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If there’s one thing I’ve been learning this year, it’s that fear always shows up sounding reasonable. It doesn’t scream; it whispers. “Be careful,” it says.
“What if you’re not ready?” It comes dressed like wisdom, like protection, like love. And honestly, it has protected me at times. But lately, I’ve realized: fear is valid – but it’s not trustworthy.
Fear doesn’t account for growth. It forgets all the times I did the hard thing and came out stronger. It only remembers the stumbles, the close calls, the what ifs.
This year, I’m trying to live differently. I’m choosing to listen to fear but not obey it.
In a few weeks, I’m heading out on a hiking trip in Utah. It’s the kind of thing – in theory – I’ve always wanted to do, but fear gave me every excuse to wait. My sons are too young. It’s too much time away. I’m needed at home. It’s too much. But I’m going anyway. Not because I’m fearless – but because I’m done letting fear make my decisions for me.
And in the quieter, everyday moments, I’ve been learning to trust myself in smaller ways too – like at the gym, where I’ve started upping my weights. That might sound simple, but there’s a fear that creeps in there, too: What if I can’t lift it? What if I fail? But I’m learning that strength grows when you push just past what feels comfortable. Just like everything else.
And maybe the most vulnerable thing I’ve done this year (even admitting this “out loud” is scary): I finally started writing the book I’ve carried in my heart for years. The one I used to think I wasn’t ready for. Now, I’m showing up to the page – sometimes excited, sometimes terrified – but I’m writing anyway.
This whole year has been a lesson in trying anyway.
If you’re standing at the edge of something that matters to you – something wild, or quiet, or personal – I hope you give yourself permission to begin. You don’t have to wait to feel brave. You just have to start, scared and all.
Here’s to trying anyway, Jessica HumpHrey-cintineo
The Inserra Family Foundation held a special VIP Reception in advance of the Carl Inserra Memorial Golf Outing.
Joy Vottero, Lee Parker Samir Sanariya, Gerald Douglas, Jim Dorey
Debbie Pregiato, Bob Jordan
Rich Chamberlain Jr., Anthony Guzzo
Rich Chamberlain, Rich and Lina Colloca
Sharon Scimeca, Marisa Guastella
Nisha Sikder, Josette Portalatin
Larry Inserra, Pat Sullivan
Marie Luzarraga, Theresa Inserra, Miguel Abreu
Theresa and Marie Inserra, Nicole Stuart
Shane Hartman, Stephanie O’Brien, Jim Dorey
Joyce Hendricks, Lawrence Inserra Jr.
Sirlei Goncalves, Aline Souza
Larry Inserra, Linda and Peter Hanson
Lindsey and Tom Alvarez, Bonnie Inserra
Frank Siclari, Kyle Dupont, Marie and Theresa Inserra, Laura Dupont, Nicole Stuart, Larry Inserra
The Englewood Health Foundation held their annual gala at The Glasshouse in NYC. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.
Amy and Mark Shirvan Amy, Richard and Nancy Lerner
Debbie Sapnick, Warren Geller
Dr. Stephen and Donna Brunnquell
Jill and Larry Oshinsky Dainab and Wasik Ashraf
Sabina Cowen, Michael and Sophie Gutter
Drs. Jim and Sandy Mcginty
Sarah, Kristin, Hannah and Warren Geller
Sharon and Jeff Kurtz
John and Mary Capasso Bruce and Nancy Harper
Bonnie Fendell, Lisa and Mark Spivack, Judy Taub Gold
Michael Gutter, Richard Lerner, Amy and Mark Shirvan, Dr. John Stabile, Warren Geller
Ronald Rollieson, Joanne English Rollieson
Sandy Sgambati, Jessica Segal
The Norwood Public School PTO held their annual gala at Edgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.norwoodpto.membershiptoolkit.com.
Mary Kate Portera, Mary Leocato
Timothy Gouraige, Kathleen DeRosa
Claudia Mendoza, Marco Sanchez
Lisa Baird, Jamie Kopf
Amy Kim, Suzanne Sterk, Raquel Pierro, Suzanne Soliman, Sarah Lucero
Jenna Pascle, Rachel Schank
David and Erica Pepose Lisa and Joe Sanzari Jr. Thomas Wong, Rita Hsing, Amar Kadiyam, Ram Regunathan
Jim Barsa, Paul Haberman
Tara Ippolito, Claude Lafontant
Edita Brumaru, Fay Nisanov
Amy Kim, Michelle Choi, Rachel Kim Brenna Burke, Katie Cook, Kelly Wilson
Chris and Chelsea Oxx, Rochelle Makofsky
Jonathan Leach, Emily Klug
By Megan MonteMarano
It took hitting rock bottom for Danielle Sherman-Lazar – now a successful entrepreneur, mental health advocate, mother of four and recently published author of her first book for adults, Mothers Are Made – to realize she was not alone. And when she did, nothing could stop her.
After suffering a seizure from a two-decade battle with eating disorders, Danielle realized something had to change.
“Shame had kept me silent for years,” explains Danielle. “I never looked up anything about eating disorders because I believed I was alone in my struggle.”
It’s when she learned the truth – that eating disorders are medical illnesses, partly genetic and not something we cause ourselves or choose – that she was able to break free.
Soon after, at the age of 26, Danielle started Living Full, a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others wouldn’t have to endure what she did before asking for help. Since then, she has grown a strong online presence in her health advocate role, with over 155,000 followers on Instagram and 415,000 on Facebook.
“I began writing about motherhood and postpartum challenges that women face. A lot of people could relate to feeling lonely postpartum, or how hard it is to stomach the judgment we face,” she adds.
A business major in college, Danielle rediscovered her love for writing while recovering from her eating disorders and trying to find out who she was. She took a few classes and became even more invested in writing and the life-changing power words can hold.
“My first two children’s books were such passion projects,” explains Danielle. “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Adults Have Big Feelings Too helps kids understand that adults struggle too. Growing up I thought my parents were perfect, which made me believe I had to be. That pressure led to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including my eating disorder. We need our children to see our imperfections – to know big feelings are normal, not something to hide.”
The timing of this publication was important. During COVID, families were home together, and kids saw their parents’ emotions more than ever. Danielle hoped this book would help open honest conversations during that critical time and in the future.
“Moms aren’t instantly born along with their babies — mothers are made through time and experience.”
Then she became a mother, and realized just how lonely motherhood, too, could feel.
