Northwest Bergen, NJ December 2020

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

Winter + Revels HOME + DESIGN B U Y O N C E , G IVE T WI C E AT T H E D EP O T G I F T SH O P S TAR T T H E PAR T Y AT T H E D O O R LI F E + C U LTU R E G O T G I F T S? S T Y LE + B E AUT Y SH O P SU K A

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Re: 2020

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@lifestylepubs.com CRE ATI VE MANAGER

Jean Terman SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, NORTHWEST BERGEN LIFESTYLE READERS!

Katherine McCahill | katherine.mccahill@lifestylepubs.com

Have you ever thought about the prefix “re”?

Adam Waxman | adam.waxman@lifestylepubs.com

Dictionary.com defines it as: a prefix used with the meaning “again” or “again and

Matthew Endersbe

again” to indicate repetition, or with the meaning “back” or “backward” to indicate withdrawal or backward motion.

ACCO UNT MANAGER

AD DESIGNER

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

During the holidays, we re-gift, rejoice, watch favorite reruns, and revisit fond memories. We also remember, reminisce, and perhaps realign our goals for the coming year.

Unfortunately, we’ve experienced a lot of negative “re” words throughout 2020. Regret, regress, re-test, retreat, repress, remorse.

Moving forward into a New Year, my hope is that we can re-explore some new words: Reopen.

Regain.

Re-create.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Reclaim.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Reassure.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Rediscover.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Revive.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Let's re-imagine 2021 as we move forward. SHOP LOCAL, EAT LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL! The family at Northwest Bergen Lifestyle would like to wish all of you a warm and wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Thanks for your support, Kris Pepper, Editor ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen Proverbs 3:5-6 Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is

ON THE COVER The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN TERMAN 6

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

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 DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Buy Once, Give Twice Stop at the Depot for Gifts that Give Back

16 Shop Suka Jewelry for That Special Someone

20 Got Gifts?

Your Local Holiday Shops Do!

28 12

28 Start the Party at the Door Create a Beautiful Holiday Welcome

20

16 DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Around Town

12

Giving Back

16

Trend Setter

20 Local’s Choice 28 Renovate & Refine 34 Hops & Vine

AROUND TOWN

JAN AND JONAS SEIGEL SELECTED AS 2021 SUPER LAWYERS

One of the only showrooms like it in the country,

Jan Seigel and Jonas Seigel of Seigel Law

the gallery showcases the best of what Hunter

of Ridgewood, have been selected 2021 Super

Douglas offers with the latest products, excellent

Lawyers, a distinction awarded to only 5% of law-

displays, in a modern setting.

yers. This award is especially meaningful as peer

Hunter Douglas fits this philosophy of quality

nominations and peer review factors weigh heavily

and they are the best in the industry with inno-

in the selection process. “It’s an honor to be rec-

vative operating systems and beautiful designs

ognized by fellow personal injury attorneys. We

that can dress your windows in style. White

are grateful to be respected by our colleagues and

House showrooms display all the latest products

competitors,” says Jan Seigel.

and their Hunter Douglas experts can help you

Seigel Law has been in practice since 1976 and prides itself on providing exceptional customer service and award-winning recoveries.

Valley

dows in your home. furniture store, Red Barn Furniture, in 1978. As the

NANCY BARRETT-FAJARDO RECOGNIZED BY THE ORGANIZATION OF NURSE LEADERS The

choose the perfect treatments for all the winOwner Karen Arakelian opened her first retail

seigellaw.com

Hospital

announced

demand for more formal furniture grew, Arakelian opened White House Furniture in 1982 and later Uptown Country, both in Fairfield. In 2004, Uptown

that

Country moved to Wayne and Arakelian rebranded

Nancy Barrett-Fajardo, Director, Medical-Surgical

the new location by calling it White House Living -

Services, has been recognized by the Organization

a shop for more relaxed and casual lifestyles.

of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey (ONL NJ) with the organization’s Divisional Leader Award.

The award is annually presented to one who demonstrates

exceptional

leadership

in

whdesignsforlife.com

SUPPORT THE HERMITAGE IN HO-HO-KUS

their

The Hermitage (see cover image) is a historic

role managing several departments. ONL NJ recog-

house/museum that encompasses over 250

nized Nancy with this award for both the vital role she

years of American history where one can walk

has played over the past decade in the development

in the footsteps of some of our nation’s most

of Valley programs and services and for her heroic

illustrious founders.

work during the height of the pandemic.

