Issuu

THANKFUL FOR

TRADITIONS LI F E + C U LTU R E

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N OV E M B E R 2 02 6

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At Chestnut Ridge Dental, we’re thankful for the opportunity to care for our community and help our patients feel confident in their smiles all year long. From preventive and family dentistry to cosmetic and restorative care, our team combines personalized attention with modern dentistry to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Trusted Care. Beautiful Smiles. Renewed Confidence. At Chestnut Ridge Dental, we believe your smile deserves excellence - from routine cleanings to advanced restorative care our full-service dental practice serves families throughout Bergen County. We accept many insurance plans - including Delta Dental - so getting the care you need is easy and affordable. Our team offers a wide range of services for all of your dental needs!

LIFESTYLE LETTER

So Much to Be Thankful For November is a natural time to reflect on what we are thankful for, and living and working in the Pascack Valley gives us plenty to appreciate. From local businesses and nonprofits to the people preserving our history, this issue celebrates the connections and stories that make our community such a special place to call home. This month, we explore an interesting piece of Bergen County history. The Bergen County Historical Society has installed and maintained more than 160 of the familiar blue historic markers found throughout the county. Each one offers a glimpse into the people, places, and events that helped shape the communities we know today. We also highlight Josephine’s Garden, a local nonprofit making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Their work is a great example of the generosity and compassion that can be found throughout our community. For those looking for a fall getaway, we take you to Saratoga Springs for a stay at Saratoga Arms. Sometimes a few days away is the perfect opportunity to slow down, recharge, and enjoy new experiences with the people who matter most. We also introduce you to sisters Erica Thomas and Miriam Steketee, owners of Lulu + Bo Boutique. Their story highlights the bond they share as sisters, the passion behind their business, and the experience they have created for their customers. As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope this issue encourages you to appreciate everything we have right here in the Pascack Valley. Support a local business, give back, learn something new about our history, and most importantly, enjoy time with family and friends. Thank you for continuing to read, support local, and allow us to share the stories of our community each month.

November 2026 PUBLISHER

Anthony Rizzo | anthony.rizzo@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Carly Mac Manus | citylifestyle.editorial@gmail.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Lucille Rizzo | lucille.rizzo@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Clara Wang, Jeremy Lebled, Charissa H. Yong, Andrew Fein CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lucille Rizzo, Matthew N. Morin C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Saratoga Arms Hotel, Matthew N. Morin, Victoria Majerczak, Heidi Hartung-Rispoli

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

ANTHONY RIZZO, PUBLISHER @ PA S C A C K VA L L E Y C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E Learn how to start your own publication at CityLifestyle.com//Franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Pascack Valley City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Pascack Valley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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

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 Pascack Valley City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue NOVE M B E R 2 0 2 6 | TH ANK F U L

36 Featured

30 36

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Blue Signs, Big Stories

Exploring Pascack Valley’s Revolutionary Roots

Where Love Continues to Grow

Born from one little girl’s wish, Josephine’s Garden brings comfort, hope and healing to families throughout Bergen County and beyond.

Your Guide to Thanksgiving

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

City List

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Must See LOCAL SERVICES

Artist’s Palette LIFE + CULTURE

Giving Back LOCAL SERVICES

Hosting Tips FOOD + BEVERAGE

Fashion Forward SHOPPING

Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

Events

Celebrate the season with local flavors, meaningful traditions and simple ways to gather with gratitude.

On the Cover Celebrate Thanksgiving the Bergen County way with meaningful traditions, local favorites and simple ways to gather. From neighborhood bakeries and seasonal tables to family recipes, discover how to make the holiday memorable. Photography: Carly Mac Manus

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city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

FACEBOOK: THE PET LODGE & DAY SPA FACEBOOK: WESTWOOD REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

ANTHONY DEROSA

ANTHONY DEROSA ANTHONY DEROSA

FACEBOOK: WESTWOOD REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

FACEBOOK: EMERSON POLICE DEPARTMENT

1: Local pups enjoyed the best summer at The Pet Lodge & Day Spa in River Vale! 2-3: Hillsdale honored four local heroes who helped safely deliver a baby at a resident’s home. 4: Hillsdale honored Joan D’Alessandro’s memory and lasting legacy with the unveiling of Joan’s Joy Legacy Lane. 5: Therapy dog Colonel brought smiles to Westwood students while helping teach important Cardinal Code lessons. 6: Westwood students kicked off a new school year filled with learning, memories and plenty of Cardinal Pride. 7: Emerson Police Department Officers worked with Shop-Rite of Emerson “Mission End Hunger”.

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8-9: 5th annual Westwood Fest at Veterans Park this September. 10: Pratt Plumbing team at the Pratt Plumbing customer appreciation event at Peppercorns in Park Ridge. 11: Park Ridge Police Department recognized PO Julia Manning on National Women in Law Enforcement Day. 12: Westwood Regional High School’s Club Fair showcased more than 57 clubs, offering something for every student. 13: Congratulations to Lt. Doug Kearns who was promoted by Emerson’s Mayor and Council. 14: Park Ridge Rotary welcomed West Bergen Mental Healthcare CEO Michael Tozzoli as guest speaker.

CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

FACEBOOK: HILLSDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT NJ

@HILLSDALEEYECARE

FACEBOOK: WESTWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

15: ShopRite of Hillsdale thanked Hillsdale police officers for their service by dropping off special treats. 16: Chief Michael R Pontillo and the members of the Westwood Police Department at another successful Westwood Fest. 17: Hillsdale Eyecare had a blast at the Hillsdale Fall Fest.

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NOVEMBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Habitat Bergen Welcomes Family Home Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County celebrated the completion of its Oradell home, welcoming Shqiponja Nela, Petrit Begolli and their three children. The family completed 400 hours of sweat equity and financial literacy workshops before purchasing the home through an affordable mortgage. Community leaders, volunteers and supporters gathered for the dedication and ribbon cutting, celebrating a new chapter for the family and Habitat Bergen’s continued commitment to expanding affordable homeownership throughout Bergen County. Photography by Thaddeus Orlowski

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

ARC Dental & Implant Center Opens in Montvale ARC Dental & Implant Center recently opened its new Montvale practice at 50 Chestnut Ridge Road. Led by Dr. Roth, the practice offers comprehensive dental care in a modern, patient-focused environment. Services include dental implants, cosmetic and general dentistry, clear aligners, sedation dentistry, oral surgery and emergency care. ARC focuses on aesthetic, reliable and compassionate dentistry while creating personalized treatment plans designed around each patient’s needs, experiences and goals for their smile.

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Pascack Valley High School Students Earn National Merit Recognition Pascack Valley High School is celebrating 10 seniors recognized in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Luli Soohoo was named a Semifinalist, placing her among fewer than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Nine additional students were named Commended Students: Damian Adamek, Gregory Berde, Ian Chang, Ryan Hannigan, Nicholas Hernandez, Amy Miyata, Dylan Park, Lia Senande and Ariana Velez. The students earned recognition based on their performance on the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT. Photography by Pascack Valley High School

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Englewood Hospital Earns Advanced Stroke Certification Englewood Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s ThrombectomyCapable Stroke Center certification, recognizing its ability to provide advanced treatment for complex ischemic strokes. The designation reflects the hospital’s expertise in mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. The achievement builds on Englewood Hospital’s designation as a Primary Stroke Center since 2005 and continued investment in advanced neurointerventional technology and coordinated stroke care. Photography by Englewood Hospital

Stack Street Coffee Comes to Montvale Montvale welcomes Stack Street Coffee, a growing coffee roaster and producer that has relocated from New York to 100 Philips Parkway. The company will occupy the entire 75,000-square-foot building, bringing jobs, investment and economic activity to the community. With operations spanning coffee roasting, production and distribution, Stack Street Coffee’s move reflects Montvale’s continued growth as a destination for businesses looking to expand and invest in Bergen County. Photography by Mayor Mike Ghassali

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We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

CITY LIST

the

R OU

Best Family Law Firm Burke Williams Law burkewilliamslaw.com | 201.580.3289 Aretsky Law Group, P.C. aretsky-law.com/woodcliff-lake.html | 201.220.6386 The Law Office of Joseph A. DiPiazza jadlawfirm.com | 201.494.2800 The Law Offices of Abigail Denbeaux Kahl lawadk.com | 201.664.8855 The Law Office of Georgeann Belcher gbelcherlaw.com | 201.831.1072

Best Senior Living Community Brightview Joy's Farm brightviewseniorliving.com/find-a-community/brightview-joys-farm | 833.246.7602 Thrive at Montvale thrivesl.com/montvale | 201.201.8815

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C I T Y LIST

The Bristal Assisted Living at Woodcliff Lake thebristal.com/woodcliff-lake | 201.775.0084 The Chelsea at Washington Township chelseaseniorliving.com/locations/new-jersey/washington-township | 201.263.1955 Jewish Home Assisted Living jhalnj.org | 201.666.2370

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STAY IN THE HE ART OF SAR ATOGA A HISTORIC BOUTIQUE HOTEL, LEGENDARY RACING AND A CHARMING DOWNTOWN MAKE SARATOGA SPRINGS AN UNFORGETTABLE ESCAPE.

ARTICLE BY LUCILLE RIZZO PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARATOGA ARMS HOTEL

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Some destinations are worth visiting. Others make you want to slow down, stay awhile and start imagining your next trip before you have even left. Saratoga Springs is one of those places, and at the heart of the experience is Saratoga Arms. An easy drive from downstate, Saratoga Springs feels like a true escape without requiring a flight or a lengthy itinerary. And while the city is famous for its legendary horse racing, its appeal goes far beyond the track. The best way to experience it may be to stay somewhere that feels like part of Saratoga itself.