“As women, society holds us to unrealistic standards,” says Danielle. “But we can love motherhood and also experience bad days. It’s impossible to love motherhood all the time and get everything right. We are only human.”
And so, Living Full continued to evolve. Today, Danielle writes about both motherhood and mental health – her two greatest passions. This is when her work started to thrive.
She then wrote It’s Okay to Embrace Your Body to remind kids (and adults) that body insecurity is normal. What matters is that we keep living and talking through our feelings rather than turning to diet culture.
“Seeing both books resonate so deeply was incredibly meaningful. After my own struggles, knowing that I could help children learn these important lessons so maybe they wouldn’t go through what I did meant everything.”
Always looking to further her impact, Danielle’s latest work and first-ever adult publication, Mothers Are Made, offers a deeply personal look at how the challenges mothers face daily sharpen them into stronger, braver and better parents for their children.
“I got the idea to write this after receiving countless messages on social media asking if I have a book with all my posts in them,” explains Danielle. “I realized that all my writing has a common theme of empowering moms and women.”
Raising four young daughters under the age of nine, Danielle has certainly seen her share of struggles.
“I gave birth at 32 weeks while battling COVID – I was coughing so much that my water broke. My fourth-born spent 45 days in the NICU where I couldn’t see her the first week because I was COVID positive.”
Danielle has endured difficult pregnancies, including a Cholestasis diagnosis. She’s grappled with potty training and navigating the complexities of parenting a child with severe anxiety and another with ADHD.
“Motherhood is hard. We face challenges we never expected, but we push through. And in the process, we grow. We learn. We become stronger, not despite the hard, but because of it.”
A turning point for Danielle happened during her struggles with breastfeeding that she shares in her memoir. It was a battle every time she fed her firstborn. She pumped for 14 months with her second born, and when her third daughter arrived, she remembers holding her and breaking down into tears. She didn’t know how she was going to pump and take care of three kids under three. So, she fed her formula.
“It felt like a weight had been lifted,” adds Danielle. “She was happy and thriving and I didn’t care what others thought. I finally realized that breastfeeding was not what made me a good mom.”
And it’s for reasons like this that Danielle wrote Mothers are Made – to let other moms know that no matter what they are going through, they are never alone. If they’re struggling to breastfeed, so is another mom. If their child is in the NICU, so is another mom’s. There is always another mother out there going through the same thing, and there’s comfort in acknowledging that.
“There is no single ‘right’ way to approach motherhood – only your way. Perfection isn’t the goal, love is. Forget the judgment – everyone struggles with something. What matters most is showing up, trying your best, and loving your kids unconditionally.”
Danielle is dedicated to supporting parents in their imperfect motherhood journeys, all while celebrating the joys of each stage. Follow her on Instagram, @livingfullaftered; Facebook, www.facebook.com/StrivingToBeFULLeveryday/; or her website, www.livingfull.me.
Mothers Are Made is available for purchase online at any major book retailer.
The Gala, held at The Rockleigh, was an evening celebrating hope, health, happiness and the relaunch of “From Broken to Beautifully Broken” by Ella Shae. For more information, visit www.ellashae.com.
Ella Shae, Sabrina Cosentino
Jennifer Tierney, Laura Drago
Anthony Goncalves, Cameron Leary
Adam Damelio, Michael Kousis, Angie Kous, Marcello Cosentino
ToniMarie Pietro, Fred Puccio
Michelle Mierzwinski, Xio Cammarota
Nicole Peepas, Ella Shae, Alexandra Miles, Sabrina Cosentino
Jennifer Fhi, Frank Rodriguez
Maryanne Puccio, Fatima Santos, Tara Jagiello
Aimee Laitman, Olivia Pipala
Vanessa DiRusso, Gina Sullivan Samantha Hubbard, Tiffany Rosania, Danielle Kermizian, Erica Morrison
ToniMarie DiPietro, Ella Shae, Maryanne Puccio
Tara Jagiello, Kerry Vreeland, Fatima Santos, Maria Rodriguez, Maryanne Puccio
Danielle Caminiti, Anthony Sciarratta
Nicole Sudol, Kristin Garces, Ashley Fede, Stephanie Venezia, Laurie Carmagnola
By Lori nittoLi
By Kevin CzerwinSKi
When Alexis Pokorski and Alexis Canonico came up with the idea for The Student Athlete Foundation [SAF], the benefits for those in need were obvious and immediate – provide young men and women with the financial assistance required to attend one of North Jersey’s highly regarded private schools.
The long-term benefits, however, of helping student athletes realize their dreams of attending a Bergen Catholic, St. Joseph’s, Don Bosco Prep or any of the pricey private schools in the area aren’t as immediate. The opportunity to attend such a high school will often lead to attending a better collegiate experience and help lay foundation for what will be, for many, a successful and productive career.
So, to pigeonhole what this pair of educators have done while working at Fair Lawn’s Parisi Academy as a one-time offering and move on approach would be a mistake. Pokorski, 43, and Canonico, 41, have created a foundation through which they wish to help student athletes not only get into a highly competitive and elite high school but have also established a support system that will continue to provide them with assistance as they move through the entirety of their academic careers.
The Parisi Academy is home to 36 students, all of whom are in eight grade or reclassing eighth grade to better prepare mentally and physically for the rigors of high school. The SAF, while working with the Parisi Academy, is a separate entity.
ics,” Pokorski said. “But some kids do need social growth and reclassing to grow one more year and that really promotes their stability. We love seeing that growth. These kids also want to further their careers and parents look at it as the academic seat that wasn’t afforded to them. Helping them get a top-notch education has the potential for a great job beyond what they would have fathomed.
“We don’t want to do this for a small handful of kids. We want to help every type of kid further themselves and their lives and right now the only thing holding them back is financial hardship.”
Pokorski, who teaches math, and Canonico, who teaches language arts, both live in Franklin Lakes and have children of their own. They taught in the Garfield, Elmwood Park and Fair Lawn public schools for years before joining Parisi. They came up with the idea of the SAF last year when one of their students was financially unable to attend one of the aforementioned private schools without some assistance. Ultimately, that student ended up at one of the private schools.
“We felt like we could reach many more children and families and provide support to a lot of current students heading to high school and get them into a program that was born to raise funds for student athletes,” Canonico said.
“A lot of what we do [at Parisi] is driven by athlet-
The SAF has granted $30,000 in scholarship money since its inception, providing seven scholarships to student athletes as well as providing another scholarship to one student whose father was battling cancer. Pokorski and Canonico spend at least 10 hours a week on foundation work doing social media, cre-
ating fund-raising events and seeking out sponsors.
