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A UTHORIZED DEALERS OF FINE WATCHES
holiday 2025
Publishers
Sharon & Steven Goldstein
Associate Publisher
Brandon Goldstein
Editorial Director
Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo
Art Director
BMG Marketing
Contributing Writers
Stacey Feintuch
Soneca Guadara
Anna Kofitsas
Stacie Rose
Audrey Zona
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) 694-5196.
For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.
Copyright 2025. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.
A Letter from the Editor
There’s a special kind of magic in the week between Christmas and New Year’s – a quiet lull where time seems to soften, the to-do lists fade and what matters most comes into focus. For our family, that week has long been reserved for one of our most cherished traditions: when my husband’s extended family makes the trip from originally Michigan (but now also Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Colorado) to Montvale for our second Christmas.
It started years ago, long before I joined the family. The cousins from Michigan couldn’t always be in New Jersey on Christmas Day, so they created their own rhythm – a tradition that allowed everyone to be with immediate families and/or their in-laws on Dec. 25 but still come together afterward to celebrate their Christmas. And so, between Dec. 26 and New Year’s, the family home in Montvale once again fills with laughter, the scent of the same beloved recipes and the joyful noise of generations gathered under one roof for one full week of togetherness.
What’s remarkable is that this tradition has never stopped (It even migrated to Ecuador one year when a cousin was studying abroad!). Even as the cousins and my husband’s brothers have grown up, married and started families of their own, they all return – year after year – to the same house, on the same street, with the same food on the table. The tablecloth, the ornaments, even the biscotti – all must be just so. And every year, without fail, the annual family photo is taken in the exact same spot, in the exact same order.
As someone who married into the family, I’ve always found something deeply touching about this ritual. There’s comfort in being welcomed into a rhythm that began long before me – a living timeline of love and togetherness that doesn’t bend to the pace of modern life. I may be the “outsider,” but in this family, that term doesn’t apply. The warmth, the laughter, the predictability of it all – it wraps around you like a handstitched holiday blanket from your Nonna.
Now, watching my own boys – nine and six – run through that same house with their cousins, laughing in the same rooms where their dad once played with his, feels like witnessing the passing of something sacred. They don’t know yet how precious it is, this simple act of gathering. But I do. Because I’ve seen how, year after year, these familiar moments weave a thread that ties generations together. I see the twinkle in my husband’s eye return as the sacred week approaches.
When the now great grandparents grew too tired to cook such an elaborate Christmas Eve meal, the grandchildren stepped in seamlessly, honoring the recipes and traditions that defined the day. The same aglio e olio, the same shrimp scampi, the same smelts, baccala, pizzelles and more appear each year, lovingly prepared and served with the quiet understanding that this isn’t just a meal – it’s a legacy.
Every family has its own way of keeping the holidays alive, but this one, to me, feels like the perfect blend of love, loyalty and respect for where we come from. It’s a reminder that the holidays aren’t about the date on the calendar, but the people who fill the room – those who’ve been there from the start, and those lucky enough to be welcomed in along the way.
So, as the lights twinkle across Bergen County and another year ends, I’m grateful for traditions like these – the kind that remind us that family isn’t defined by where you were born, but by where you’re welcomed back, year after year.
From our family’s table to yours, Jessica HumpHrey-cintineo
HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
The Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation held their gala at Monmouth University. For more information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.
Bob and Laura Garrett
John and Mary Capazzi
Larry and Inez Inserra
Teresa Inserra, Matt Teitelbaum, Laura Dupont, Marie Inserra, Frank Siclari
Amanda and Richard Knupp
Heather and Dr. Mingi Choi
Mobeen Nawaz, Dr. Mark Schlesinger
Mark and Nicole Spinelli, Caryl Kourgelis, Joyce Hendricks, Jim Kourgelis
Colleen and Doug Lanzo
Jordan, Michelle and Jerry Iannone
Drs. Irina and Yair Kissin Colleen and Mark Sparta
Dr. Joseph and Susan Underwood, Colleen and Mark Sparta
The Salemme Family April and Donald Farrell
Nick and Debbie Cangialosi
BERGEN NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER
The Bergen New Bridge Foundation held their annual golf outing at Hackensack Golf Club. For more information, visit www.newbridgehealth.org.
Rex Valentino, Donnalee Corrieri
Kenneth Martin, Sandra Robinson, John Uzzi
James Stafford, Peter Caminiti Sr., Sam Wright
Toni Ann Pierro, Troy DePillis
Lisa Sweetman, Frances Bozzetti, Annie Hamilton, Sydney Taps
Lou Weiss, Deborah Visconi
Dr. Efia James, Dr. Lou Batgista, Deborah Visconi
Hille, Deborah Visconi
Sandra Robinson, Lou Weiss
Nick Laganella, Marion Troise, Dennis Mikula
Eric Pichardo, Dana Napoletano, Donnalee Corrieri, Kayla Loughlin, Tiffany Frim, Erin Myers
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation Board
CarePlus Bergen Board of Trustees
Kate Nguyen and Tom Eastwick
Chris and Deborah Visconi, Shari Gold
Dr. Ariff Admani, Dr. Karine Airapetian, Dr. Anna Harutyunyan, Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Bob
HOLY NAME FOUNDATION
The Holy Name Foundation held their annual golf classic at Hackensack Golf Club. For more information, visit www.holyname.org.
