Northern Highlands, NJ May 2024

Women's Issue

HEALTH + WELLNESS

DEBORAH VISCONI AND BERGEN

NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER

ARTS + CULTURE

CHRISTINA DADAMO

DANCE ACADEMY

FOOD + BEVERAGE

HOME COOKED BREADS

Volvo Plug-in Hybrids

Electric cars with a backup plan. Great for everyday trips and longer journeys.

Women Supporting Women

Here at Northwest Bergen Lifestyle, May is when we celebrate the ladies in our lives! Our Women’s issue is one of the most fun issues that we work on every year, and one of the most beloved by our readers. Bergen County is full of intelligent, ambitious, caring, and successful women of all stripes, and it’s only right that we take a moment to recognize and appreciate them. While you’ll find some pretty incredible ladies between these covers, you can also find them all around you, including right in your own home!

Mother’s Day is in May, which is part of why we choose to run our Women’s issue this month. When most people think of an incredible woman, they think of their mom– I certainly do. Despite the challenges that have followed her, my sister, and me throughout our lives, she remains hardworking, humble, and impossibly loving, facing down hardships with an open heart.

In recent years, however, I’m often reminded that when I look for admirable women in my life, there’s one that I forget– myself. Most women, by nature or by habit, focus on others when it comes to appreciation and positivity. We jump at the chance to praise a friend or family member, but are harsh on ourselves. I’ve watched my mother, who is such a wonderful role model, do this to herself, and now I catch myself doing it as well. Other women are incredible and deserve to be celebrated, but when it comes to being proud of myself, of my own strengths and my accomplishments? Those are things that feel like they’re better left out of the limelight.

“Women supporting women” is a phrase you’ll hear a lot today, and it’s absolutely important. We need each other’s camaraderie in order to succeed! However, we also need to support and celebrate ourselves. You have to be in your own corner as a woman and as a human being, and that’s a lesson that I’m personally learning every day.

This May, take a moment to appreciate the women in your life that you love, and to celebrate success stories like Christine Dadamo and Deborah Visconi, who we’ll introduce to you in this issue. But make sure you keep that same compassion and love for yourself as well. We all need all the support we can get, both inside and out!

MEGHAN MCGOWAN, EDITOR

@NORTHWESTBERGENLIFESTYLE

EAT LOCAL | ENJOY LOCAL | SHOP LOCAL | SPEND LOCAL | SUPPORT LOCAL

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Meghan McGowan meghan.mcgowan@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Natalie Greenberg

STAFF WRITERS

Liza Fonti, Jennifer K. Murray, Rebecca Rydell

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nancy Motto | nancy.motto@citylifestyle.com

Perry Quaranta

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHWESTBERGEN

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

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

Dancing From The Heart

Handmade Breaking Bread

Wonder Opens in Midland Park

Taking a unique approach to dining is the delivery-first restaurant Wonder, newly opened in Midland Park! From this culinary hub, you can enjoy made-to-order food from over 15 different iconic restaurants, with delivery, pickup, and limited dine-in options!  wonder.com

Maroons Creamery Opens in Ridgewood

Don't miss your chance to get a taste of what these self-proclaimed "ice cream mad scientists" are cooking up! Maroons Creamery is opening in Ridgewood and will be dishing up dairy delights like tea floats and waffle cones, all featuring extraordinary flavors and textures that you can't find anywhere else! maroonscreamery.com

Fair Lawn Roadhouse Releases Soft Opening Menu

Filling in the space that was formerly Petak’s Kosher Catering is Fair Lawn Roadhouse, a new kosher eatery that food lovers from all over the county will adore. The restaurant has released its preliminary soft opening menu to give an idea of what diners can expect, including dishes like chicken schnitzel, triple-decker sandwiches, burgers, barbecue, and much more!

WOMENIN H EALTHCARE

ARTICLE BY REBECCA RYDELL

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BERGEN NEW BRIDGE

STRIVING TO MAKE BERGEN NEW BRIDGE A BEACON OF HOPE AND HEALTH

“I just had this passion for helping communities, helping others, saving the world.”

Growing up in an underserved community, Deborah Visconi saw firsthand what not having access to healthcare does to families and communities. As president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center (BNBMC), Visconi has been breaking down barriers to ensure everyone can access healthcare when and where they need it.