That doesn’t include the time they spend going to various games in support of the students who have already moved on to high school.
The money raised and provided to individuals isn’t limited, however, to high school. Those who wish to play on travel or club teams but are financially unable are also eligible. Attending the Parisi Academy is not a requirement for scholarship consideration.
“We are trying to get those larger sponsors who want to help and support the kids, develop a long-time relationship and partnership,” Pokorski said. “We want to start putting ourselves out there and get people thinking how can I join? We want to bring awareness to more people and bring in more finances to the kids.
“One kid from Paterson prompted all of this. We spoke with our husbands and asked how do we pay
for him. We [Alexis C. and I] both sat there talking as teachers that came from Garfield and Elmwood Park and Fair Lawn and asked how can we help these kids better themselves in any way. How can we help him and everyone else in this situation?”
Canonico and Pokorski are hopeful that their efforts will expand to events such as winter and spring galas, an expanded board of trustees and more general fundraising events like the Cornhole Tournament that took place in early May in an effort to get as many student athletes, both boys and girls, as much scholarship money as possible.
It’s a project that, while still in its infancy, can change the lives of many young athletes, both in the short and long term.
For more information, or to get involved, visit their website at https://studentathletefoundation.com.
To learn more, call 201- 447- 8377 or visit ValleyHealth.com / HeartSurgery
At Valley, our world-class cardiac surgeons believe they are stronger together. By working side-by-side with your cardiologist and other heart experts, they provide a comprehensive plan for surgery that considers every possibility. All so you can think less about your heart, and more about what it longs for.
The USR Latinas Club held their annual spring luncheon at Charlie’s Place in Waldwick.
Laura Ruiz, Natalia Moris
Jule Linter, Wendy Behrens
Angelica Almedia, Natalia Moris, Miriam Gargiulo, Edi Cronin
Angelica Almeida, Jennifer Zhanay
Mildred Hsu, Jule Linter, Wendy Behrens
Frances Andtbacka, Miriam Gargiulo, Nina Acapana
The Upper Saddle River Latinas Committee
Isadora Rodriguez, Jule Linter
Laura Ruiz, Nolly Pastore, Mildred Hsu, Jule Linter
Jackie Caceres, Natalia Moris
Edi Cronin, Ava Garcia, Thais Ranaudo
Natalia Moris, Mildred Hsu
Laura Ruiz, Tammy Russo Frances Andtbacka , Suheil Paradas, Jule Linter, Angelica Almeida Thais Ranaudo, Jennifer Zhanay
Gloria Julian, Diana Rider, Natalia Moris, Julie Pandolfelli
By Brianna ruBaCK
Selling books has always been an integral part of Kenny Sarfin’s identity. The lifelong avid reader worked at his parents’ bookstore, 1407 Camera and Card Shop, in Manhattan for 35 years. When it was time to close the store after 49 years, Sarfin knew he wanted to open a place of his own in Bergen County.
“That’s the business I knew,” he said. “And I love people, and I love retailing.”
In 2007, Sarfin, an Old Tappan resident, opened Books and Greetings in Northvale. For the business owner, making the store event-driven was always one of his goals. Since the doors opened, the strip mall bookstore became a hub for book-signing events, welcoming best-selling authors like Harlan Coben and Elin Hilderbrand, in addition to a wide range of celebrities.
Of the numerous big names that have come into the store, Mark Bavaro, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was one of the first. Sarfin said the NFL star’s book signing for Rough and Tumble was a “very big event” that “started the ball rolling.”
Thanks to word-of-mouth, Books and Greetings went on to host countless meet-and-greet book-signing events for celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris, Valerie Bertinelli, Shaquille O’Neal and Chrissy Metz.
Over time, the turnout for these celebrity-focused events has increased in size. Sarfin noted that John Stamos’ book signing for If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir attracted more than 1,600 people, while Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby similarly drew in over 1,000 people at his book signing for XOXO, Cody: An Opinionated Homosexual’s Guide to Self-Love, Relationships and Tactful Petiness.
“We’ve had people fly in for these celebrity events, which is mind-boggling to me, but it’s happened many, many times where they want to meet someone that comes to our store,” Sarfin said.
Another element that sets Books and Greetings apart is its focus on hand-selling – meaning selling books based on personal recommendation. The store currently offers 87,000 titles, has almost
10,000 people on its email list, and regularly shares book recommendations and event information on its social media accounts.
In addition to the book signings, the store has hosted costume events, arts and crafts events, fundraisers and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and Santa.
Contrary to its name, Books and Greetings sells more than just books and greeting cards. The store is also home to a plethora of gifts, toys, games, puzzles and high-end chocolates.
“It has something for everyone,” Sarfin said. “It’s really rare to walk out of there empty-handed.”
Reflecting on his decades-long career in the book business, the owner said one of his proudest accomplishments is the store’s reputation for providing customers with a positive experience.
“Everybody loves the store. They love shopping there. They always walk out happy,” he said. “I tell my team, ‘Don’t let anybody leave unhappy no matter what, even if it costs us money, just let them leave happy.’”
Whether you’re perusing the bookshelves or scrolling through the business’s social media accounts, chances are, you’ll see Sarfin, who works at the store seven days a week.
“I like what I do, and it shows,” he said. “Everybody who works in the bookstore is happy to be at work in the bookstore, and that’s so important.”
Books & Greetings is located at 271 Livingston St. in Northvale. For more information on the store, visit booksandgreetings.com or check out the business on Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Allendale Woman’s Club held their 20th Anniversary Fashion Show at Seasons. The show benefited Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge and other AWC causes. For more information, visit www.allendalewomans.club.