Scott Heller, David Shaker, Mina Shaker, Michael Cohen, Sarah Miner
Bob and Cathy Callagee
Mike Maron, Cathy Davey Rich and Aleta, Teri Taylor, Taylor, Terry and Dawne Beltramini
Stephen Addesso, Stephen Corrado, Steven Salemme, Daniel Geroski
Holy Name Board of Trustees
Sue Bertini, Laura Canfield, Lisa Wiegand
Michael Maron, Steve Mosser Rich Yanitelli, Mike Maron, Leon Temiz
Baker, Mike Maron, OJ Anderson
George Sayrafe, Al Pope
Jessica Griffin, Dr. Eric Liberman
Ochen, Onik and Aryet Kirdam, Aline Frankian, Sonya Torikoglu, Leon Temiz
Stephen and John Amoratis, Carl Sr. and Carl Jr. Carfello
Aileen Dibra, Sister Regina Connell, Mike Maron, Arleatha Williams, Ted Carnevale
Michael and Mike Maron
Stephen
Paws of Honor
Nonprofit Brings Hope to Veterans, One Dog at a Time
By anna Kofitsas
As they like to call him, the ‘CEO,’ came through the doors of the Paramus Veterans’ Home in February 2021. With ears that stretch high and his coffee-colored fur, freshly four-year-old Beethoven touched a man bruised with scars on his heart from days of the past.
German Shepherd, Beethoven, was brought to the Paramus Veterans’ Home by president and founder of the nonprofit organization Operation K9 Beethoven, Arpi Kertesz, to visit a veteran. Neil Reyngoudt was in the Vietnam War and became a three-time Purple Heart recipient for his service, from 1968 to 1969.
One day, Kertesz called up the vice president and co-founder of this nonprofit, Brian Reyngoudt, and simply said, “I am going to visit your dad today.” Reyngoudt told Kertesz what floor and unit his father was on and Reyngoudt called up his dad to tell him a surprise was on the way.
“Is it you?” Neil asked his son. Brian said no.
“Oh I really want that pasta fagioli soup you get me,” Neil joked.
When Kertesz walked in that room, Neil sat with Beethoven, as he gave him rubs that comforted both veteran and dog.
Reyngoudt’s father, Neil, passed away only two months later on April 2, 2021. Just a year before, in January 2020, is when Brian Reyngoudt and Kertesz started Operation K9 Beethoven, a nonprofit that pairs dogs with veterans.
“We want to help ‘one paw at a time,’” Brian Reyngoudt tells me. He grew up with dogs in Hasbrouck Heights, and knows the impact they have and the bond that forms.
Because of Operation K9 Beethoven, veterans feel as though life is possible again. The dogs that are provided by this nonprofit organization are trained for veterans and active-duty military with PTSD.
Operation K9 Beethoven rescues them from shelters and trains them to be service dogs. They have placed 25 dogs with veterans. Of course, there is a process to pair a dog with their person.
Before assisting veterans, dogs are rescued from Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center in Teterboro, NJ Boxer Rescue and NJ Golden Retriever Rescues. Once rescued, Operation K9 Beethoven partners with Behavior Plus Dog Training in River Edge and Caldwell to train the dogs.
The dogs have to learn how to be off-leash, learn basic obedience, how to behave in public settings, such as restaurants, and overall how to navigate life so that they can be a leg for the veteran to stand on.
This, along with training, veterinary and the welcome home kit, are part of the total fee of each dog, which is at least $10,000.
To pair a dog with a veteran, they have to be trained specifically to meet the unique needs of the veteran. The non-profit’s website, operationk9beethoven.com,
has an application to fill out, as well as providing details such as proof of address and a doctor’s note. A phone interview is conducted and then a walk through of that veteran’s home to ensure safety for the dogs. If they decide that a veteran’s home is fit for one the dogs, then it is based on the lifestyle of the veteran.
If a veteran is younger, then they would pair them with a dog who is younger. In doing that, that dog will be more likely to go around to work or go hiking with the veteran without getting too tired. If the veteran is older, then a dog who is older will be paired with them.
A veterinary evaluation is also needed before they are placed in a home with a veteran, and part of the cost. Making sure the dog is spayed or neutered, and all vaccinations are set is vital. Sometimes Operation K9 Beethoven doesn’t know where the dogs are coming from, so the health of the dog has to be checked thoroughly.
Often, the dogs come from the streets of Newark
Continued on page 22
or, other times, the nonprofit gets them from families who are unable to take care of them anymore.
The transition into a new home can be tough so to ease into it, Operation K9 Beethoven provides a Welcome Home Kit. This kit includes a durable kennel, comfortable bed and blanket, leash and collar, food and water bowls, nutritious dog food, treats and toys, service dog registration, service dog vest and official service dog patches.
“It has changed my life and makes you want to keep doing this because it’s for dogs and people,” Reyngoudt says.
This nonprofit helps veterans learn how to feel okay again after traumas that affect the soul.