The Hermitage is a fourteen-room Gothic

The following is taken from the nomination

Revival house built in 1847–48. The original colo-

submitted describing Nancy’s many accom-

nial estate that had been on the property housed

plishments: Over the spring and summer of

George Washington and his troops as they were

this year, Nancy orchestrated Medical-Surgical

passing through Ho-Ho-Kus on their way from

Command Operations while continuing to man-

Monmouth Courthouse, New Jersey (presently

age seven Medical-Surgical units, the Vascular

Freehold) to White Plains, New York. Visitors

Access Department, the Renal Care Center,

to the house during the Revolution included

and the Neurophysiology service. She helped

James Monroe, William Paterson, the Marquis de

oversee Valley’s first COVID-19 unit, including

Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, Lord Stirling, and

expanding capacity to care for more than 200

Aaron Burr. In 1782, after her husband was killed

patients daily. Nancy’s leadership and decisive

during the war, Theodosia Prevost married Aaron

actions coordinating redeployed staff, facilitating

Burr at The Hermitage.

negative pressure unit installations, ensuring 100

The museum is maintained by the Friends

percent code status compliance, and maximizing

of the Hermitage Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit

Renal Replacement Therapy enhanced Valley’s

organization. Pre-pandemic, visitors could tour

care and saved patients’ lives.

the historic house, view different exhibitions of

valleyhealth.com

WHITE HOUSE "DESIGNS FOR LIFE" OPENS IN PARAMUS 10

Design Gallery at 160 Route 17N in Paramus, NJ.

the collections, and take part in a range of educational and public programming. Fundraising has been a challenge for the National Historic Landmark due to COVID-19.

White House "Designs for Life" is pleased to

Please consider supporting The Hermitage at: the-

announce the opening of their new Hunter Douglas

hermitage.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage.

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

GIVING BACK

BUY ONCE,

GIVE TWICE The Depot has a wide range of unique jewelry

Handmade pottery

STOP AT THE DEPOT FOR GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

12

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

WHILE SHOPPING FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS THIS SEASON, WHY NOT VISIT A LOCAL SHOP THAT SUPPORTS A GOOD CAUSE?

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER

The Depot Gift Shop, located at 22 Prospect Street in Midland Park, is

PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

operated by a staff of 90 volunteers who donate their time because all of the store’s proceeds benefit Children’s Aid and Family Services (CAFS).

Co-Directors Maureen Grassi and Adrienne Tenbekjian acknowledge that the tremendous contribution of time and talent from hun-

Delightful baby gifts

dreds of volunteers over the years has led to a total of $3 million in donations to the organization.

Celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, The Depot Gift Shop was initially located in the baggage room of the Ridgewood Railroad Station (aptly named The Depot) and moved to its present location in 1978. The Depot’s mission is three-fold: to support CAFS, to provide an outlet for artistic ability and income for crafters (many of whom are senior citizens), and to offer a warm and friendly atmosphere for shoppers and volunteers while providing a service to the community.

The Depot is a part of the Federation of Women Exchanges, promoting economic stability by providing a venue for individuals to sell handcrafted items. There are 20 member businesses throughout the US, each supporting its own charity. The Depot is the largest member of the Exchange and the only one that is entirely volunteer-based.

“I began as a Saturday volunteer,” says Maureen. “Once I retired from my full-time job, I began taking on more responsibilities. It makes you feel good to help other people. We are lucky to have volunteers who have professional backgrounds, including the airline and food industries, pharmaceuticals, education, etc. They, in turn, learn merchandising, negotiations, accounting, and sales. They pick up other skills along the way and are able to give back to the community.”

The entire staff is proud to support CAFS, one of northern New Jersey’s leading nonprofit providers of human services and child welfare programs. CAFS provides adoption and foster care services for children with special needs, and programs and community homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. They offer assistance to pregnant teens and young moms through a residential home facility and are a critical provider of early childhood education, childcare, substance abuse programs, and assistance for low-income families.

“The people who work at CAFS are very dedicated, and we are proud to help them out,” says Maureen.

The Depot features handcrafted one-of-a-kind items created by local artisans as well as regular retail items, including tableware, pottery, kitchen gifts, stationery, candles, and seasonal décor. Make the Depot your first stop for cherished baby gifts like handmade sweaters and blankets. The store also carries handmade toys and personalized items, garden-themed gifts, homemade jams and mustards, handbags, and shawls, along with Vera Bradley and Nora Fleming retail lines. The store also showcases beautifully handcrafted jewelry.

“Many of our volunteers have been with us for a long time,” says

The Depot's friendly volunteer staff

Maureen. “We have a great rapport with our “regular” customers, but we love introducing new visitors to the shop and telling them about The

depotgiftstore.com

Depot and CAFS.”

cafsnj.org

The Depot’s unique knack for personalized customer service compels some shoppers to volunteer at the store. “It’s a big responsibility and definitely a team effort,” says Maureen.

