: Celebrating Creativity

FLOWER POWER: HEART-STOPPING BOUQUETS

THE ART OF MOTION: DANCING TO INSPIRE

THE BERRIE CENTER: 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Ladies Valentine ’s Night Out THURSDAY, FEBRUA RY 7, 2019 | 7pm - 10pm

Ladies, get what you really want this Valentine’s Day! Bring your friends to complete your Valentine’s gift registry while enjoying drinks, food and music!

Men’s Valentine’s Day Gift Shopping Event S AT U R DAY, F E B RUA RY 9 , 2 0 1 9 | 1 0 am - 6 pm

Gentlemen, please join us on Saturday to view your significant other’s Valentine’s Day wish list. Nothing is easier than shopping for your Valentine when they have selected their gift of choice already...it’s a WIN-WIN! A p or ti on of a l l sa l es for Thurs day, Febr uar y 7th and S aturday, Febr uar y 9th w i l l b e d onate d to t h e R amap o - B er g en Ani ma l Ref ug e, Inc .

every moment counts THE DECO MADISON MID COLLECTION AVAILABLE AT

ALLENDALE TOWN CENTER 33 West Allendale Aveue | Allendale, NJ 07401

201.962.3207 DansonJewelers.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2019 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Lucy Probert | lucy.probert@lifestylepubs.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jean Terman | Jeant@jeantermanphotography.com

Curating Creativity!

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Beth Meleski

FEBRUARY—IT’S THE SHORTEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, BUT THERE’S DEFINITELY NO SHORTAGE OF EXCITING THINGS HAPPENING HERE IN NORTHWEST BERGEN. When thinking of ideas for our Arts + Makers issue, we were inspired by the talented local artists who beautify our community with their work. Whether it’s local theater performances, the Northwest Bergen arts scene or handmade goods from local artisans, we were amazed by the creative culture our “local” community is bursting with.

One of our favorite arts-related experiences around the area includes performances as well as exhibits at the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts in Mahwah.

Continuing our theme of Arts + Makers, we are thrilled to be able to feature four of our area’s most talented artisans. You are in for a real treat as we begin our journey at Junk Chick Designs in Wyckoff and then make our next stop at The Circle Bake Shop by Elizabeth based in Ridgewood. Take a moment to breathe, and we’re off to Leather Head Sports in Glen Rock, and finally, we finish up our tour at Inspired Between the Pines in Franklin Lakes.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

When thinking of your loved ones for Valentine’s Day, consider the beautiful collec-

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

tion of engagement rings, fine jewelry and luxury timepieces at Danson Jewelers in

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Allendale. If you’re on the hunt for some of the most gorgeous flowers within minutes of

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

your home, we recommend checking out the area’s most highly rated florists: Flowers

by Joan in Waldwick or Allendale Flowers, Inc. in Allendale.

We hope you find inspiration in these pages and come to appreciate all that Northwest Bergen has to offer.

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS John Newman | Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

As always, please keep our community first and foremost in your mind when spending your hard-earned money. Support our local businesses and professionals. Keep it local.

Thanks for reading, and I wish you and yours a fantastic February!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA

Marc Schwartz, Publisher

NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Dancers Janette Dishuk, Sofia Lepis and Lydia Rakov from Art of Motion in Ridgewood

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN TERMAN 4

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

NorthwestBergenLifestyle.com

Proverbs 3:5-6 Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northwest Bergen areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2019

FEATURES 14 Flower Power How to Wow Your Sweetheart with These Heart-Stopping Bouquets

18 Makers at Work Peek Inside the Studios, Work Spaces and Kitchens of Four of Our Area’s Most Talented Artisans

22 The Creative Den Where Art Thrives

14 26

26 The Art of Motion How Lynn Needle Keeps Kids Dancing

18

22

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Driver’s Notebook

14

Local’s Choice

26 Giving Back 30 Back Stage 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Parting Thoughts

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Social Service Association Shopping Day at Katie Diamond Jewelry Katie Diamond Jewelry in Ridgewood hosted a shopping event recently with proceeds benefiting the Social Service Association, a nonprofit organization that helps provide food and other support services to area families in need. Unique jewelry, gifts and apothecary items were among the offerings in Diamond's store.