That is Saratoga Arms. The independently owned, family-run boutique hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 1870 Second Empire brick building on Broadway, placing guests in the heart of downtown. With individually designed rooms and suites, historic architectural details, a gracious wraparound porch and personalized service, the hotel feels intimate in a way that larger properties simply cannot replicate. There are thoughtful touches throughout the stay, from complimentary Saratoga Water in the guest rooms to a 24-hour Guest Pantry stocked with snacks and soft drinks. It is the kind of detail that says you are not just checking into a hotel, you are being taken care of. And then there is Saratoga itself. During racing season, a day at Saratoga Race Course is an experience filled with tradition, excitement and the unmistakable energy of the thoroughbred world. But the city is equally inviting when the horses are not running. Guests can spend the day exploring independent boutiques, restaurants, galleries, museums, historic sites and beautiful parks, or simply wander downtown with nowhere they need to be. Back at the hotel, Three Daughters Kitchen & Cocktails makes staying in feel just as appealing. Start the morning with a chef-prepared, farm-to-table

breakfast, then return later for cocktails and small plates. When the weather is right, the wraparound porch becomes the perfect place to linger over a drink and watch the city go by. Saratoga Arms also offers a collection of getaway packages designed so there is something for everyone. Couples can choose from romance, date night and celebration packages, while guests craving a true break can unplug with The Saratoga Reset digital detox, escape into new books on the Reading Retreat or the Deep Sleep package. Whatever kind of escape you have in mind, the hotel's concierge team is ready to help shape it. Maybe that is what makes Saratoga Arms so special. It does not simply give you a place to stay while you explore Saratoga. It gives you a reason to savor the stay itself. For more information or to book your stay, visit saratogaarms.com or call 518-584-1775.

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Blue Signs, Big Stories Exploring Pascack Valley’s Revolutionary Roots As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Pascack Valley offers a tangible connection to the nation's earliest days. Since 1960, the Bergen County Historical Society has installed and maintained more than 160 historic blue markers identifying landmarks throughout the county. Cast by Sewah Studios in Marietta, Ohio, the original signs feature a distinctive Delft blue color, a nod to Bergen County's Dutch colonial heritage. Westwood, often considered the hub of Pascack Valley, is home to several of these markers. While many visitors recognize the historic Westwood Train Station, built in 1932, another notable marker sits near Bogert's Pond. The site marks Bogert's Mill, one of the area's earliest grist mills. Originally built in the 1730s, the mill was purchased by Isaac Bogert in 1765. Bogert later acquired more than 500 acres, becoming one of the area's earliest settlers. During the Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington and his troops stopped at Bogert's Mill in 1780. The Bogert family owned the mill until it was destroyed by fire in 1910. Near Westwood High School stands another important landmark, the oldest surviving home in Washington Township. Built by Nicholas Zabriskie in the 1740s, Seven Chimneys reflects traditional Dutch colonial architecture and, as its name suggests, features seven chimneys. Local legend holds that Washington stayed there during the Revolutionary War. The Zabriskie family owned the home for 158 years, during which time it reportedly served as a stop

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW N. MORIN

M UST SE E | LO CAL S ERVICE S

on the Underground Railroad. Publisher William Howland, a friend of President Theodore Roosevelt, later purchased the property, and Roosevelt was among its notable visitors. Following Howland's death, the surrounding Chimney Ridge Court neighborhood was developed around the historic home. In Old Tappan, two blue markers face one another along Westwood Avenue at Stone Point Park and the Claudius Collignon House. Together, they tell the story of a property that evolved from a colonial grist mill into an industrial center. Stone Point was home to a grist mill beginning in the 1720s before passing to Loyalist John P. Durie during the Revolutionary War. Durie forfeited the property in 1779, giving rise to local folklore that his wife placed a curse on the land, ensuring no future owner would prosper. In 1857, Claudius and Nicholas Collignon established a chair factory there and are credited with patenting one of the nation's first folding rocking chairs. Their Greek Revival and Italianate-style home, completed in 1864, survived a devastating fire that destroyed the factory and surrounding buildings in 1904. Stone Point Park was established on the site in 1962.

Banta House

Hillsdale also preserves significant Revolutionary-era history. Along Pascack Road, the Capt. John H. Banta Homestead stands as an enduring example of colonial stone architecture. Banta, a veteran of the French and Indian War, purchased 395 acres in 1755 and built the existing home in 1796. Although the interior has been renovated over the years, the exterior remains largely intact. Nearby on Ell Road, the Garret Durie House was built in 1767 on land inherited by patriot, blacksmith and farmer Garret Durie. Durie later served Bergen County as a freeholder, justice and judge. The property remained in his family for generations, including ownership by his grandson, Judge Albert J. Terhune. Montvale's Octagon House stands out for its uncommon eight-sided design. Built in 1855 for John Blauvelt Jr. on Grand Avenue, the home follows

G Durie House

Octagon

the octagonal architectural style popular during the mid-19th century. Over the years, it served as the home of three Montvale mayors: Garret Hering, Jules Schwenker and George Huff, whose family also operated a restaurant there. The borough acquired the property in 2021. Near the New York state line, another blue marker identifies the Eckerson House, built in the 1790s by Jacob Eckerson on his 119-acre farm. Park Ridge is perhaps best known for the Wortendyke Barn, but directly across the road stands the even older Wortendyke Homestead. Built in the 1750s by Frederick Wortendyke Jr., it is the oldest surviving building in Park Ridge. Later generations of the Wortendyke family relocated to nearby Woodcliff Lake, and the property eventually became associated with Judge Terhune's family. Just down the road, the Ackerson Homestead, built around 1800, offers another glimpse into the area's early history. Throughout Pascack Valley, these blue markers preserve the stories of the people, places and events that helped shape both Bergen County and the nation. Together, they commemorate more than 250 years of perseverance, sacrifice and community. As the United States marks its semiquincentennial, these historic sites offer residents and visitors alike an opportunity to discover the remarkable history waiting just beyond the roadside. CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/PASCAC KVA L L E Y

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Victoria Ma jerc

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A r t W ith He ar t A local artist transforms grief, motherhood and hope into meaningful works of art.