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

13

TREND SETTER

Shop

SUKA ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

1

ITEM DETAILS Sterling silver and hematite chandelier earrings

16

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

2

FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE

ITEM DETAILS Gold-plated sterling silver lariat necklace

Supriya Kapur

3 VISIT SUKA JEWELRY AT 241 ROCK ROAD IN GLEN ROCK FOR EXQUISITE JEWELRY GIFTS FOR THOSE EXTRA SPECIAL PEOPLE

ITEM DETAILS 18k Gold multi-sapphire necklace

ON YOUR GIFT LIST! The shop commissions, designs, and manufactures their own pieces that feature high-quality sterling, 14k, 18k, and precious diamond and gemstone jewelry--most of which is created by jewelry artisans in India. They also offer custom design and heirloom revival ser-

Jewelry recently. “We offer beautiful pieces at a vari-

vices as well as appraisals.

ety of different price points,” says Supriya.

Owner, Supriya Kapur’s interest in jewelry was

The pieces shown here are sparkly and festive

sparked while attending college in India when she

and can easily transition between day and eve-

began selling sterling silver jewelry to her college

ning. Suka Jewelry makes a point of giving back

classmates. After moving to the US, she attended

to the community and has donated over $2,000 in

the Gemological Institute of America in New York

support of local homeless shelters and food banks.

and was later offered a position to teach there,

Some of Supriya’s favorite charities are Oasis,

instructing classes in diamond grading and col-

CUMAC, Community Meals, and the Gurudwara

ored stone identification.

Sikh Temple in Glen Rock.

She left work for a few years to raise her family

Be sure to visit Suka for that elegant holiday sparkle!

and launched her jewelry business in 2016 under the name Rock Road Jewelry; transitioning to Suka

shopsukajewelry.com CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

17

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

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

IT’S THE RIGHT TIME FOR A NEW AND BEAUTIFUL DINING ROOM B O OK YO U R P R I VAT E A P P OI N T M E N T W I T H PAT T Y F OR V I P AC C E S S TO THE LEXINGTON BRANDS SH OW RO OM I N N YC V I DE O C ON F E R E NC E C ON SU LTAT I ON AVA I L A B L E U P ON R E Q U E ST

201.444.4616 EURICAHOME.COM

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

19

LOCAL’S CHOICE

gift guide H O L I D AY FINDS SHOP LOCAL

HO

YS HAPPY H DA OL LI I 20

LIDAYS HAP HO PY

Y DA

PY

APPY HOLI DA S H YS

Y HOLIDAYS PP HA HA P

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

g i f t s fo r

MEN

01 Private Stache mens' grooming products - shop.creativedenllc.com | 02 Handcrafted wooden pepper mill - shop. creativedenllc.com | 03 Nutcracker Sweets and Peanut Brittle - kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-ridgewood | 04 Brunswick bowling shoes and T Zone ball - holidaybowlnj.com | 05 Elemnt Bolt GPS bike computer - pedalsports.net | 06 Specialized bike helmet and Specialized Body Geometry bike shoes - pedalsports.net | 07 Creed Royal Mayfair fragrance for men - sallauretta.com | 08 Bugatchi shirt and Moorer jacket - sallauretta.com | 09 STIHL chainsaw - oaklandhardware.com CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

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LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

g i f t s fo r

WOMEN

01 C&G General natural beauty products - shop.creativedenllc.com | 02 Modeko python vegan crossbody handbag - depotgiftstore.com | 03 PJ's and warm socks from KD Boutique - kdboutiquenj.com | 04 Pom-pom hats and cabled knit scarf - kdboutiquenj.com | 05 Dessert essentials from Kilwins - kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-ridgewood | 06 Believe in Yourself cozy blanket - facebook.com/olive54ramsey | 07 Luxurious soaps and lotions - olivertwistoliveoil.com | 08 Babor's Doctor Babor - Calming RX Soothing Cleanser - thefountainspa.com | 09 Paddywax home fragrance - Oakland Hardware - oaklandhardware.com 22

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

g i f t s fo r

HOME

01 Tabletop tree - shop.creativedenllc.com | 02 Ornament and holiday tableware - shop.creativedenllc.com | 03 Mugs for the Grands! - depotgiftstore.com | 04 Handcrafted wood bowl, olive rectangular platter, and Orb Earth series handmade glass object - depotgiftstore.com | 05 Send some sweets! - kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-ridgewood | 06 Nest soy candles “Holiday” fragrance - shoplilykategifts.com | 07 Oy Vey pillow and Oy to the World ornament - facebook.com/olive54ramsey | 08 La Cadeaux melamine bowl and tray gift set - olivertwistoliveoil.com | 09 Traeger Timberline pellet grill - oaklandhardware.com CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

23

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

g i f t s fo r

KIDS AND PETS

01 Handcrafted pet bowl stand - shop.creativedenllc.com | 02 Sidewalk chalk - shop.creativedenllc.com | 03 Arts & Crafts - shop.creativedenllc.com | 04 Curl up with a good book - thecuriousreaderbooks.com | 05 Children’s hat and mitten set - depotgiftstore.com | 06 Jelly Cat children’s book and stuffed animal - depotgiftstore.com | 07 Chocolate apple treats - kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-ridgewood | 08 Favorite child pillow and dish - facebook.com/olive54ramsey | 09 YETI 12 oz.

