BC the Mag Fall 2020

Fall 2020 | Complimentary Issue

The Mag Life. Style. Where you live.

Ca n’t St op Love We d d i n g b e l l s i n t h e t i m e of Coronavirus

KEEP FIT

Av o i d i n j u r i e s d u r i n g the pandemic

LINKING & LIFTING

Jewelry-Designer Brett Lauren employs women in transition 1

SIFTING MAGIC

The Cake Fairy specializes i n cu s t o m ca k e s

BETTER MAKES TRANSPLANT WAITS SHORTER AND LIVES LONGER As a national leader in kidney transplant outcomes, Hackensack University Medical Center has made it safer than ever for you to return for the care you need. Plus, we’ve made wait times for transplant significantly shorter than other transplant centers.

Because life doesn’t wait. So neither should you.

Schedule a consult today by calling 551-996-2608 or visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/organtransplants.

SOURCE: SCIENTIFIC REGISTRY OF TRANSPL ANT RECIPIENTS 2020

www.group4cars.com

CLIFFS

9W

PART OF GROUP 4 CARS

We have you surrounded with BIG SAVINGS!

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Englewood Cliffs Sales: 201.666.2500 Service: 201.666.2501 Parts: 201.666.2502

CLIFFS

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paramus Sales: 201.488.3322 Service: 201.488.8000 Parts: 201.488.1327

9W

PART OF GROUP 4 CARS

Hyundai of Paramus

Sales: 201.666.2801 Service: 201.735.1814 Parts: 201.735.1791

The Mag Life. Style. Where you live.

FALL 2020 PUBLISHERS

Sharon & Steven Goldstein ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Brandon Goldstein EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Suzanne Giovanna Barr FASHION DIRECTOR

Candace Kristin PHOTOGRAPHER

Nicholas Gagliano, Studio Uno Photography, Ridgefield Park CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kevin Czerwinski Kristin Favaloro Brandon Goldstein Dr. Michael Gross Soneca Guadara Marilyn Katzman Megan Montemarano Richard Posluszny Kimberly Redmond Natalie Zisa Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to 297-101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com.

For advertising and information, please call (201) 694-5197 or (201) 265-2286.

Copyright 2020. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers. follow us @ bcthemag

4 BC The The Mag Mag WINTER WINTER 2020 43 43 BC 2020

CHEERS TO MORE PERKS

CHEERS TO MORE PERKS

HOW IT WORKS

INTRODUCING

Sign up and register your credit card

Shop and earn points every time you use your registered card at Westfield Garden State Plaza

Receive rewards right to your phone

Join for free today, and receive a $10 rewards credit Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend at Westfield Garden State Plaza To enroll, visit: westfield.com/gardenstateplaza

letter from the publishers

I

n June, I always tell myself that this will be the summer that I leave for the beach and never return, vowing to a life of all-year tans and mojitos. This year has been a bit different though. Granted, I still enjoyed countless mojitos.

While we strain to fall back into any semblance of our typical post-Labor Day routine, we can at least use the backdrop of autumn’s beauty in Bergen County as a way to distract from the chaos that seems to surround us.

In place of our typical fall fashion spread this issue, we wanted to find something a bit more uplifting. So, we spoke to wedding photographer Nick Gagliano. While wedding season may have passed us by, love never stopped. He shows us some beautiful couples who took quarantine as an opportunity to solidify their love, something that is abundantly clear through Gagliano’s loving lens.

Of course, we can’t go through fall without talking about fashion though so our Style By Soneca column is all about choosing the right pair of shoes for that autumn outfit. Sometimes, you let the shoes do the talking, other times you just let them do the walking.

For the past 6 months, it feels like we’ve just cancelled celebrations. One tragic side effect, for me at least, was the limiting of my loving cake consumption. As we try to get back into the sweet groove of things, we thought who better to get us out of our flourless funk than the Cake Fairy? She has turned her kitchen into one of Bergen County’s most delicious art studios, and her cakes take our breath away long before we take our first bite.

After the cake though, comes the calories. Our sports doctor, Dr. Michael Gross, gives us some insight into keeping fit and avoiding injury while you do your 1000th at-home workout.

While it may feel like life has been on hold, the winner of Miss Bergen County has been looking ahead as she prepares to fight (not literally) for the title of Miss New Jersey. We talk to her about her routine, expectations and why Miss Bergen County still serves as an inspiration to so many young women and girls.

As the leaves begin to change and fall and my pumpkin spice latte has me feeling all sorts of cozy and comfortable, I think about how much Bergen County has changed since we began this journey in the Fall 2001. Bookended by two very serious tragedies, we continue to feel the hope and optimism Bergen County has always stubbornly encapsulated. Stronger together, we will overcome anything.

Love always, Sharon and Steven Goldstein follow us @bcthemag

6

Your Healthy Fall Checklist Soon the leaves will start to change colors, but that does not mean you should change your healthcare routine.

Now, more than ever, it is important that you and your family follow up with your doctors to help stay healthy.

Englewood Health reminds you to: � Select a primary care physician for yourself and your family members � Schedule your annual physical � Make sure you are up to date on any necessary vaccinations and get your flu shot � Speak with your physician about important screenings and preventive care services, including: • Colonoscopy

• Bone density testing

• Lung cancer screening

• Cardiology exam

• Mammogram • Pap smear and HPV screening

• Vascular screening for stroke and neurological conditions

• Prostate cancer screening

• Joint and spine check-up and care

• Hepatitis B screening

• Pulmonary function testing

• Smoking cessation

• Vein screening

Need help finding a physician?

Call 833-234-2234 or visit englewoodhealth.org

features CONTENTS

&

nonprofit spotlight

18

ADVANCING THE ART OF LIVING

Jewish Home Family is Dedicated to Providing Care For Elders and Subacute Patients

bergen county

30

FEARLESS IN PURSUIT OF PASSION

Winner of Miss Bergen County Prepares For State Level

36

DEEP ROOTS

Fair Lawn Man Completes Six-Generation Family Tree

40

RIVER VALE FILMMAKER’S DOCUMENTARY SHARES ‘LIFE WITH LAYLA’

48 CAN’T STOP LOVE

82

On The Cover and pages 48-56:

Wedding photographer Nick Gagliano shows us some beautiful couples who took quarantine as an opportunity to solidify their love. Pictured here, Annalyse and Nick.

FINAL THOUGHT

When The Smoke Clears

8

Redesign the Heart of your Home

Turn your backyard into the Heart of the

Home

Call To Speak To A Loan Officer Today!

(201) 862 - 8637 Ext. 1124

With a

HomeWith Equity a Line of Credit Home Equity

.75 3

Call To Speak To A Loan Officer Today!

(201) 862 - 8626 Ext. 1124

Line of Credit

.75 3

%* %*

*Start Rate of 3.75% based on NY Prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal minus 1.50% for the life of the loan. Floor is 3.75%.

Product has a 15-year period of draw and repayment, followed by 15-year repayment only period. Maximum line amount of $500,000. Line amounts over $300,000 may require title insurance at borrower’s expense. Product available on 1-4 family owner-occupied dwellings in many NJ counties.

Appraisal required a Maximum loan torate value (LTV) of 75% forWall linesStreet up toJournal $300,000; 70%1.50% for lines up to Rate validisas3.75%. of August 24, *Start Rate ofshowing 3.75% based on NY Prime as published in the minus for the life$500,000. of the loan.

Floor Product has a 15-yearinsurance period of draw and repayment, by 15-year repayment period. Maximum line products, amount of $500,000. amounts 2020. Adequate property is required.

Floodfollowed insurance is required whereonly applicable.

Other loan rates andLine terms are available. $300,000 may require title insurance borrower’s expense. Product available on 1-4bank family owner-occupied in many NJ counties.

Subjectover to change without prior notice.

Subjectatto all bank underwriting conditions.

The is not responsibledwellings for any errors or misrepresentations.

Appraisal required showing a Maximum loan to value (LTV) of 75% for lines up to $300,000; 70% for lines up to $500,000. Rate valid as of June 22, 2020. Adequate property insurance is required. Flood insurance is required where applicable. Other loan products, rates and terms are available.

Subject to change without prior notice. Subject to all bank underwriting conditions. The bank is not responsible for any errors or misrepresentations.

www.BogotaSavingsBank.com www.BogotaSavingsBank.com 60 East Main Street, Bogota 819 Teaneck Road, Teaneck 60 East Main Street, 819 Teaneck Road, Teaneck OpenBogota 7 Days A Week Open 7 Days A Week

columns 44 BEAUTY AND THE ‘BURBS

Falling Into New Favorites

60 STYLE BY SONECA

How To Choose The Right Pair of Shoes For Your Outfit

68

in every issue 24 art

72 eats

LINKING AND LIFTING

SIFTING MAGIC

Empowering Jewelry-Designer Loves Employee Turnover

The Cake Fairy Specializes in Custom Cakes

75 restaurant guide

64 the sports doctor

A RESOURCE FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE

KEEP FIT WHILE AVOIDING INJURIES DURING THE PANDEMIC

68 auto THE ALL-NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT

Is This What Makes a Bentley So?

10

be adorable be adorable

marcia’s attic for kids marcia’senglewood attic for kids north dean street 29

englewood, new jersey 07631 201.894.5701

englewood 201.894.5701 201.894.5701

FAMILY PROMISE

Family Promise held their annual gala at the Indian Trail Club. For more information, visit www.bergenfamilypromise.org.

Rachel Votto, Jerry Fleisher, Nadine Genet, Paul Shackford, Kate Duggan, Stephanie Miller, Dan Boyer, Sarah Kirby

Paul Shackford, William H. Allport II, Donald Pitches, Debbie Gargiulo, Hector B. and Kim Pulido, Kate Duggan

Luz Galeano, Jane He, Trish Giglio, Renee Harper, Margo Heller, Marie Shanley, Kate Duggan

Barbara Eckert, Jody Wasson, Sheila Verna, Sue Hill, Renee Harper, Denise Roberts, Maureen D’Amato, Jean Wilkins, Ashwini Reddy

Anne and Jerry Fleisher

Sandra Murphey, Pastor Penny Hogan, Laura Given

Robin Jackson, Michele Simon

Eun Mi Kim, Thomas Yi, Timothy Sun, Dave Kuenzler

Ludmila and Mark Golad, Rachel Votto, Tom Hoffman

Aline Wolff, Russ Grier, Jennifer and Charles Matar

Alex Yanuzzi, Lyndsey Bardnell, Jessica Ciliento

Jonathan Daffron, Michael Albano, Mike Ciliento

Jennifer Henao, Christian Caropolo

Paul Shackford, Nancy Woods, Kate Duggan

Brian and Marcy Della Torre, Tom Kirby, Steve and Nicole Burns

Rebecca Day, Ron Laurent, Sarah Kirby

Lori Murray, Sonja Clark, Tracy and Anastasia Burns, Larry Goldstein, Tracy Diamond 

Timothy, Nancy and Martin Woods, Sarah Martin, Kristie Woods 

M A M M O G R A P H Y – S A M E - DAY R E S U LT S

Done.

VALLEY GETS IT. It’s time to put your health at the top of your list. Schedule your mammogram* at The Valley Hospital and get faster, same-day results.

*A doctor’s prescription is required.

CALL TODAY – 201-447-8422 ValleyHealth.com/Mammogram

A TASTE OF BERGEN The New Bridge Medical Center Foundation presented “A Taste of Bergen” at the Rockleigh. For more information, visit www.newbridgehealth.org.

Christine and Kevin Sullivan, Kate Nguyen

Ann Marie Zihal, Nicole McQuillen, David Freed

Adrienne and Michael Mariano

John and Johnnie Mangianotis

John Loughran, Patricia Nicholas

Liz Escarcega, Christine Brewster, Cynthia Escarcega

Laura Behrmann, Kim Caesar

Julie Beites, John Novak, Jennifer d’Angelo

Dina Esposito, Jeremy Levy

Rafael Castilla, Margarita Vega

Deborah Visconi, Tom Eastwick

Kristine and Jessica Pendy, Michelina Pollio, Lori Pietropaolo

Richard, Lina and Nick Colloca

Rosemarie Klie, Donnalee Corrieri

Frances Bozzetti, Lisa Sweetman

Kristin Pitman, Tiffany Delaney

John and Maryanne Cosgrove, Mary-Edna Krutchkoff, Deborah Visconi, Inga and Karl Nelson

速 速

cash back savings event cash back savings event

速

cash back savings event

WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME 速

cash back savings event

WELCOME HOME

GET $10,000 GET 5% 5% CASH CASH BACK BACKWHEN WHENYOU YOUSPEND SPEND $10,000 OR MORE ON QUALIFYING VIKING APPLIANCES GET 5% CASH BACK WHEN YOU SPEND $10,000 OR MORE ON QUALIFYING VIKING APPLIANCES J A N U A RON Y 1 , QUALIFYING 2 0 2 0 T H R O U G H D VIKING E C E M B E R APPLIANCES 31, 2020 GET OR 5%MORE CASH J A N U A R Y BACK 1 , 2 0 2 0 T HWHEN R O U G H D EYOU C E M B E SPEND R 3 1 , 2 0 2 0 $10,000 JANUARY 1, 2020 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020 OR MORE ON QUALIFYING VIKING APPLIANCES QUALIFYING PRODUCTS INCLUDE ALL VIKING 5 AND 7 SERIES JANUAR Y 1, 2020 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020 PRODUCTS, TUSCANY, VIRTUOSO, QUALIFYING PRODUCTS INCLUDEAND ALL OUTDOOR. VIKING 5 AND 7 SERIES QUALIFYING PRODUCTS INCLUDE ALL VIKING 5 AND 7 SERIES PRODUCTS, TUSCANY, VIRTUOSO, AND OUTDOOR. PRODUCTS, TUSCANY, VIRTUOSO, AND OUTDOOR.

5% Cash Back is a mail-in rebate. See back for details and exclusions.

5% Cash5% Back a mail-in rebate.

See See back forfor details CashisBack is a mail-in rebate. back detailsand and exclusions. exclusions.

VIKINGRANGE.COM/PROMOTIONS V IINKGI R N AGNRGAEN / PORT O VIK . CGOEM. C / POR M OM I OM NO S TIONS

QUALIFYING PRODUCTS INCLUDE ALL VIKING 5 AND 7 SERIES PRODUCTS, TUSCANY, VIRTUOSO, AND OUTDOOR.

5% Cash Back is a mail-in rebate. See back for details and exclusions.

VIKINGRANGE.COM/PROMOTIONS

JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICES Jewish Family and Children’s Services held their annual gala at the Edgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.jfcsnnj.org.