4.

5.

6.

1. Christina Bergantino and Nicole Cohen shop for a good cause. | 2. Corrie Gaffoglio checks out the jewelry selection. | 3. Kathleen Burke, store owner Katie Diamond and Cassie Hartmann at Katie’s store in Ridgewood | 4. Ann Levitan, Corrie Gaffoglio and Katie Diamond | 5. Beautiful jewelry on display at Katie Diamond Jewelry | 6. Cassie Hartmann trying to decide which piece to pick.

1.

2.

3.

Saddle River Valley Auxiliary Holiday Luncheon and Boutique The Saddle River Branch of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary held its 16th Annual Holiday Luncheon and Boutique at the Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus in December. Guests gathered for lunch and to shop with featured area vendors. Proceeds from the event benefit the Auxiliary's $1.4 million pledge to Valley programs.

4.

5.

6.

1. Spring Lake Toys Foundation’s Paulette Laurenzi and Janet Cohen | 2. Members of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary Saddle River Branch gather for lunch and shopping. | 3. Annabella and Nicole Fernandez at the Tiffany table | 4. ReeMat Designs’ Reena Mathur and Raquel Tejeda | 5. Nancy Bush addresses the luncheon attendees. | 6. Nancy Bush with Frances Spitale, Gina Heuck and Brooke Lawson from Neiman Marcus.

8

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

T R UN K SHOW

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AROUND TOWN

ONE RIVER SCHOOL OF ART HOLDS OPEN HOUSE IN ALLENDALE One River School of Art and Design in Allendale recently held its Freeze Fest Winter Open House

“This will be a place where dancing is fun,” says owner Nichole Solomon. “Where it’s not about competition but about feeling safe and gaining confidence in yourself.” NJDTI.org

where kids and teens participated in studio and digital activities in their classrooms and worked on a collaborative sculpture. Winter Camps and new Adult Art Sessions were highlighted as well. One River offers art and digital design programs to students of all ages, allowing them to have fun creating in their state-of-the-art facility.

Allendale.OneRiverSchool.com

BUBBAKOO’S BURRITOS OPENS IN OAKLAND Bubbakoo’s, a build-your-own Mexican food eatery, opened recently on Ramapo Valley Road in Oakland. Offering a customizable menu that includes burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and more, Bubbakoo’s hails from Point Pleasant where their first restaurant opened in 2008 and now have more than 20 locations statewide. Choose from more than 15 different protein options including fried

The

Ridgewood

Performing

Arts

Center

chicken, barbecue pork and Buffalo shrimp, as well

presented its annual Holiday Celebration in

as numerous toppings. Multiple vegetarian options

December at Bergen Academies in Hackensack.

are available as well. Bubbakoos.com

More than 100 young dancers ages 6 to 17

NJ DANCE2INSPIRE NEW TO MAHWAH

performed in the show, which celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah. The dancers in Act

NJ Dance2Inspire opened its doors in Mahwah last

I performed from The Nutcracker as well as

month, offering programs for kids of all ages,

dances celebrating Hanukkah. Act II was a dance

like Showstoppers, a non-competitive dance team

interpretation of The Night Before Christmas with

that allows young dancers the chance to show their

narration by Irish tenor Ciaran Sheehan and fea-

love for dance at fun events. Classes are open to stu-

turing dancing elves, candies, fairies, mice and

dents as young as 2 (Minis) as well as jazz, hip-hop,

snowflakes. RidgewoodPAC.com

tap and ballet to dancers through high school age.