Rambler Junior - oaklandhardware.com

24

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

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July 1 - December 31, 2020

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

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27

RENOVATE & REFINE

START THE PART Y

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

AT THE DOOR

CREATE A BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY WELCOME

EVENT

CHRISTINE

Christine lent her talents to us this month

FIGLIUOLO, KNOWS HOW TO GET THE

PLANNER,

in order to share inspirations for warm and

PARTY STARTED! As the founder/owner

welcoming holiday front door looks com-

of Creations by Christine (CBC) she

prised of budget-friendly items and repur-

appreciates the importance of reusing

posed décor that you may already own. “I

decorative accents to achieve a variety of

like mixing and matching silvers, golds,

looks. “I do this when managing special

browns, and metals. These looks are festive

events,” says Christine. “Not only does it

and are appropriate from Thanksgiving

help to save the event budget, but it also

through New Years,” she says.

engages creative thinking in ways that

“Your front door is so important. It is that

enhance the vibe for any event.” Since

first impression--that ‘welcome’ moment!

most of us will be home for the holidays,

When it’s beautifully decorated, it lifts the

Christine’s tips will help our readers cre-

spirits of everyone who sees it,” says Christine.

ate their own lasting memories...starting right at the front door.

28

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

Why not begin celebrating at your own front door?

ribbon through pinecone garland and adds birch and berries in a galvanized container. Red mercury votives sparkle when lit with battery-operated candles and add a great pop of color to the setting. The rocking chair and blanket throw invite one to “set a while” with a cup of hot eggnog.

FULL- ON FE STIVE

Christine adds “joy” to the scene with her holiday wreath. She threads gold, green, and red wire

STYLE TIP Make the decorating into a family DIY project. Craft some new items to add to your arsenal of holiday décor while creating more fun family memories!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

29

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

RUSTIC AND WOODSY

STYLE TIP Take a cylinder and wrap it in birch sheets (available at craft stores) for a naturally beautiful vessel for pine and holly.

A simple wooden sign perched above the doorway, a rustic winter wreath,

and the warmth of a few strategically placed lanterns delivers winter charm to your doorstep. The pinecone garland, along with the eclectic mix of metal and wood, creates a simple, country feel;Â and the silver galvanized milk can and small boxed tree adds to the appeal. Rudolph looks on as he waits for Santa.

30

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

Cbcevents.com IG: @cbcevents

Keep the sparkle simple with small pine trees and miniature canChristine hung a glittery, decorative swag on the door as opposed to a wreath. The gold and silver oversized ornaments provide a chandelier ambiance and add a touch of elegance. The mercury glass, when lit with a candle, creates a beautiful evening glow. She accents the look with a glowing lantern and a gold vessel filled with sparkling branches.

STYLE TIP Use battery operated fairy lights or uplights to enhance your displays without the need for candles or electricity.

E LEGANT AND MINIMAL

dles. Garland is spray-painted gold for a lighter, minimal look, and

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

31

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020

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33

HOPS & VINE

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER

Pop the C or k on 202 1 CHAMPAGNE BUBBLES TO THE TOP FOR YOUR NEW YEARS’ TOAST

CHANCES ARE YOU’LL BE POPPING A BOTTLE (OR TWO) OF BUBBLY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, SO HERE’S A LITTLE CHAMPAGNE TRIVIA TO HAVE ON TAP TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE! Champagne first began as a wine when King Clovis of France used it to mark his conversion to Catholicism in the 5th century. In 1662, English scientist Christopher Merret developed a technique to infuse bubbles by adding sugar. This reacted to the yeast in the wine which, in turn, produced fizzy carbon dioxide. A few years later, the technology was developed by Dom Perignon to safely bottle the carbonated wine to avoid unexpected explosions. This included thicker glass bottles and a rope snare to keep the cork in place.

With better safety features and its celebratory nature of sparkle and bubbles, Champagne became the gold standard indulgence for European aristocrats to pop at their royal parties.

Champagne became more available to common folk throughout the 1800s, yet always retained its noble reputation for special occasions. It came into regular use for christening ships prior to their maiden voyages since its “holy water” was considered an acceptable substitute for a priest’s blessing.

The French established legal exclusivity to call their wines from that region “Champagne” in 1891, so any other bubbly is now called sparkling wine. Since it has become synonymous with marking important milestones in life, Champagne is used to celebrate everything from weddings and winning the big game to welcoming new babies.

Enjoy your Champagne this holiday season and ring in 2021 with a toast to resilience and moving forward. Cheers!

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | December 2020