When she started her career as a phlebotomist and lab technician, Visconi did not envision one day leading the largest hospital in New Jersey. But she could see the flaws in the system and, driven to make it better, earned her master’s in public health and health administration from the New School for Social Research.

“I just had this passion for helping communities, helping others, saving the

world,” Visconi told Northwest Bergen Lifestyles. “It’s been my North Star to make sure we fix some of the issues in healthcare, especially related to serving vulnerable populations.”

Since 2017, she’s brought that passion to Bergen New Bridge. Formerly Bergen Pines, the 100-plus-year-old hospital has grown into a 1,070-bed, full-service hospital with satellite offices throughout the county.

“When I took the reins, this hospital didn’t have the greatest reputation. It wasn’t the beacon of health and hope for the communities I believed it could be,” Visconi explains. “With that in mind, I took a genuine approach to understanding the healthcare needs of our communities and delivering on those needs.”

A not-for-profit, safety-net facility, BNBMC now provides the same services as other local hospitals (except labor and delivery). Its 24/7 emergency department accepts everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, and is an in-network provider with most insurers in the state.

The main campus in Paramus, set on 62 pine-tree-lined acres, has a million square feet of facilities, with surgical suites, radiologic services, and more. The hospital and its offsite offices are clinical affiliates of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and offer more than 26 medical specialties including veteran services, and elder care.

“Behavioral health is certainly still one of our core service lines,” Visconti notes. “It’s becoming more and more important to have these services available given some of the mental health crises that we’re seeing.”

To meet that need, BNBMC ramped up behavioral health services for adults and youth, including inpatient and outpatient programs for acute mental health care, addiction, eating disorders, and dual diagnosis.

“There’s been exacerbation of mental health issues among our children and adolescents,” she says. “We know that our children are suffering. We see it in our community, so we’ve expanded our children’s offerings to meet that need.”

New youth programs include the Hope & Resiliency Center for Youth, an outpatient program that takes a holistic approach to addressing the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and their families, and Teen T.H.R.I.V.E (Think. Health. Respect. Inspire. Value. Empowerment.,

which works with the local schools to identify and treat at-risk teens before they fall through the cracks.

This month, Bergen New Bridge will break ground on an expansion to the Behavioral Health Emergency Department, more than tripling the number of beds to 30. Instead of the stark, clinical setting common in ERs, the new facilities will offer a soothing, living-room model of care. A new Depression Center of Excellence with expanded treatment modalities, including TMS and ECT protocols, is also in the works.

To meet the community’s general healthcare needs, BNBMC partnered with Inserra Supermarkets to open CareRite Now clinics inside ShopRite stores in Hillsdale, New Milford, and Wallington, with more set to open soon.

“Many times, families can’t get out of the house to get healthcare, but you always need to go out to buy food,” she says. “So, I thought, How cool would it be if you could take one trip to ShopRite, buy groceries, and get your child a wellness checkup, school physical, or vaccine? If you’re not feeling well, you can see a doctor, get diagnostic tests, and have results within the hour.”

One of her more significant achievements at BNBMC came during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was able to make inroads with the Ramapough Lenape Nation.

“Talk about a stigmatized, underserved community,” Visconi notes. “We wanted to bring them vaccines. It took a while to penetrate their barrier.”

Standing beside Ramapough Lenape Nation Chief Dwaine Perry was a career highlight.

She shares: “To hear his gratitude that, for the first time, his community had access to life-saving therapies at the same time as everybody else, thanks to Bergen New Bridge.”

The vaccine outreach provided an opening with the tribe, and that relationship continues to grow. Bergen New Bridge’s finance team entered the community and helped members enroll in Medicaid, granting many access to healthcare services for the first time.

“It’s those types of things that set us apart from the others,” she explains. “This is what we do: We reach out, touch people, and address their needs in a kind, compassionate, and equitable manner.”

Donations help support the not-for-profit community hospital. The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation, a 501(c)3, raises financial resources to enhance the campus, support innovation, and fund programs. For information about its Sept. 30 Golf Outing or to donate, e-mail foundation@newbridgehealth.org.

To learn more about Bergen New Bridge’s services, visit newbridgehealth.org. For behavioral health services, call the Access Center at 800-730-2762.