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | L I FE + CU LT U RE

and personal milestones, while custom commissions allow clients to preserve their own stories through art. Whether commemorating a wedding bouquet, celebrating children through a symbolic family garden or honoring a loved one with meaningful blooms, every piece is designed to carry lasting significance. "My goal is for people to find something they connect with when words are difficult to find," she says. Her advice to homeowners is simple: choose artwork that reflects an important chapter of your life. A meaningful piece becomes more than décor. It becomes part of your family's story and a daily reminder of the people, memories and moments that matter most. As Victoria continues growing her business alongside motherhood, she is preparing new collections, expanding custom commissions and sharing the heartfelt perspective that has shaped her artistic journey. Each textured bloom serves as a reminder that beauty can emerge from life's most challenging seasons and that even through loss, hope has a way of taking root. For more information about Victoria Majerczak Visions, to browse available collections or inquire about a custom commission, visit vmvisionsart.etsy.com, follow @victoriamajerczakvisions on Instagram, email victoria@vmvisionsart.com, or call (973) 615-4831.

ARTICLE BY LUCILLE RIZZO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA MAJERCZAK

Some of life's most meaningful journeys begin in the quietest moments. For Emerson artist Victoria Majerczak, painting became more than a creative outlet. It became a source of comfort during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. After her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2024, Victoria spent countless hours by her side through treatments and hospital stays. Struggling with anxiety and sleepless nights, she discovered the world of heavily textured floral art and felt an immediate connection. What started as a hobby soon became a shared experience with her mother, who would offer ideas for flowers and colors while viewing works in progress from her hospital bed. Those moments remain woven into every piece Victoria creates today. Following the loss of both her mother and, months later, her father just two weeks after the birth of her son, painting understandably took a back seat. Yet friends continued encouraging her to return to the work they knew brought her joy. This year, she answered that call, relaunching her passion as Victoria Majerczak Visions. Today, Victoria creates richly textured paintings and sculptural floral artwork inspired by love, family, motherhood, grief and hope. Her collections explore themes including birth months, meaningful florals

“

“My goal is for people t o f i n d s o m e t h i n g t h ey co n n e c t w i t h w h e n w o r d s a r e d i f f i c u l t t o f i n d .” - Victoria Majerczak

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/PASCAC KVA L L E Y

Where

Love

Continues

Grow ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI HARTUNG-RISPOLI

Born from one little girl’s wish, Josephine’s Garden brings comfort, hope and healing to families throughout Bergen County and beyond. There are some gardens planted with flowers. Others are planted with purpose. At Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack, a rooftop garden filled with colorful artwork, butterflies, flowers, frogs, a wishing fountain and places to play carries the vision of a little girl whose impact continues to reach families throughout Bergen County and beyond. Her name was Josephine Elle Rispoli. Josephine was just 6 years old when she was diagnosed in September 2010 with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, or AT/RT, a rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor. Over the following year, she

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endured multiple surgeries, five rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants and six weeks of radiation, spending more than 250 days as an inpatient at the children’s hospital. But even in the middle of her own treatment, Josephine was thinking about other children. Long hospital stays meant being separated from something most children take for granted: going outside. Josephine missed sunshine. She missed fresh air. She missed feeling the wind on her face and simply having the freedom to be a little girl.

Together with her mother, Heidi Hartung-Rispoli, Josephine began imagining something different. “We spoke about the need for an outdoor space for the kids on the oncology floor,” Heidi recalls. They found an unused rooftop and began dreaming on paper. The idea was a secret oasis where pediatric patients could escape the hospital environment without truly leaving it. There would be flowers and nature, places to create, things to climb, room for families to sit together and, most importantly, a chance for children to simply be children. It would be, as Heidi describes it, “a place to blow bubbles, feel the elements and dream.” Josephine died on Oct. 23, 2011, following her yearlong battle with cancer. She was 7. But the garden she imagined did not end with her.

Josephine Elle Rispoli Josephine and Heidi

From a Da ughter’s Dre am to a Mother’s P urpos e Grief could have brought Josephine’s plans to a halt. Instead, for Heidi, it created an urgency to make them real. She poured herself into creating the garden she and her daughter had envisioned, determined that Josephine’s experience would make life a little brighter for the children who came after her. On July 9, 2012, the day Josephine would have turned 8, family and friends gathered to officially unveil Josephine’s Garden. Every detail carries meaning. A whimsical frog fountain honors Josephine’s love of frogs. A climbing boulder represents stability and connection to nature. Chalkboard walls give children a place to create. A 12-foot, hand-hewn warrior pole represents the battle

Josephine Rispoli and her sisters

endured by children facing cancer, inviting young patients to carve their names into it and leave their mark. For children whose lives can suddenly become defined by hospital rooms, medications, procedures and test results, the garden gives something back that illness can take away: a piece of childhood. One mother shared that she heard her little girl giggle for the first time when the wind tickled her face in the garden. Another parent described Josephine’s Garden as a place to step away during especially difficult hospital days, water the flowers, connect with other parents and find a few moments of normalcy. One family put its impact even more simply: “Josephine’s Garden literally saved my life while my son was going through treatment.” Those moments are the legacy Josephine and Heidi imagined. CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/PASCAC KVA L L E Y