Eileen and Jim Blake

Sandy Greenwald, Jeff Rotenberg

Pete and Eileen Rudolph

Yoel and Penny Samuel, Suzette and Harry Diamond

Hilda Froelke, Iris Coleman, Tobey Lyden

Barbara Bender and Arthur Forkos, Bob and Joan Oppenheimer

Elissa and Andrew Glaser

Diane Seiden, Susan Greenbaum

Barry Feitenbaum, Karen Misler

Jamie Janoff, Elie Katz, Beth Janoff

David Luria, Michael Chananie

Robert and Allison Limmer

Gary, Nina and Arielle Glaser, Jordan Herzog

Trudi and Frank Gunsberg

Susan Greenbaum, Debbie Harris

Carol and Dr. Ken Rubin, Dr. Michael Harris

Meryl Balaban, Phyllis Osherow, Michael Balaban

The team at Active Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is proud to announce OrthoASAP, an Orthopedic Urgent Care that lets you skip the wait time and costs of an Emergency Room or general urgent care. At OrthoASAP, our team of Orthopedic Specialists treat bone, joint and muscle injuries - with no appointment needed! So whether it’s an injury on the field or that nagging pain you have had for a few weeks, we have the right solution for you. Our goal is to make sure you are seen by the right specialist right away so that you can get back to living your life ASAP.

BC

the mag

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

18

Advancing The Art of Living

�

�

Jewish Home Family is Dedicated to Providing Care For Elders and Subacute Patients

By Kevin Czerwinski Carol Silver Elliott didn’t need more than a second or two to begin sharing the story of an elderly woman who was suffering abuse – physical, mental and financial – at the hands of her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend.

The care Elliott took in recalling the story and the detail she included made it obvious how this woman’s plight had impacted the president and CEO of The Jewish Home Family (TJHF), a group of facilities in Rockleigh and River Vale that provides older adults in Bergen and Rockland counties with residential services, rehabilitation and home and community-based services. Elliott spoke respectfully and eloquently about what the woman had gone through, using her story to explain how TJHF is the only elder abuse shelter in New Jersey and just one of less than two dozen nationwide.

“A call came in from a hospital that a woman in our area who was in her 80s,” Elliott said. “She had moved here from Florida to live with her daughter. Her daughter and her boyfriend began to abuse her physically and financially. The woman wasn’t feeling well and she asked her daughter to go to the doctor but the daughter refused because of the bruises [on her mother]. One day when the daughter left home, the woman started walking to the hospital.

“A neighbor saw her and came out and got her a chair and some water and called the police, who arrested the daughter,” continued Elliott. “The mother came to us for shelter and came with just about nothing, just a ripped bag with a checkbook, some duplicate checks and a couple of personal things. We admitted her to the shelter and got the bank to freeze her account, but we weren’t able to get access to her funds because this woman had no ID.” The woman, who was unsure of where she had lived in Florida, was essentially a paper ghost. It took TJHF staff nearly three months to rebuild the woman’s identity from scratch because she had been married several times and was unsure of what names her accounts and information might be under.

TJHF Social Services Director Naomi McDermott, with the help of New Jersey State Representative Josh Gottheimer [D-5], was able to rebuild the woman’s identity and, after a lengthy stay in the shelter, was able to find housing for the woman.

“We restored her identity, we restored her funds and the daughter was sentenced to

19

FALL 2020

BC

the mag

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

a year in jail,” Elliott said. “It was one of

the abuser has moved into the home

TJHF nearly six years ago. Dan Rein-

those situations where you think, ‘This

and the victim is reluctant to leave all

gold is the president and CEO at the

is why we do this.’ I can tell you with

of their belongings,” Elliott said. “The

Hebrew Home and encouraged Elliott

absolute clarity that if she had been re-

abuser isolates and people become

to begin a program similar to the one

turned to her home, she would not have

imprisoned in their home with the out-

employed at The Hebrew Home while

survived. She had the strength to take

reach ability taken away from them. All

she worked in Cincinnati.

herself out of that environment. She

“We opened an elder abuse shelter

was so desperate to get help and that’s

at Cedar Village in 2010 and Dan and his

what saved her life.”

"Those most at risk are women over the age of 85 or elderly with cognitive impairments."

That elderly woman is one of an estimated three million victims of elder abuse each year, according to Elliott.

That abuse can take the form of physical, emotional, sexual or simple neglect.

Almost every case includes financial exploitation as well. Those most at risk are women over the age of 85 or elderly with cognitive impairments. And,

team provided tremendous support,” Elliott said. “Elder abuse is a priority for me. I started here in November and we started the program in June or July of the following year. There are 20 shelters in the U.S. and I wish there were more.

“We have a huge problem because victims of abuse can’t be served in a domestic violence shelter,” she continued.

“They are filled primarily with young

in most cases, the abuse is being per-

women and children and there is no one

petrated by a loved one – either and an

those things get in the way and some-

there who can care for an older adult.

adult child or a grandchild – rather than

times there is no one to reach out to

Dan said, ‘Why can’t we do this within

a stranger.

for help.”

the walls of a nursing home? We have

While the estimates point to mil-

Elliott said that TJHF three or four

lions of victims, very few come forward.

victims a year on average while the New

TJHF provides victims with shelter

Elliott points out that they are often

York-based Hebrew Home can see as

for up to 120 days free of charge. Once

embarrassed that a child they raised

many as 10-12 victims a year. The He-

a victim is admitted, the staff begins

could do something so heinous or they

brew Home served as the model for

a search for a long-term permanent

simply don’t wish to sever the relation-

Elliott when she worked at Cedar

home. TJHF medical and health staff

ship with the abuser.

Village Living Community in Cincinnati,

provide pro bono services. TJHF, how-

Ohio and then again when she joined

ever, only fills the role of shelter or

“Unfortunately, we have found that

20

the beds and the capacity.’”

safe haven, it does not get involved

cupational and speech therapy or a

one who has Parkinson’s] mentions that

with any law enforcement aspect of a

combination thereof. We have built an

we talk to her husband as if he has de-

victim’s case.

extraordinary therapy staff and we have

mentia when he has Parkinson’s it was

some incredible success.

because we weren’t understanding the

While TJHF is helping pioneer care for the victims of elder abuse, it is so

“We are also building a brand-new

differences as a staff. The softness and

much more. TJHF features long-term

building for rehabilitation excellence,”

delayed speech didn’t mean he couldn’t

care, assisted living, inpatient/outpatient

she continued. “It will have 60 private

answer us. It meant we weren’t giv-

rehabilitation, adult day health care, re-

rooms for inpatient rehabilitation and

ing him enough time to answer,” she

spite care, hospice care, memory care,

the first warm-water aquatic therapy

explained. “So, we started to grow

services for seniors with dementia, ser-

in the area. It’s a $30 million project

a program with a large number of in-

vices for seniors living at home as well

that we expect to be completed in

terventions.

as a driver assessment program.

June of 2021. We have a lot of diff-

The Rockleigh facility has 180 rooms

erent tentacles.”

“We started with Tai Chi and yoga, then dance and Rock Steady boxing,”

and is on track for 1000 short-term

One tentacle about which Elliott

Elliott continued. “The repetitive and

rehabilitation visits this year, according

is particularly proud is its Parkinson’s

intense motion of boxing helps people

to Elliott. Additionally, the River Vale

Center. TJHF has been working with

with Parkinson’s. They are working on

campus has 107 apartments with resi-

Parkinson’s patients for nearly three

their balance and volume and when

dents living there on a long-term basis.

years after realizing the need for special

they are boxing we are actually holding

education and intervention for people

up flash cards to stimulate them cogni-

with Parkinson’s.

tively.We’ve developed a really powerful

“What distinguishes TJHF is our rehab program,” Elliott said. “We have a tremendous amount of physical, oc-

“When a family member [of some-

niche and it sets us apart.” 

Count on Columbia.

ColumbiaBankOnline.com

Personal & Business Checking Cash Back Rewards • High Yield • Mobile Banking Visit us in a branch, online or follow us on social media.

(800) 962-4989

Above features are not tied to all checking accounts offered by Columbia Bank. For specific account features please refer to ColumbiaBankOnline.com or visit your local branch.

21

FALL 2020

JOSEPHINE’S GARDEN at HackensackUMC The Josephine’s Garden Fall Luncheon was held at Seasons.

For more information, visit www.hackensackumc.org.

Trish Cellary, Geralyn Neumann

Rita Zamlout, Rosalba Mezzina, Lori Gruppuso

Anita Kopacz, Heidi Rispoli, Yvonna Kopacz

Erin Groleau, Vanessa DePersiis

Debbie Damore, Pam Donovan

Joseph Canney, Maria Principe, Jacqui Cannie

Ute Betancourt, Lauri Falconer

Karen Silverman, Liz Wolf

Val Saitas, Jennifer Connolly, Corinne Kerner

Laura McSpirit, Susan Vicchio, Jennifer Errity

Jennifer Jarmark, Andrea Hekemian

Amy Glazer, Clare Ward

Jennifer Errity, Felicia Bechtel

Christine Maraspin, Carol Morelli, Brielle Coppola

Felicia Bechtel, Gretchen Melman, Bernadette Colonna

Lindsey Inserra, Hannah Sullivan, Vera Kovalski, Maria Tevis

Heidi Rispoli, Felix Saadi, Mary and Larry Sunden

The Matarlo-Smith Family

Welcome your baby into the world with us.

SPECIALISTS ON HAND 24/7 HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY CARE

Our BirthPlace is open, clean, and ready to welcome your little one into the world. As always, we have skilled and experienced doctors, free parent education and birthing classes*, personalized and thoughtful care, and labor and delivery nurses who stick with you every step of the way.

We believe in treating your family like our family. That’s why we’ve worked hard to ensure that your birthing experience at Holy Name continues to exceed your expectations.

P R I VAT E S U I T E S C U LT U R A L LY S E N S I T I V E RESPECTFUL O F YO U R B I R TH I N G PREFERENCES

*Currently being conducted virtually.

Schedule an appointment today with one of our obstetrician/gynecologists at HolyName.org/MedicalPartners

Holy Name Medical Center 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666 Copyright © 2020 Holy Name Medical Center, All rights reserved.

THIS PLACE IS DIFFERENT

ART

L I N K I N G � LIFTING

BC

the mag

Empowering Jewelry-Designer Loves Employee Turnover

F

“All of those things are things I’d like to address at some point, but when we’re a bigger company,” she added.

Lauren believes she’s teaching these women more than how to bead a bracelet, necklace or make a pair of earrings.

“Exposing them to what it’s like to run a business is the important matter,” she said. “But we’re also about the experience, the community and the renewed self-confidence.”

From cost sheets to assembly line production to customer service, she explains different aspects of the business and allows them to be active participants in decisions. But not just in the context of making a bracelet.

“The concept is universal and other industries just have different vocabulary,” explained Lauren.

“My hope for each of these women is they eventually move on to a more skilled position somewhere else. So, I teach them everything I know about manufacturing practices, costs and shows, and I sit with them and talk about their everyday life being homeless, their hopes, the everyday obstacles they face and how we can help them go forward. Our company motto: ‘We love employee turnover.’”

Jennifer Brady, executive director of Oasis, agrees.

She believes the skills they learn with Lauren help prepare them for future opportunities, whether it’s becoming an entrepreneur themselves or in the traditional workplace.

“The women in Brett’s workshops really connect with her and have gotten so much out of this including community, connection and collaboration,” said Brady.

Lauren spoke of one woman specifically who has taken on additional responsibilities.

“Ms. Octavia. I knew when I met her that something was going to happen,” shared Lauren. “She

or Brett Lauren of Ho-Ho-Kus, designing jewelry had always been a hobby. From New York to San Francisco, Calif. to Italy, she took classes studying the art of jewelry making. She would create pieces for herself, her mom and her sister, but never with the intention of selling. That is until she got an offer. The realization that there was a demand for her product was the push she needed to take the leap and turn her hobby into a profession.

“About six years ago, I said I’m going to go for it, and I walked away from my job and a paycheck and insurance and all those things that matter and I decided, you know do or die. Because if I didn’t do it then, I was never going to do it and I didn’t want any regrets,” shared Lauren.

With the support of her family and friends, Lauren quickly relocated to San Diego, Calif. for more space and cheaper rent. While there, she was involved with an organization that worked with women who were a part of the homeless population.

“They were amazing, and I loved every second of it,” said Lauren.

But Lauren eventually realized that for the sake of her business, she needed to be back on the East Coast.

“Everything is really in New York. I needed to come back to the consumers,” she affirmed.

Lauren returned to Bergen County in Fall 2019 and immediately started partnering with Oasis, a home for women and children in Paterson, to continue the work she was doing in San Diego.

“Oasis is an amazing place. My goal, my mission, has always been to employ women who want to work and don’t have the opportunity to do so due to unconventional circumstances,” declared Lauren.

Some of the circumstances she referred to are lack of access to transportation and childcare. by

Natalie Zisa 24

25

FALL 2020

❛❛Oasis is an amazing place . My goal, my mission, has always been t o e m p l oy wo m e n w h o w a n t t o wo r k a n d d o n ’t h ave t h e o p p o r t uni ty to do so due to unconvent ional circ umst anc es. ❜❜

26

Pictured above: Lauren and Yomaly.

attended every workshop and she excelled at all of them. And she Pictured above: Lauren and Ms. Octavia. asked a lot of questions, which I was thrilled with.”

Lauren hopes to make her production manager one day.

No matter their goals, one thing all of the women at Oasis have in common is their work ethic. Lauren considers herself lucky to have people so dedicated to the quality of the product.

When Lauren initially started working with the women in San Diego and later at Oasis, she was aware of the differences in the lives they lived and hesitant about sharing too much of hers. But it didn’t take her long to realize that she was the only one who made herself feel that way.

“The hang-ups were all mine,” she said. “Never once did they say, ‘Woe is me.’

Perhaps what makes Lauren’s connection with these women so authentic is her self-awareness.

“I got born a lucky white girl into a loving, nuclear family. And that’s the only thing that separates us. It’s not luck; it’s not drive; it’s not natural intelligence,” she said.

Lauren’s ability to acknowledge this has allowed their relationship to grow beyond employee/employer. Based on her description, they’ve become support systems in each other’s lives. They exchange Christmas gifts and texts, sending each other blessings and encouraging self-care habits like meditation, especially for Ms. B, as they call her.

On the surface, it may look like Lauren is helping the women of Oasis, but it would be a mistake not to recognize how much they’ve actually helped her.

At the time of our interview, a majority of the country was in a government mandated shelter in place due to COVID-19. Lauren was nervous about her business, knowing that she was selling a product that no one needs.

Despite not being able to work with Oasis since March, Lauren employed three women on her own outside of the facility. In June, she spearheaded a “STRONGER” bracelet fundraiser to best help the community.

What she is most looking forward to, however, is continuing her work with Oasis and getting back to the women that make BRETT LAUREN what it is.

“They’re the embodiment of the stones,” said Lauren. “The gemstone beads symbolize women in transition and the bezel setting symbolizes BRETT LAUREN. The stones spin independently, but they are protected by the bezel. The string of linked stones is the community holding us all together. From the women in my studio to you wearing this talisman, we’re all connected and supported by each other.”

For more information or to make a purchase, visit www.brettlauren.com. 