One man, Anthony Dellaratto, or Tony, saw combat in the Iraqi desert, and 20 years later in 2024, he told NJ 12 News, “Been to war twice, came back. Everything was kind of normal until it wasn’t.”
That’s when Clementine came in the picture as a two-year-old pit mix. Clementine was picked up by the Bergen County Animal Shelter as a stray and went through six months of training and now lives in Tom’s River by Dellaratto’s side.
“I can actually go to Home Depot for the first time,” Dellaratto says.
This nonprofit has meant so much for veterans looking to start a new life. The dogs brought in have helped them get through every day life again,
whether it’s going to work, or just sitting at home. Each dog has made their mark and improved a life. Even after the dog is paired with a veteran, that doesn’t mean they will have no more contact with this nonprofit.
“We want to be a part of their family as much as they want to be a part of ours,” Reyngoudt says.
This nonprofit includes everyone – the dogs, the veterans and the men behind the curtain, Kertesz and Reyngoudt. They hold fundraisers where anyone can donate. This year, on Nov. 14, there will be the second annual Tricky Tray at VFW Post 3484 in Saddle Brook.
On Nov. 22, Harley Davidson in Rochelle Park held a Casino Night and all proceeds went to K9 Beethoven. Harley Davidson in Rochelle Park is a proud partner of this nonprofit. They teamed up and started doing motorcycle shows to get their name out there. There, they sold their merchandise and brought Beethoven along for the ride.
Operation K9 Beethoven continues to ease the pain of war time from veteran’s minds with these dogs. Beethoven, who belongs to Kertesz and turned eight years old on Oct. 16, is shaping the way for a life for veterans that brings light, post-war.
To this day, a year-and-a-half-year-old boxer dog is in training with a veteran, getting ready to take on the world. And this dog is named Neil, after Reyngoudt’s late father.
JUDITH TURNER BOOK DEDICATION
Judy Turner held a book dedication for her new book, You are Never Alone, at Dimora Restaurant.
Sharon Goldstein, Jan Turin, Judith Turner, Liz Murray, Suzanne Nothurst
Karen Angrist, Lauren Campana
Debora and Macy Turner
Carol Sahagian, Jan Turin, Judith Turner, Liz Murray, Suzanne Nothurst
Ally Deptuch, Julianna Ross, Julia Scheuring
Judy Turner, Joanne Connelly, Jeri Turner Sinnig
Carol Sahagian, Sheila and Kerry O’Shea
Billy Zuckerman, Kenny Sarfin
Debbie Reilly, Trisha Squires
Maxine and Bob Peckar
Barbara Albert, Pam Sunshine Samantha Diliberto, Taylor Cooke, John Kuder
Barbara Dibella, Judith Turner, Michael DiBella
Valerie Huttle, Ed and Jan Turin, Bonnie Feld
Marygrace, Ricky and Jeri Turner Sinnig
Maureen Murray, Sheila O’Shea
Molding Creativity and Community at Mudspinners
By staCie Rose
Welcoming, comfortable, relaxing –
These are some of the words that come up when you read testimonials on the site of the beloved Ridgewood-based studio Mudspinners.
Kathy Peck, the owner and teacher of Mudspinners, a local phenomenon, speaks of her business with love and pride. She describes her studio as a community of people who enjoy and respect one another. A community that Kathy has built and molded like clay over time and one that brings her daily joy.
She feels that she gets the greatest people in her studio and watches how clay changes many of them in magical ways. Kathy uses the medium to help others. She witnesses how the craft helps uplift, heal and transform her students.
Kathy explains that art is so important, whether you feel you need it or not. In other words, art is good for everyone. There is much to gain and fun to be
had. Once you get into the groove, it becomes like a meditation. You don’t even realize how quickly time flies.
Many people are intimidated by throwing on the wheel at first. They think it’s moving too fast. But the trick is that you go slow. It’s a dance. It’s about angles more than pressure or strength.
Kathy has been a ceramic artist for more than 25 years and felt she had found the perfect location when she opened Mudspinners. It’s a barrier-free space that has a way of inviting community. But it’s Kathy herself who cultivates this community. She speaks of the classes and how there are groups of people who have become friends and, over time, more like family. Everybody helps one another. If someone in a group has a problem, another member has the answer.
Between hand-building and throwing on the wheel, there is something for everyone, and Kathy teaches
both, encouraging her students to follow their intuition and pursue their creative bliss. Kathy never wants to stifle anyone’s creativity, so she meets people where they are and encourages them to explore and grow.
Teaching comes naturally to Kathy, and one of the most gratifying aspects of this kind of teaching is helping others tap into their unique sense of creativity, vision, artistry and self-expression.
Kathy works with people of all ages and mentions a very talented lady who is well into her eighties. She explains that she has taught people in her studio who have never sculpted before.
“One person might sit at the wheel and think, ‘I’d rather do hand building.’ I never tell anybody they can’t do something. I’m constantly trying new things with them. I took a group to the national clay conference last year, and we had a blast.”
Some people come into the studio who barely talk, and as they get going, they become less inhibited. Some people don’t believe they are artistic, but a little time with clay in Kathy’s studio helps prove otherwise. People bloom. Artists are born!
