Northwest Bergen, NJ November 2022

Bergen County Horse Rescue H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

VETERANS H O M E CARE LO C A L S E RV I C E S

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

November - Thankful

November 2022 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@citylifestyle.com

In this season of giving thanks, we often reflect on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages us to express gratitude by spending time with our loved ones and finding opportunities to give back in meaningful ways.

This month, we look at a non-profit with a mission to be a sanctuary and a forever home for neglected or abused horses. Learn the story of the Bergen County Horse Rescue in Mahwah, which is funded entirely by donations and managed by volunteers.

If you have kids applying to college, check out Orbital Media. Learn how owner, John C. Morely, can help make student stands out from a crowd of college applicants through the power of video.

Lastly, in honor of Veteran's Day on November 11, we remember those who served in our armed forces. Do you have a veteran in your life? Many don't realize they may be entitled to government pension benefits. Check out our article on Veteran's Home Care to get the details.

The team at Northwest Bergen Lifestyle is so thankful for the residents and businesses of our community who make a difference every day. We are especially grateful for our advertising partners who help make it possible for this magazine to be delivered to your doorstep every month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you.

This holiday season, let's set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful.

Thanksgiving blessings to you and yours!

KRIS PEPPER, EDITOR @NORTHWESTBERGENLIFESTYLE

STAFF PHOTOGR APHER

Sarah Flannery | sarah.flannery@citylifestyle.com STAFF WR ITER S

Donna Gould | donna.gould@citylifestyle.com Lucy Probert | lucy.probert@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

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Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

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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 area’s 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

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Thankful Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Bergen County Horse Rescue

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Lifestyle Letter

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Inspired By

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Our Town

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Giving Back

Meet Your “Neigh”bors

22 Orbital Media

Helping Students Make a Memorable Impression

32 Veterans Home Care Helping Veterans and their Families

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Sarah Flannery Bergen County Horse Rescue, Mahwah

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LO CA L S ERV I C ES

LO CA L S ERV I C ES HEA LT H + WELLN E SS

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BERGEN COUNTY HORSE RESCUE Meet Your “Neigh”bors ARTICLE BY KRIS PEPPER AND CARLY PERINI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH FLANNERY

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I NSP IR E D BY | LOCAL SERVI CE S

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I NSP IR E D BY | LOCAL SERVI CE S

Many Northwest Bergen readers have passed by hundreds of times. You may have admired it and smiled, appreciating that touch of “country” still left in Bergen County. But, did you know that the horse farm on Rt. 202 in Mahwah is a not-for-profit with a mission to provide a sanctuary for neglected or abused horses as well as a forever home for horses too old or not fit for adoption?

The Bergen County Horse Rescue (BCHR) began as Mahrapo Farm Stables, a local boarding facility back in 1981. As years progressed, the location of the farm was a prime target for development while Mahrapo Farm Stables was losing clients as a boarding facility.

Founder and president, Erin Giannios took the reins, so to speak, and initiated the movement to create a charitable rescue agency while at the same time preserving the integrity of the much-loved historic acreage. Now, its pastoral 17 acres have received preservation status and a lot of happy horses have Erin and her dedicated team to thank.

“Several of the boarding horses were left behind at the farm by their owners. We realized that these beautiful, gentle creatures deserved a caring home and safe environment, and they became our original rescue horses,” says Erin.

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Turning the BCHR into a rescue happened naturally. Longtime resident, “Luna” was left on the farm by a horse dealer who stopped by while transporting her to auction. Contrary to popular belief, bringing a horse to an auction does not always mean selling a horse to a new owner.

“Auctions are essentially a pipeline for slaughter,” says Erin.

“Unfortunately, many people buy horses don’t understand the commitment,” she says. “There’s a novelty factor, but sometimes people don’t consider the longevity of the animals.

They buy their child a pony, but that pony can live to be 30! It may have to change hands or eventually be sent to auction.”

Potential horse owners need to consider the expense of owning one. Healthcare, vet bills, food and boarding all add up quickly.

“Caring for a horse can be like a second mortgage,” says Erin.

BCHR is usually filled to capacity because there is always a horse in need. The farm houses about 27 horses. Current breeds include standardbreds, paint ponies, appaloosas, drafts, quarterhorses, and grade horses (mixed breeds). Other four-legged friends include Cookie the pig, two goats, and a few cats and dogs. BCHR also hosted several sheep prior to finding them a new home. Erin is “all about the horses and the animals. Rescues need to stick together, there are so many animals in need, it’s important to work together.”

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I NSP IR E D BY | LOCAL SERVI CE S

“We go through 14 bales of hay a day, each bale costing $5-$6,” says Erin. “The costs quickly add up but everyone at the farm knows the horses are worth it.”

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I NSP IR E D BY | LOCAL SERVI CE S

The organization is completely funded through donations and managed by volunteers. Horses enjoy high quality food and specialty grains. “We go through 14 bales of hay a day, each bale costing $5-$6,” says Erin. “The costs quickly add up but everyone at the farm knows the horses are worth it.”

The Thanksgiving season is an appropriate time to consider donating to a worthy charity. Check out the link on the BCHR website for their Amazon wish list which makes it easy to support the BCHR vision. Be sure to check out their TikTok page to get a glimpse of some fun horse shenanigans, too. www.bergencountyhorserescue.org

NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORTH W E ST BE R G E N

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John Morley

Orbital Media Helping Students Make a Memorable Impression ARTICLE BY DONNA GOULD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ORBITAL MEDIA

As a marketing specialist, podcast host, motivational speaker, and engineer, John C. Morely has a long history of providing companies with solutions and strategies to help them grow. As the founder of digital consulting agency Orbital Media, John crafts logos, content, and media campaigns that capitalize on what makes his clients’ businesses unique. Now, he is using his digital marketing expertise to help local students capitalize on their unique talents and skills in order to achieve their goals and dreams.