27

FALL 2020

KULA FOR KARMA Kula for Karma held their annual gala at the Edgewood Country Club.

For more information, visit www.kulaforkarma.org.

Jay Sean, Penni Feiner, Thara Prashad

Marcie Wald, Susan Berman, Stacy Lefkowitz

Howard and Cori Thau, Susan Berman

Richard and Gail Sobel

Angela and William Robinson, Deborah Wagman

Dr. Steven, Geri, Sydney and Eric Topfer

Robert Braun, Stephen Greenberg

Jeffrey Topfer, Dr. Mark Schlesinger, Janet Braun

Dr. Mark Schlesinger, Lisa and Bailey Topfer

Barbara Perez, Abby Lopez

Judy Erdman, Cameron Erdman, Shari Becker

Leah Cerf, Lizzy Murphy, Thomas Hinkle, Chris Cerf

Eric Topfer, Stacy Zampa, Chirag Sha

Nicola Watson, Claudia Sabino

Phil Feiner, Lori Courtwright, Chelsea Payraudeau, Larry Rothenberg, Julian Payraudeau

Stacy Lefkowitz, Cori Thau

Dr. Joel Rakow, Bill Evans, Dr. Scott Pomerantz, Randi Pomerantz, Janie Rakow

World-Class

Women’s Health Care For Every Stage of Your Life

W

hether you’re having a baby, need a check-up, or have a specific health

issue, the women’s health specialists at Willowbrook OBGYN provide sensitive, comprehensive services to meet your needs –

“

all under one roof.

From personalized pregnancy care to

“Many of our treatments can be performed on

From adolescence through

an outpatient basis for easy access

adulthood and into older age,

and availability.

our team of experts provides

If more complex medical care is needed,

personalized care that

you with optimal outcomes.

our team of specialists collaborate to provide

specialized expertise and advanced treatment

empowers women to take

While undergoing surgery for a gynecologic

for complex gynecological conditions –

an active role in their

problem may seem daunting, our team of

own health.

procedures, which mean shorter recovery time

including minimally-invasive surgery — we use a team-based approach with experienced doctors and nurse practitioners to address your personal health needs.

“Your health needs change throughout your life,” says Sarah Barber, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist at Willowbrook OBGYN.

”

Sarah Barber, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology St. Joseph’s Health

experts offers a full suite of minimally invasive and minimal scarring – allowing you to return to your daily activities as soon as possible.”

Willowbrook OBGYN offers evening hours and easy access to care, conveniently located in Wayne adjacent to the Willowbrook Mall.

Appointments Available

Willowbrook OBGYN 973-754-4075

www.StJosephsHealth.org Sponsored by The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

30

F E A R L E S S I N P U R S U I T O F PA S S I O N

Winner of

MISS BERGEN COUNTY PREPARES FOR STATE LEVEL Dreams and risks go hand-in-hand.

In order to achieve your greatest aspirations, you must push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Only then will you reach your full potential. No successful

Miss New Jersey. Then, out of all the county/regional titleholders

person has ever achieved great things without taking risks and

competing, one girl is crowned Miss NJ and she advances to com-

experiencing setbacks. This philosophy was recently proven true

pete for Miss America.

for Bergen County native Ria Gulati, winner of Miss Bergen County 2020.

“I decided to go for it,” said Gulati.“It was my first pageant.Actually, it was my first experience of anything even like a pageant, but

After graduating from Rutgers University in 2017, Gulati was

I was ready for it because winning was not my goal – my goal was

prepared to fulfill the usual post-grad life expectation – apply for

to challenge myself, take a risk, and exert my potential and passion

jobs and get a solid start to a promising career. She did succeed

to a higher degree.”

in doing so, and now works full-time as a process improvement

With this attitude, on Aug. 19, 2017, Gulati competed for her

associate at a large healthcare organization. However, being a

first regional title in the MAO and was crowned Miss Ramapo

person who always searches for more, she also chose to pursue

Valley 2018. Although she did not become a finalist at the state

her passion for volunteering, helping others, and practicing a posi-

level, Gulati describes competing for Miss NJ as a great learning

tive mindset.

experience, during which time she gained valuable lessons, skills

“I looked into the Miss America Organization (MAO) and found that my goals resonated beautifully with its virtues: service, scholarship, style, and success,” she said.

and friendships.

Never one to give up, Gulati decided to compete for another regional title in September 2018, winning Miss Northern Highlands

However, the journey towards Miss America on the national level is not easy and it involves many steps. First, candidates must win a regional/county title, which qualifies them to compete for

¥

2019, which qualified her to once again compete for Miss NJ in June of 2019.

“My second year as a titleholder was much more comfortable,”

by Megan Montemarano

31

FALL 2020

µ

LEFT: Crowned as winner of Miss Bergen County competition.

BELOW: The on-stage Miss Bergen County Competition "talent" round, which is one of four phases in the New Jersey competition.

explains Gulati, who applied lessons learned from the previous year

sess the candidate’s knowledge of national, international, social, health,

and placed as a top 10 finalist for Miss NJ. “Even without winning, it

political and any other relevant issues.The purpose of this interview

was one of the best weeks of my life, with tons of memories and

is to rate the competitor’s ability to represent the state on a national

friendships that I will cherish forever.”

level through her social impact initiative, and to determine if she is

The age cap for Miss America is 25 years old. Now at 24, Gulati de-

well rounded, articulate, talented and suited to be the next Miss New

cided to give it one last shot and competed for a third and final time

Jersey.Then there is an on-stage question, on-stage evening gown and

in September, receiving the title for Miss Bergen County 2020. Gulati

social impact initiative statement and on-stage talent round.

will be competing for Miss NJ again in June of 2021 as the COVID-19

To prepare for this process, Gulati keeps herself up to date with

pandemic postponed the Miss New Jersey 2020 Competition. Gulati

all current events and practices through mock interviews. For the

will be serving as Miss Bergen County for an additional year until

upcoming Miss NJ competition, she will also continue to make ap-

then. In the meantime, she is using social media primarily to relay

pearances and take part in volunteer activities throughout the year,

her social impact initiative, which is “What You Think You Become:

which strongly support her social impact initiative: “What You Think

Practice Positivity.”

You Become: Practice Positivity” – a fitting mission for Gulati, given

“Seeing that this time has been challenging mentally, it is especially

her unending positivity and ambition to achieve her dreams.

important to be finding ways to spread positivity virtually,” she said.

“I believe that energy spreads like wildfire, and it is our responsibil-

“When the situation becomes safer, I will continue to make appear-

ity to be conscious of what kind of energy we are sharing with this

ances and advocate my initiative to our youth, through organizations

world and others,” comments Gulati. “I also believe that we always

dedicated to youth development, such as the Boys and Girls Club.”

have a choice to perceive situations in a positive or negative light, and

Further, she plans to use all the knowledge gained over the last few

with constant practice, we can shape our mindset to see the positive

years to progress higher than ever before in the highly anticipated

in the world and significantly improve our own mental health.”

2021 competition.

As someone who has struggled with anxiety throughout her col-

“Winning Miss Bergen County and representing the county in

lege years, Gulati understands the benefits of community involvement

which I was born and raised is a blessing,” she said. “It is such a won-

and being a part of an organization or group. Doing so has the power

derful feeling to know that I will be competing for Miss NJ for the last

to change your perspective. In addition to having a successful career

time representing my home county.”

and volunteering in the community, Gulati fosters positivity through

There are four phases to the competition, the first being a 10-min-

meditating regularly, practicing mindful thinking and, most importantly,

ute interview with the judges involving a multitude of questions to as-

being conscious of the energy that she brings to those around her.

32

“As Miss Bergen County, I will continue to organize opportunities

off and too reserved to showcase any skills, to someone who now

for others to volunteer their time and promote a healthy mindset

exerts herself to the highest degree possible; someone who was

through positive thinking,” Gulati says. “This includes speaking with

once worried about acceptance from others, to someone who now

various audiences of all age groups, as it is never too late or too early

recognizes that there is no higher acceptance than self-acceptance;

to practice the art of positivity in your daily routine.”

and someone who was once fearful of taking risks, to someone who

Gulati is currently a volunteer for Saint Barnabas Medical Center, and she devotes countless hours to hospitals, organizations and other meaningful causes.

now understands that taking risks and following your passion may not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is.

“The Miss America Organization has been a milestone for me in

Competing in the Miss America Organization has also pro-

building this mindset and developing these characteristics,” continues

vided Gulati with the opportunity to showcase another passion –

Gulati. She will be forever grateful for the moment she decided to

her unique talent for a Punjabi Folk Dance called “Bhangra.” As a

take a chance and push herself beyond what she thought to be her

first-generation Indian-American, she is honored to represent

personal limits.

such an important part of herself and her culture on the Miss New Jersey stage.

Regardless of the final outcome next June, Gulati has learned countless life lessons along the way.

“I am an avid believer in supporting and educating others on the

“Be fearless in pursuit of your passion. Growth is never comfort-

beautiful diversity we have in America,” she explains.“My dance is full

able, but, if you stay strong and true to your beliefs and utilize your ef-

of energy, vibrancy and joy, which is an exact representation of my

forts to achieve your goals, the reward will be well worth it,” she said.

Punjabi culture. I am so proud to be representing not only my own

If you would like to book an appearance with Ria Gulati at a lo-

culture, but the cultural diversity that makes up this great nation.”

Looking back at this journey, Gulati is most proud of the woman she has grown to become today – someone who was once closed

33

cal event, school, hospital or organization, contact her at missbergencounty2020@gmail.com.You can also follow her on Facebook by searching: Miss Bergen County Scholarship Organization. 

FALL 2020

0 202

MU

N S TA

GS

202 / RT PO S RER O L EXP 0 2 0 /2 0 0 GT 5 Y LB HE

0

N RA

GER

55 Route 17N Rutherford, NJ (201) 935-2400 QualityAutomall.com

Go Further

NO

WT AKI

202

NG

ORD

ERS

ON 0C THE OR SE VET NEW TE MO ST I DEL NG S• R AY WE /2 H AV 020 E2 BU 020 ICK COR EN VET CO RE TE GX ALL /2 OCA 021 TIO NA GM VA I CY L AB UK ON LE DEN ALI

1292 Route 9S Old Bridge, NJ (732) 316-2600 QualityChevyNJ.com AUTH ORI ZED DEALER

386-406 Grand Ave. Englewood, NJ (201) 399-4280 QualityChevroletBuickGMC.com

Deep Roots

Fair Lawn Man Completes Six-Generation Family Tree

W

Joe Tarakjian

hat began as a Fair Lawn man’s bucket list item to trace his

“We had a very close knit, large family,” said Tarakjian, adding

lineage ultimately became a journey to reconnect with old

that he had eight aunts and uncles, who have all since passed away, and 18 cousins he knew of.

relatives, as well as meet many new members of his family.

The outcome certainly wasn’t what 60-year-old Joseph Tara-

“Year after year, everyone would come. But, everyone grew

kjian expected when he embarked on his mission to complete a

older and due to some family dynamics and people moving away,

family tree, but it’s better than he could have ever hoped for.

we all broke apart and lost touch,” he said.

Losing those relationships – and feeling like there was noth-

“I’m really overwhelmed and surprised by it,” he said.

ing he could do to mend them – “bothered me a lot,” Tarakjian

Now, 18 months later, Tarakjian has finished the family tree,

admitted.

which spans six generations, starting in the mid-1800s and ending

But the time just wasn’t there to bridge those gaps. As a phar-

in 2019, with the latest birth.

“It’s important to do something like this to get a sense of lin-

macist, Tarakjian could spend upwards of 14 hours a day at work.

eage and where we belong,” said Tarakjian, a second generation

During the course of his 40 years in the profession, Tarakjian has

American.

worked at several places, including St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid and, most recently,

As a child growing up in Clifton, Tarakjian said one of the high-

Duane Reade.

lights of the week was Sunday dinners at his grandmother’s house.

by Kimberly Redmond

36

When he wasn’t working, he was home spending time with his wife,

①

②

③

④

Joann, and their children, Mike, 24 and Denise, 21.

But everything changed for Tarakjian two years ago.

In June 2017, doctors informed him he’d need major spinal surgery to address a spinal vertebrae that was “completely disintegrated,” he said.

“I was completely healthy my whole life. I always exercised and I never took medication. I was healthy as a horse,” he said. “Then, to be faced with the results of an MRI that showed a completely compromised spinal cord that needed immediate surgery and an immediate decision on that surgery was a terrifying experience. But, I didn’t have any alternative. I needed to move forward for my kids.”

About a month after surgery, he returned home to continue his recovery.

By the end of August, Tarakjian decided to take on the family tree project, picking up where a relative left off three decades ago.

That particular document was handed out to family members in October 1987 at a family reunion, the first gathering since Tarakjian’s great grandfather, James Sania Baylouny, left Syria at the turn of the century to work in the silk factories of Paterson.

During the years, Baylouny raised the money necessary for his parents, Basil and Mary, his brother and four sisters to immigrate to the United States. As they arrived and descendants set down roots

1. Basil Baylouny and Alia Baylouny (father and daughter) are the great grandfather (trunk of tree) and great aunt of Joe Tarakjian.

2. Waheed Doomany (Joe Tarakjian’s grandfather, taken circa 1870).

3. Joe Tarakjian’s grandfather, as a young boy, pictured second from left, around 1860.

4. Joe Tarakjian’s grandfather, Waheed Doomany, with his grandmother, Naima Doomany, and the first of their eight children, Fred, Charlie and George, between 1915 and 1920.

37

FALL 2020

“Eventually, as word spread in different parts of the country, the family grew larger and farther apart.

Since then, three generations have

amongst the extended family about what he was doing,

began suggesting other people for me to contact,” he said.

And, strangely enough, technol-

emerged and “nothing has been done with

calls and texts began pouring

ogy didn’t play as much of a role as

the tree,” Tarakjian said.

in to Tarakjian. Altogether,

he thought it would. Though he’d use

he connected with 80

social media, texts and emails to reach

different relatives to help

out to some relatives, the vast major-

Besides filling in the blanks on the family tree, Tarakjian said another aspect of his quest was to reach out to his cousins and reconnect.

flesh out the family tree.”

“One of the things my disability has

e

ity of information came during phone conversations.

Eventually, as word spread amongst

shown me is that life is really too short.

the extended family about what he was

And it’s so unnecessary to continue with grudges and hard

doing, calls and texts began pouring in to Tarakjian. Altogeth-

feelings,” he said. “People warned me about taking on such a

er, he connected with 80 different relatives to help flesh out

mammoth task, but the Lord said, ‘Do this.’ I started and as

the family tree.

I was working on it, I saw the enormity of the whole thing. I

“The whole family really embraced it and it helped me to

was prepared to visit libraries to research, but it turned out

bridge new connections and reconnect with others,” he said.

everyone was so encouraging and receptive to the idea they

Tarakjian wound up speaking to some family members he

We’re now proudly partnered with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey!