Seeing others tap into their true selves is a gift for Kathy. She shares that most people cry once in her
studio because it’s so therapeutic and so cathartic.
There is a direct and undeniable connection between art and wellbeing, and Kathy sees the benefits firsthand with her students. Clay building and working on the wheel can help with PTSD. It can be healing for people who suffer from depression and anxiety, and it can help many to step out of their comfort zone and access the depth beneath the surface. People who struggle with focus often benefit from working with the wheel, as it forces them to lock in and slow down. Kathy helps shepherd her students, supporting them through the learning process and creating an inclusive, stress-free and fun environment.
Kathy keeps a clean studio, uses food-grade, non-toxic materials and has a few house rules – no politics in her studio, no competition, and people must share. Everybody helps everybody, and it’s a great vibe, as it should be. At the end of the day, Kathy wants there to be laughter, learning and a good time for everyone. You get dirty when you work with clay, and that’s fun too!
Kathy prides herself on creating work that is beautiful and functional and teaching others to tap into their creative power. She shares her passion for clay with her students and offers group classes, clay dates, private lessons and more at Mudspinners.
For more information, visit mudspinners.com.
From Bergen to the Big Leagues
Boots Brings Sports-Themed Luxury to ‘Staycation Sports’
By staCey feintuCh
Charlie Boots may live in northern California, but Bergen County is always close to his heart. The River Vale native misses encountering a pizzeria on every corner and not being far from a good bagel shop.
Boots hosts Staycation Sports, a travel and lifestyle show, where he explores luxury homes and rental properties with unique sports themes in sports towns. Each about 30-minute episode focuses on a different location, highlighting unique amenities and activities related to sports. Locations have included Knoxville, Nashville, Phoenix and Georgia.
“A huge group of people want to go on a luxury vacation while exploring a town and getting to see sports.”
The show, which began airing last year, aims to lay the blueprint for your dream getaway. You can even book the places that are featured on the show.
“I get to see the best of every city,” Boots says. “The best real estate, the best restaurants. You wind up falling in love with places you never thought you’d go.”
For example, he says that Portland, Oregon, gets a bad rap but he loved it there. He also enjoyed shooting episodes in the Great Smoky Mountains, Cape Cod and Charlotte, North Carolina. He has seen places he never thought he’d get to enjoy.
“I filmed in Utah,” he says. “As a Jersey guy, I never thought I’d be in Utah.”
No sport is off limits. They’ve featured teams in the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA and spotlighted teams even Boots didn’t know existed (like the Charlotte Checkers, a minor league hockey team).
“At first, I’d call the teams and try to get them interested,” says Boots. “Now when I call them, they’re excited that it’s their turn. All the teams try to out-do one another.”
Being from the northeast, he is fighting for shows there. He wants to film an episode highlighting northern New Jersey and his beloved New York Mets. He did get to do one episode whose idea came from his youth. As a kid, he went to see an Army game at West Point and felt it would be perfect for a show. So, they filmed an episode focused on West Point football and UConn basketball.
“I always tell people that you don’t have to be so quick to leave the country when travelling,” says Boots. “So much adventure is within the United States.”
The show plans to go international soon (think Dubai or Barcelona) as they’ve gotten calls from tourism boards abroad.
Bergen County Roots Boots sings the praises of his native River Vale.
“You could be on the streets all hours of the day,” he says. “It was family oriented and safe to go out. Everyone is family and looking out for each other.”
He spent summers down the shore, frequenting Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights. And he got his chicken parm fix at his favorite spot, Buon Gusto in Closter.
“I tell everyone says you lose weight when you leave Jersey.”
He graduated from Pascack Valley High School in 2007, where he played baseball and football. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business, management and marketing at William Paterson University in 2011. He then landed a songwriting contract that sent him to South Florida.
“But I was only making money when my songs were picked up,” he says.
He decided to try podcasting, launching one about the then Oakland Raiders. He always liked the Raiders since he grew up as a River Vale Raider. Within a few weeks of airing, the Raiders got wind of the podcast and hired him to work for them. He moved to California to host the Raider Life Podcast from 2016 to 2019. He went on to host the World Golf Hall of Fame podcast and was media manager for the NFL Alumni Academy. Today, in addition to working for Staycation Sports, he is director of branding for the NFL Alumni Association.
Back to Bergen County – Someday
Today, Boots lives in northern California, 15 min-
utes from San Francisco and 15 minutes from Napa Valley.
“I get to experience the city and the country.”
He raves about the weather.
“It has that cool fall feeling here year-round. I do miss the four seasons, though,” he says. “But not when my friends back east show me pictures of them shoveling snow.”
His family moved to Florida, but he tries to return to his stomping grounds at least once or twice a year. When he started dating his now fiancée, he wooed her with a trip east.
“I’m always trying to convince her to move there,” says Boots. “I always picture raising kids in Bergen County.”
His January wedding will be held at a vineyard in California’s wine country where he’ll be surrounded by his groomsmen who hail from Jersey. He wants
to follow up with a ceremony at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Hoboken and dinner at Leo’s Grandevous or Benny Tudino’s, both in Hoboken.