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O UR TOWN | LOCAL SERVI CE S

Orbital Media is leveraging the power of video to produce visual resumes for students who want to stand out in today’s super-competitive sports and higher education landscapes. The original concept was to create video highlight reels for high school student-athletes seeking recruitment. The content would include a summary of the student’s athletic and scholastic achievements, skills highlights, or full game footage, plus testimonials from coaches, teachers, and family members that speak to the

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student’s character, values, and work ethic. Delivered as DVDs, the videos can be tailored to specific schools as well as to individual coaches.

That initial concept has expanded beyond sports to include any activity or skill that a student is looking to showcase. “Whether your child wants to get into a music program, audition for a dance competition, or present their art portfolio in a unique way, video is a huge differentiator,” John says. Building a custom, professionally-produced package around each student’s goals enhances their ability to present themselves in the best possible light—and to make a memorable impression.

John launched Orbital Media eleven years ago to better serve local business owners. As the long-time owner of The JMOR Connection, Inc., which provides customized IT solutions for homes and businesses, he was frustrated with the one-size-fits-all approach of other marketing firms.

“We call ourselves an inbound company, which means we focus on what the client wants, not on what we want,” John says. “We take the time to learn about a company, develop original concepts and content, and show them how they can improve their business—not by spending more money—but with better marketing tactics.”

What began as a small printing and production business has evolved into a full-service marketing agency that does everything in-house—from branding, website design, and printing to social and traditional media.

The company also produces commercials for television and social

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O UR TOWN | LOCAL SERVI CE S

“We call ourselves an inbound company, which means we focus on what the client wants, not on what we want.”

media channels, handling everything from script writing to voiceovers.

John also produces educational and motivational videos for YouTube, which consist of everything from business-building advice and kidfriendly science experiments to celebrating local businesses via his daily National Days series.

The student video resumes are a natural extension of Orbital Media’s mission and digital media capabilities. “I live every day to become a better version of myself,” says John, “and it’s wonderful to support families who want to help their sons and daughters maximize their potential.” orbitalmediahub.com

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“We take the time to learn about a company, develop original concepts and content, and show them how they can improve their business—not by spending more money—but with better marketing tactics.”

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O UR TOWN | LOCAL SERVI CE S

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VETERANS HOME CARE ARTICLE BY KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH FLANNERY

HELPING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Each November, we remember the sacrifices of those who gave of themselves to protect our country through military service. Veterans Day was initially established as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, but is now recognized annually on November 11 to honor United States military veterans.

Although many veterans are entitled to receive government benefits in recognition of their service, the process can be long, arduous, and confusing for vets and their families. Many veterans don’t understand the eligibility requirements, and may not realize that their spouse may be able to receive aid as well. There are also pension benefits that do not require combat duty, overseas service, or a service-connected disability.

Veterans Home Care® was founded in 2003 to answer that call with a mission to help veterans and their families navigate the process and understand their entitlements.

One such pension, known as “Aid and Attendance” can help veterans or their surviving spouses receive personal care services in their homes in order to live with dignity.

Veteran’s Home Care Coordinator and local resident, Beth O’Connor, works with families to help them understand their entitlements while putting together an effective plan of care. She is currently assisting 89-year-old Mildred Lockwood O’Brien of Oakland, whose husband, Bill, served in the army during World War II. Mildred’s daughter, Joann Bowell, had worked in social services for many years, yet had no knowledge of this VA benefit. “My dad always talked about his service. His older brother served in the air force was shot down and killed. Dad wanted to quit high school and enlist, but his parents made him wait until he graduated and was 18. He was not allowed to fight in combat because he was the sole surviving son. Instead, he

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G IV IN G BAC K | HEALTH + W E LLNE S S

served stateside as a psychiatric medic. He stayed on after the war working in a military psychiatric hospital in New York State.”

Joann says that the information and assistance provided by Beth and her team were invaluable during a time of difficult choices and major decisions.

“Beth O’Connor was lovely and very helpful and expedited things very quickly. In fact, on the day Beth was helping my mom with her application, my mom fell sick and had trouble breathing. Beth was there for her and helped to ensure mom got the care she needed.”

Joann originally found Veterans Home Care by calling 211, leading her to New Jersey’s senior services.

She was then referred to the Veterans Home Care’s VetAssist Program. “When my father’s health was failing, we applied for the VetAssist Program, but at that time, he didn’t meet the financial need requirements.

My father’s care exhausted their savings, so by the time Mom needed assistance after my father’s death, I knew VetAssist would be able to help her.”

Joann’s mom, Mildred, was concerned about being a burden to her children as she aged, and is greatly appreciative of the government benefits that Veterans Home Care helped her to secure, thanks to Bill’s military service. “I am so grateful for this program,” says Mildred.

“It’s allowed me to receive the care that I need right in my own home, and my aide has become a good friend, too!”

Veterans Home Care®️ and the VetAssist®️ Program are not government agencies, nor are they affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. During this month of celebration and remembrance of our military heroes, consider passing this information along to a well-deserving military hero or their loved ones.

It could possibly be the best gift they’ll receive this holiday season!

Bill and Mildred Lockwood

Beth O'Connor, Veterans Home Care Coordinator, Mildred Lockwood O'Brien, Joann Bowell

“IT’S ALLOWED ME TO RECEIVE THE CARE THAT I NEED RIGHT IN MY OWN HOME, AND MY AIDE HAS BECOME A GOOD FRIEND, TOO!” — Mildred Lockwood NOVEMBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORTH W E ST BE R G E N

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