10

RPAC DANCERS PRESENT HOLIDAY SHOW

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

Diane Durocher Interiors Sophisticated • Elegant • Timeless

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DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

AUTOMOTIVE ARTISTRY 2019 MINI Cooper Countryman interior

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12

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

2019 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN SE ALL4 OFFERS DRIVERS AN UNCONVENTIONAL AND VERSATILE HYBRID

2019 MINI Cooper Countryman front seat

THE MINI COOPER UNDERWENT A COMPLETE REDESIGN LAST YEAR, MAKING IT THE BIGGEST AND MOST VERSATILE MODEL IN THE BRAND’S HISTORY. A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), the Countryman SE ALL4 is not your typical hybrid; instead of an electric motor that propels the same axle as its gasoline engine, the Countryman utilizes a frontmounted gasoline engine to drive the front wheels and a rear-mounted electric motor to drive the rear wheels. Borrowing hybrid technology from the BMWi8 and based on the same platform, the Countryman driving experience is unique with a TwinPower Turbo engine, which is paired with the instant boost of an electric motor delivering incredible power. A 7.6 kWh battery pack powers the e-motor and can be recharged by plugging into a 220-volt charging station for two to three hours.

Fully charged, the battery nets the Countryman up to 12 miles of fully electric driving before the gasoline engine kicks in, adding the total range to around 270 hybrid driving miles. The 6-Speed Steptronic Automatic offers the convenience of an automatic transmission with the thrill of a manual, making it easier to switch between them.

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February 2019 | Northwest Bergen Lifestyle

13

LOCAL’S CHOICE

F L O W E R P O W E R WOW YOUR SWEETHEART WITH THESE HEART-STOPPING BOUQUETS

IS IT SPRING YET? Jeannine DePhillips of Flowers by Joan designed this spring-inspired arrangement with white and green hydrangeas, tulips, iris, lavender stock flower, curly willow and purple statice.

14

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

BURST OF COLORÂ This tropical mix of flowers arranged by Jeannine DePhillips, floral designer and co-owner of Flowers by Joan in Waldwick, contains pincushion protea, Bells of Ireland, green hydrangea, white dendrobium orchids and pink cymbidium orchids. Curly willow, monstera and magnolia leaves fill out the arrangement.

CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Northwest Bergen Lifestyle

15

LOCAL’S CHOICE

(CON TI N U ED)

Stephanie Barbagiannis, co-owner with her husband, Lambros, of Allendale Flowers, created this arrangement with hydrangea, fringed tulips, French lilac and craspedia.

T H E

L A N G U A G E

O F

F L O W E R S :

W H A T

Y O U R

B O U Q U E T

01 Hydrangeas: Naturally blooming in white, pink, green and blue, they represent powerful emotion, understanding and perseverance.

02Â Orchids: Symbolizing exotic and rare beauty, orchids are delicate and graceful and never disappoint.

03 Lilacs: Seen as a symbol of youthful innocence and young love, lilacs are the official flower of eighth wedding anniversaries and are known for their unique fragrance.

04 Tulips: A favorite spring or anytime flower that comes in a myriad of colors, each with their own meaning, tulips can symbolize true love (red), royalty (purple) and forgiveness (white).

05 Iris: Associated with wisdom and faith, the iris got its name from the Greek goddess Iris who personified the rainbow and has more than 200 varieties in a multitude of colors.

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

S A Y S

PA T T Y L A C O U R T E INTERIOR DESIGNER | EURICA HOME

201.444.4616 | EURICAHOME.COM 48 FRANKLIN TURNPIKE | WALDWICK, NEW JERSEY 07463

Cheryl Demartini at work on a project at Junk Chick Designs

ARTICLE LUCY PROBERT PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

PEEK INSIDE THE STUDIOS, WORK SPACES AND KITCHENS OF FOUR OF OUR AREA’S MOST TALENTED ARTISANS

Makers at Work Breathing New Life into Old Pieces Who: Cheryl Demartini

What: Owner, Junk Chick Designs Where: Wyckoff “THE CHALLENGE IS CREATING SOMETHING FROM SCRATCH. IT’S ALWAYS VERY SATISFYING TO SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN.”