While he may now be a Californian, one thing that has stuck with Boots is his Jersey accent.
“I had a popular broadcast company tell me that we love your passion, but we want to send you to speech class.”
He has also been surprised how much people around the country love New Jersey.
“My camera crew is Hollywood based. When we film at a bar or restaurant in some states, people roll their eyes when they hear the crew is from California. But when they speak to me and learn I’m from Jersey, everyone always smiles. It has been really cool to discover that people everywhere love NJ.”
Find Staycation Sports on CBS (check your local listings), thedestinationchannel.com/staycation, youtube.com/@StaycationSports and on streaming platforms like Roku, Pluto and Amazon Fire TV.
PB&J HOSPITALITY FOR TABLE TO TABLE
The PB&J Hospitality Group held a tasting fundraiser for Table to Table. For more information, visit www.tabletotable.org.
Rodney and Natalie Peterson
Leslie Rueda, Helen Medvedovsky
Sue Gloor, Cat Arndt Lynn Gildea, Suzy Hill
Lee and Kate Van Horn, Meghan and Oliver Buchert
Nancy and Roger Gross
Marge Rich, David Hildes
Bob Palmer, Joe Mazza
Eliane and Luana Tambosi Larry Hanig, Anja Mabie
Heather Thompson, Michael and Tracey Tortora
Rebecca Day, Andrea Weinberger
Ashley and Frank Parker
Leigh Skinner, Tracy Cairoli, Kristin Hodges
Jaeden, Jamie and Brandon Knott
Jamie Knott and Heather Thompson
SPECTRUM FOR LIVING
Spectrum for Living held their annual golf outing at Edgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.spectrumforliving.org.
Peter Recla, Daniel Stroud
Stefanie Bonilla, Steve Vahalla
Ed Logel, Pat DeMarco
Danny Rosario, Michael Fabiano
Steve Torrico, Christopher Perry, Charles Matar
Stephen Addesso, Steven Salemme, Daniel Geroski
Peter Michelotti, Ben Spoelstra
Todd Murray, Sean Fallon
Caroline Lencj, Charlie Clinton
Ashley Garcia, Monica Vasques, Maria Contreras, Shontae White
Christopher Perry, Charles Matar
Rob Losi, Tom Biersack
Josh Kuskin, Wendy Castro
William McCann, Brandon Prins
Bill and Bill Jr. Fiske
Tamer Ali, Jeff Pereira
Five Years of Impact
New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund
Celebrates Milestone Anniversary
The New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund proudly celebrates five years of transformative investment, partnership and impact across the Garden State’s arts, cultural and historic sector. Established in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, the Renewal Fund was founded with the mission to provide critical relief to organizations whose work enriches communities, fosters creativity and preserves the cultural fabric of New Jersey.
“The New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund does much more than provide grants,” said Jeremy Grunin, president of the Grunin Foundation and NJACRF board treasurer. “We are cultivating community – sharing our culture, experiences and resources in ways that renew our collective commitment to the arts.”
In 2023, the Renewal Fund reached a significant milestone – establishing itself as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a change that expanded its capacity to receive tax-deductible donations and strategic grant funding. This change ensured that the Renewal Fund would remain a steady resource that could continue to offer support in times of unexpected sector disruptions.
To date, the Renewal Fund has awarded over $10 million in general operating support grants to more than 220 nonprofit organizations across the state, playing a vital role in sustaining and strengthening a vibrant, inclusive arts ecosystem. This year, the need is greater than ever.
“Federal grant cancellations and shifts in funder priorities have deeply affected smaller cultural organizations this year,” said Lynne Toye, executive director of the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund, referring to funding reductions at the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
“Small grass-roots community organizations are particularly vulnerable,” she added.
Some organizations have had to reduce staffing and programs as a result of unexpected reductions in funding. The Renewal Fund will award additional grants at the end of this year.
In addition to its grantmaking, the Renewal Fund is strengthening the sector in other ways. In 2023 it launched a series of community convenings to foster connection, collaboration, and shared learning among arts, culture and history professionals. Hosted at cultural institutions throughout New Jersey, these gatherings are creating networks, elevating diverse voices and building a more unified sector.
“These convenings help to bridge the gap between funders, grantees and community leaders, while allowing for a safe space to share experiences,” said Toye.
As the Renewal Fund celebrates its fifth anniversary, its leadership sees this moment not just as a milestone, but as a launchpad for future growth.
“The arts, culture and history sectors are dynamic, resilient and ever evolving,” said Sharnita C. Johnson, vice president of Strategy, Impact and Communications at the Victoria Foundation and board president of the Renewal Fund.
The Renewal Fund will host a special convening in late October at ArtYard in Frenchtown, N.J. to celebrate the anniversary. They hope this will serve as not just a celebration of the Renewal Fund’s work and accomplishments, but another chance for grantees and supporters to build relationships.
Just as the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund was founded to meet the sector’s needs during the pandemic, they hope to continue their work by amplifying the contributions of arts and culture organizations and uplifting the correlation between a thriving cultural sector and community wellbeing.
“Our work gives voice to individuals who were historically marginalized, by unearthing, preserving and sharing their stories with the broader community,” said Catherine Fulmer-Hogan, board president of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum, an NJACRF grantee. “This work is essential to advancing a more just and equitable future.”