G row in g B eyo n d t h e G a rd e n What began as one physical space has grown into a larger mission. Today, Josephine’s Garden provides support and love to children and families navigating pediatric brain tumors while raising critical funding for research toward a cure. The organization has supported more than 1,000 families, raised more than $1 million for research and provided more than $500,000 in in-kind donations. Those numbers are powerful. But behind every one is a child and a family whose life changed with a diagnosis. For Heidi, that is why awareness alone has never been enough. “The fight against pediatric cancer must be a community effort,” she says. It is a message that feels especially meaningful here in Bergen County, where Josephine’s story began and where her legacy continues to touch families walking through the doors of Hackensack’s children’s hospital. The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital sees more than 100,000 visits annually. Some children are there for hours. Others, like Josephine, spend extended stretches of their childhood within hospital walls. Josephine’s Garden gives those families a place to breathe. And the organization carrying her name gives the greater community an opportunity to help.

Pa i n Into P urpose Heidi often describes her journey as turning “pain into purpose.” That purpose has continued to evolve. A licensed social worker and psychotherapist, Heidi has built her work around helping others navigate life’s most challenging moments. She is also an artist, personal trainer, yoga teacher and practitioner of several healing modalities, bringing together traditional therapy with creative arts, movement, sound and nature. Her philosophy is simple but deeply connected to everything Josephine’s Garden represents: “Nature soothes. Movement releases. Creating empowers. And talking validates.” In many ways, the garden embodies all four. There is nature. There is movement. There is creativity. And perhaps most importantly, there is a space where families facing unimaginable circumstances can feel less alone. Heidi’s life after Josephine has not been about moving on from her daughter. It has been about moving forward with her. “I lost her in body, but I refuse to let her die,” Heidi has written of the purpose that drives her. Through every child who feels the sun on their face in the garden, every parent who finds a moment of peace and every dollar directed toward research, Josephine remains part of the story.

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Som e thing Greater Th a n Grat i t u de November often asks us to consider what we are thankful for. Sometimes gratitude looks like appreciating what we have. But stories like Josephine’s remind us that gratitude can also ask something of us. It can become generosity. It can become showing up. It can become supporting a neighbor, helping a family we may never meet or contributing to research that could change another child’s future. It can become action. This November, the community will have an opportunity to put that spirit into action. Josephine’s Garden Annual Luncheon will be held Nov. 19, bringing supporters together to celebrate Josephine’s legacy and help continue the organization’s mission of supporting children and families affected by pediatric brain tumors while advancing critical research. The annual gathering is another way Josephine’s story continues to bring people together, turning remembrance into support and support into meaningful change for families facing pediatric cancer. That is perhaps one of the most enduring lessons growing inside Josephine’s Garden.

Heidi Hartung-Rispoli at Josephine’s Garden

A 7-year-old girl saw something missing during the most difficult year of her life and imagined something better, not only for herself, but for every child who might come after her. Her mother made sure it happened. And more than a decade later, a community continues helping it grow. In a season centered around giving thanks, Josephine’s legacy offers a beautiful reminder: Sometimes the greatest way to honor what we love is to turn that love outward. And sometimes, from unimaginable loss, a garden grows.

Jo sep h ine's G arden

Supporting children and families affected by pediatric brain tumors and funding research toward a cure. josephinesgarden.org

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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLY MAC MANUS

Celebrate the season with local flavors, meaningful traditions and simple ways to gather with gratitude. Thanksgiving has a way of bringing us back to what matters. Across Bergen County, kitchens will fill with familiar aromas, dining rooms will become gathering places and favorite family recipes will make their annual return. But somewhere between preparing the turkey and finding enough chairs for everyone, it’s easy to forget that the best parts of Thanksgiving rarely require perfection. This year, make the holiday less about getting everything right and more about creating a day you’ll actually enjoy.

START WITH THE TRADITIONS Every family has the dish that simply has to be there. Maybe it’s a great-grandmother’s stuffing recipe, homemade cranberry sauce or the pie everyone saves room for. Build your menu around the traditions your family already loves, then introduce one or two new recipes. The dish you experiment with this year could become the one everyone requests for years to come.

BRING BERGEN COUNTY TO THE TABLE One of the easiest ways to make Thanksgiving feel special is to look close to home. Bergen County’s bakeries, markets, specialty food shops, florists and other small businesses can help fill the table while taking a few things off the host’s to-do list. Order dessert from a neighborhood bakery, pick up fresh bread from a local market or create a centerpiece with flowers from a nearby florist. Local favorites like B&M Market can also make hosting easier with prepared foods and holiday-ready dishes that allow you to spend a little less time in the kitchen and a little more time with family and friends. Beyond making entertaining easier, shopping locally turns your Thanksgiving celebration into another way to support the people and businesses that make our communities feel like home.

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SET THE TABLE EARLY A beautiful table doesn’t need to be elaborate. Seasonal greenery, mini pumpkins, pears, candles or fresh flowers can transform what you already own. Set the table and organize serving dishes the night before. When Thanksgiving morning arrives, you’ll be grateful to have one less thing competing for your attention.