Why: “Growing up in Ramsey, my family owned a lumber company, so I was always around wood and tools but also had an artistic side, majoring in fine arts at Ramapo College," Cheryl says. "By the time I was 18, I was painting landscapes on furniture and then a woman asked me to build her a glass door cabinet with old windows, then it was a bench, then a table. This was 20 years ago, before HGTV and YouTube were even around. Every piece has a story behind it, and I love designing things for people that they can’t find anywhere else. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of work for restaurants, building tables and bars for them. I made tables for the White Maple Café in Ridgewood and a bench for the Mahwah Bar and Grill. Restaurants like the rustic look; it’s a warmer, cozier feel plus it saves them money on linens. What I like is the challenge, creating something from scratch or transforming something. It’s always very satisfying to see what will happen. It can get dirty, but in the end when you see the finished piece, you forget about the sawdust and paint. It’s just part of the process.”

Info: JunkChickDesigns.com 18

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

The Art of the Cookies Who: Elizabeth Mazzurco

What: Cookie Artist, the Circle Bake Shop by Elizabeth Where: Ridgewood “A LOT OF COOL THINGS HAVE COME FROM THIS EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING MAKING COOKIES FOR THE CAST OF ‘THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL.’”

Why: “I have always loved baking, first with my mom growing up and then with my own children. After leaving my job as an elementary school teacher, with three little ones at home, I started making sugar cookies as a creative outlet," Elizabeth says. "When I wanted to get serious about learning how to ice them, I went online and found the most amazing community of cookie bloggers who were so incredibly generous and open with advice. I made some for my kids’ preschool bake sale, and that turned into friends buying them for the holidays.

From there, it slowly grew from friends, to friends of friends, and then my Instagram and Facebook pages helped me really take off. The designs are now all my own, and it’s been such a wonderful way for me to bring out my creative side by working with colors and patterns. I rent a commercial kitchen in Ramsey where I do all of my baking and decorating and have been teaching classes to both kids and adults, which I just love. A lot of cool things have come from this experience including making cookies for the cast of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel through cast member Michael Zegen, a Ridgewood High School friend. It’s been a fun gig.”

Info: @thecirclebakeshopbyelizabeth on Instagram

CONTINUED >

Elizabeth Mazzurco decorating her cookies.

February 2019 | Northwest Bergen Lifestyle

19

MAKERS AT WORK

(CON TI N U ED)

Play Ball

Who: Paul Cunningham What: Craftsman, Leather Head Sports Where: Glen Rock “WHAT STARTED OUT AS A HOBBY HAS BECOME ALL-CONSUMING.”

Why: “Growing up in Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the game was all around us. I worked there during college where we often played Town ball, a precursor to the modern game of baseball," Paul says. "We used a vintage-style baseball called the lemon peel ball, which dates back to the early 19th century. I became fascinated with these balls, and because I have a penchant for making things, I decided to design my own version, the Lemon Ball, which has a crisscross stitch pattern. My first design was made 30 years ago. After ending my career in Major League Baseball as a photo editor, I devoted myself full-time to making and branding heirloom-quality sporting goods. From the Lemon Ball, it progressed to designing footballs, which are smaller and more forgiving than official NFL footballs. Then came basketballs with stitched seams, a heavy-duty rubber

Paul Cunningham using his tools to make a leather basketball

bladder and rawhide lace. Medicine balls and rugby balls soon followed. What started as a hobby, then a branding experiment, 30 years later has turned into an all-consuming business that I still love.”

Making Jewelry that Inspires

Info: LeatherheadSports.com

Who: Janet Setter What: Founder, Designer, Inspired Between the Pines Where: Franklin Lakes

Janet Setter making her jewelry for Inspired Between the Pines

“IT WAS A SHARP TURN IN LIFE DECIDING TO PURSUE A LONG-HELD INTEREST IN DESIGNING SILVER JEWELRY.”

Why: "I started designing jewelry after studying alongside a silversmith in Joseph, Oregon, following a 20-year stint managing my family's business in the automotive aftermarket industry selling brake pads, headlights and antifreeze! It was a sharp turn in life deciding to pursue a long-held interest in designing silver jewelry," Janet says. "I forged a set of tools and learned the basic skills needed to create simple pieces from sterling silver wire, created a small studio and began experimenting. Building on a series of successful trunk shows at Bloomingdale's and other local venues, my business, Inspired Between the Pines, emerged. I design and construct jewelry from sterling sliver, precious and base metals and accent them with semi-precious stones, beads and briolette gemstones. Using wire as a material base, I manipulate the wire to create intricate but simple pieces with just a torch and very few tools. This gives each piece a oneof-a-kind and unique, delicate yet distinctive look."