“To hear his gratitude that, for the first time, his community had access to life-saving therapies at the same time as everybody else, thanks to Bergen New Bridge.”

Deborah Visconi and Ramapough Lenape Nation Chief Dwaine Perry

DA N CING FROMTHEHEART

Dancer Christina Dadamo graduated from Ramapo College a few years ago with a focus on law and criminal justice studies. So, how did this path lead to becoming a successful female business owner with her own dance studio?

Let’s backtrack a bit.

Dance has always been an integral part of Christina’s life. She extensively studied dance as a child and as a young adult. Dance is her passion, and it shows. She shares her impressive dance skills online on websites like Instagram where she has a huge social media following with over 100K followers.

Growing up, dance was in her soul. She always knew, “someday I’d have my own studio”.

WITH CHRISTINA DADAMO

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER K. MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHRISTINA DADAM

Christina Dadamo

Owner of Christina Dadamo Dance Academy

CHRISTINA DADAMO DANCE ACADEMY BEGINNINGS

While going to law school and also teaching dance classes, Christina had an unexpected business opportunity fall into her lap. Like, kismet.

Rather unexpectedly, Christina and her mom discovered a perfect gem of a space to create the future Christina Dadamo Dance Academy.

“It was the perfect opportunity. It would have been crazy for me to say no to it. When I was a little younger I would always say that when I’m 22, I want to have my own studio,” Christina continues, “I don’t know why I was so specific about it, but this definitely was something that just kind of fell into my hands.”

This perfect spot for her studio is in Mahwah, NJ. A former yoga studio serves as a fabulous space for sharing her love of dance with students of all ages.

A GROWING BUSINESS

Right now, Christina is not only a business owner, she is also almost a one-woman business. Between her competition team, creating choreography, her social media presence, and growing class schedule, she is very busy!

Christina has a wonderful support system which certainly helps her studio run like clockwork. She’s especially grateful to her parents, and wants to thank them for their unending support. They assist her with competitions, concerts, moral support, and more.

Another dance teacher named Olivia is a wonderful asset, for which she is also very grateful.

Though, the majority of classes are taught by Christina.

“I choreograph all of the routines and I’m teaching the majority of the classes. Olivia and I used to dance together. We just, you know, worked really well together. So, it’s just us right now.”

The Christina Dadamo Dance Studio offers about three or four classes a day, typically six days a week. Christina teaches many private lessons, as well.

Her business is quickly growing!

“There’s always a private lesson going on. Most of the time I’m double booked, too.”

Christina has about 60 students of all ages, with the largest age bracket being the 12 to 17 age group. She enjoys teaching all ages and all styles of dance but does have a favorite.

“I enjoy our leaps and turns class because I love teaching turns.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF DANCE

Christina stresses how important dance has been in her life, and the lives of so many.

“Growing up, my mom put me in dance. Through school and life, sometimes there are different challenges that life throws at you. It’s really nice to express yourself through movement. It was like a form of therapy for me, personally.”

Beyond that joy and freedom, Christina shares that dance can be a wonderful social outlet, too. Some of her best friends were made through dance. She often still studies to keep her skills fresh and to learn new things - when she can fit it into her busy schedule!

A YOUNG FEMALE BUSINESS OWNER

At only 22 years of age, Christina is a real “do-er”, a creator, and a hard worker. She’s building a wonderful business for herself at an incredibly young age.

When asked if she has any advice for other future female business owners, Christina shared that she encourages women at any age to get out there and make their dreams a reality.

“I want to say, just go for it! That would be my biggest advice. I was really uncertain when I originally saw that this was going to happen. This was the first decision I made that I really just threw myself into,” she continues, “It just works out if you work hard. So, I say just go for it!”

For further information on the studio, classes, and Christina herself, visit:  christinadadamodanceacademy.com

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ARTICLE

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. These easy-to-follow recipes are exploding with flavor and are simple to make.

LEMON ALMOND LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

LEMON GLAZE ICING:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest and lightly mix. Stir in flour mixture and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and then carefully remove from the pan. Next, make the lemon glaze by combining all of the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze all over the loaf and sprinkle with almond slices. Enjoy!