Lesley Duca, Susan Olkusz, Cathy Mostyn, Siobhan Heafy
Deiredra Oliver, Marie Caliendo
Stacy Smith, Lori Shekari, Tracy Bagnato, Kim O’Sullivan
Tracy McLee, Julia Margagliotta, Emily Bratten
Andrea Gates, Tracy Kaplan, Robin Braver
Chala Ural, Carol Wilkinson, Lara Shoenholz
Darcy Linares, Jacqui Hill
Jensen, Ranae Adee
Ann Swist, Linda Cennerazzo
Lea Pumill, Lucy Segovia
Roe Wellman, Gail Komlo
Terri Shedler, Dawn Balzano, Geisa Flynn, Lesley Dinallo, Odette Burnan
Amanda Engleman, Nikita Singhani, Sandy Jabado
Michelle Conte, Diane Chessin, Sharon Goldstein, Debbie Cangialosi
Deedee Butwin, Tracy Cinelli, Dawn Balzano
By MiCheLLe roSa rayBeCK
When 3,000 champion show dogs converged on New York City in February for the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a few of them were Bergen County neighbors. Two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, two Bergamasco Sheepdogs, two Belgian Tervurens and a Cardigan Welsh Corgi represented Bergen County at this prestigious event – the longest-running sporting event in U.S. history.
To qualify for Westminster, a dog must come from a proven, documented bloodline and hold several regional and national championship titles. The finest examples of their particular breeds, dogs competing at Westminster are judged not against each other but against a written standard.
“The Westminster Kennel Club prides itself on being one of the oldest, mission-based organizations in the world dedicated to dogs,” said Dr. Donald Sturz, president of The Westminster Kennel Club.
Presented by Purina One ProPlan, breed judging, agility and obedience championships were held during the day on Feb. 8, 10 and 11 at the Jacob K. Javits Center, narrowing down the 3,000 dogs to 201 breed winners. Judging to further narrow the field to seven group winners (Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terrier, Toy and Working) and finally to Best in Show took place on Monday and Tuesday evenings at Madison Square Garden. A Learning Opportunity
Dog shows serve a valuable function for educating the public. Each breed has specific characteristics intended to serve a purpose. If a family learns about breed characteristics before choosing a dog, they’re less likely to make a bad match and more likely to enjoy a long and fulfilling relationship with that dog. This applies to shelter dogs for adoption, too: breed characteristics have a way of shining through no matter how mixed a dog’s ancestry may be. Many good dogs end up in shelters because their families were not prepared to meet the breed’s needs.
If purchasing a purebred dog from a breeder, it’s important to research the breeder first.
“Don’t get a puppy mill dog or go to a backyard breeder. Don’t look for the cheapest or the closest. Look for a breeder who has a proven track record of success with their dogs. Most of the people at Westminster are hobby breeders whose passion is to better the breed. They do one to five litters a year and always return phone calls,” said breeder-owner Janice Wolfe of Wyckoff, whose two Rhodesian Ridgebacks competed at Westminster this year.
Every show dog comes from a breeder who’s responsible for generating animals of the highest standard, in terms of both physical and mental characteristics. They live a normal dog’s life with an owner who’s responsible for their care and maintenance. Often, a professional handler presents the dog to the best advantage in the ring. Sometimes those are all one and the same person. Some show dogs live the lives of pampered pets; others are involved in rewarding dog sports like agility and flyball; many champion show dogs have working lives as service or therapy dogs.
Wolfe’s Rhodesian Ridgebacks, who are trained for a variety of jobs, are a good example of this. Rhodesian Ridgebacks, large reddish-brown hounds characterized by a ridge-like cowlick down the spine, are strong, high-energy dogs that need exercise and mental stimulation to prevent negative behaviors like destruction.
“Rhodesians are the only breed in the hound group that are both sight and scent hounds. They’re always using all their senses,” Wolfe said. “I breed them to be champions with good temperament, good health and longevity.”
Wolfe has been involved for decades in a variety of dog-related activities. As a behaviorist, she rehabilitates shelter dogs to get them ready for adoption.
Many of Wolfe’s dogs over the years have been placed as service dogs. Some are trained to sniff subtle changes that indicate cancer, diabetes, seizures, heart problems and other life-threatening health conditions. Wolfe, a three-time cancer survivor herself, credits her dog Wyatt with the early detection of her cancer 15 years ago.
“I do [this work] to help people, and it saved me,” she said, adding, “God didn’t keep me on this earth to accumulate stuff; he put me here to right wrongs and save lives.”
Tiina (GCH CH Rambo’s Caribbean Queen) and Kojo (CH Rambo’s Whiskey Gold Digger), the two who competed at Westminster this year, have a special job of helping to evaluate humans applying to receive service dogs, and assessing temperament in shelter dogs.
“There have been about 70 or 80 of my dogs that I’ve placed in service positions, never mind all the shelter dogs we’ve evaluated and placed,” Wolfe said. “I’m most proud of the service dogs that have come from my line.”
Because her operation is small and personal, Wolfe is able to closely control the quality of her dogs, and to ensure that each is placed with the right family.
“I’m a hobby breeder. All my puppies are born in my home, and all my dogs whether they’re six weeks or 16 years old are together, because the older dogs teach the puppies how to get along with everybody,” Wolfe explained. “A lot of breeders who are doing several litters a year just to make money don’t care, but I do. I stay in touch with my clients and help them if they run into trouble. I care what problems they’re having, and I can advise the owners when something doesn’t look right. I’m always in touch with my clients, my students, my behavioral patients. I have one client who’s had six dogs from me over 40 years; she keeps coming back because they’re such good dogs.”
Wolfe has done much of this work through her nonprofit organization, Merlin’s Kids, named for the first horse she rescued and trained for therapy work. The ongoing process of managing a nonprofit carries specific responsibilities in terms of accounting, reporting and keeping paperwork current with the state. A court order was recently issued ordering Wolfe to close Merlin’s Kids. She reported that she had rectified any paperwork errors and is in the process of appealing that court order.
She explained, “There’s a piece of paper you’re supposed to file with the state every year, but we didn’t know about it – 40-50 percent of charities in New
Jersey are operating without this document. I found out about it through another rescuer – the state is several years backlogged, and they weren’t sending it to us automatically. And as for the items I purchased through the charity, which the media made sound like I bought for myself, those were all gifts I gave to clients,” Wolfe said. In the meantime, “We’re not taking any new people, but we’re honoring everything we said we would do for people.”
Sapphire and CoCo
Squarely in the pampered pet category are Bergamasco Sheepdogs Sapphire (GCH CH Ancient Eyes Vrai Amour JI Sapphire Ice) and Coco (GCH CH Ancient Eyes Vrai Amour CC Chanel). Bred by Yvonne Bunevich of Quaker Hill, Conn. and Susan Pickerell of Oakland, Md., they live with owners Audrey and Vincent Ibelli in Upper Saddle River. Like any other dogs, they bark at the door to greet a visitor, and because they were bred for a pleasant temperament, they are well-behaved, friendly and eager to please.