Info: InspiredBetweenThePines.com 20

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

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21

THE ARTISTIC SIDE OF HER SAW A VOID SHE WAS ANXIOUS TO FILL. “I grew up with a mom who could make everything,” she says. “She was an artist, a seamstress, a baker, and I picked up on that. Creativity thrived in our household.”

In talking to artist friends in the area, Tara saw the need to create a space where they could not only sell their work, but also gather to create and offer opportunities to teach their skills to others.

“There had been a gift store in town, but I wanted it to be more than that,” she says. “I wanted to provide a platform for artists in our community.”

She opened Creative Den in downtown Glen Rock last year: 1,200 square feet of space which includes a retail store in front containing all handmade items by local artisans, and in the back, a large room with long worktables for workshops and comfortable chairs and couches for making conversation and creative connections.

22

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

ARTICLE LUCY PROBERT | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH HER NEW TOWN, BUT

WHERE ART THRIVES

WITH HER YOUNG FAMILY THREE YEARS AGO,

HE CREATIVE EN:

WHEN TARA MCKEE MOVED TO GLEN ROCK

“I love bragging about my friends who are such talented artists, so we’ve made an environment for their work to be showcased and have them be the star of the show,” she says.

Also included in the space is a 400-square-foot commercial kitchen used for culinary classes and as rental space for bakers, cooks and caterers.

Still working her day job as a founding member of a new stock exchange in Manhattan, Tara loves that Creative Den can cater to people like her who want to foster their creative talents.

“I really love structure and spread sheets, but I also have to do creative things on the side,” she says.

Glen Rock’s Jenni Scheiwiller, creator of Bean & Bug baby products, handcrafted baby blankets, bunting blankets, burp cloths and tag blankets, loves the Creative Den concept.

“It's perfect for me as a stay-at-home mom to have this side business and be able to sell my products at her store.

Creative Den owner Tara McKee (above) and with artists at work (below)

Tara is providing a resource to do this, which is really great.”

Heather Corey creates art with paper she makes by hand, a process she learned back in college.

“There is such a beauty in the process of paper making that drew me in,” she says.

At the Creative Den, Heather offers pieces from her latest botanical series, including floral bouquets, a culmination of her passion for paper and sculpture.

CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Northwest Bergen Lifestyle

23

THE CREATIVE DEN

(CON TI N U ED)

ARTISTS & WORKSHOPS AT CREATIVE DEN Creative Den offers an eclectic assortment of workshops taught by local artisans, a great opportunity to brush up on old skills or to learn something new.

Registration is required; see their website for dates and times of workshops.

METAL STAMPING Taught by Janet Setter, jewelry designer, Inspired Between the Pines.

CARD DESIGN Led by card artist Samantha Hiskey.

Heather Corey’s botanical paper art

INTRO TO WEAVING Fiber artist Fran Collier-Singh teaches this workshop.

“They’re hydrangea bouquets placed in a birch frame to hang up in the home,” she says.

She is offering a workshop in February at Creative Den on making paper

MACAROON MAKING Taught by Petal Dust Cakery.

flower petals, which will tie into Valentine’s Day. “I was so thrilled when this space opened,” she says. “I love the dynamic of teaching, the back and forth and bouncing ideas off of each other. It’s great to share something that’s so special to me with others.”

The workshop is only open to those ages 13 and older, and Tara has a good

KNITTING CLASSES Three levels of knitting classes are headed by Kim Raney, owner of KS Knits in Allendale.

reason for not offering workshops to little ones.

“I’m a mom of young children, and I love making art projects with them, but my

COLLAGE ART

feeling has always been that younger kids have chances to be creative all of the

Led by high school teacher, wrestling

time,” she says. “Teenagers and adults have less of an opportunity, so we want

coach and artist Jim Nonas.

them to explore that side of themselves and feel good about it too.”

