Wayne, NJ December 2024 by City Lifestyle

December Is All About The Holidays and Giving

December. Quite possibly the most anticipated month of the year, it certainly has been in each of my homes I have ever lived in. Whether we're talking about my childhood home in River Edge, where I grew up as the youngest of three siblings or right on through to my family home now where I am the patriarch, there's always a special excitement in the air. When I was young, it started with my looking through the Sears and Service Merchandise catalogs while making my Christmas list, all the while giddy with anticipation as to what Santa might bring me. Even though today it is with a more quiet peace in seeing what joys I can help bring to my loved ones, that anticipation, that magic, is still there.

Speaking of Santa, this month we are sharing with you the tale of some local Montville kids who put their detective skills on display in an effort to prove that Santa is real.

Santa always brings many nice gifts but sometimes we still have to shop for others, so we put together a little gift guide which included some custom jewelry from Carlos De Leon as well as a selection of preserved flowers from The Enchanted Petal.

Speaking of The Enchanted Petal, we went ahead and brought you an inside look as to the remarkable floral designs, gifts, bouquets, and even ornaments that Marcelo Galarza and Angela Shehi bring to the table.

It is said that the holidays are for everyone so we let a certain special dog tell us their view on the holidays. Ah...the magic of the holidays.

We also tell the tale of Kevin Klemens, Century 21's realtor with a big heart who loves to give back to the community.

Speaking of giving. I URGE YOU ALL to check out our annual Giving Campaign in this issue. This is where we all get the chance to anonymously nominate any person or family you know of who is truly in need. For anyone going through a true hardship right now, the collective "we" of Lifestyle Publications has upped the amount of money again this year. This money will be given out to chosen families in need. We have had several families chosen from our area in previous years so let's keep it going!

So enjoy this issue and then go out there and spread the magic and the cheer!

December 2024

PUBLISHER

Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Officially Social | alison@officiallysocial.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Don Seaman, Phillip Barone, Angela Shehi, Carlos De Leon

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Phillip Barone, Lela Ramandani, Karolina Burzynska, Janie Jones, Angela Shehi, Carlos De Leon, John Agnello

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

PHILLIP BARONE, PUBLISHER @WAYNELIFESTYLEMAG

Interventional

Electrophysiology

Peripheral

Echocardiograms

Stress

Vascular

Carotid

Heart

city scene

1: Boys & Girls Clubs Of Northwest NJ held their annual gala. 2: The Gateway To Great Futures Gala brought hundreds of people together for a great cause. 3: Some familiar faces showed up to help support a tremendous organization. 4: Great food, drinks, and dancing helped make it a special night. 5: Silent auctions and a live Fund-The-Need drive help sustain the 6,000 children they support. 6: The gala was held at the Westmount Country Club, which made everyone happy. 7: BeSure members deepened relationships even further at the gala.

Photography by John Agnello

S A V E B I G on furniture for every room!

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ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LELA RAMANDANI AND KAROLINA BURZYNSKA

Beauty Ever Present

AT THE ENCHANTED PETAL, ROSES BECOME ENDURING ART

Flowers are symbolic. They convey love, romance, resilience, rebirth, sympathy, peace, remembrance, beauty… but to Marcelo Galarza, they mean so much more. They’re a connection to his homeland.

Marcelo is from Ecuador, a nation that’s the epicenter of roses. Thanks to its presence in the Andes, and the volcanic soil that’s there, it’s the perfect climate for the world’s most beautiful roses.

In his shop in nearby Clifton, Marcelo transforms them into something more. The Enchanted Petal makes them into ongoing art. The flowers here are the raw materials for something more creative – custom works of naturally preserved floral craftsmanship.

This is no conventional flower shop. They start with the roses imported from Ecuador, which undergo an organic, environmentally friendly preservation process before they’re shipped, which maintains their natural beauty. These are not dried flowers – they have simply ceased the aging process. These roses will look as fresh a year from now as they do today.

It’s at this point that Marcelo gets to work. In this small shop (it’s only himself and his assistant, fellow flower artist Angela), they create floral magic. Each rose displayed is hand crafted in-house, employing every possible color of the rainbow, customized with a unique display box. They offer single rose displays, bouquets, flower-enhanced artwork, and custom designs for individual ideas and occasions.

CONTINUED >

After all, what bride wouldn’t want her wedding bouquet to last beyond the reception? With these roses, she can see them again as perfect as they were the day she was married on her anniversary.

But these roses aren’t just for brides. Any typical flower-aided event is an opportunity to live well beyond its celebration – First Communions, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, and all those that you might think of.

In fact, it was just this sort of event that touched Marcelo so much that he found his calling.

“After my grandmother’s funeral in Ecuador, they gave us a preserved rose as a condolence. She had been my inspiration – I still call her my first CEO – and that meant so much that it gave me the vision of how to pay tribute to my grandmother and my home. I’d found my way to bring the magic of Ecuador back with me and share that same feeling of connection here.”