Nip and Tuck We’ve just tightened and firmed up an attractive new partnership with…

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey .

This now enables us to bring our high standard of plastic surgical care to more of the patients in northern New Jersey.

Horizon BCBSNJ patients in need of breast reconstruction, hand surgery, complex reconstructive, peripheral/cranial nerve disorders and nasal airway issues …

ARE NOW IN OUR NETWORK!

STEPHANIE COHEN, MD Beautiful breast surgery

www.cohenwintersplasticsurgery.com

38

p 201.487.3400

hadn’t talked to in more than 15 years and discovered rela-

tions and massacres ended, between 600,000 and 1.5 million

tives in at least 15 states across the country, as well as a few

Armenians were killed, with many more forcibly removed

places internationally, such as Turkey, Armenia and Syria.

from the country.

“It’s hard to believe all these people existed in all these

“I think it’s important to have a sense of belonging. A lot of

places. You always think of family as something right around

people think they have a solid idea of where they’re from, but

the corner,” Tarakjian said.

this tree dispelled some of their notions,” he said. “I’m urging all who receive it to continue the legacy.”

Tarakjian remains on disability and does not know when

Though it was a lengthy project,Tarakjian said it’s a worth-

he’ll return to work. But, he does know that he’s looking for-

while one that all families should consider.

ward to meeting many new family members in the months

But, he cautioned, “It could be a bigger task than you could

to come.

ever imagine.”

It’s also been an eye opening experience for some of the

“If you have a lot of relatives, be prepared for a really long

younger generations, he said.

haul. Or, if you don’t have the time to put into it, then do it

“They realized their roots are Armenian, but they became

as a collaborative thing with another family member,” he said.

Syrian to escape the Armenian Genocide,” he said.

In 1915, during World War I, leaders of the Turkish govern-

“It’s an experience that can help people learn more about

ment in the Ottoman Empire set in motion a plan to expel

themselves. “People nowadays can be shortsighted and just

and kill Armenians. By the early 1920s, when the deporta-

see what’s in front of us.” 

We’re now proudly partnered with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey!

About Face Our recent partnership with …

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

is changing the face of health insurance in the plastic surgery industry. This now enables us to bring our high standard of plastic surgical care to more of the patients in northern New Jersey. Horizon BCBSNJ patients in need of breast reconstruction, hand surgery, complex reconstructive, peripheral/cranial nerve disorders and nasal airway issues …

ARE NOW IN OUR NETWORK!

RICHARD WINTERS, MD Complex reconstructive, rhinoplasty and functional nasal surgery

www.cohenwintersplasticsurgery.com

p 201.487.3400

39

FALL 2020

River Vale Filmmaker’s Documentary Shares

‘Life With Layla’

S

even-year-old Layla, surround-

ed by family members struggling with addiction, has an understanding of the impacts of substance abuse that is striking for her age. Ken Spooner, a documentary filmmaker from River Vale, spent more than two years interviewing Layla and other family members after the death of her favorite aunt from an accidental overdose.

Spooner and his co-director Mike Mee of Pompton Plains were interested in producing a documentary about substance abuse issues, since both had friends and family who had been af-

moments, Layla asks if her grandmother

‘‘

counts as an addict because she is an al-

According to NJTV News, drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in New Jersey, and the rate of heroin overdoses is three times the national average.

’’

fected. Their film “Life with Layla” was recently featured on the CBS Evening

coholic, and stresses that her aunt was a good person. She also explains the definition of overdoses to a young friend.

Spooner, a graduate of Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale and Montclair State University, recently arranged special showings at both schools, followed by a question and answer session with the filmmakers. His interest in filmmaking was sparked after taking a video production course in high school and then media courses at Montclair State.

Founding SpoonyVision Studios after graduation, the multimedia production company services the tristate area

News and at the Montclair Film Festi-

ers. The numbers of opioid related

with clients including NBC and Bobbie

val, where it won the competitive New

deaths has continued to rise. In 2017,

Brown Cosmetics.

Jersey Awards category. Layla and her

the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Of-

“I love telling stories and connecting

family were contacted through a mutual

fice released statistics, showing 206

with people,” Spooner said. “Using my

Facebook friend, and all agreed to tell

opioid-related overdoses and 57 fatali-

camera to shed light on such topics is

this complex story as it unfolded.

ties. That year, more than 70,000 people

extremely gratifying; I can express my creativity through the lens.”

Family members believe that the

in the United States died from drug

aunt’s addiction spiraled after receiving

overdoses. According to NJTV News,

The 68-minute documentary retains

legally prescribed pain relievers from

drug overdoses are the leading cause of

a sliver of hope regarding the opioid

her dentist. Opioids are a class of drugs

accidental death in New Jersey, and the

epidemic, sharing Layla’s uncle’s jour-

that include the illegal drug heroin as

rate of heroin overdoses is three times

ney from rock bottom to recovery and

well as pain relievers available legally

the national average.

a grandfather’s plea to break the cycle

by prescription, such as oxycodone

The documentary provides insights

of addiction. As Layla herself says, the

(OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin),

as to how family members can be af-

message is that families don’t have to be

codeine, morphine and many oth-

fected by such situations. In poignant

perfect, but they can get better. 

By Marilyn Katzman 40

Above: Mike Mee, mentor Steve McCarthy and Ken Spooner at the Montclair Film Festival.

We’re now proudly partnered with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey!

Firm Grasp

We’ve recently taken hold of a ground breaking new partnership with …

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

This now enables us to bring our high standard ofplastic surgical care to more of the patients in northern New Jersey.

Horizon BCBSNJ patients in need of breast reconstruction, hand surgery, complex reconstructive, peripheral/ cranial nerve disorders and nasal airway issues …

ARE NOW IN OUR NETWORK!

JANET YUEH, MD www.cohenwintersplasticsurgery.com

Reconstructive, peripheral nerve and hand surgery

p 201.487.3400

41

FALL 2020

TACKLE KIDS CANCER Hackensack Meridian Health held a benefit at Felina in Ridgewood for Tackle Kids Cancer and the Child Life Program. For more information, visit www.tacklekidscancer.org.

Tom and Carla Alvarez

Chris and Dawn Rotio, Amy Glazer

Dr. Michael, Alexa and Sarah Kelly

Bill and Kristina McLaughlin

Chris Gonzalez, Nadia Atoot, Margaret Baker, Amir Atoot

Alice and David Jurist

Peter Hughes, Bill Pidto, Dr. Michael Kelly

Michael DiGiovanni, April Franzino

Allison Turnamiam, Dana Jareck, Michele Van Slooten

Robert Garrett, Dr. Dante Implicito

Mark Sparta, Christine and Dr. Dante Implicito

Mark Sparta, Heather Choi, Carol and Rich Henning

Dr. Yuki Kimora, Dr. Jeffrey Boscamp

Anita Salomon, Jimmy Macagna, Jennifer Kicher, Paulina Burns

Sam Raia, Kim Raia Nardone, Robert Garrett

Jordan and Lauren Wright

Sally Song, Cynthia McEachern, Marla Sacks, Soneca Guarada, Christine Implicito, Christine Christopoul

Maria Hutchinson, Allison Turnamiam, Lauren Stephens, Michele Van Slooten

ADVANCING VANCING CARE.. HERE.

Robert Young

Knee Replacement Sloatsburg, NY

MORE THAN AD ADVANCED VANCED ORTHOPEDIC C CARE. ARE. FIREFIGHTER C CARE. ARE. After years of chronic pain, knee surgery with minimally invasive MAKOplasty put firefighter and scuba rescue ue diver Robert Young Young back in action sooner than he ever imagined.

To read Robert’s storyy y,, visit GoodSamHosp.org/CultureofCare.

GoodSamHosp.o

Is chronic knee or hip pain holding you back?

Schedule your consultation at the Joint Replacement Center by calling 845.368.5884 – and get back to doing what you love.

GoodSamHosp.org GoodSamHosp.org 25 255 5 LLafayette afayette A Ave., ve., SSuffern, uffern, N NY Y 10901 10901

A Jersey girl with a serious makeup and skincare obsession.

Falling Into New Favorites

There’s something about fall that screams transformations, both personal and environmental.

For me, transformations are happening in my makeup bag and my vanity.

1. Beautycounter Counter+ All Bright C-Serum

I was skeptical at first to try out Beautycounter and I am so glad I did.

This serum has transformed my skin. I am noticing a brighter more even complexion after just one month of using this. I also love that Beautycounter is a clean beauty brand. Available at beautycounter.com, or support a local consultant by finding one in your area.

2. Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream

This is probably one of my greatest Amazon finds ever. This anti-aging body cream contains retinol and ferulic acid to target crepey skin (thin and looks finely wrinkled like crepe paper), wrinkles and sun damage.

The smell is aazing and so is the price. Available at amazon.com.

① ②

(continues on page 46)

by Kristin Favaloro 44

3. Lawless Beauty Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick (Brad)

Lawless Beauty is another clean beauty line on my radar, and their liquid lipsticks are my favorite. I love how they are matte, but still leave my lips hydrated. This shade (Brad) is the perfect shade of mauve for pretty much anyone.

Available at sephora.com.

4. Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray

I think this has become the holy grail of setting sprays for me. This ultra-fine mist is a face filter in a setting spray and so hydrating. I instantly notice my skin is flawless and glowing. Available at Blue Mercury, Closter.

5. Tula So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

I am loving this gentle face scrub that is packed with probiotics and super foods like pineapple and papaya – yum.

My skin is so soft and this is gentle enough for everyday use. Available at tula.com.

6. Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

This lightweight foundation – that has a buildable full coverage finish – not only leaves my skin looking naturally flawless, but it also contains skincare ingredients that help improve my skin over time. I love the range of colors also. Available at sephora.com.

7. Lune + Aster RealGlow Bronzing Primer

I have been using this every single day and I can’t live without it now. My skin has never had such a healthy glow and I can wear it alone or underneath my foundation. With ingredients like Vitamin E and licorice, this leaves my skin super hydrated and reduces redness. Available at Blue Mercury, Closter.

8. Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial

This is my secret to a perfect makeup application for a night out. It exfoliates, illuminates and brightens my skin leaving it ready for my foundation. I love doing this treatment at least once a week. Available at sephora.com.

9. Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Palette

This is my go-to palette for the fall. With the modern nude shades in this palette, you can create perfect naturally beautiful shadow looks. The combinations are endless for day and night. Too Faced is always a go-to shadow for me.

Available at Ulta, Paramus.

③

④

⑤

⑦

⑧

⑥

⑨

Kristin Favaloro is a Jersey girl with a serious makeup and skincare obsession. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/ beautyandtheburbsnj or visit her blog at www.beautyandtheburbsnj.com to discover all that Bergen County has to make a beautiful you. Have a product you’d like Kristin to check out? Email her directly at beautyandtheburbs201@ gmail.com.

46

Can’t Stop Love Eric and Nicole

T

his year has taken its toll on many, but there are still plenty of bright spots and

celebrations. BC The Mag spoke with Nick Gagliano, a wedding photographer at Studio Uno Photography & Cinematography in Ridgefield Park, who gave us a little inside scoop on how love never stopped despite the wedding industry’s pause.

Here, Gagliano takes us inside everyone’s wedding craze: the engagement shoot.

His work with couples typically begins with understanding their story, scoping out the locations that are most important to the future bride and groom and encapsulating what their love means to each other.

Gagliano, who has always taken a creative approach to his work, often says, “Get the shot.”

Quite frankly, he will do whatever it takes to make sure the photos are… picture perfect.

48

Nick and Annalyse

49

FALL 2020

Thomas and Olivia

50

Tara and George

51

FALL 2020

Salvatore and Jacklyn

52

Thomas and Olivia

Annalyse and Nick

53

FALL 2020

Salvatore and Jacklyn

Tara and George

54

Eric and Nicole

55

FALL 2020

Nick and Annalyse

56

97 RIVERVALE ROAD, RIVER VALE, NEW JERSEY 201.666.0444 WWW.FLORENTINEGARDENS.COM

HOLY NAME MEDICAL CENTER Holy Name Medical Center’s 2019 Founders Ball was held at Cipriani South Street.

For more information, visit www.holyname.org.

Cathy and Bob Callagee

Joe and Tina Coccaro

Timothy and Jean Regan, Amy Lieberwirth, Timothy Regan

Holly Schepisi, Dr. John Volpe, Jean Piro, Lucia Palestroni

Lucia Palestroni, Mike Maron

John and Marianne Klein, Juan and Hilsa Gonzalez

Jerry and Kim Artz, Evelyn and Paul Shyposh

Doug and Suzie Stevinson

Elizabeth and John Vivenzio

Mike Maron, Dan Leber

Steve and Susan Mosser, Teresa and Tom Callagee

Kristina Kuceroba, Carley and Diane Maron, Shannon Krall

David and Judy Singer, Ron White

Eileen and Dr. Adam Jarrett

Dr. John and Louise Poole, Ameer and Dr. Richard Righthand, Dr. James and Joanne Charles

Nicole Cole, Nick DiPaolo

Kyle, Michael, Michael, Brendan and Patrick Maron

Michael, Carley and Kyle Maron, Kristina Kuceroba, Diane and Mike Maron, Shannon Krall, Brendan and Patrick Maron

Dr. Leon Smith, Sheryl Syby

Dr. Leon Smith, Anne Smith, Dr. Wendy Warren, Laszlo Fuzesi

Sean and Alice O’Rourke

Christine and Jon Antal

Tony and Beverly Piparo, Jill and Gary Vladick

Jerry and Kim Artz

Larry Brown, Karen Henderson

Joe Marion, Estie Wasser, Hope Gallagher, Eva Chen

Dr. Jeffrey Steuer, Dr. Robin Ashinoff

John Amoratis, Sandy Cerami, Brian Mahoney

David and Kimberly Cummings

Mike Maron, Angelica Berrie

Maryclare Mastriano, Alyssa Dowson, Karen Mastriano, Valerie Huttle

Jon and Christine Antal, Mike Maron, Kim and Jerry Artz, Evelyn and Paul Shyposh

George Gozum, Denise Chuang, Angelica Berrie, Spencer Berlin, Greg Urra

Joe and Tina Coccaro, Janet and Brian McCourt

Theresa Impeduglia, Rocco Diverita, Cathy and Mike Vigneron, Judy and John Trobiano

S T Y L E

by

S O N E C A

How To Choose The Right Pair of Shoes For Your Outfit Marilyn Monroe sang it best when she declared, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” But, let’s get real, I think shoes are a girl’s real best friend. All the women I know have a closet full of shoes. Do they have a closet full of diamonds? I think not.

Picking the right pair of shoes for an outfit can make or break what you’re wearing. Use these tried and true style rules to match your shoes to your outfit.

1. Consider the season, occasion, formality and activity.

You want to make sure you’re wearing something ap- propriate for your outfit and comfortable, if possible.

7. Match the theme. For example, you may be wearing a nautical outfit – navy and white. Pairing the outfit with a red shoe is a great way to keep in theme, and the red shoe gives your outfit that pop.