Sapphire and Coco are part of an active dog show
circuit and hold many titles. At Westminster this year, Coco picked up an Award of Merit.
Bergamasco Sheepdog is a rare Italian breed – only eight showed at Westminster in 2025 – characterized by their soft hypoallergenic coat that naturally knits into ropy “flocks.” This unusual coat characteristic is an important consideration, because left untended, the coat forms big, heavy mats; improperly maintained, the flocks can develop mildew and cause the dog to sicken. A person who obtains a Bergamasco Sheepdog must be prepared to manage a demanding grooming routine. By the same token, a Bergamasco Sheepdog may be a good choice for a person with allergies precisely because of the composition of their coat.
“They have to be groomed every four to six weeks. I installed a Flying Pig bathtub where I bathe them, separate their flocks, [and] Dremel [their] nails on the maintenance level. For the big shows such as Westminster, March madness cluster and my national specialty in Maryland I do employ a top expert,” said Audrey Ibelli in an email, adding that the expert did not want her name mentioned. “After
a bath, they stand in the crate surrounded by four blow dryers, and we keep an eye on them to ensure it’s not too hot and they dry evenly. It takes 15 hours of preparation for two minutes of showing.”
The Ibellis started out in dog shows with Bichon Frises in the 1980s and later had standard poodles but got out of the scene after a few years.
“After our standard poodle passed away, we wanted something with less issues, something with longevity, something different – and we wanted to get back into the show ring,” said Ibelli. A friend told her about Bergamasco Sheepdogs, which sounded like exactly what they were seeking. “I called Susan Pickerell because she was on the [American Kennel Club] Top Breeders List. She had just finished placing a litter, but she had another one on the way, so we were willing to wait. She had to come to the house several times, vet us thoroughly, know who we were before she placed one of her puppies with us.”
As puppies, Coco and Sapphire tried their paws at agility, “but when it came time to do the tasks, they just laid down on the grass and weren’t interested,” said Ibelli. “We drive all over with them. They’re a spectacle for sure. People are always stopping us, asking questions. We hear that they look like mops or Rastafarians.”
“Training the dogs for a show ring takes a lot of dedication. We started them as puppies. I had bred and shown bichon frisés for a few years. I was mentored by the top breeders of the day and the guru of the breed, Mrs. Gertrude Fournier. They showed me how to gate and stack,” said Ibelli. “With my Bergamasco sheepdogs, we had done the same: a few shows under our belts, and I noticed that my girls were showing far beyond my capabilities and winning in their classes.”
Many dog owners employ professional handlers to help their dogs show their best.
“It was my informed decision to go with two very special and amazing handlers Mrs. Vickie Venzen and Mrs. Tia Marie Brass. Despite their commanding appearance, they had a majorly winning record on bringing dogs to their excellence, which brought the two girls to new heights. At Westminster, we won two Awards of Merit in 2022, the Best of Breed and Award of Merit in 2023, Best of Breed in 2024, and this year we won the Award of Merit. It is nice to be in the ribbons for that many years for that prestigious of a show.”
The other Bergen County competitors were not available to participate in this article, but even the winner of Best in Show was, in fact, from New Jersey: Monty (G CH Hearthmore’s Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB), a Giant Schnauzer from Ocean City took the honors.
Ann Scherring Shares Her Property Liquidation Strategies
By MiCheLLe roSa rayBeCK
When a person is involved in a business she enjoys, it’s conceivable that she might run it for decades, continuing to joyfully work well past the traditional retirement age. Ann Scherring, 80, of Ridgewood, has been a leader in the property liquidation industry for 45 years, and if/ when she does choose to retire, she’s got a plan to keep her business, Ann’s Tag Sales, alive for generations with her daughter, Anneliese O’Hea, and even her grandson possibly following in her footsteps.
Property liquidation is a broad term for sales held on behalf of a client who needs to sell the contents of their home. This includes estate and moving sales. The liquidator organizes, advertises, researches and stages the home, and then conducts the sale, which means knowing how to negotiate prices and having a well-trained sales staff to keep things under control. The inventory of merchandise consists of thousands of items from furniture and housewares to clothes and jewelry, artwork, historical and decorative collectibles, musical instruments, sporting memorabilia or equipment, silver and gold, and the list goes on and on, down to the tiniest box of paper clips. The process is very involved, and most homeowners have no idea how to go about it.
“It’s so much better and easier to have a professional do your sale for you, which brings you some money and keeps your things out of landfills,” Scherring said.
A liquidator sees clients at some of the most difficult times in their lives, and someone who doesn’t know how to treat people won’t last long.
“It’s a study in human nature. Going into people’s homes, going through their cabinets and drawers and places they’d rather the public not see, means it’s necessary to have empathy for what they’re going through. It’s stressful when you’re moving, painful when someone you love has died,” Scherring said. “There’s a lot of psychology in this business, and I always felt it was very important to treat the client with respect.”
Born in England, Scherring was a young mom living in Texas and working as a nutrition consultant in 1980, when she had an opportunity to move to Ho-Ho-Kus. Like all property liquidators, she knew nothing about this little-talked-about field and fell into it organically.
“I’ve always loved organization; my brain just works that
way,” she said. “I used to host all the garage sales in my neighborhood, and then a friend who was a realtor came to me and said she had a friend who was selling her house. She asked me if I would run a tag sale for her.”
Although quite small, bees are intensely connected to the environment and play an important role in the pollination cycle. And, if they aren’t doing well, it isn’t a good sign for the rest of the ecosystem.
Back then, Scherring pointed out, property liquidation was a nascent field.
Between increased development, climate change and the continued use of harmful pesticides, the worldwide bee population is on the decline.
“There were very few of us doing it.” Her friend June Regal, of Regal Sales, was busy with her antique shop. “She said she had a sale she couldn’t take on and asked me if I would do it for her.”
In an effort to try and restore the bee population, the practice of beekeeping has been on the rise and rooftop apiaries have sprung up in many cities, like New York, San Francisco and Seattle.
She recalled that the house was tiny but packed with historical artifacts for sale.
Hospitals have also been doing their part to improve honeybee health, and, in turn, the environment.
“But it was hopping with fleas; raccoons had taken over the attic. The family had to pay to have the house fumigated before we could go in and work. After that I became well known and began doing more sales.”
A growing number of hospitals across the country have joined the rooftop hive movement in recent years, including several across North Jersey: The Valley Hospital, Chilton Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center.