“The progress and impact of the New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund is a powerful testament to what is possible through collaboration with supporters including the New Jersey State Council on the Arts,” Toye added. “We are proud of what we’ve achieved – and we are inspired by the future ahead.”
For more information about the New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund and its ongoing work, visit https://NJArtsCulture.org.
About New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund
The New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund was established in 2020 to ensure the survival and strength of the state’s arts, arts education, cultural and historic sector during and after the pandemic. The New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides financial support to catalyze a more equitable statewide recovery and build resilience for arts, cultural and historical organizations. To learn more, visit NJArtsCulture.org.
The ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater’ Glow-Up
So Tacky, It’s Totally Trendy
By soneCa guadaRa
Though not made for everyday wear, the “ugly sweater” has become a seasonal staple, a funny conversation starter complete with bizarre baubles and oddball embroidery of elves and Santas. But have you noticed, not all ugly Christmas sweaters are created equal, the ugly sweater is no longer just ugly, it’s iconic. It’s nostalgic, ironic and oddly chic. Whether you wear it for laughs or lean into the full-on festive glamour, this quirky, kitsch knit has become as essential as the holiday toast itself.
The ugly Christmas sweater might feel like a holiday classic, but the truth is that they really started in the mid 20th century. In the 1950s they were known as “Jingle Bell Sweaters,” but it wasn’t until the 1980s that it gained popularity through sitcoms, like the Cosby Show, and later, in 1989, in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. If the 1980s were known for anything, it was excess, and the ugly sweater was no exception.
But what really catapulted the emergence and recognition of the ugly sweater is when there were two men from Vancouver, Canada in the early 2000s, who came up with the idea to throw the first official tacky holiday sweater party to raise money for a friend’s cancer treatment. The party was a hit leading to similar events all through the northern hemisphere.
Today, ugly sweater parties are one of the highlights of the holiday season. The sweater has gone from accidently tacky to purposefully shameless. The ugly sweater has rapidly become a huge financial success in recent years. The novelty and nostalgia have given way to commercialization. From the likes of Amazon and Walmart to the world of high fashion, such as Gucci and Moschino, everyone is trying to capitalize on this fashion holiday trend.
You may ask yourself how to wear this camp, loud, sparkly and mostly unapologetically sweater. The answer is when styled right, it can also be fabulously fashionable. Here’s how to balance the humor with high style this holiday season for both, men and women.
1. Choose the Right Fit
The biggest mistake people make is wearing a sweater that’s too big or shapeless. Go for comfort but with intention – a slightly oversized fit can be chic, but drowning in fabric isn’t.
2. Think Texture & Proportion
If the sweater is chunky, keep the rest of the outfit sleek. If it’s slim, play with volume (like wide-leg trousers or a midi skirt).
3. Ground It with Neutrals
Pair your bright or busy sweater with black, navy or cream bottoms. It keeps the look balanced and refined.
4. Add Luxe Layers
A tailored coat, velvet blazer or faux fur stole instantly adds sophistication. It’s a great trick for holiday parties – you’ll look festive but still fashion-forward.
5. Make It Personal
Add a brooch, pin or scarf that speaks to you. Confidence comes from owning your choices — even if that choice includes blinking LED lights.
6. Dress for the Setting
• Office Party: Choose a more subtle pattern and pair with trousers or a skirt.
• Casual Get-Together: Go bold with a playful s weater and jeans.
• Evening Soirée: Add sparkle, heels and lipstick –think festive chic, not costume party.
7. Confidence is Key
Remember, you’re not just wearing a sweater; you’re wearing a symbol of joy and individuality. Strut your stuff with pride and bask in the smiles you’ll inevitably elicit.
Soneca Guadara is the founder and CEO of Style by Soneca. She makes everyday style simple – for leaders, professionals and anyone who feels stuck and wants to standout. You can follow her on Instagram @styledbysoneca for more tips.
The Style Guide
PhotograPhy: Nicholas gagliaNo
MeN's clothiNg styled By sal lauretta For MeN, MidlaNd Park
WoMeN's clothiNg By Boutique 811, FraNkliN lakes
Watches availaBle at the tiMePiece collectioN, eNgleWood oN locatioN: Bar Mutz, WestWood
Models: Matt, diaNe, susaN, carlos
TOWN TITLE FOUNDATION
The Town Title Foundation held their annual golf outing at Ridgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.towntitlefoundation.org.