2. Match the color to an outfit. If you’re going for a monochromatic look, you want to pick a shade that is slightly darker than the rest of your outfit so you don’t clash. Meghan Markle is a perfect example of dressing head-to-toe in the same color and not look- ing like your grandma.

You should also keep in mind certain types of shoes go with certain types of outfits. Here’s a cheat sheet.

• Peep Toe: Go well with bare legs.

• Pumps: Look good on almost everything.

• Stilettos: Go with everything from formal to casual to party attire.

3. If an outfit you’re wearing has a print, then you want to pick a shoe that is solid in color. If the outfit you’re wearing is solid in color, then picking a shoe with print and lots of color can be a great way to add pizzazz to your outfit.

• Flats: Think business casual/casual.

• Boots: Tall boots look great with jeans and dresses.

Ankle boots can be worn all year round, but look best with enough skin showing. Typically ankle boots do not look flattering worn with long skirts (unless you’re tall and there is a good amount of separation from the hem of the skirt to the hem of the boot).

4. Not sure what color shoe to wear? Rule of thumb: pick any color out of your outfit. So, if you are wearing a multicolored print, bring out one of the colors in a solid tone for your shoe.

There are plenty of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right shoes for your outfit, but, most importantly, keep in mind that you want your shoes to look appropriate with your outfit.

5. Black shoes are probably one of the most versatile shoes to wear because they seem to go with almost everything and it takes the guessing out of what to wear. People are afraid of choosing the wrong color, so it resonates with their comfort zone.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who makes her clients feel beautiful and confident. When Soneca is not working her magic assisting her clients, she can be found working backstage at New York Fashion Week, working on location shoots and contributing as an on-air fashion/style expert and style writer.You can follow Soneca on her Instagram – @StyledBySoneca – for weekly tips.

6. Nudes are a great way to elongate your body. Pick one that is similar to your skin tone. If you’re wearing a dress that is heavily embellished, nudes are a perfect pick as they let your dress stand out.

by Soneca Guadara 60

ERIC ALT

SALON

HOUSE OF BLONDE SADDLE RIVER | 201.438.0900

VALLEY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY S A D D L E R I V E R B R A N C H H O L I D AY B O U T I Q U E The Valley Hospital Auxiliary Saddle River Branch held their annual Holiday Luncheon and Boutique at Seasons.

For more information, visit www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org.

The Valley Auxiliary Saddle River Valley Branch Holiday Boutique Committee

Leslie DePiero, Allison Orecchio, Andrea Whalen

Sandy Carapezza, Mariliza Lacap, Dr. Jean Holden

Lucy Ponzini, Claudine Siero, Tracey Ingrasselino

Calli, Carl and Maria Carfello

Andrea Hekemian, Klaudia Shapsis, Jennifer Ponzini

David Bohan, Lynn Holuba, Kathy Nardella

Tracey Ingrasselino, Michele Halloran, Claudine Siero, Cathy Shea

Suzi Hill, Lisa Young, Mary and Nicole DiMatteo

Dr. Jumana Chalabi, Maria Harper, Paulette Perenzi

Mariliza Lacap, Jean Weng, Joy Jean, Alisa DiGirolamo, Dr. Jean Holden

Paula Hian, Nancy Bush

Linda Cennerazzo, Cathy Teitel

Gina Heuck, Candace Kristin

Nicole Fernandez, Tracey Ingrasselino

Caryl Kourgelis, Karen Haruthunian

Sal Benedetto, Bettina Daly

Elaine Heimberger, Ann Swist

BC

the mag

THE SPORTS DOCTOR

D Keep Fit

While Avoiding Injuries During The Pandemic

By Dr. Michael Gross 64

uring these stressful times, many of us have turned to exercise programs as a way to deal with the increased pressures of quarantines, lockdowns and shutdowns. Others, who have always exercised regularly have seen drastic changes in their routines either because the gym is closed, or simply their schedules has been so drastically altered, they have had to adapt their routines.

Another group has had an increase in time on their hands and have decided to fill this void with new or increased exercise programs.

With these changes in routine, have come an increase in injuries, specifically a group of sports injuries known as “overuse injuries.� Overuse injuries are group of semi-acute injuries brought on by what are referred to as training errors. Training errors include doing

“Common overuse

too much too quickly; using damaged, worn or outdated equipment; overtraining; poor

injuries are rotator

form; not stretching; not cooling down; exercising during extremes in temperature;

cuff tendonitis and bursitis;

dehydration; failure to account for pre-existing injuries or deficiencies; and ignoring the warning signs.

Common overuse injuries are rotator cuff tendonitis and bursitis; lateral epicondyli-

lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow); ITB

tis (tennis elbow); ITB syndrome; muscle strains; Achilles tendonitis; plantar fasciitis; shin

syndrome; muscle strains;

splints; and stress fractures. While not as common, we have also seen cartilage injuries and

Achilles tendonitis; plantar

ligament sprains. Tissue, at any location, can be damaged due to training errors and become

fasciitis; shin splints;

the focus of an overuse injury.

and stress fractures.�

Athletes at all levels can be subject to overuse injuries, especially during these trying times. Novices, weekend warriors and elite competitors can all benefit from a strategy to identify and avoid the most common training errors. Avoiding a few common mistakes can improve your outcome and keep you working out. Here are 10 common errors and how to avoid them:

đ?&#x;™. Unbalanced strength-training programs.

Most people tend to focus on certain muscles, such as the abdominals or biceps, because they have a greater impact on appearance, or it is where they feel strongest. But to achieve a strong, balanced body, you have to train all the major muscle groups. Commonly, beginners spend all their time working the upper body, particularly the chest and ignore the lower body.

This creates a pigeon effect. Total body workouts or focusing on different body parts on different days will avoid this pitfall.

đ?&#x;š. Not scheduling regular workouts.

The key to making progress is consistency. Once you set your routine, stick to it. For optimum results, three or four workouts a week is best. Pick a time during the day and set it on your calendar. At first this can be a challenge, but once your exercise becomes part of your regular routine you will look forward to it and schedule your day around it. Especially now, adding structure to your day may help.

đ?&#x;›. Poor form. Pay attention to your form.

Many people sacrifice their form to lift heavier weight, go faster or do more repetitions. This has two results. Not only will it sabotage your progress, but it often leads to injury. Concentrate on slow, controlled repetitions. Pre-Covid, a trainer could observe and correct your form. Without a gym, working in front of a mirror or using your phone to take a video while your training may be helpful.

đ?&#x;œ. Overdoing it.

When we first start out, weare all enthusiastic and hoping for good results. We try to do too much too quickly. Within several weeks you become so sore that opening your locker becomes a strenuous workout. Design a workout that is challenging, but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating. A trainer I knew once said, “It’s easy to plan a routine that makes a client throw up; the hard thing is to plan one that is difficult enough to get results, but allows them to participate in the rest of their day and keeps them coming back to the gym.� The best rule of thumb is not to increase by more than 10 percent per week.

65

FALL 2020

BC

the mag

THE SPORTS DOCTOR

đ?&#x;?. Not taking a day off – a basic offshoot of number four.

It is important to take a day of between workouts. Muscle needs a day to recover after strenuous exercise. This is the basic principle behind strength training. Weight training breaks the muscle down, and when it recovers it is stronger. Once you get started, you can increase your days by exercising different body parts on successive days. This way you can get in the gym two days in row, but still see your results. For runners short run days can alternate with longer runs.

đ?&#x;ž. Lack of variety.

If you find your workout repetitive and monotonous then your routines are probably lacking in variety. Doing the same type of exercise over and over again not only causes boredom, but it can even make that exercise less effective. This is because the body eventually gets used to that type of exercise. What you can do is try new variations of your exercises. There are many ways to exercise the same body part. If you’re used to free weights, then try cables or body weight exercises.You can also change the angles that you use to engage different parts of the muscles.

đ?&#x;&#x;. Concentrate on cardio; ignore the weights.

About 70 percent of gym members use cardio machines, while only 30 percent do strength training. This is because it’s easier to walk on a treadmill than properly perform a bench press or lift dumbbells. While cardio (especially high-intensity cardio exercises) can help you burn fat, it will not help you sculpt your body. Resistance training allows you to build bone density and muscle tone, burn more calories, increase your strength and help you fight the signs of aging. A well-rounded fitness program incorporates conventional cardio, core exercises and resistance training. This will help tone your physique, increase the size of smaller body parts and trim larger body parts. Many women are afraid that weight training will cause them to “bulk up� and give them unsightly muscles. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Women lack the male sex hormones to produce large bulky muscles. Strength training can bring you positive fitness results. It can give you a toned, slender and athletic look, it can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories even while you are at rest.

đ?&#x; . Concentrate on weights; forget the cardio.

As above, see below. Cardio exercise helps burn calories, increases your heart and increases your overall level of fitness.

Twenty minutes of cardio before strength training is a good warm up. Warming up will get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. This will increase the efficiency of your workout and may decrease the chance of injury.

đ?&#x;Ą. Don’t worry about stretching.

Ten minutes of stretching before you exercise will increase flexibility and may decrease the risk of injury. Stretching should not be ballistic or bouncy; it should be static, held for 30 seconds and released. One of the greatest benefits of stretching is that you’re able to increase your range of motion, which means your limbs and joints can move further before an injury occurs. Post-exercise stretching can also aid in workout recovery, decrease muscle soreness and ensure that your muscles and tendons are in good working order. The more conditioned your muscles and tendons are, the better they can handle the rigors of sport and exercise, and the less likely that they’ll become injured.

66

Our relationship is with you.

đ?&#x;™đ?&#x;˜. Diet doesn’t matter.

Proper fuel for the machine is essential. With specific regards to exercise. Don’t exercise on an empty stomach.Your body needs fuel to perform.

Light carbohydrates within an hour before exercise with provide the energy needed to perform at your peak. Avoid fiber or fat that is not digested quickly and will make you uncomfortable while you exercise. Providing fuel will prevent your body from breaking itself down to provide energy. After exercise, protein is needed to aid in the rebuilding of muscle. Studies indicate that a protein load eaten 20 minutes to an hour after exercise is best. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling now that I’ve exercised, I can overeat. That is, of course, counterproductive.

Finally, don’t forget to hydrate.

We’re dedicated to the individuals and businesses within the communities we live and work in.

MaketheMove.

THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY BANKING If you suspect that you have an overuse injury, consult your doctor. He or she will likely ask you to take a break from the activity that caused the injury, but you may be able to perform alternative training as long as it does not stress the involved body part.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve recently made changes in your workout technique, intensity, duration, frequency or types of exercises. Identifying the cause of your overuse injury will help you correct the problem and avoid repeating it.

When you think the overuse injury has healed, ask your doctor to check that you’ve completely regained strength, motion, flexibility and balance before beginning the activity again. When you return to your activity, pay special attention to proper technique to avoid future injuries.

Times are difficult right now. But things are getting better every day. Exercise, fitness, health and wellness are important and will help many of us get through this. Getting hurt won’t help and won’t be fun. Train smart and you will reach your goals.

Contact a Freedom Bank Representative Today

Dr. Michael Gross is the founder and director of Active

(201)599-3000 or FreedomBankNJ.com

Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. He is the chief of sports

Maywood Ridgewood East Rutherford 99 West Essex St. 375 Route 17 S. 80 Route 17 N. nd 2 Floor Ridgewood, NJ East Rutherford, NJ Maywood, NJ Guttenberg Mahwah 6812 Park Ave. 380 Route 17 S. Guttenberg, NJ Suite 4 Mahwah, NJ

medicine at Hackensack/Meridian University Medical Center. Dr. Gross has written numerous articles and book chapters on sports injuries. He has taken care of some of Bergen County’s finest athletes, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Dr Gross can be reached by email at drgross@activeorthopedic.com. 

67

FALL 2020

BC

the mag

AUTO

THE ALL-NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT

Is This What Makes a Bentley So?

BY RICHARD POSLUSZNY

68

W

hen you think of the Bentley brand, what comes to mind? Likely, it’s stuffy. The

type of automobile driven by Candy or Biff as they go to a polo match out east. This isn’t helped by the marque’s formerly close association with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Those days are long over.

Today, under the Volkswagen Auto Group umbrella, Bentley continues to evolve into a unique manufacturer. The third-generation Continental GT shows just how far it’s taking some liberties. How so, you ask? Let me unravel this.

Introduced in the early 2000s, the first-generation Continental GT was considered “the baby Bentley.” But for those who drove it and compared it with the then flagship Arnage, it was significantly different. It boasted more technology and felt more sporting. Fast forward to today and it’s a similar story. While the flagship, dubbed the Mulsanne, has been discontinued, one thing is certain: The Continental GT continues to march on with more technology and a sportier driving experience.

It may be a bit difficult to tell on the outside, however.That’s because the average person probably will not notice much different from the previous-generation Continental GT. I reassure you, however, it is an all-new design.

What will, undoubtedly, catch your eye is the impressive front grille, which dominates the GT’s “face.” My test car was further accented by the lower grille also adorned in chrome. To say it has presence is an understatement. Flanking that front grille are the bejeweled, quad LED headlights of the car. When I say that, I am not poking fun. Get up close and take a longer look at the lights; they are actually cut like crystal. This motif is carried throughout the taillights and other elements of the interior.

Observers will notice the Continental’s sweeping lines, which run front-to-back.This look evokes sophistication while balancing throwbacks to the company’s previous models. The most pronounced design detail is integrated into the rear fenders, which gives the car pronounced “hips.”

Although there’s a lot to like about the latest GT’s design, I am not particularly keen on the oval taillights.They are a miss. Sliding into the driver’s seat, it becomes readily apparent why this vehicle’s base price starts at nearly $200,000. With two-tone leather covering nearly every surface, diamond quilting appearing on the back rests and door inserts, real metal trim bits and wood veneers wrapping around you in the cabin, it is stately.

Then there’s certain things inside this Bentley that have never been done before in the auto industry. The level of detail is simply astounding; this is what makes a Bentley so. I love it.

Here’s just one example. Upon closer inspection, the optional diamond patterns in the leather appear almost like silk. The reason? According to a Bentley representative, that’s because there are 712 stitches in each diamond.

69

FALL 2020

BC

the mag

AUTO Need another? Fellow watch nerds will appreciate this.

My test vehicle was also optioned with a special Côtes de Genève aluminum insert in the center console. It mimics the metal working inside of high-end timepieces.

When it comes to technology though, its engineers took a different approach. Rather than reinvent the wheel, the Bentley team leaned on Audi to lend its MMI infotainment system. So, when you start the vehicle and that massive piece flips to the 12-inch display, don’t be surprised if it looks familiar. If you prefer to stow it away, you can put it back to the simple, veneered front or flip it to display three analog gauges — one is for the outside air temperature, one is a compass and the last is a stopwatch.

Obviously, all of the aforementioned is impressive as Bentley is in the über-luxury class of autos. But it isn’t until you start driving that you “get it.”