GIVE EVERYONE A JOB You don’t have to prepare everything yourself. Ask guests to bring a favorite appetizer, side dish or dessert. Better yet, invite them to bring something connected to their own family traditions. In a community as diverse as Bergen County, Thanksgiving tables can become a reflection of the cultures, recipes and stories that make each family unique.

A BERGEN COUNTY THANKSGIVING Make Thanksgiving a little more local with a few Bergen County stops for everything from the centerpiece to dessert. FOR THE FLOWERS

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Bring the colors of the season to your Thanksgiving table with a fresh floral arrangement. Autumn-inspired blooms make an easy centerpiece and add a festive finishing touch to your gathering.

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Take dessert off your to-do list with a handcrafted pie from this downtown Westwood shop. Preorder your Thanksgiving selection early, then simply pick it up before the holiday.

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Skip the predictable bottle of wine and bring something with a little local personality. Browse handmade goods and finds from local artists and makers for an easy host or hostess gift.

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REMEMBER THE THANKFUL PART

Before the plates are cleared, make time for the part of Thanksgiving that doesn’t require a recipe. Share something you’re grateful for. Take the family photo. Call someone who couldn’t be there. Deliver a plate to a neighbor or support a Bergen County food pantry, nonprofit or community organization helping local families this holiday season. The turkey doesn’t need to be perfect. The table doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread. And everything certainly doesn’t need to go according to plan. Because when the leftovers are packed away and everyone heads home, Thanksgiving isn’t really about what was served. It’s about who gathered around the table, the traditions that brought them there and the community we are fortunate to call home.

For the host who has everything, bring a curated basket or gift box filled with gourmet treats. It’s also an easy option when you want to send a Thanksgiving thank-you from afar.

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Take a little pressure off Thanksgiving prep with prepared foods from B&M Market. Pick up sides, appetizers and other ready-to-serve favorites to round out your holiday spread without spending all day in the kitchen.

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Add something local to the Thanksgiving table with a stop at Demarest Farms. Explore seasonal produce, baked goods and farm market favorites perfect for holiday entertaining. Check ahead for Thanksgiving offerings and preorder when available.

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Preorder early.

Thanksgiving week is a busy one for Bergen County’s bakeries, florists, farms, markets and specialty shops. Place your orders ahead of time so Thanksgiving Day can be spent around the table, not running around town. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/PASCAC KVA L L E Y

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Erica Thomas and Miriam Steketee

ARTICLE BY CARLY MAC MANUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLARA WANG PHOTOGRAPHY

Sisters Erica Thomas and Miriam Steketee turned a shared love of fashion, family and community into Midland Park’s Lulu + Bo.

Fashion Runs in the Family For sisters Erica Thomas and Miriam Steketee, Lulu + Bo Boutique has always been about more than what hangs on the racks. It is about family, community and creating a place where women can walk in, feel happy, forget about everything else for a little while and simply enjoy shopping. The sisters grew up in Wyckoff, attended high school in Franklin Lakes, lived and worked in New York City and eventually returned to Bergen County to raise their families in Ridgewood. Before entering fashion retail, their careers spanned finance, real estate, beauty and entrepreneurship. Over the years,

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Miriam Steketee

Their assortment reflects that same versatility. Lulu + Bo carries pieces designed to take women from casual days and sidelines to date nights, celebrations and special occasions. Customers can stop in and find a wardrobe for an entire season, with a diverse selection of price points and styles. “We literally have a mini department store in our 1,000-square-foot space, from designer dresses to cozy knits, the best denim brands and fun going-out tops,” Steketee says. As the store’s head buyers, the sisters personally curate every collection, choosing pieces they love, would wear themselves and know will work for the women who shop at Lulu + Bo. They try on the clothing themselves before bringing it into the store, considering comfort, fit and how pieces work across different body types. They also intentionally buy limited quantities, helping CONTINUED >

they shared a love of travel, fashion and discovering unique boutiques and brands wherever they went, from Europe to the Caribbean and everywhere in between. “For years, we’ve taken photos and said, ‘If we ever open a boutique, this brand has to be in it,’” Thomas says. Eventually, “if” became reality. Lulu + Bo opened its Midland Park storefront in October 2024, positioned between the communities the sisters knew so well. Their goal was to create the shopping experience they felt was missing locally: personal, effortless and curated for real life, with the latest trends and pieces that make women feel confident, current and cool. Inside, a sofa anchors the space, giving the boutique the feeling of a modern living room. There are toys for kids, room to hang out, a great playlist and a team that gets to know customers by name. With its chic, thoughtfully designed interior, the store is as much fun to spend time in as it is to shop. Between them, Thomas and Steketee have six children, so they understand the reality of a mom stopping in between school pickup, work, activities and everything else on the calendar.