She even offers couples workshops.

“I love giving couples a night out together for, say a cooking class,” she says.

Her project is not only working but flourishing.

FRESH FLOWER ARRANGING Demonstrated by floral artist Susan Dempster.

“I’m so excited that Creative Den can be the venue that showcases these artists and all of their hard work. The talent around here is just unbelievable,” Tara says.

And some who learn new skills may just go on to a new path in life.

“One of my artists, who is 85, took a class in making handcrafted greeting cards (using the Iris Fold technique) and now has her own little business. How awesome is that?”

24

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

216 Rock Road, Glen Rock 201.882.1422 CreativeDenLLC.com

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201-891-2223 office 11/19/2018 11:55:48 AM 25 February 2019 | Northwest Bergen Lifestyle

GIVING BACK

Dancing to Inspire

Hip-hop teacher Taral Patel with his students and Lynn Needle, owner of Art of Motion

26

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

HOW LYNN NEEDLE KEEPS KIDS DANCING ARTICLE BETH MELESKI | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

IT DOESN’T TAKE LONG IN LYNN NEEDLE’S PRESENCE TO FEEL AT HOME. The owner, creative force and active innovator behind Art of Motion, Inc. moves through the cozy waiting area of her second-floor dance studio, stooping to speak to a tiny dancer in sparkly pink ballet shoes, greeting waiting parents and caregivers by name, and paying close attention to the vivacious tween dancer who is excitedly detailing preparations for her upcoming bat mitzvah. It’s easy to understand why Lynn’s studio has, since its opening 15 years ago, become a beloved local institution in Ridgewood.

Lynn wasn’t always planning to be a dancer. The daughter of a respected cardiologist, she first set her sights on a career in medicine.

But an intense internship during her sophomore year in college changed her mind. After graduating with a degree in dance, she found success as both a soloist and a choreographer at the Nikolais Dance Theatre in New York City, touring 40 countries, often as an unofficial “ambassador of the arts” for the U.S. State Department. After the birth of her son, Lynn decided to stay a little closer to home and quit touring to become a studio director, choreographer and instructor. She opened the Art of Motion Studio in Ridgewood in 2003.

Throughout her career, Lynn has been inspired by her father and the example he set for “healing hearts.” When she opened her studio, she committed herself to following in his footsteps through her work in the community. Over the years, Art of Motion, Inc. has grown to include not only a vibrant dance studio but also a Junior Performing Ensemble, a vocal studio, an incubator theater space, AOM+ Outreach and AIE (Arts in Education). Art of Motion has bestowed grants and scholarships, mentored students of mixed abilities, brought art and light to pediatric patients and the elderly in local hospitals and nursing homes, and performs annually at the Ridgewood Tree Lighting.

Laura LoPresti, a Valley Hospital nurse and adult ballet student at Art of Motion, recalls an AOM Nutcracker pop-up in the pediatric unit.

“The kids were mesmerized. The usual bustle came to a standstill as nurses, doctors, patients and families watched the performance. It was a wonderful holiday spectacle.”

But Lynn isn’t the only one at Art of Motion who is committed to healing hearts. Studio instructors also hold her values. Current instructor Miss Nikki has directed the Art of Motion Kostumes 4 Kids drive, collecting gently used Halloween costumes and providing them to local children living in foster care. Lynn and a former student also mentor three children with autism, providing them with workplace readiness skills.

CONTINUED >

February 2019 | Northwest Bergen Lifestyle

27

GIVING BACK

(CON TI N U ED)

But Lynn feels like she's just getting started. Back in the Art of Motion office surrounded by ongoing projects and referring frequently to a recently completed inspiration board posted on the wall, Lynn details some of her plans and dreams for 2019: Choreographing a new opera based on the life of modern Armenian artist Arshile Gorky; performing Six Solos, her solo show based, as much of her work is, on the themes of nature, myth and legend; and ensuring the future of Art of Motion.

When asked about her legacy, Lynn gets emotional.

“I want the world to remember that the arts matter.