Powering on the car, the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 fires to life. Producing 542 horsepower and 568 lb.-ft. of torque, it has plenty of oomph to move this nearly 4,800-pound coupe. Mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, zero to 60 comes in a rapid 3.9 seconds. But, because it is a Bentley, it actually doesn’t feel that fast; there’s very little drama due to extremely smooth shifts, thicker glass and extra insulation.

You only know how quickly you’re accelerating as your head is pulled back and you see the speedometer climbing like it’s a video game.

Although my test vehicle was equipped with insanely large 22-inch wheels, somehow the ride comfort wasn’t overtly impacted.Overall,the suspension is well dampened whether you’re in Comfort or Sport mode.Around town I typically opted for Comfort to soak up more of New Jersey’s craters. On back roads and highways, where I wanted to have a bit more fun, I switched the GT into Sport mode to give myself a bit more confidence pushing the Bentley’s boundaries.

Having driven numerous Bentleys over the years, they tend to feel rather tanklike.

While you can have some fun with them, they tend to get a touch sloppy when you put them in the twisties.

The all-new Continental GT, however, is different. While there is a certain heft that makes you feel like you’re 70

“The takeaway is this: While the Continental’s strong suit remains opulent grand touring, now you can cackle as you take the ‘long way’ home.”

piloting a vehicle made from a solid hunk of metal, the GT V8

45 minutes on a good day. This trip lasted twice as long. As I

feels nimbler and more playful when on Saddle River’s serpen-

worked my way from backroads to the Garden State Parkway

tine, country roads. Not only is this due to Bentley’s use of

and eventually onto the Thruway, I realized this storm was

technology but there’s a fun fact hidden here: The Continen-

actually quite severe. Cars littered the highways and it was

tal’s chassis was codeveloped with Porsche. It shows.

clear that some of those around me either had limited expe-

This provides a much more controlled experience as the

rience driving in these conditions or their vehicles were not

body is kept in check and drivers will feel more comfort-

properly equipped — if you have bald or summer tires, do

able hustling this Bentley in and out of corners. It’s certainly

everyone a favor and stay home.

not a sports car though and the car’s steering will remind

But for the Continental GT, it was smooth sailing. Pretty

you of that. It lacks any communicative feel and isn’t exactly

much all you have to do is make sure to turn on all of the

the sharpest.

vehicle’s lights – including the rear fog light, put the vehicle in

The takeaway is this: While the Continental’s strong suit

drive and set off.That’s because everything from the motor to

remains opulent grand touring, now you can cackle as you

the drivetrain to the tires works in harmony.Traction was not

take the “long way” home.

a problem as the GT churned through the powder and slush.

The real joy of driving this Bentley though is its flexibility.

In this heavy-duty storm, I found myself safely passing

If you want to use it as a grocery getter, no problem. For com-

sport-utility vehicles and pick-up trucks with ease. The looks

muting? Child’s play. Long distance hauls? That’s what is was

on their occupants’ faces was priceless. Aside from a couple

built for. But how about dealing with a snowstorm?

momentary slips that required zero corrections, there wasn’t

As my test vehicle was equipped with all season tires and

any noteworthy happenings on my journey. Although hell was

we just so happened to have a four-to-six inches of snow

breaking loose all around me, I felt like I was in a spa thanks

in the street, I wanted to give it a shot to see just how well

to the Continental’s heated and massaging seat.

sorted out the GT’s all-wheel drive system is. It was the treat of a lifetime.

I think that’s what makes a Bentley just so. It’s the vehicle’s ability to let passengers remain completely isolated when real-

Navigating from Bergen County to White Plains, N.Y. takes 71

ity is starkly different. In other words: It’s worth every penny.  FALL 2020

BC

the mag

EATS

S I F T I N G

M A G I C

The Cake Fairy Specializes in Custom Cakes

by Natalie Zisa 72

the Irish and American ap-

For Helen Maginn, growing

proach to baking.

up in Dublin, Ireland meant baking was a part of everyday

“When I moved to the

life. Breakfast muffins, breads

U.S., I didn’t know what bak-

and other treats were regular-

ing mixes were. Why can’t you

ly consumed with a cup of cof-

just make it from scratch?” she

fee or tea. And her mom could

wondered.

The actual ingredients differ,

make pastries, pies and tarts

too. While some say the flour

without looking at a recipe.

Surrounded by this, Maginn

is different, Maginn believes

fostered her own love for bak-

the biggest difference is in

ing. Though she learned tips,

the dairy.

“The fat ratio in the but-

tricks and specific techniques from her mom, once she was a

ter is different, so the milk

Pictured above: Helen Maginn

and butter taste richer and

teenager, she began baking by herself – often because her mom hated the mess she made.

creamier,” confirmed Maginn. “Naturally, they yield different

And as an adult, she experimented with different recipes

tasting baked goods.”

But one thing is for sure, there are no shortage of re-

outside of family traditions. Regardless, Maginn never con-

quests for decorative cakes.

sidered pursuing her passion as a career.

“I would’ve loved to have gone to pastry school, but I

“We bake pretty much everything,” said Maginn. “Some-

chose to get a liberal arts degree. It was always a hobby and

times people have ideas and they don’t think about how

it was never really something that I thought about more than

they transpire in a cake. So, I go back to the drawing board

a hobby,” said Maginn.

to figure out what they like about that idea and reconfigure.”

While growing her career in marketing, Maginn didn’t for-

Of all the requests she’s received, only one struck her

get about her love for baking and eventually started a side

as slightly odd: to have a 3D person resemble a pineapple.

business, known as The Cake Fairy, in 2012. Ireland’s cottage

However, the one thing Maginn will say no to is using syn-

food laws made it easy to conduct her business from home,

thetic ingredients, such as whipped cream. Instead, she’d

baking out of her personal kitchen, rather than a commercial

encourage other options like swiss meringue buttercream,

one. But the demand for custom cakes wasn’t exactly there.

chocolate mousse or a custard filling.

Most people in Ireland bake their own cakes for spe-

“Whipped cream by itself is not stable enough, so you

cial occasions, rather than ordering them, shared Mag-

have to add a synthetic ingredient and I don’t do that. Some-

inn. It wasn’t until she moved to the United States

times people go elsewhere, but I don’t want to send some-

with her husband and three kids that she was able to

thing like that out,” affirmed Maginn.

She’s very adamant about staying true to her philosophy

fully establish The Cake Fairy. But like most things, it

and advises other business owners to do so, too.

took time.

Initially, she went to work for other bakeries as a cake

Owning your own business, Maginn admitted, can be

decorator, a valued skill all on its own. She found it really

overwhelming. While she does have a team of four who

important to develop industry experience, rather than lim-

assist her with baking, delivery, decorating and administra-

it her expertise to her home bakery. Eventually, when she

tive work, Maginn still feels like she has to be “a jack of all

thought the time and the place was right, she opened The

trades” all the time.

After a few years of getting the business up and running,

Cake Fairy in Harrington Park in 2016.

Maginn experienced a few distinct differences between

73

Maginn decided to shift focus to a different kind of challenge.

FALL 2020

BC

the mag

EATS

“Technique and artistry are two skills Maginn is proud to bring to her work.”

Though she’s relatively new to the cake decorating scene,

the industry for viewers to see the artistic side coupled with

Maginn entered the Jersey Shore Cake and Cookie Conven-

the technical talent.

tion Competition in fall 2019. She was surprised when she

Technique and artistry are two skills Maginn is proud to

won first place in the professional category with only five years

bring to her work. Often, the feedback she gets from cus-

of experience.

tomers is about that very thing; the joy of seeing the finished

“It was amazing. As an artist, it takes you outside of your

product and the surprise when they realize it also tastes

comfort zone. You have to push the boundaries of what

good!

you can do and display multiple techniques at once,” shared

Based on Maginn’s stories, the technical talent most likely

Maginn. “It was great to get the recognition from the judges

runs in the family. She still recalls a particular memory of her

because sometimes you don’t know how you’ll be judged

mom making choux pastry for profiteroles without a recipe.

against your peers. I was up against people who’ve been do-

“She was doing it from the look and feel of the pastry!”

ing it longer and I’m really proud of that.”

emphasized Maginn. “It was the first time I realized how un-

Despite the excitement from winning and the thrill of

usual this was, and how instinctual a baker she was, and is.”

competing, it’s not something Maginn plans to do often. It’s

Though Maginn’s journey isn’t over, it has come full circle.

very labor intensive and difficult to manage in addition to

In December, her mom visited from Ireland and had the

the day to day business, she explained. Instead, she’d rather

chance to see the bakery in person. Maginn said she was de-

watch people compete on TV.

lighted and proud of her achievements – so proud that she

“Sometimes I come home from decorating cakes only to

brags about them to everyone back home. More importantly,

put the TV on and watch people decorate cakes and I think,

she wishes she had the opportunity to learn cake decorat-

why am I doing this?” laughed Maginn.

ing. Perhaps it’s time for Maginn to transition from student

Though some of the moments portrayed on certain TV

to teacher.

shows may not be realistic, ultimately, she believes it benefits

To learn more, visit www.thecakefairyllc.com. 

74

BC

the mag

Restaurant Guide

American

The Bicycle Club 487 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-894-0880

Café Amici Wyckoff (BYOB) 315 Franklin Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-848-0198

Crow’s Nest 309 Vincent Ave., Hackensack, 201-342-5445

Giovanni’s Deli 22-08 Morlot Ave., Fair Lawn, 201-791-1911

The Abbey Ramsey Golf and Country Club 105 Lakeside Dr., Ramsey, 201-818-9298

Biddy O’Malley’s Irish Bistro and Bar 191 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201-564-7893

Café Amici Ho-Ho-Kus (BYOB) 4 Sycamore Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-389-6377

Cubby’s BBQ Restaurant 249 S. River St. Hackensack, 201-488-9389

Glenn Rock Inn 222 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201-445-2362

Allendale Bar & Grill 67 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale, 201-327-3197

Big Papa Smokem 352 Palisades Ave., Bogota, 201-742-5704

Café Angelique 1 Piermont Rd.,Tenafly, 201-541-1010

Davey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 5 Park St., Montvale, 201-391-9356

Gross’s La Strada 231 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-670-9233

Allendale Eats 101 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-825-0110

Bonefish Grill 601 From Rd., Paramus, 201-261-2355

Alt Eats Cafe 622 North Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-251-2222

Boom Burger 180 NJ-17, Mahwah, 201-529-1806

(Contemporary & Traditional)

Brady’s at the Station 5 W. Main St., Ramsey, 201-327-9748

Bacari Grill 800 Ridgewood Rd., Washington Township, 201-358-6330

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse 21 Teterboro Landing Dr.,Teterboro, 551-313-7450

Bareburger 129 Vervalen St., Closter, 201-660-7720

The Brick House 179 Godwin Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-848-1211

The Barn 359 Sicomac Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-848-0108

Café 37 (BYOB) 37 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-857-0437

The Barrow House 1296 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, 862-336-7070

Café Matisse (BYOB) 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-935-2995 City Perch Kitchen and Bar 2023 Hudson St., Fort Lee, 201-582-7101 Chakra 144 W. State Route 4, Paramus, 201-566-1530 Center Tavern 170 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-666-2200 Coach House Restaurant 55 NJ-4, Hackensack, 201-488-4999

East Coast Burger Company 75 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-857-0277 Emerson Hotel Restaurant 31 Emerson Plaza, Emerson, 201-262-7557 Esposito’s Park Café 790 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-313-2441 Esty Street 86 Spring Valley Rd., Park Ridge, 201-307-1515

Coffee & Cornbread Co. 1350B Queen Anne Rd.,Teaneck, 201-862-0600

Farmhouse Café & Eatery 15 E. Madison Ave., Cresskill, 201-266-8931 301 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-664-8424

The Cornerstone 84 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-666-8688

Fire and Oak 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 201-307-1100

Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar 2 Main St., Edgewater, 201-943-1900 Hearth and Tap 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, 201-307-6300 Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-4115 Houston’s The Shop’s at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack, 201-488-5667

Ivy Inn 268 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, 201-393-7699 Jackson Hole 362 Grande Ave., Englewood, 201-871-7444 Just Janice (BYOB) 23 Sheridan Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-2666 The Kosher Nosh Deli 894 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-1186 Lakeside Grille & Bar 105 Lakeside Dr., Ramsey, 201-327-0009 Mahwah Bar & Grill 2 Island Rd., Mahwah, 201-529-8056 Mason Jar 219 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, 201-529-2302 Mitchell’s Seafood Market 541 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-840-9311

Hungry Peddler 44 E. Madison Ave., Cresskill, 201-894-0718

MK Valencia 228 Main St., Ridgefield Park, 201-373-0228

Iron Horse 20 Washington Ave.,Westwood, 201-666-9682

Mob Burger 525 Moonachie Ave,Wood-Ridge, 201-728-4891

Daman Associates Inc. For

all of

Auto Insurance

Your Insurance Needs

Home Insurance

Business Insurance

The Convenience of Online Insurance with the Service of a Local Agency

We do the insurance shopping so you don’t have to www.damanassociates.com

Franklin Lakes Address: 851 Franklin Lake Rd, Suite 35, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 P 201-891-3727 F 201-891-8008

Hamilton Address: 100 Horizon Center Blvd, Suite 215, Hamilton, NJ 08690 P 609-528-5653

75

FALL 2020

Cartersville Ga Address: 1124 N Tennessee St Suite 103 Cartersville, Ga 30120 P 770-544-9000

BC

the mag

Restaurant Finally, here are Guide 13 simple guidelines to help you when you hit the running shoe store:

Pizzaiolo By Brothers Nostramana Café 1.Allendale Try both shoes walk 85 Godwinand Ave., Midland Park,and 51 W. Ave., on Allendale, 201-444-4944 551-264-9200 jog around the store. Climb stairs, if

5.

Make sure the shoes flex at the 611 N. Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-857-4717 201-444-1922 same place your foot flexes.

Nellie’s Place possible.

9 Franklin Turnpike,Waldwick, 201-652-8626

Stony Hill Inn Rosario’s Trattoria (BYOB) 231 Polify Rd. (Rt. 80), Hackensack, 29 Central Ave., Midland Park, 6.

Try shoes after 201-342-4085 a workout and 201-445-3335

P.J. Finnegan’s 274 Fairview Ave.,Westwood, 201-664-7576

2..Bar Try as needed Plankpairs Pizza Company Nikki’s & Grill on as many 383 Market St. Bldg. D, Don’t 213to Washington Ave., Little Ferry, make a good comparison.

Saddle Brooke, 201-843-2426 201-518-2883 rush.

Railroad Café Noah’s Ark (Kosher) 170 Union Ave., East Rutherford, 493 Cedar Lane,Teaneck, 201-939-0644 201-692-1200 3.. Make sure the shoe is padded Oceanos where your foot 2-27 Saddle River Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-796-0546

Raymond’s needs it.