Bob Costa, Gary Paparozzi
Stephen and John Amoratis, Neil and Collin Hanley
Chris and Art Rotio
Steven Salemme, Kyle Tafuri
Mike and Kathy Vigneron, Kerry and Don Low
Jim Kourgelis, Bob Garrett, Mark Sparta
Joe Ciambrone, Nick Donato, Mike Geanopulos
Trae Minicucci, Jerry Iannone
Joe Ciambrone, Josh Thompson, Chris Rotio
Thomas Jr. and Thomas Scuderi
Josh and Mattia Thompson
Mike Horton, Dr. Sanjeev Patel, Dave Stephens, Jose Lozano, Mark Sparta
Eli Manning, Bob Garrett, Chris Rotio
Joe Ciambrone, Jackie DaSilva, Eli Manning, Bob Garrett, Chris and Dawn Rotio, Liz Dawson, Mattia and Josh Thompson
Donald Farrell, Jose Lozano
Lawrence Inserra III, Zachary Thomas, Steven Salemme
Home for the Holidays
Cozy Décor and Comforting Flavors to Warm Every Room
By audRey Zona
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I couldn’t be happier! Nothing gives me more joy than creating a cozy, warm, welcoming atmosphere in my home for my friends and family, so decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite things to do all year. It’s not surprising, since before I began my wellness business, I owned a flower shop and worked in fashion and interior design. All my prior careers gave me an understanding of how to create spaces that are comfortable and inviting, and all this knowledge informs my current work in health and wellness.
In my Zo Healthy practice, I work with my clients to give them the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health, wellness and lives as I support them as their advisor and cheerleader. But in the course of our time together, my clients and I also discover the ways in which they can find joy in their lives. We find that, in addition to what they eat and how they move their bodies, creating an environment of wellness that will last a lifetime involves surrounding ourselves with beauty that brings us serenity and contentment.
Beauty can, of course, take many forms. It can be a nourishing meal, a well-decorated room, a long catch up with a beloved friend or time with family. But this holiday season, I thought I’d share some of the ways I used décor to create a magical, inviting home that feels like an inviting resting spot for my friends and family.
Each year, before I head out to shop for anything new, I shop my house. I look around at the items I have on display, and then I start digging in my cabinets, closets and attic to find candlesticks, bowls and votives I’ve forgotten about, or the treasured holiday decorations and heirlooms that have been passed down through the generations.
Once I’ve scoured my house, I gather all my finds and start placing them in each room so I can see them in the space and know what I’m still missing. After I have everything in place, (and sometimes it takes a day or two of moving them around to get the look exactly right) then it’s time to go shopping.
I personally like to incorporate a mix of high and low in my decorating. I’ll find items from Home Goods
and Marshalls and place them right alongside pieces from boutiques, my travels and high-end vendors like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Table At Latona’s in Ridgewood. Vintage stores, tag sales and flea markets are also great places to find nostalgic items that have a little patina of age to them.
Back home, I get to work layering chargers under holiday themed plates, wrapping napkins with special ribbon or napkin holders and creating tablescapes and vignettes. I start with the focal pieces, the ones I want to have center stage, then I layer in other pieces to create depth, interest and to add color. I finish it all off with greenery, berries (often foraged from outside) and a little bit of sparkle.
Once I’m satisfied with my decorating, it’s time to move on to my other favorite way to care for my loved ones… cooking. Food is another way to make my loved ones feel at home and it does my heart good to fill up my friends and family with satisfying fare that makes them feel cherished. And just as my decorating incorporates a wide variety of items, so does my holiday cooking. This is the time of the year when I indulge in decadence and I encourage everyone to do the same, just in moderation and without completely abandoning the workouts and progress we’ve made through the year.
No matter how you celebrate, or who you celebrate with, I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons. Take time to create something magical and beautiful, even if you are the only one who will see or appreciate it. You owe it to yourself, and you deserve it. Happy holidays and cheers to the new year!
You can find Audrey on IG at zo_healthy or her website livezohealthy.com.
Wyckoff’s Storyteller Brings the American Revolution to Life Through Adventure
By staCey feintuCh
As a child, author Robert Skead hated reading. In fact, when he was in fourth grade, he cried the morning he had a book report due because he hadn’t read the novel. Fortunately, his mother was understanding. Before school, she read the beginning of the book to him so he could talk a little bit about it if called on in class. His teacher was nice enough to let him hand the report in late.
“But I still didn’t like the book,” he recalls.
However, the Wyckoff native excelled in creative writing. When he went on to pursue a career as an author later in life, he experienced his share of rejection. He never gave up, though, and now has written several books for middle-age children. Each book’s topic is the result of something that captured his attention and that he decided to learn more about like Christmas elves and football-playing turkeys.
“Today, I feel I’m gifted at coming up with story ideas, a fun beginning, middle and end – all the stuff that characters do and say. The actual writing part is a lot of work. As they say, writing is rewriting. No first draft sings, ever.”
Most recently, Dark Treason was published in May. The book focuses on the American Revolution and is the fourth book in his American Revolutionary War Adventure series.
The 60-year-old was in sixth grade in 1976 when America celebrated its Bicentennial.
“Everything was about the Bicentennial then – even pizza boxes had the Bicentennial logo.”
His parents took him to Washington, D.C. and New England. There, he learned about places and events that were part of the Revolution.
His interest in American history grew when he and his sister traced their genealogy. They discovered they had ancestors who fought and served in the Continental Army and Connecticut militia. His father joined the Sons of the American Revolution and encouraged him to do so, too. His ancestor, Lamberton Clark, a main character in his war series books, served in the
Revolutionary War as a member of the Connecticut militia and Continental Army. The tales in the series aim to inspire readers to be patriotic and celebrate colonial patriots and George Washington.