The individual matters. Authenticity matters," she says.

As she speaks, she opens her arms wide. She has recovered full range of motion in her shoulder following surgery last year. She is, as she always has been, ready to embrace whatever challenge, adventure or opportunity life offers her next.

Young hip-hop dancers with instructor Taral Patel

Lynn Needle works with ballet students at Art of Motion 28

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201.652.5800, ArtOfMotion.org

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February 2019 | Northwest Bergen Lifestyle

29

BACK STAGE Frankenstein, performed last fall at the Berrie Center

The Berrie Center: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS ON STAGE

The Berrie Center at Ramapo College

As part of the Public Art exhibition, J. Marion Sims in Manhattan, by Howard Skrill.

Bill Frisell, headliner of the Les Paul Festival Concert

From a production last spring of Urinetown. (Photography

by Michael Pacheco)

30

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

THIS SPRING, THE BERRIE CENTER FOR PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS AT RAMAPO COLLEGE IN MAHWAH IS PRESENTING MUSIC, ART AND THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES AS PART OF ITS 20TH-ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Built in 1999, the Center was named for Angelica and Russ Berrie who generously contributed to the initial fundraising campaign. With the dual purpose of serving both students as a cutting-edge learning facility and the community as a performance and exhibit space, the Berrie Center has more than lived up to its promise. As part of the College’s School of Contemporary Art, theater and music students perform in the Sharp Theater, and artists exhibit their work in the Kresge and Pascal Art Galleries.

“The Berrie Center has supported programs at the school since its inception,” says Dr. Peter Campbell, Dean of the School of Contemporary Arts at Ramapo. “Having the Center here not only draws exceptional and talented students to our school, but it also connects us to our community at large.”

H E R E A R E S O M E O F T H E P L A N N E D E V E N T S S U R R O U N D I N G T H E 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y:

MUSIC

LES PAUL FESTIVAL CONCERT Feb. 16, Sharp Theater The annual Les Paul Festival at Ramapo College, now in its eighth year, is a celebration of local resident and guitar legend the late Les Paul as both a musician and technologist. A week of guest workshops for music students leads up to the Festival Concert which will feature prominent guitarist Bill Frisell as well as student musicians and student sound engineers.

ART GALLERY

!!!PUBLIC ART???

Feb. 27-April 17 Kresge Gallery and campus grounds The art galleries will be filled with exciting and provocative work in the semester-long !!!PUBLIC ART???, an indoor and outdoor exhibition and program series curated by Gallery Director Sydney Jenkins exploring and questioning public art. Included will be graffiti art; works by Howard Skrill; and a series of lectures and performances, protests and provocations around campus, including a visit from choreographer/ activist Shamell Bell.

DRAMA

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM April 6, Sharp Theater As a nod to the Center’s two-decade anniversary, the Theatre Program will be presenting the Shakespeare classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by faculty member Terra Vandergaw who directed the same play as the first production on stage when Berrie opened in 1999.

505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, 201.684.7844, Ramapo.edu/berriecenter

February 2019 | Northwest Bergen Lifestyle

31

FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2&3

tours at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-

friends like Chevy Chase, Lorne

Kus. Is it haunted? Craig thinks so.

Michaels and Martin Short, along

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR.

Using the history of the 250-plus-

with home movies and diaries read

year-old historic home as a backdrop,

by comedians inspired by her work

Porchlight Productions, Glen Rock

Craig makes his tours interactive and

(Amy

Based on the motion picture and

informative. TheHermitage.org

RidgewoodLibrary.org

9

12

FRANKLIN TURNPIKE BAND PLAYS A TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY

SEWING BASICS

Sharp Theater, Berrie Center,

Need to brush up on your sewing

and delight audiences of all ages.