A simple flower changed his life.

In a world where we seem to take pleasure in speeding things up, it’s refreshing to see something that’s preserved in time. This isn’t the latest high-tech marvel. This is natural beauty that will endure – enhanced with Marcelo and Angela’s creativity.

A single rose changed Marcelo's life.

Why not give him a chance to bring that same magic to yours?

That doesn’t mean that you can’t be creative as well. There’s an opportunity to be had for businesses, schools, and organizations to benefit from what The Enchanted Petal can do. It’s all able to be customized. Companies can jazz up their logo in flowers. Graduations and proms can have floral displays in bespoke school colors. Restaurants can give new ambiance with unique décor. (Side benefit – these roses have no smell, so nothing will get between your kitchen and your diner’s noses.) And just think about the multitude of fundraising possibilities for any group looking to create a visual showstopper.

Honestly, what atmosphere can’t be enhanced by beautiful flowers – especially ones that don’t need to be changed every week?

All it takes is a call to Marcelo to discover a new appreciation for what flowers can do to inspire you.

The Enchanted Petal is tucked in the back of Styertowne Shopping Center at 1051 Bloomfield Ave in Clifton, across the lot from Stew Leonard’s. They can be reached at 877837-2100 or at theenchantedpetal.com.

WAYNE

LIFESTYLE

Picture This Student Photo Bonus

“When Reality Intersects”

HANNA AMABILE

Wayne Valley High School

DIGITALLY MANIPULATED PHOTOGRAPHY

This Month’s Student Photo Is Presented By

300thTotal JointCase

LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT

Successfully Completed

Making Spirits

JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”

As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.

Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.

One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.

Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.

These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just

about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”

We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.

To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

LELA RAMANDANI, KAROLINA BURZYNSKA

Holiday Gifts To Make Them Smile

FROM THE ENCHANTED PETAL AND CARLOS DE LEON’S JEWELRY STUDIO

Available from The Enchanted Petal (1051 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton or theenchantedpetal.com )

“La Bella” - Inspired By Beauty And The Beast, This Large Enchanted Rose In A Glass Dome Is Available In Both Red Or White.

The Mini “Bella” Is A Magical Rose IN A Glass Dome Available In A Variety Of Colors To Accent Any Decor.

Holiday Glass Ornaments With A Forever Rose Are Sure To Bring Joy To Your Season, Offered In A Variety Of Colors.

Eternal Rose-This Elegant Eternal Rose Comes Displayed In A 5” Crystal Dome And Is Available In Various Colors. A Beautifully Preserved Sunflower Displayed In A Luxury Wooden Box.

Available from Carlos De Leon's Jewelry Studio

(deleonjewelrystudio.com or email carlos@deleonjewelrystudio.com)

Gorgeous oval ruby and diamond band set in 18kt yellow gold

Elegant emerald cut emeralds with pave diamonds set in 18kt yellow gold

Stunning emerald and diamond pave band set in 18kt yellow gold

Unique sapphire and diamond band set in 18kt white gold

A bracelet for a queen with lucious rubies and diamonds set in 18kt yellow gold

Fun and fabulous stackable sapphire & diamond bands set in 18kt white gold

Agent of Change

For Kevin Klemens, Community Values Go Beyond Home Values

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILLIP BARONE

Kevin, Gina, and Sydney

Facing an uncertain market in real estate is always troubling for a person making his living as a real estate agent. Right now, there’s a troubling lack of inventory, and rising mortgage rates (despite the recent Federal interest rate cut). The hustle required to have success in this line of work is at an apex.

This has not deterred Kevin Klemens. It has not made his daytimes any easier, but what he does outside the grind of the real estate business allows him to focus on some greater ideals.

Kevin’s sense of community in Wayne is a lifelong passion. He’s spent most of his life here - DePaul High School, so for those looking to see which side of the Hills/ Valley spectrum he’s on, he’s neutral. It’s one Wayne for him.

Yet there’s not just one cause that tugs at his heart. Kids? Check. First responders and community heroes? Check. Seniors? Check. Small businesses? Well, you get the idea.

It might not be unusual for a real estate agent to be active in their community. It is, after all, a great way to network and meet people. What’s special about Kevin is the depth of his commitment to causes that resonate and make a difference in people’s lives.

“There are plenty of organizations in every town that are great for making business connections. But let’s face it - everybody knows a real estate agent. That can’t be your motivation,” Kevin explains.

Silhouette Window Shadings

“Being involved in the community has to mean more than just finding an opportunity to pass your business cards along. You need to find ways to make an impact beyond yourself.”

That’s why being involved with groups like the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne and the Passaic County 200 Club mean so much to him. A grandfather of three, sitting on the board of the Boys and Girls Club was an opportunity he just couldn’t pass up. Membership in the 200 Club, which supports local police, fire, and EMS workers, was a no-brainer. “You just can’t say ‘no’ to that,” he admits.