Erica Thomas

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Erica Thomas and Miriam Steketee

“WE HAVE BEEN TAKING PHOTOS FOR YEARS BEING LIKE, ‘IF WE EVER OPENED A BOUTIQUE, LET’S MAKE SURE IT HAS THIS.’” - ERICA THOMAS

FASH ION F OR WA R D | S HOPPIN G

Lulu + Bo Boutique

keep the selection fresh and giving customers the opportunity to continually discover something new. Their different personal styles also influence the mix. Thomas gravitates toward neutral, understated pieces with a sophisticated, classic and naturally effortless feel. Steketee loves brighter colors, sparkle and a little more glamour. Together, those perspectives help create a collection intended for different women, personalities and occasions. But perhaps the strongest thread running through Lulu + Bo is family. The boutique’s name honors the sisters’ parents, Lucy and Boris Kushnir, affectionately known to their grandchildren as Lulu and Bobo. After leaving Russia and coming to America to build a new life, Lucy and Boris worked hard in their computer engineering careers and entrepreneurial ventures, ultimately inspiring their daughters to become entrepreneurs themselves and take a chance on something of their own. And their involvement didn’t end with the name. Their father helps around the store, weighing in on everything from operations to outdoor plants and mannequin displays. Their mother has modeled looks for the boutique and helps with buying, while their cousin, Katarina Gilmour, manages the store. The family extends beyond relatives, too. The Lulu + Bo team has become family, with each person playing a part in making the boutique what it is today. “It truly is a family affair,” Steketee says. That sense of family extends into the community. Lulu + Bo regularly hosts sip-and-shop events benefiting local schools, charities and organizations, donating a portion of sales to the causes they support. The sisters also love creating reasons for women to come together, from mahjong nights and Friendsgiving celebrations to anniversary parties and birthdays, making Lulu + Bo as much about connection and community as it is about shopping.

As the holiday season approaches, the boutique becomes a destination not only for outfits but also for gifts, jewelry, candles and other finds available alongside its apparel. For Thomas and Steketee, however, what they have built may be the most meaningful gift of all: a business inspired by their parents, operated alongside family and supported by the community they have called home for generations. In a season centered on gratitude, Lulu + Bo is a reminder that sometimes the best things we build are the ones we get to build together. For the sisters, the boutique has become deeply woven into their everyday lives, along with the people they’ve met through it and the sense of joy and connection it continues to bring.

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GIVING TOGETHER A Community That Shows Up

Every year, City Lifestyle sends checks to hundreds of families in need across the country through our annual Giving Campaign and our non-profit arm, Kingdom Building Foundation. But none of it would be possible without you. We can only help the people we know about, and

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

that’s where our readers come in. If you know someone quietly struggling, whether it’s a single parent, a senior citizen, or a family facing something they never saw coming, we want to hear their story. Nominations are what make this whole campaign possible.

We provided a chair lift for a teenager paralyzed in a gymnastics accident so she could move freely through her own home again. We helped a child who lost an eye to cancer get the prosthetic because insurance wouldn’t cover it. We covered dental work for a man who needed his smile back just to walk into a job interview. We got heat turned back on for a family who had spent part of the winter without it. We helped a family keep up with bills while a husband and father fought pancreatic cancer, and we helped another family cover medical expenses after the unimaginable loss of a child. These are just a few examples of some of the hundreds of individuals that have been helped through nominations from readers like you. None of it happens without someone noticing first and speaking up. "We don't just send checks," says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle.

“We send a message: You are seen, you are loved, and you are not forgotten.” Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond the holiday season. "This is about community," Matthew says. "We believe we've been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing." Often, the person making the nomination gets just as much out of the experience as the recipient. There's something powerful about being part of the reason someone else's burden got lighter, especially when that need might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The campaign is completely confidential. No names are ever shared or publicized, and nominating someone is as simple as telling us their story. We are looking for those in our communities who fall between the cracks of getting help, and together as a community, we can meet those needs.

Nominations open November 1st and close December 3rd. To nominate someone in your community, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and find the form in our bio, or visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org.

This season, giving starts with you. Let's do it together. Nominate someone in need today.

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Right coverage. Right price. Right here in town. FOUR BROTHERS WITH THE RED TRUCKS

201.652.2700 | www.amacchionebrothers.com | Hackensack, NJ v @a.macchione_brothers b @amacchionebros

Noah Khaja, Agent 221 W Grand Avenue Suite 102C Montvale, NJ 07645 Bus: 201-746-4063 noah.khaja.vadi3j@statefarm.com Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evenings & Saturdays by appointment Hablamos Español

Auto - Home Life - Commercial

Here’s the deal. The right insurance should help you feel confident and comfortable. I’m the right good neighbor for that. Call me today. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001290

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Explore Better Water at Home

At Oasis Senior Advisors, we offer a free, compassionate service to help you and your loved ones find the right senior living and care options. We take the time to understand your unique needs—whether it’s health, budget, or location—so we can guide you toward the perfect fit. Our hands-on, personalized approach eases the stress of navigating this life transition. We’re local, caring, and here to walk with you every step of the way.

862.477.6591

www.oasissenioradvisors.com/bergen-county

When It’s Time for a New Chapter, We Help You Turn the Page.

Whole-Home Water Filtration & Softening

✔ Reduce hard water scale buildup ✔ Extend appliance lifespan ✔ Enjoy cleaner drinking water ✔ Reduce chlorine & microplastic exposure ✔ Cut down on bottled water costs Contact Us Today for your Free Water Test CALL OR TEXT 201-666-8400 PRATTSERVICES.NET

Romi Almezy

Certified Senior Advisor

Scan Scan for for your your quote today quote today

Call and Book your Eye Exam Today!