He decided to use true but little-known elements about the American Revolution as a hook and build an adventure around those ideas. Book One deals with spying and the Culper Spy Ring. Book Two is about the American Turtle submarine. Book three focuses on the Great Chain at West Point.
“All these things I had never heard about as a child or adult.”
And book four is the American Revolution spy thriller, Dark Treason.
All About Dark Treason
Dark Treason details the untold story that could’ve changed the course of American history. In 1780, Benedict Arnold, a hero turned traitor, plotted the surrendering of West Point, a strategic fortress, to the British. If his scheme was successful, freedom would be extinguished.
“As I researched this true story, I felt it had to be retold.”
Two young patriots, John and Ambrose Clark, are the book’s protagonists. They race against time as they become involved in Arnold’s betrayal and the captured British spy, Major John André. Readers will see if they reach General Washington in time to expose the treachery or if André will be hung, taking Arnold’s treason secrets with him.
Skead struggled whether to retell this story and involve the Clark twins.
“I decided the story is so important that I had to do my best to retell it.”
If those cannon shots from the Continentals at the British ship Vulture never happened and André escaped with the plans to West Point, the outcome of the Revolutionary War may have turned out differently.
“Youth and adults need to learn this story.”
Skead spent a lot of time making sure he got the events and characters correct. He was surprised how much historians knew about actual events. He had many resources at his disposal to learn how people felt about history.
“History wrote the story,” he says. He had to retell it and interject the main characters from his previous books into the tale. “That was the fun part.”
He loves how he felt while writing the book.
“I feel like I was there, and it all happened to me
and around me. That is the magic of being a storyteller.”
A portion of the book’s net profits will support SAR Education Outreach Committee.
Personal life
Skead grew up in Wyckoff and lives there today with his family. For more than 20 years, he has visited nearly 300 schools and public libraries in the tristate area.
Find out more at robertskead.com.
step outside your comfort zone and experiment with combinations you might not have tried before. Think gold hoops paired with silver bangles, or necklaces that combine tones in one piece. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to elevate any outfit and break the
This Spring/Summer 2025 fashion trends are all about feeling fresh, confident and creatively you. Whether you’re embracing soft tones, experimenting with texture or stepping out in asymmetric cuts, this season invites you to play with your style and make it your own. My motto is that if a trend is not wearable than quite honestly it doesn’t interest me. The main thing you always want to be on the lookout for what makes you feel confident, comfortable and that the item can be versatile and worn in different ways, your perfect warm-weather wardrobe? Let’s connect! You can
BC THE MAG GOLF OUTING
BC the Mag and B&M Market held their annual golf outing at Hackensack Golf Club to benefit Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. For more information, visit www.rbari.org.
Vinnie Nicholas and Sam Doran
Donnalee Corrieri, Rosemary Klie
Banc Pero, Toni Ann Pierro, Troy DePillis
Dr. Dyan Muller, Debbie Cangialosi
Howard and Jonathan Goldstein
Tom Hoerner, Sam Gerais, Sam Doran
Marge Kraus, Marilyn Rubner
Jerry and Denise Silberman
Steve Nyman, Paula Lane
Jerry and Josh Iannone, Matt D’Amato, Jordan Iannone
Anthony, Carmen and Nick Cangiolosi
Brian McCourt, Kevin Pace
Sharon Goldstein, Lori Duckstein, Donnalee Corrieri, Alice Dobrin, Rosemary Klie, Diane Chessin
Cathy Konner, Glenn Dolce, Dr. Dyan Muller, James Dolce, Claudine Callison
Brandon Goldstein, Michael and Jared Schwartz, Steven Goldstein
Jose Orellano, Kevin Pace, Brian McCourt, Rich Mason
VALLEY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
The Valley Hospital Auxiliary held their annual meeting and luncheon at the Indian Trail Club. For more information, visit www.valleyhealth.com.
Bettina Daly, Fran Lang, Donna Dolan
Lorraine DeLuca, Gilda Gilmartin, Anne Russo
Lynn Van Allen, Jody Mullin
David Bohan, Joe Lorino
Betty Moore, Josephine Carapezza
Dr. Robert Brenner, David Bohan
Brooke Gillespie, Gerry Pehush
Janis Ing Strauss, Heidi Fink
Bob Bulger, Jenny Stokolyas
Kathy Nardella, Anne Swist, Susan Mediterraneo
Sandy Carapezza, Regina Toomey Bueno
Francesca Belgiovine, Robert Nussbaum, Andrea LoMonaco, Don Dyrmess
John Cioletti, Allyson Burzinski, George McLoof
Wendy Mattel, Trudy Cavada, Elizabeth Vivenzio, Jo-Ann Stolzberg, Carol Donohue
Sandy Carapezza, Anne Russo, Kathy Ambrose, Donna Singer
Lesley Dinallo, Maria Djuric, Geisa Flynn
Start the new year with a commitment to your family’s total wellness. From pediatrics and specialized women’s services to advanced adult and senior care, Valley has the trusted doctors and healthcare professionals to support every stage of life.
With convenient locations close to home, online scheduling, health screenings, and wellness resources at your fingertips, Valley is here to keep you and your loved ones thriving all year long.
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