Ramapo College

skills or finally learn how to fix that

PorchlightProductions.org

Mahwah-based rock band Franklin

hem? Seamstress Nancy Gary is

Turnpike

Poehler,

Maya

Rudolph).

the original Broadway production that ran for more than 13 years, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. is an adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. Performed

by Porchlight’s Academy Jr. students, this production will thrill

which

includes

two

coming from Ohio to teach basic

4

Ramapo College alumni, has per-

stitching (by hand and on a machine)

formed in more than 1,500 shows

from an assortment of fabrics. Go

CHOCOLATE TASTING

in 14 states sharing the stage with

home with your own handmade

performers like Hot Tuna, Levon

18-by-18-inch pillow. Registration is

Mahwah Public Library

Helm and members of the Allman

required. CreativeDenLLC.com

Wine and cheese tastings are every-

Brothers Band. After Tom Petty

where, so how about a chocolate

passed away, they performed a trib-

tasting this month? Spend part of

ute concert that they have reprised

your afternoon sampling a variety of

and are bringing to the Berrie Center.

flavors of chocolate and discover that

Ramapo.edu/berriecenter

not all taste the same. The program

16 MAPLE SUGARING

The Hermitage, Ho-Ho-Kus

9

The Hermitage, a National Historic

7

DOWNWARD MULE AUTHOR VISIT AND YOGA WORKSHOP

where about 15 trees on the prop-

Ridgewood Library

THE BEATLES: 50 YEARS LATER

process as well as the importance

Author and children’s yoga instructor

of maple sugaring to early settlers

Wyckoff Public Library

Jenna Hammond will read from her

in northern New Jersey. Proceeds

Join musician and professor Barry

book Downward Mule about Sam the

benefit

Wiesenfeld as he explores the phe-

mule who is a secret yogi, then she

TheHermitage.org

nomenon that was The Beatles,

will lead a light yoga class. For ages

including their growth and originality,

3 and up. Registration is required.

their innovations and lyric depth and

RidgewoodLibrary.org

is free, but registration is necessary.

MahwahLibrary.org

what makes them still popular more

Landmark built in the mid-1700s, is hosting a maple sugaring event erty will be tapped. Learn about the

the

Hermitage

Museum.

22

11

BLACK MARIA FILM FESTIVAL

8, 15

GILDA RADNER DOCUMENTARY

This

Ridgewood Library

Film and Video Festival features

GHOST TOURS

Told in her own words, beloved

award-winning international short

comedienne Gilda Radner reflects

films and animations from juried

The Hermitage, Ho-Ho-Kus

on her life and career. This film

competitions, plus a discussion with

Local medium Craig McManus will

shares her story, with recently dis-

Executive Director Jane Steuerwald.

once again lead folks through ghost

covered audiotapes, interviews with

Ramapo.edu/berriecenter

than 50 years later. Snow date is Feb. 13. WyckoffLibrary.org

32

Creative Den, Glen Rock

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019

Sharp Theater, Berrie Center, Ramapo College

38th

annual

Black

Maria

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PARTING THOUGHTS

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: INGREDIENTS + 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips + 2 tablespoons shortening + 2 pints medium-large strawberries DIRECTIONS 01 | Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler pan, stirring until smooth.

02 | With a toothpick inserted in the strawberry, dip the lower half into the chocolate and allow excess to drip back into the pan.

03 | Place dipped strawberries on baking sheets lined with parchment or waxed paper.

sweet endings:

04 | Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Best if eaten within a few hours.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries THEY’RE

DECADENT,

CHOCOLATE-Y,

ROMANTIC,

EVEN

HEART-

SHAPED: CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES HAVE LONG BEEN A CAN’T-MISS STAPLE OF VALENTINE’S DAY, AND WHETHER YOU HEAD TO YOUR FAVORITE SWEET SHOP TO PICK UP A DOZEN (OR SO) OR MAKE THEM YOURSELF, BE SURE YOUR SWEETHEART DOESN’T MISS OUT ON THESE DELICIOUS TREATS.

If making them isn’t in the cards this year, there are plenty of places in the area that offer them up, beautifully made and ready to eat: + Chocolate, Etc. in Wyckoff, ChocolateEtc.com + Kilwins in Ridgewood, Kilwins.com + Sook Pastry in Ridgewood, SookPastry.com + Edible Arrangements in Midland Park, EdibleArrangements.com 34

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | February 2019