Offering Personal Training & Small Group Personal Training

Westwood

191 Westwood Ave Westwood, NJ 07675 201-666-6646

Transform Your Body, Transform Your Life. At JNA Fitness, we specialize in helping everyday people feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. Our strength and conditioning programs are built to fit real life, with a focus on simple structure, great coaching, and steady progress. Whether you’re just starting out or getting back into a routine, we’ll meet you where you are and support you every step of the way. Fitness doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re here to make it feel doable.

Level Up Your Fitness JNA Wyckoff 760 Braen Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 | 551-292-8629 JNA Waldwick 140 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463 | 201-783-8169

Fall in Love with Your Look It’s the perfect season to update your eyeglasses. Our friendly team is here to help you find your perfect pair with our exclusive collection of designer frames and premium lenses.

Enjoy our Fall Sale: Get 20% off your second pair! Visit Our Other Locations Rutherford

35 Park Ave Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-728-9399

Glen Rock

240 Rock Road Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-857-2620

JNA Montvale 120 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Montvale, NJ 07645 | 201-748-2520

invisionoptics.com

www.jnafitness.com | Vjna_fitness_gym

@invisionoptics

Let It Glow Holiday Lighting provides permanent, leasing, design, installation and storage for all holiday decor and lighting. Call today to set up your Holiday Lighting! 201.527.5215 | LetitglowholidayLighting@gmail.com

Vletitglowholidaylighting | BLet It Glow Holiday Lighting NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/PASCAC KVA L L E Y

NOVEMBER 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

OCTOBER 24 TH–NOVEMBER 1 4 T H

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors 298 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell Get ready for a hilarious twist on the classic Dracula tale. Bergen County Players presents Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a fast-paced, laugh-filled farce featuring plenty of over-the-top characters and spooky fun at Oradell’s Little Firehouse Theatre. Performances run through November 14. For more information visit bcplayers.org.

NOVEMBER 12TH

Professionalism in the Law Dinner Seasons, 644 Pascack Road, Township of Washington | 5:30 PM The Bergen County Bar Association hosts its Annual Professionalism in the Law Dinner, bringing members of the local legal community together for an evening of networking and recognition from 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information or to register visit bergenbar.org.

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Brookside Bazar Westwood Community Center | 10:00 AM Brookside Bazaar returns for its fifth annual holiday market this November at the Westwood Community Center. Shop unique gifts from local artisans, makers and small businesses while supporting the community. Vendor registration is now open for creatives, entrepreneurs and crafters. More than 400 shoppers are expected to attend this festive holiday shopping event.

Transform Your Vehicle

Back to New

N OV E M BE R 1 4 T H

Friends Book Sale Westwood Public Library, 49 Park Ave., Westwood | 10:00 AM Book lovers can browse for their next great read during the Friends Book Sale. Shop a selection of books while supporting local library programs and initiatives. For more information visit westwoodpubliclibrary.org.

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COLLISION REPAIRS

PAINTING

PROFESSIONAL & COURTEOUS STAFF ON-SITE CARE | RENTAL CARS | 24/7 TOWING

C ONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY

(201) 262-3333 | richsautospecialists.com | richsautospec@aol.com 50 Chestnut Street Emerson, New Jersey 07630

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events

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NOVEMBER 21ST-22ND & 27T H -29 T H

Bi State Plaza - 216 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan | 551-288-8505 | Balloy.oldtappan Saddle River - 171 E Saddle River Road, Saddle River | 551-288-7424 | Balloy.saddleriver

Orchard of Lights Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale Kick off the holiday season at Demarest Farms’ Orchard of Lights. Travel through 32 acres of sparkling holiday displays before enjoying seasonal favorites including hot cocoa, fire pits, Santa visits and the farm’s winter petting zoo. Reservations are required, for more information visit orchardoflights.com.

NOVEMBER 24 TH

New Mom Stuff: Walk. Talk. Connect. Stone Point Park, Old Tappan, NJ | 9:30 AM

Feel Better. Move Better. Live Better. At our Alloy Personal Training Studios in Old Tappan and Saddle River, it’s not about trends—it’s about real results. Since 1992, we’ve helped people of all ages build strength, confidence, and lasting wellness through expert coaching and customized training. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to push further, our proven system delivers the support and accountability you need—every step of the way.

START WITH A CONVERSATION!

CALL NOW

TO LEARN ABOUT OUR CURRENT SPECIAL! Welcoming neighbors from Old Tappan, Saddle River and surrounding towns.

Stronger. Healthier. More Confident - Every Day.

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Connect with other local moms during a relaxed morning walk centered on motherhood, from newborn sleep and feeding to postpartum life, toddler chaos and everything in between. Enjoy fresh air, meaningful conversation and a supportive community every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Walks are $10 each. For more information, follow @littlesmiles412 on social media.

NOVEMBER 26TH

Run 4 the Love Turkey Trot Charity 5K Mark Lane Sports Complex, 400 Mark Lane, River Vale | 8:00 AM Start Thanksgiving morning on the move at River Vale’s annual Turkey Trot Charity 5K. The community race supports The Helping Hand Food Pantry while bringing friends, families and neighbors together before Thanksgiving celebrations begin. To register visit run4thelove.com.