SOURDOUGH BREAD

For an added health benefit, try this probiotic-rich sourdough bread known for being easy to digest and a healthier gut-friendly option. To make sourdough bread, you will need a starter which can take anywhere from 7-14 days. To make your own, mix flour and water together in a jar and feed the starter each day until ready. There are many sourdough starter recipes online.

SOURDOUGH STARTER INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons sourdough starter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 5 teaspoons water

DOUGH INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup active sourdough starter

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 cups flour

INSTRUCTIONS:

Twelve hours before you plan to mix the dough, add the ingredients to make ¼ cup of active sourdough starter. Stir and cover and let the starter rise. The starter is ready when it has doubled in size and there are bubbles on the surface and sides.

To make the dough, add ¼ cup sourdough starter and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Next, add 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Use a spatula to work the ingredients together until there are no more dry ingredients in the bowl. Wet your hand with a little water to prevent sticking, and pick up the dough on one side of the bowl and stretch it up and over itself. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this step until you have turned the bowl a full circle. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit for 30 minutes. Repeat the folding process one more time. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise on your counter for 8-10 hours.

Next, on a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a ball by pulling the dough into the middle of itself. Turn the ball over so the seam is down. Use your hands to gently pull and cup the dough until it forms a tight skin. Place the dough on parchment paper and transfer the paper and dough to a medium sized bowl. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Score the top of dough with a sharp knife. Use the parchment paper to lift the dough up and transfer to a dutch oven. Place the lid on and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

MAY 4TH

Native Plant Sale at Lorrimer Sanctuary

Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes

Garden with wildlife and beauty in mind, plant native! Grab some beautiful native plant species to add to your backyard oasis and support your native wildlife! Native plants provide not only gorgeous flowers and colors, but food, shelter, and resources for our birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

MAY 5TH

2024 Waldwick 5k Run and Walk

West Prospect St. and Hopper Ave

Join the Waldwick Chamber of Commerce for their 16th annual 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk! A portion of the proceeds from this year's run will go to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, The Christopher Goodell Scholarship Fund, The Staff Sgt. Joseph D’Augustine Memorial Fund, The Sean Fisher Foundation, Waldwick High School Scholarship Fund, and several other community volunteer and veteran organizations. This year's theme is Cinco de Mayo, so come ready to celebrate!

MAY 8TH

Ian S. Port at the Mahwah Museum

Mahwah Museum

Ian S. Porter is the author of  The Birth of Loud, a chronicle of the early days of rock n' roll featuring Les Paul, a longtime Mahwah resident, and his relationship with Leo Fender. Come meet Port at the Mahwah Museum to hear more about this amazing book!

MAY 17TH

Preacher Lawson at NJPAC

NJPAC Victoria Theater, Newark 8:00 PM

Whether you know him from TikTok,  America's Got Talent, or one of his comedy specials on streaming, Preacher Lawson is a man who's sure to make you laugh! Come to see him live at the NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark this month!

MAY 19TH

A Royal Celebration with Ars Musica Chorale

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood | 4:00 PM

Join the Ars Musica Chorale for  A Royal Celebration, the close to their 20232024 season! Featuring music by Vivaldi and Handel, including the song that has been sung at every British coronation for hundreds of years, it's a taste of the classical world right here in Ridgewood!

MAY 23RD

Flower

Full Moon

Hike at Lorrimer Sanctuary

Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes

Join us for an enchanting evening under the Full Moon at Lorrimer Sanctuary! Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the beautiful trails. Discover the hidden treasures of the sanctuary as you embark on this memorable moonlit adventure. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the magic of the Flower Full Moon!

Primrose

PrimroseFlorhampark.com

Primrose

PrimroseMorristown.com

Primrose

Primrose

PrimroseWestOrange.com

Grand in Lifestyle Intimate in Scale

Only a limited number of fortunate people can call The Vista home. Nestled within Christian Health’s 78-acre campus, The Vista’s intimate size provides many advantages. Your individuality is respected and encouraged. Personalized service is a given. And the spirit of community is upbeat and uplifting. Intimate scale aside, The Vista’s amenities rival those found in many country clubs. Why wait? Explore the rewards of Bergen County’s only life plan community today.

For more information, or to arrange a tour and receive event invitations, visit TheVista.org/contact, scan the QR code, or call (201) 684-9775.