Thus began a journey of decades during which
“Establishing the rooftop beehives is in line with
Scherring would raise her daughter and later, her grandson in her business. Scherring’s daughter, Anneliese, went to the effort and expense of earning her Appraiser’s Certificate from New York University.
our dedication to sustainability, such as recycling, green construction initiatives and reducing our carbon footprint,” Mosser explained.
The bees forage far and wide, pollinating flowers and plants up to two miles from their hives. Then, they return to the colony to begin honey production.
“Like most women her age, Anneliese started out doing something else and just working for me in the summer, but she gradually got more involved. It also helped that she worked for a while at Rosehill Auctions, so she has always been very knowledgeable.”
Holy Name Chief of General Surgery Dr. Ron White said, “As a healthcare leader, we are always looking for new opportunities to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community.”
O’Hea’s 14-year-old son, Harry, has grown up at his mother’s and grandmother’s knees; property liquidation is in his blood.
“With honeybee numbers decreasing worldwide, we’re proud to not only help the honeybees but harvest a sweet, healthy treat for our employees and community,” he said. “Beehives can also serve as a welcome distraction for our hospitalized patients, many of whom have a view of the hives. The distraction and connection with nature also assist in healing.”
Homes are as individual and varied as the people who live in them. A property liquidator has to learn a little about everything and know how to conduct research to understand exactly what an item is, how it has varied over the years which affects its resale value, and its current market value.
“When I started, there was no internet. We had mag-
White went on, “Also, bees are one of the most important pollinator species for our ecosystem and honey containers beneficial probiotics to aid in health.
Continued on page 50
azines and sale books from Christie’s and Sotheby’s to help us identify and appraise items, and we advertised in the newspaper.”
Since prices are negotiable, it’s very important that the client provide as much background as possible on important pieces.
“My customers know that everything has been appraised and is priced at market value,” Scherring said.
Trust – from the client and the customer alike – is very important. Some clients are uncomfortable at first leaving a liquidator unattended in the home, and they also want to control pricing. Scherring goes to great lengths to make the client feel comfortable by offering them complete transparency; for example, she provides a list of sold items and their realized prices after the sale.
“I learned early to advocate for myself, saying, ‘If you don’t respect me and trust me, I’m not going to work for you.’”
In addition to providing detailed guidance on the preparation for the sale, Scherring also makes sure the client knows what to expect after the sale.
“We tell clients who are looking for ‘full service’ – expecting us to also get rid of whatever doesn’t sell – that it’s a conflict of interest for a liquidator to do their own cleanouts. If you know you’re going to take whatever doesn’t sell in the sale and go off and sell it on your own, then where’s the incentive to price things properly and sell them during the sale, so that the client gets their fair share?”
Instead, Scherring provides contacts for cleanout companies she herself trusts, and the client can choose to use them or not, applying some of the proceeds of the sale to the cleanout.
“And the more we sell, the less that goes into landfills.”
Decades later, Scherring is famous in northern New Jersey for doing the most upscale sales in the largest, wealthiest houses. She has a staff of five, plus a team of movers she hires to help customers move large items out of the house.
“My staff has it down to a science. We can get a house set up in one day. Once an inventory has been done, the research and pricing take a few days.”
Scherring relies on her staff and trusts their judgment implicitly.
“If a customer brings me a slip from one of my helpers who’s gone to the trouble of figuring out and negotiating a fair price with them, and then offers me less, I say absolutely not; I stand by my team’s pricing.”
Tag sales are advertised on her website www.annstagsales.com and the popular website estatesales. net, where Scherring posts hundreds of photos and a detailed description of key items for sale. That site has a feature called “Treasure Tracker,” with which customers can input keyword searches for specific items, and the site finds those words in every sale description.
“Detail is critical,” Scherring said.
Customers can learn a lot about the inventory, and Scherring can include details like parking instructions, even though many people ignore those instructions and risk parking tickets.
“It’s a known fact that we don’t pre-sell or play favorites; everything is out in the open. My customers know that whatever they’ve seen in my 500 photos will be there when we open on Friday morning,” she said.
Scherring takes pride in running an orderly sale, with items priced according to market value, a good, consistent staff and a client who feels comfortable trusting her with their home and possessions.
“This business has too much leeway. There’s no regulation, no licensing and there are too many people who are happy to come and do whatever they want, and take advantage of the client,” she said. “When interviewing with the client, we go over our contract, which details everything we do for them, and our expectations of them. [For example], most people don’t know that it’s very important to remove all documents and anything with identifying information on it as well as items they do not want sold. They always miss something, and we go through everything. All it takes is one old Social Security card left in a drawer, and your identity is stolen.”
Many clients are surprised to learn the extent to which “we literally restage and go through every corner of the house,” Scherring said.
Scherring believes her success in this field has to do with her thoroughness, organization and respect for both the client and the customer. It is her job to uphold her contract, ensure that all permits are in place, have all proper insurance and run her business “carefully and thoroughly, dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s,” she said. “People know that you’re direct and honest, you don’t lie, and you stake your word of honor on everything you do.”
By Brianna ruBaCK
Open the door of Ridgewood’s Hunt & Orchard, and get transported to a unique and eclectic world – one that’s filled with a carefully curated collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories inspired by art, music and pop culture.
For owner and Woodcliff Lake resident Michel Bezoza, this means offering edgier pieces than those you might typically find in Bergen County.
“There’s more black in the store than most other stores. It definitely has that downtown New York vibe to it,” Bezoza, who has an art background, said.
When it comes to picking out the store’s clothes, the boutique owner is inspired by fashion over the decades, adding that she “look[s] toward what’s happening in fashion – but with an edge.”
Another key element of the clothing is comfort. According to Bezoza, all the fabric choices are soft and easy to wear. Hunt & Orchard’s inspiration is also seen in its décor, which includes items like band posters, albums, records, contemporary art and prints.
Among the vintage tees, jeans and leopard print pieces sold in-store and on the boutique’s website are plenty of playful gifts and home goods. Some of these include “The Real Housewives”-themed wine tumblers, “Trader Hoe’s” tote bags and “Single AF” trinket dishes. The store sells clothing for kids, toddlers and babies, as well.
Bezoza started Hunt & Orchard as an online store in 2017, just a couple of months after closing her first boutique, Gypsy Warrior, which was in Ridgewood for seven years. The name Hunt & Orchard is a personal one for the owner, as it’s a combination of her son’s name, Hunter, and an important street in her life, Orchard.