101 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-445-5125

St. Eve’s Restaurant (BYOB)

Roots Steakhouse

later is when Fox’s Publicyour House Rotunda in the day. ThisTommy 32 S.Washington Ave., Bergenfield, Garden State 17 & 4), foot is Plaza the(Rtes. biggest.

Paramus, 201-843-7693

201-384-0900

Ruby Tuesday

Twisted Elm

40 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-340-4171

473 Cedar Ln.,Teaneck, 201-836-0887

7.

Try shoes on standing up. Allow 435 River Dr., Elmwood Park, Route 4 & 17, Paramus, 201-791-3705 a201-909-0886 half-inch in front of your longest Veggie Heaven Rutherford Pancake House toe.

103 Prime

Mr. Wok & Sushi (BYOB)

10.103 The heel fit snugly Spring Valley Rd., Parkshould Ridge, 1 Highwood Ave. 2nd and Floor, 201-391-2220 Tenafly, 201-569-3969 shouldn’t rub or slip.

Asian/Asian Fusion

(BYOB) 11.I Fish Try shoes on 114 Country Rd.,Tenafly, run201-569-1111 in.

Wok Bar

Myung Ga Won 72 Piermont Road,Tenafly, with 201-500-1111 the socks you Petite Soo Chow 607 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park, 201-313-1666

Main St., Fortvary Lee, among shoe brands 12.200 Sizes 858-999-5555 P.F. Chang’s and styles. Chose shoes based on The Shops at Riverside, Chinese/Korean/ Rt. 4W, Hackensack, comfort, not the size printed inside.

Korean BBQ

201-646-1565 Dong Chun Hong T.S. Ma Wyckoff 13.144 Ask questions.

Make sure the Main St., Fort Lee, 637 Wyckoff Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-592-0450 salesman is knowledgeable.

201-891-8870 If the

4. Check the quality ofCage the shoes. 8. Don’t rely on a break in period.

Reilly’s Rib (BYOB) Victoria’s Palmer’s Crossing Sal’s Good Eats 49 W. Church St., Bergenfield, Golden Dynasty doesn’t know the anshould feel good onAnnethe day salesperson onClinton a flat surface and make Shoes 336 Queen Rd.,Teaneck, 145Lay Dean Dr.,them (Clinton Ave.), 80 Green St.,Teterboro, Continental Cuisine 201-771-7200 825 Franklin Lakes Rd., 201-801-0888 Inn sure Hotel,Tenafly, 201-288-1170 Al Di Ladoes. they lay flat at the middle of the you by them. swers, find someone who Franklin Lakes, Regina’s Steakhouse and Grill 201-567-4800 1 Hoboken Rd., East Rutherford, Village Green (BYOB) Section 201 201-891-7866 shoes. Check the quality ofTeaneck, the eye827 Teaneck Rd., 201-939-1128 36 Prospect St., Ridgewood, Park Wood Delicatessen 704 River Rd., New Milford, 295 Kinderkamack Rd., Hillsdale, 201-862-1996 9.

The key to finding the best shoe 201-445-2914 342lets Erie Ave.,stitching, Midland Park, gluing and laces.

201-262-5600 Fountainview Restaurant 201-358-8685 Restaurant L 201-689-0855 is comfort, not price.Waterside Sheraton Crossroads, Shelly’s Vegetarian Café 9 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, Kimchi Mama 1 International Blvd. (Rt. 17N.), 7800 B. River Rd., North Bergen, Pearl Restaurant (BYOB) and Caterers 201-785-1112 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, Mahwah, 201-529-1313 201-861-7767 17 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 482 Cedar Lane,Teaneck, 201-703-2905 Dr.Rolling Michael and director of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. He is the Pin CaféGross is the founder 201-857-5100 201-692-0001 Rudy’s White Maple Café (BYOB) section sports medicine and the orthopedic director of the Center for Sports Medicine 341chief Broadway,ofWestwood, Kimchi Smoke BBQ at Hack107 Anderson Ave., Hackensack, 47 E.numerous Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, Peppercorns Steel Wheel ensack201-666-4660 University Medical Center.

Dr. Tavern Gross has written articles and 301 book chapters on sports Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-489-4831 201-447-1953 176 Colony Ave., Park Ridge, injuries. He has taken care of some 51 N. Broad Ridgewood,County’s finest of St., Bergen athletes – weekend 201-497-6333 warriors to professional 201-391-2818 201-882-1800 athletes. Dr. Gross can be reached by email at drgross@activeorthopedic.com.

76

BC The Mag WINTER 2020

91

Martini Grill

Sushi Cruise (BYOB)

187 Hackensack St., 725 River Road #51, the mag Restaurant Guide Wood-Ridge Edgewater 201-939-2000 201-313-3611

BC

Continental/American Nanni Ristorante

Eclectic Sushi Village (BYOB)

W’s Grill 53 W. Passaic St. (behind Contemporary 700-90 Broadway, 20 Elm St., Oakland, Bibi’zWestwood Restaurant and Lounge Garden State Plaza), 201-651-0005 284 Center Ave.,Westwood, Rochelle Park 201-666-8800 201-722-8600 Continental/French 201-843-1250

Sushi X (BYOB)

Café Panache (BYOB) Baumgart’s Café (BYOB) Family Chestnut St., 130 E.Puzo’s Main St. (Lake St.), Restaurant 59 The23 Promenade, Edgewater, 4 Garfield Ridgewood, Ramsey, 201-934-0030Ave., Hawthorne 201-313-3889

973-423-2288

201-689-7878

45 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, Latour (BYOB) 6 EastRugova Ridgewood Ave., Restaurant & Bar 201-569-6267 Umeya Ridgewood, 158 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, Rd., 259 201-445-5056 Johnson Ave., 156 Piermont 201-612-5688 River Edge Cresskill Le Jardin 1257 201-880-8488 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-224-9898

Solari’s

Café201-816-0511 Matisse (BYOB) 167 Park Ave., Rutherford, Tawara Japanese 201-935-2995

Madeleine’s 61 S.Petite RiverParisSt., Hackensack Restaurant (BYOB) 416 Tappan Rd., Northvale, G.W.53 GrillW. Main St., Ramsey 201-487-1969 201-767-0063 2139201-825-8712 Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee, Sorrento (BYOB) 201-947-2440 Saddle River Inn (BYOB)

132 Park Ave.,

2 Barnstable Ct., Saddle River, East Rutherford 201-825-4016

201-507-0093

Continental/Italian

Trattoria Giotto (BYOB)

Andrea’s Ristorante Italiano (BYOB) Park Ave., Rutherford 20 E. 15 Prospect St.,Waldwick, 201-528-714 2 201-670-0275, 201-670-7958 DaviaTrovato’s Due 4 Barbara 6-09 Fair Lawn Ave., FairLn., Lawn,Oakland 201-797-6767 201-337-0813 Sage Vicolo (BYOB) Ristorante 17-15216 Broadway, Lawn, OldFairTappan Road, 201-797-0500

Old Tappan

Savini201-497-8777 168 West Crescent Ave., Allendale, Zozo’s Restaurant 201-760-3700

625 River Vale Rd.,

Villa Amalfi River Vale 793 Palisades Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-391-3195 201-886-8626

Cuban JAPANESE

Wasabi

Port of Call (POC) (BYOB) 848 E. Ridgewood Ave., 450 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, Ridgewood, 201-488-0888

201-493-7575

The Rail Yard Tavern 14-26Yuki Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-773-3372 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd.,

SofiaMontvale 201-391-9877 36 Engle St., Englewood, Yuki Hana (BYOB) 201-541-8530

131 Kinderkamack Rd.,

200 Tice Park Ridge 201-391-3230 200 Tice Blvd.,Woodcliff Lake, (Inside The Woodcliff Lake Hilton) LATIN 201-391-3600 201 Supper Club 90 W.Mambo Palisade Ave., Empanadas Englewood, (BYOB) 201-541-0101

313 Union Ave.,

Fondue Rutherford

The Melting Pot 201-933-3888 250 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-664-8877

MEXICAN

Azúcar Cuban Cuisine 171 Schraalenburgh Rd., Matsuya Closter, 201-660-7977

French

201-880-9844

Latour (BYOB) 6 E. Ridgewood Ridgewood, AztecaAve., (BYOB) 201-445-5056 47 Park Ave., Rutherford

490 Market St., CasualSaddle Habana Cafe (BYOB) Brook 125 Main St., Hackensack, 201-843-5811 Mei Sushi Japanese

Mambo Tea House (BYOB) Restaurant 98 Park Ave., Rutherford, 14-20 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn 201-933-1262

201-398-9882

Mis Raices 1214 Minado Teaneck Rd.,Teaneck, 201-530-7233 1 Valley Rd., Little Ferry

201-931-1522 Rebecca’s Restaurant (BYOB)

236 Old River Rd., Edgewater,(BYOB) Sakura-Bana 201-943-8808

43 Franklin Ave.,

Rumba Cubana Ridgewood 1807 201-447-6525 45th St., North Bergen, 201-553-9100

Sendai Japanese Dominican Restaurant & Grill

Punta178 Cana Kinderkamack Rd., 2151 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, Emerson 201-849-5556

201-225-0995

The Chef’s Table (BYOB) A Taco Affair 754 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, 81 Main St., Little Falls 201-891-6644

973-812-8226

201-438-2111 Greek

A Taste of Greece (BYOB) Jalepenos 935 Kinderkamack Rd., RiverSt., Edge,Glen Rock 930 Prospect 201-967-0029

201-445-5566

Axia Taverna LeonRd.,Tenafly, 18 Piermont 201-569-5999 16 Chestnut St., Ridgewood Daily201-857-0297 Treat 177 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood Mariachi Grill (BYOB) 201-652-9113

262 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst

Eons201-528-7493 17 NJ-17, Paramus, 212-696-1234 Riviera Maya (BYOB)

252 E. Fort Lee Rd., Bogota 201-996-1380 77

FALL 2020

BC The Mag WINTER 2020

109

BC

the mag

Restaurant Guide

166 Cedar Ln.,Teaneck, Greek Corner Grill (BYOB) Angelo’s Restaurant Indian 99 Park Ave., Park Ridge, 263 Ridge Lyndhurst, Now, the Café is set for its biggest201-692-3222 evolution yet. Starting Jan.Road, 21, Art of Spice (BYOB) 201-476-1400 201-939-1922 the Saddle River Café will be open seven days a week for lunch and 159 Main St., Hackensack, Irish GRK Grill (BYOB) Arturo’s 201-342-3444 Biddy O’Malley’s and Sundays. dinner, as well as (BYOB) brunch on Saturdays 39 Union Ave., Cresskill, 41 Central Ave., Midland Park, Irish Bistro and Bar BHOJ (BYOB) If by some strange chance there was nothing on the menu that 201-399-7670 201-444-2466 36 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, 430 Market St., Elmwood Park, 201-608-5545 The Greek Villageyour fancy,201-797-6800 Baci Italian Grill strikes there are daily specials for both lunch and dinner 254 Livingston St., Northvale, 36 Jefferson Ave.,Westwood, 191 Paris Ave., Northvale, – and they alwaysKailash include (BYOB)some sort of unique 201-750-8570 201-722-1900 201-564-7893 22such Oak St., Ridgewood, beverage special, as the Immune Shot, It’s Greek to Me Barcelona’s Poitin Still 201-251-9693 352 Anderson Ave., Cliffside 38 Harrison Ave., Garfield, perfect for Park, keeping those weary winter germs 774 Main St., Hackensack, Mantra 201-945-5447 973-778-4930 201-487-0660 at bay in a refreshing 275 NJ-4,shot.

Paramus, 201-342-8868 36 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, Bazzarelli Then, there’s the burrata. the Café 201-568-0440 Mausam (BYOB) Everyday,Italian 117 Moonachie Rd., Moonachie, & Gianni Ristorante 76 Marketon St., Clifton, offers a Lee, new twist this trendyAldocheese.

201-641-4010 1611 Palisade Ave., Fort 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 973-472-3663 201-947-2050 Bellissimo (BYOB) Though you’re used to seeing it with prosciutto 201-391-6866 21 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, Nirvana Indian Kitchen (BYOB) 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, and red pepper, Knott, Means and their team Aldo’s (BYOB) 201-612-2600 29 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-746-6669 640 Wyckoff Ave., add Westwood, their twist to201-818-2300 elevate it using seasonal in-Wyckoff, 487 Broadway, Bensi 201-891-2618 201-722-3511 gredients and the Spicecreativity Mantra (BYOB) they’ve become 459 Rt. 17S, Hasbrouck Heights, A Mano 2020 Central Road, Fort Lee, 6 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201-727-9525 known for.

24 Franklin Ave. (at Chestnut St.), 201-947-2055 201-568-1122 183 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, Ridgewood, 201-493-2000 We could write more about it, but the Saddle 201-297-7444 Taverna Mykonos Silli Point (BYOB) Amarone RiverElmwood Café’s does talking.