Kevin’s partner in life, Gina Salvatore, is in lockstep with him for all that he does. Her support and guidance - and all that she does - he understatedly calls “invaluable.”

“Look, finding a home in a community that you love is everyone’s dream. To that end, I tell people to find an agent they’re comfortable with and stick with them. But when I think of the world that I want Landon, Layla, and Noah to grow up in, I know that I must do what I can to ensure it’s a place that they deserve.”

Kevin Klemens is a realtor with Century 21 Gemini LLC at 87 Berdan Avenue in Wayne. He can be reached at 973-696-1111.

Entry Doors

CHRISTMAS IS NOTHING TO BARK AT

The Holiday Season, As Told By Your Dog

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

(Written by a Labrador Retreiver. Edited by a much smarter Border Collie.)

Wait – what are all those boxes? And why do all of those balls have hooks on them? Is this a new training thing that I’m going to have to learn? (There had better be treats…) AND WHY IS A TREE GROWING IN MY LIVING ROOM???

What’s going on here?

All of a sudden there are things everywhere. Sparkly things. The hoomans (editor’s note: that’s HUMANS, you thick-brained hound. What did they even teach you at obedience school? How did you learn to walk on just four legs? Stop watching memes!) keep saying “I love to see so much red and green!”? What are red and green? Are they treats?

I think I’ll just take a nap on my (editor’s note: Mom’s) bed.

When that silent deer in the backyard wakes me up, it’s time to stretch and find the kids to allow them to play with me. But what in Dog’s name is going on downstairs, and why has all our stuff been replaced with angels and snowflakes and play toys of some guy in a red suit?

Well now I know what those hooks are for. They’re training the tree. I guess it’s time to go water him myself…

Wait – why can’t I go by the tree? Why is its name “Christmas Tree”? And why am I in my timeout cage?

So many questions.

Come dinnertime, I’m not sure, but my usual food tastes sort of piney. I prefer my carrying stick.

Weeks go by. Or maybe minutes. I don’t have a watch – I’m not one of those kinds of dogs.

I just noticed – the cat seems to be outside a lot more these days. And the tree must be getting smarter – there are a lot of those hook things missing.

That dangerous Amazon guy is coming an awful lot now. What’s up with that? Don’t worry, Mom. I’m on it.

There are a lot of new lights in the yard to bark at. Even the music in the house is different. Something is up.

So now Dad says something about Christmas Eve and some guy named Santa will be coming over tonight. Time to go on high alert.

Mom and Dad finally went to bed. They said something about it being a “three o’clock,” whatever that is. And I was told in no uncertain terms that the cookies and milk were NOT for me.

I guess that Santa person never came over. Hope he doesn’t change his mind and show up in the middle of the night – Mom’s bed is really comfy and I don't want to get up and bark unless it's that Amazon guy again.

Ugh. Why are the kids up so early? SO. MUCH. PAPER!!!

And I even got a special “good boy” treat. This Christmas thing is the best, whatever it is.

“WHY ARE THEY HANGING THOSE SOCKS BY THE FIREPLACE?

The Holiday Stakeout

ON ONE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EVE, A LITTLE SURVEILLANCE PAYS OFF

Once upon a time, in the town of Montville, a group of scientifically-inclined kids set out to prove if Santa Claus was, indeed, real. The skeptical friends decided to gather evidence once and for all. Armed with gadgets, cookies, and curiosity, they devised an elaborate plan to uncover the truth.

On Christmas Eve, the intrepid team set up their high-tech Santa-trapping system throughout Tim's house. They installed hidden cameras, motion detectors, and even a strategic cookie placement to catch any jolly, red-suited intruders. Tim's mom, slightly amused by the elaborate preparations, joined in by disguising carrots as surveillance devices for the reindeer.

As Christmas magic would have it, an unexpected snowstorm hit Montville that night, grounding all conventional means of gift delivery. The kids were thrilled, convinced that if Santa was real, this was the perfect opportunity to catch him in action. They huddled around their control center, waiting anxiously while savoring hot cocoa.

ARTICLE BY PHILLIP BARONE

Midnight passed, then came 1 AM, and still no sign of St. Nick. Finally, at 3 AM, a flurry of activity appeared on the monitors. The wide-eyed kids watched as their smart devices blurred with static before suddenly clearing to reveal a suspiciously rotund figure shimmying down the chimney.

To their amazement, this not-sostealthy Santa attempted to gracefully land but tripped over the surveillance carrots, sending cookies flying and narrowly avoiding the tree. The kids giggled as Santa, unfazed, dusted himself off and laid presents under the tree, muttering something about "defective gingerbread."

After the dust settled and Santa had disappeared back up the chimney, the kids concluded their experiment with gleeful excitement. Christmas morning, they woke to find not only their stockings full but also a handwritten note from Santa thanking them for the "entertaining security features."

That Christmas, the scientific team from Montville discovered undeniable proof that Santa must be real, becoming the most hilariously festive memory they'd cherish, forever.

Merry Christmas, everyone!