In September 2019, Bezoza expanded the brand’s presence by opening its first brick-and-mortar shop in Westwood. About three years later, Hunt & Orchard left Westwood for a new space in Ridgewood, which
is located at 30 Cottage Place. In October 2023, the brand grew once again with the addition of another, smaller Westwood boutique, located at 347 Broadway.
Hunt & Orchard’s focus on blending art with fashion extends beyond the pieces it carries. The store encourages shoppers to channel their creativity by offering charm and patch bars. Here, customers can select a gold or silver chain and some charms to create a custom piece of jewelry. Or they can pick out patches, which a store employee will hot-press onto clothing, tote bags, backpacks and more.
To make the retail experience even more distinctive, Hunt & Orchard began throwing events in April 2024. This move stemmed from the need to draw people into the store in the age of online shopping.
The events take place at both the Ridgewood and Westwood locations, are for people of all ages, and revolve around creative workshops, such as making jewelry and customizing trucker hats or cross-body bags.
“It’s very fun. It adds that level of interaction,” Bezoza said, sharing that these hands-on experiences “changed everything” for Hunt & Orchard.
“It allowed us to survive in a market where a lot of people are shopping on Amazon and moving toward online completely,” she added.
Event traction began to pick up in October 2024, and now, Hunt & Orchard is hosting about 30 events per month.
While many of these workshops are open to the public, the store also holds private events and brings the charm and patch bars to celebrations like birthday parties, sweet sixteens and bridal showers. In addition to these make-your-own fashion experiences, Hunt & Orchard hosts events centered around other activities like candle- and cocktail-making.
Looking ahead, Bezoza sees Hunt & Orchard growing with additional locations that will serve as both boutique and event spaces.
“It’s been a really great evolution to see the business going in this direction because it’s so much fun,” she said. “Who doesn’t like to party?”
For those looking to start their own fashion business, the boutique owner highlighted the importance of self-reflection. This involves asking some key questions, specifically, “What do I want to create?” and “Why do I want to create it?”
“A lot of work goes into owning your own business, and the most successful ones have their own unique point of view,” Bezoza said.
For more information on Hunt & Orchard, visit www.huntandorchard.com, or check out the boutique’s social media pages on Instagram (@ huntandorchard, @huntandorchardstore and @ huntandorchardparties) and Facebook.
The NJ Friendship House held their annual gala at The Venetian. For more information, visit www.njfriendshiphouse.org.
Joe and Liz Rucci Larry Takayama, Rita Pearl, Radenko Jokic
Brandon Cordova, Michele Sasena, Stephanie Slupatchuk
Giovanna DeCarlo, Nicole Sasena
John and Eileen Gruber, Kyle, Kathleen and Dave Demarest
Christine and Markene DeSavini
Ronni and Gillian Brown Rafael Gavidia, Eva Lopez, Grace and Karim Ben-Fredj
Elior and Gabriella Shiloh
Hamilton Forys, Erika and Dave Koger
Charles and Jennifer Matar
Kathy English, Kit Wong-Khoo
Debbie Longest, Mary Brenstein
Trinity and Hope O’Connor
Rosemary Klie, Donnalee Corrieri
Jai Patel, Brenda Lapadat
Spring/Summer
By SoneCa guadara
After a long, cold winter that tested even the most seasoned fashion lovers, the arrival of spring and summer is a breath of fresh air – and the perfect excuse to revamp your wardrobe. If you’re anything like me, the chill overstayed its welcome, so the thought of sunshine, blooming flowers and lighter layers is more than welcome.
Spring/Summer 2025 trends are all about effortless sophistication, creative styling and subtle nods to nostalgia. Whether you’re planning weekends away or just dressing up for the sunshine, these are the seven trends to have on your radar (and in your closet).
Forget everything you thought you knew about Bermuda shorts. They are timeless and will potentially get you through many occasions. This season, they’ve returned with a polished twist – think tailored cuts, pleated details and elevated fabrics, like linen and cotton blends. They are a great alternative if you’re not into super short, shorts, yet you still want to look modern. Not to mention the length is perfect for all ages. Pair them with a crisp button-down shirt or a fitted tank for a look that’s effortlessly chic and city ready.
2. Asymmetry Takes Center Stage
Asymmetric silhouettes are adding a fresh edge to classic pieces. One-shoulder tops, slanted hemlines and off-kilter cuts give outfits unexpected movement and intrigue. Whether it’s a dress with a diagonal neckline or a top with a dramatic single sleeve, asymmetry is your go-to for modern flair. It looks great on all body shapes and sizes; it’s a win-win.
3. Thong Sandals: Minimalist Must-Haves
Sleek, barely-there thong sandals are making waves this season. Unlike their early 2000s predecessors and minimalist Y-design most often associated with casual flip-flops, they’re the ideal style for looking elegant and well-dressed with pants and skirts. Today’s versions are more refined crafted in leather, featuring micro heels or square toes and made to pair with everything from maxi dresses to Bermuda shorts. They are comfort and coolness, wrapped into one.
4. Transparent & Sheer Moments
A little transparency never hurt anyone. Sheer layers are trending big with organza blouses, mesh dresses, sheer trousers and chiffon overlays creating dreamy, ethereal looks. Layer them over slip dresses, bralettes or wide-leg trousers for a romantic vibe with a modern twist or don’t layer them at all, letting yourself be X-rayed as mother nature made us.
5. Butter Yellow: The Color of the Season
Soft, subtle and surprisingly versatile, butter yellow is Spring/Summer 2025’s signature hue. Sitting between beige and lemon, this shade is mellow enough for the colorshy but bold enough to stand alone. It’s showing up in everything from silky dresses to tailored separates and accessories. Think of it as the new neutral – it pairs beautifully with whites, tans and even bold colors like cobalt or rust.
Suede in the summer? Absolutely. As a heavier material, suede is most worn during the autumn and winter months, but it’s surprisingly rather transitional. My best advice for comfortably wearing suede in summer? Stick to suede accessories, such as bags and shoes, to add a little boho flair without any incidental sweat. Lightweight, soft suede bags, especially with fringe or boho accents, are taking over the accessory scene. Crossbodies, hobos and bucket bags in earthy tones – like sand, camel and terracotta – are perfect for adding texture to your warm-weather look. As for clothing items, a suede jacket, coat or vest can also add a little extra warmth during colder evenings – perfect for revelers attending all-day, all-night summer music festivals.