238 Broadway, Park, food498 Andersonthe Ave., Cliffside Park, 63 Cedar Ln.,Teaneck, 201-833-1897 Bistro 107 201-703-9200 201-941-0271 107 Moonachie Rd., Moonachie, Andiamo 201-440-3339 Varka Taste of India (BYOB) 23 Hardenburgh Ave., Haworth, 30 N. Spruce St., Ramsey, Bottagra Restaurant 201-384-1551 201-995-9333

80 Wagaraw Rd., Hawthorne, 973-423-4433 Buon Gusto (BYOB) 534 Durie Ave., Closter, 201-784-9036 Buongiorno’s (BYOB) 86 Washington Ave., Dumont, 201-501-8000 Café Amici (BYOB) 4 Sycamore Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-389-6377 Caffe Annello (BYOB) 429 Broadway Ave.,Westwood, 201-786-8137 Caffe Capri (BYOB) 119 Park Ave., East Rutherford, 201-460-1039 Café Italiano Ristorante 14 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-461-5041 Café L’Amore (BYOB) 455 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, 201-337-5558 Café Tivoli 533 Shaler Blvd., Ridgefield, 201-941-5561 Cassie’s 18 S. Dean St., Englewood, 201-541-6760

Cenzino Ristorante 589 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, 201-337-6693 Cliff’s Steakhouse 18 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-944-0233 Dimora 100 Piermont Rd., Norwood, 201-750-5000 Dino’s 12 Tappan Rd., Harrington Park, 201-767-4245 Due (BYOB) 16-18 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-857-3231 Fiona’s Restaurant (BYOB) 118 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-857-5800 Fontana Di Trevi (BYOB) 248 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, 201-242-9040 Fratelli’s Coal-Burning Pizza 206 Route 46, Elmwood Park, 201-797-7552 Gianna’s 843 Washington Ave., Carlstadt, 201-460-7997

Expert Repairs Performed By An Experienced & Professional Team

• Certified in Foreign & Domestic Collision Repairs • Police Towing • FREE Estimates

• All Work Guaranteed

201-262-3333

• We Will Work With Your Insurance Company

50 Chestnut Street • Emerson, NJ 104 BC The Mag WINTER 2020

78

BC

the mag

Restaurant Guide

Giovanna’s Café 19 E. Main St., Ramsey, 201-825-5835

Nonna’s Cucina (BYOB) 918 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-2758

GoodFellas Ristorante 61 Midland Ave., Garfield, 973-478-4000

Olivella’s 7709 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen, 201-662-6110

Granita Grille 467 Broadway,Westwood, 201-664-9846 Grissini Restaurant 484 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, 201-568-3535 Guilio’s 154 Washington St.,Tappan, NY, 845-359-3657 Il Giardino (BYOB) 153 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201-750-0060 Il Mulino Ristorante (BYOB) 132 Veterans Plaza, Dumont, 201-384-7767 Il Villaggio 651 NJ-17N (between Rtes. 3&46), Carlstadt, 201-953-7733 In Napoli 116 Main St., Fort Lee, 201-947-2500 Kinchley’s Tavern 586 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, 201-934-7777 L’Angolo Trattoria Italiana (BYOB) 696 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-941-0853 La Cambusa 517 River Drive, Garfield, 973-445-7222 La Lanterna (BYOB) 29 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-444-5520 La Vecchia Napoli 2 Hillard Ave., Edgewater, 201-941-6799 Locale Café 208 Piermont Rd., Closter, 201-750-3233 Luka’s (BYOB) 10 River Road, Bogota, 201-440-2996 Lu Nello 182 Stevens Ave., Cedar Grove, 973-837-1660 Maggiano’s Little Italy The Shops at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack, 201-221-2030 Martini Grill 187 Hackensack St.,Wood-Ridge, 201-939-2000 Nanni Ristorante 53 W. Passaic St. Rochelle Park, (behind Garden State Plaza), 201-843-1250

Osso Buco 343 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-664-1600 Picco Tavern 160 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, 201-880-8750 Portobello 175 Ramapo Valley Rd. (Rt. 202), Oakland, 201-337-8990 Puzo’s Family Restaurant 4 Garfield Ave., Hawthorne, 973-423-2288 Rocca (BYOB) 203 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201-670-4945 Roxanne’s 150 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, 201-529-0007 Rugova Restaurant & Bar 259 Johnson Ave., River Edge, 201-880-8488 Sanducci’s Trattoria (BYOB) 620 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-599-0600 Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn 105 Old New Bridge Rd., New Milford, 201-692-7700 Sergio’s Missione (BYOB) 2 N. Mercer St., Lodi, 973-778-4545 Sicilian Sun (BYOB) 604 N. Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-444-3494 Solari’s 61 S. River St., Hackensack, 201-487-1969 Sorrento (BYOB) 132 Park Ave., East Rutherford, 201-507-0093 Trattoria Giotto (BYOB) 15 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-528-7142 Trovato’s Due 4 Barbara Ln., Oakland, 201-337-0813 Vicolo Ristorante 216 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan, 201-497-8777

.

Woodstone Pizza Bar & Grill 352 W. Passaic St., Rochelle Park, 201-845-7600 Zozo’s Restaurant 625 River Vale Rd., River Vale, 201-391-3195

79

FALL 2020

BC

the mag

Restaurant Guide

Japanese

Akai Lounge 11 N. Dean St., Englewood, 201-541-0086 Asahi (BYOB) 1475 Bergen Blvd., Fort Lee, 201-944-5113 Blu Sushi (BYOB) 26 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood, 201-882-1700 Cocoro 856 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes, 201-560-1333 Daruma (BYOB) 45 N. Dean St., Englewood, 201-567-9600 Fuki Sushi (BYOB) 828 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-225-0160 Gen Sushi & Hibachi 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale, 201-930-9188 Hanami (BYOB) 41 Union Ave., Cresskill, 201-567-8508 301 Center Ave.,Westwood, 201-666-8508

Hiro 254 Degraw Ave.,Teaneck, 201-692-1002 Hiura 400 Main St. Ste. B, Fort Lee, 201-346-0110 Kazuki (BYOB) 638 Westwood Ave., River Vale, 201-263-1811 Kiku 5-9 Rt. 9W (Palisades Pkwy.), Alpine, 201-767-6322 365 Rt. 17S, Paramus, 201-265-7200 Kumo (BYOB) 55 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-652-0088 Kyoto (BYOB) 78 Washington Ave., Dumont, 201-384-5544 Masa Sushi & Grill (BYOB) 81 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale, 201-934-6616 Matsu Sushi & Grill 140 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201-722-9388 Matsuya 490 Market St., Saddle Brook, 201-843-5811

Mei Sushi Japanese Restaurant 14-20 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-398-9882 Minado 1 Valley Rd., Little Ferry, 201-931-1522 Mount Fuji Japanese Steak House 193 NJ-17, Hasbrouck Heights, 201-288-2800 Nizi Sushi (BYOB) 300 Union Ave., Rutherford, 201-804-7666 Sarku Japan Bergen Town Center, Rt. 4W (Forest Ave.), Paramus, 201-880-6551 Sakura-Bana (BYOB) 43 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-447-6525 Sendai Japanese Restaurant & Grill 178 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-225-0995 Sushi Cruise (BYOB) 725 River Road #51, Edgewater, 201-313-3611

Sushi Village (BYOB) 700-90 Broadway,Westwood, 201-666-8800 Sushi X (BYOB) 23 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-689-7878 Umeya 156 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, 201-816-0511 Tawara Japanese Restaurant (BYOB) 53 W. Main St., Ramsey, 201-825-8712 Wasabi 848 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-493-7575 Yuki 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale, 201-391-9877 Yuki Hana (BYOB) 131 Kinderkamack Rd., Park Ridge, 201-391-3230

Latin

Mambo Empanadas (BYOB) 313 Union Ave., Rutherford, 201-933-3888

80

Mediterranean

The Kebabci (BYOB) 259 Valley Blvd.,Wood-Ridge, 201-728-4949 Mado (BYOB) 570 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-265-3629 Mediterraneo (BYOB) 23 N. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-447-0022 Mezza (BYOB) 20 Jefferson Ave.,Westwood, 201-722-8822 Novo (BYOB) 37 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-444-4910

Mexican

A Taco Affair 81 Main St., Little Falls, 973-812-8226 Azteca (BYOB) 47 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201-438-2111 Jalepenos 930 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-5566

La Frontera (BYOB) 37 E. Broadway, Hackensack, 201-880-7731 Leon 16 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-857-0297 Mariachi Grill (BYOB) 262 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst, 201-528-7493 Riviera Maya (BYOB) 252 E. Fort Lee Rd., Bogota, 201-996-1380 Viva Margarita 364 Lawton Ave., Cliffside Park, 551-313-0760

Spanish

El Cid 205 Paramus Rd., Paramus, 201-843-0123 Meson Madrid Restaurant 343 Bergen Blvd., Palisades Park, 201-947-1038 Sangria 1033 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, 201-962-3310 Sayola 50 Prospect Ter.,Tenafly, 201-871-2182

BC

the mag

Restaurant Guide

Tapas De España 7909 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen, 201-453-1690 Taste of Spain 493 Tappan Rd., Northvale, 201-767-8904 Thai Bangkok Garden 261 Main St., Hackensack, 201-487-2620 Clifton Thai 239 Parker Ave., Clifton, 973-253-1400 Chok Dee Thai Kitchen 561 Livingston St., Norwood, 201-750-8880 Gao Thai Kitchen (BYOB) 63 Main St., Ramsey, 201-962-2691 Malee Fine Thai Cuisine (BYOB) 2 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-612-7797 Massaman Thai Cuisine 312 Hackensack St., Carlstadt, 201-559-1424 Pimaan Thai Restaurant (BYOB) 79 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-967-0440 Ridge Thai (BYOB) 50 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-493-9929 Thai West (BYOB) 22 Jefferson Ave.,Westwood, 201-497-6981 Wyckoff Thai Cuisine 314 Franklin Ave.,Wyckoff, 201-485-8855

Persian

Kabab on the Cliff 23 Godwin Ave., Ridgewood, 201-444-5100 Pardis Persian Grill (BYOB) 47 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-652-8000 Rose (BYOB) 1150 Teaneck Rd.,Teaneck, 201-569-3600

Turkish

Cinar 214 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-523-9284

Hunkar (BYOB) 319 Hackensack St., Carlstadt, 201-507-0606

A New Funeral Service for the A Newand Funeral Service for the Non-Affiliated Reform Jewish Community Non-Affiliated and Reform Jewish Community

Istanblue Restaurant (BYOB) 645 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge, 201-262-4400 Istanbul Café & Grill (BYOB) 14-25 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn, 201-791-2222 Kebab Istanbul 5819 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen, 201-861-4400 Marmaris Cafe (BYOB) 820 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-943-9090 Samdan 178 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, 201-816-7343 Turkish Kitchen 297 Palisade Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-943-7733 Turkuaz (BYOB) 1550 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, 201-944-1115

Viv

36 Viva

36455L 551-

SP SPA

El C El 20 Cid

20P 205 201-8

WHAT IS BERGEN JEWISH CHAPEL AND WHY IS IT UNIQUE? WHAT IS BERGEN JEWISH CHAPEL AND WHY IS IT UNIQUE?

The Bergen Jewish Chapel Concept is an online funeral arrangement The Bergen Jewish Chapel Concept is an online funeral arrangement process with the goal of alleviating a family's stress and process with the goal of alleviating a family's stress and burden while dealing with end of life issues. burden while dealing with end of life issues.

Bergen Jewish Chapel (201) 261-2900

Our process helps families to: Bergen Jewish Chapel Our process helps families to: • Gather vital information you • Gather vital information you (201) 261-2900 need before you need it. need before you need it. www.bergenjewishchapel.com • Benefit from our full disclosure of www.bergenjewishchapel.com • Benefit from our full disclosure of services, merchandise, and pricing.

789 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666 services, merchandise, and pricing.

Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666 • Eliminate the burden of a face to face 789 Teaneck (201) 836-0202 • Eliminate the burden of a face to face (201) 836-0202 meeting at a funeral home location, meeting at a funeral home location, while 268Kinderkamack KinderkamackRoad Road whilestill stillbenefiting benefiting from from our our 268 personal attention to our families.

Oradell,NJ NJ07649 07649 personal attention to our families.

Oradell, •• Maintain Owner/Manager Daniel W. Leber Lic.NoNo3186 3186 MaintainTraditions Traditions Owner/Manager Daniel W. Leber NJNJLic.

Me Meso Re Resta 34

343 PalB Palisa 20 201-9

San Sang 10

1033 Ma Mahw 20 201-9

Say Sayo

50 50 Pr 20 201-8

Tap Tapas

79 7909 No North 20 201-4

Tas Taste

49T 493 20 201-7

TH TH

Vietnamese

Bistro Du Saigon 168 Main St., Fort Lee, 201-592-0100

Ba Bang

26M 261 20 201-4

Ma Mí Eatery 546 Durie Ave., Closter, 201-660-7826

Cli Clifto

239 23P 973-2 97

Mekong Grill (BYOB) 24 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-445-0011

Chok Ch

561 56L 201-7 20

Pho Miu Vietnamese Restaurant 255 Pascack Rd., Township of Washington, 201-497-3915

Gao GaT

6363 M 201-9 20

Saigon Kitchen (BYOB) 2024 Center Ave., Fort Lee, 201-592-8890

Male Ma (BYO (BY

2 E. 2 ER Ridge Rid 201-6 20

Simply Vietnamese (BYOB) 1 Highwood Ave,Tenafly, 201-568-7770

Mass Ma

TC’s Little Taste of Saigon (BYOB) 419 Goffle Rd., Ridgewood, 201-445-5509

312 H 31 Carls Car 201-5 20

Pima Pim (BYO 79(BY Ki

Hakki Babba (BYOB) 555 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, 201-840-8444

79 Emer Em 201-9 20 110 BC The Mag WINTER 2020 WINTER 11081BC The Mag FALL 2020 2020

BC

the mag

FINAL THOUGHT

When The Smoke Clears

It’s mind blowing to believe that it has been 19 years since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 turned our

lives upside down. Bergen County sits (in some parts) just 2 miles from the “City That Never Sleeps.”

On that day, we watched as smoke drowned out Manhattan’s brightest lights, not knowing what tomorrow would bring.

Fast forward to today and, although for separate reasons, that same feeling of uncertainty shrouds our lives. Once again, thousands of people flock from the city, in search of new homes in beautiful Bergen County.We are here to welcome them all with open arms, because that’s just what we do here.

Now, once again, we find ourselves figuring out “the new normal.”

Fall in Bergen County is a magical time, full of pumpkin spice everything and too much flannel for a population that rarely chops its own firewood, but – boy, do we look good! Autumn doesn’t just mark a return to school, but for many it is a return to routine – that normal humdrum of everyday life we’ve never craved the way we do right now.

While we may look back on these times in our lives years from now and ponder all of it, there’s still so much we must do before we can fully emerge from the cloud of smoke that has lingered over our state, delayed our lives and made us all seemingly bitter people.While it’s easy to look at Portland, Ore., or Kenosha,Wis. and say, “That’s far from us,” we must also realize that any day, their issues can be ours.Their issues should be ours.

If we don’t take this time to look at our neighbors, let bygones be bygones, and come together as a community, then the fabric of our towns, the reason they constantly rank as some of the most desirable places to live in the country, will be no more. Respect, empathy and kindness – the ideals we were all taught out on playgrounds, in classrooms and at religious gatherings as children – seem to have been forgotten. In its place are fear, envy and entitlement: a Molotov cocktail threatening to tear us apart.

I don’t have the answers, but I do know one thing with absolute certainty: we are stronger together.

As a community, even one that might feel their state has failed them, or their country has failed them, it’s up to us to do better. No blame games. Accountability.You’re unhappy with what’s going on in the world? I understand. Now’s our time to lead by example.

Like that eerie day in 2001, as the skies grew quiet and the smoke billowed, we were set on a new path forward. As tough-as-nails kids from Jersey, we embraced the challenge with the strongest weapon of them all: hope. Now, for the sake of our children, and their children, we must once again embrace that challenge. I’m hopeful we emerge from the madness of 2020 with a new appreciation for all that we do have and work harder to make Bergen County the best place to live in the world. 

by Brandon Goldstein 82

Make an Event Out Of Any Occasion Appetizers • Party Platters • Side Dishes • Entree Platers • Salads

We make every party special whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a celebration with 120 guests.

bmfoodlovers.com (201) 391-4373 rger Winner of Best Bu od Fo Bergen County 18 20 and Wine Festival

192 Kinderkamack Rd. Park Ridge, NJ 07656

Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 7pm • Saturday 9am – 6pm • Sunday 11am – 3pm

E L E V A T E

Y O U R

NJ LOCATION

NY LOCATION

ENGLEWOOD, NJ 201.287.4704

HARRIMAN, NY 845.367.4483

S T A N D A R D S

BenzelBusch.com