Gone are the days of sticking to just gold or silver. Fashion is all about self-expression, and 2025 is embracing the idea that there are no “rules” when it comes to jewelry. Mixing metals was once considered taboo, but now it’s celebrated as a chic, contemporary choice. It’s a trend that encourages you to
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 old “rules” of accessorizing.
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, so you get the most for your price per wear.
Want more personalized styling tips or help putting together your perfect warm-weather wardrobe? Let’s connect! You can find Soneca on Instagram @StyledbySoneca or reach out at www.stylebysoneca.com.
FLEF held their annual gala at The Westmount Country Club. For more information, visit www.flef.net.
Sandy Celentano, Antonia Katsanos, Lisa Rattner
Jacklyn Cekaj, Akanksha Raswant
Manny and Lia Marques
Mike and Elise Gentile Gulsah and Cemal Yilmaz Justin and Lisa Rattner, Sandy and John Celentano
Betsy Albert, Jen Santamaria, Leslie and Raquel Tucker
Bill Carey, Shayna Rosen, Kimberly and Charles Yarnold
Gina Abdy, Joyce Shmaruk
Claudia Livoti, Jill Ceglie
Kevin and Kaitlin McCrann
Antonia Katsanos, Melissa Nanidzhanyan, Dina Manasra, Olga Jordan
Laurie and Paul Rodia Chris and Dawn Rotio, Melissa and Joe Gorga
Lauren Porter, Lisa Rattner
Joe Scott, Joe Gorga, Chris Rotio, Vinny Ciurciu
By MiChaeL L. groSS, Md FaaoS
The snow has melted, and our thoughts have shifted from getting off the treadmill and getting out on the road. Recreational running is a popular activity, but it often leads to various questions about injury prevention, management and overall health. Here are some of the most asked questions that I hear from recreational runners, along with my answers:
1. What are the most common running-related injuries?
The most common running-related injuries include patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFP), medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), Achilles tendinopathy, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) and plantar fasciopathy (plantar fasciitis). These injuries are primarily due to overuse and improper training techniques.
2. How can I prevent running injuries?
This should be the most common question. The best way to treat injuries is to prevent them. Most running injuries result from are known as training errors such as overtraining, poor equipment and inadequate preparation.
Preventing running injuries involves several strategies:
• Gradual Increase in Mileage: Increase your running distance by no more than 10 percent per week to avoid overuse injuries.
• Incorporate Rest Days: Taking days off and alternating hard days and easy days give your muscles and joints the opportunity to recover and prevents injuries.
• Proper Footwear: Wear appropriate running shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Make sure they fit well and are the right shoes for your feet and your running style. Replace your running shoes approximately every three months.
• Safe surfaces: Be sure that you are running surfaces flat and free of debris. Soft surfaces are better than concrete. Most streets are slightly banked, so running on the same side of the street every day can lead to injury, such as iliotibial band syndrome. Treat your running surface like any other piece of equipment; keep it well-maintained.
• Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Incorporate exercises that strengthen the core and lower extremities and maintain flexibility. The goal is not to build bulk, but to add support and stabilization for your body.
• Cross-Training: Engage in other forms of exercise, such as swimming or cycling, to reduce repetitive stress on the same muscle groups. This is a great way to prevent burn-out also. By challenging different muscle groups in different ways, you can achieve more balanced fitness.
3. How should I manage common running injuries?
Even with the best of precautions, injuries do occur. Proper management is the key to recovery. The initial management of common running injuries typically involves:
• Relative Rest: Reduce or temporarily stop running to allow the injury to heal. Trying to “run through the pain” will only make it worse.
• Stretching and Strengthening: For conditions like ITBS and PFP, focus on strengthening the hip and core muscles and improving flexibility.
• Orthotics: Use orthotic devices for conditions like plantar fasciitis to provide arch support.
• Ice is your best friend: Enough said!
• Know when to get help: Timely and efficient treatment are the keys to a quick recovery. If you’re not getting better, and certainly if you’re getting worse, seek medical attention.
4. Is running bad for my knees?
There is a common concern that running may lead to osteoarthritis of the knees. However, current evidence suggests that recreational running does not increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis and may even have protective effects due to the strengthening of the muscles around the knee. However, once injuries occur, or in the presence of arthritis, high impact activities, such as running, can make it worse.
5. What should I do if I experience pain while running?
If you experience pain while running:
• Stop Running: Do not attempt to “run through the pain” as it may exacerbate the injury.
• Evaluate the Pain: Determine if the pain is due to a minor issue, such as muscle soreness, or a more serious injury. Swelling or deformity are clues to serious injury.
• Seek Medical Advice: If the pain persists, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
6. How important is sleep and mental health in preventing running injuries?
Sleep quality and mental health are significant factors in preventing running-related injuries. Poor sleep and high levels of psychological stress can increase the risk of injuries. Ensuring adequate sleep and managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling can help reduce injury risk.
7. What is the best way to return to running after an injury?
Returning to running after an injury should be gradual:
• Graded Return: Start with low-impact activities and gradually increase running intensity and duration.
• Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any recurring pain or discomfort and adjust your training accordingly. If you begin to experience pain or physical symptoms during your come back, dial back or take a break.
• Follow a Structured Plan: Work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized rehabilitation and return-to-running plan.
Running is fine in a great way to keep fit. Injury prevention is the key to maintaining a long and happy running career. Once injuries do occur, nothing is more important than proper treatment. By following these guidelines, recreational runners can minimize their risk of injury and enjoy a healthy and sustainable running routine.
Dr. Michael Gross was the founder and director of Active Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, treating athletes of all levels in Bergen County. Currently, he is the orthopedic director for the New York Hotel Employee Benefits Fund and is an assistant professor at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
Dr. Gross has published many research articles covering a wide variety of orthopedic injuries and topics. He is the author of “Get Well Soon: A Doctor’s Guide to Health and Wellness.”
The Holy Name Foundation held the 100th Anniversary Founders Ball in MetLife Stadium. For more information, visit www.holyname.org.
Michael DeStio, Dr. Mary Ann Picone
Barry and Deanna Dobrina
Jim and Joanne Dowling, Dennis Sparks Phil and Linda Cennerazzo
Dr. Joseph Frascino, Fernando Garip
Joey Dell, Jo Ann Sanzari
Cathy Hoogendoorn, Michele Amundson, Michele and Michael Acito
Ottis Anderson, Michael Maron, Paul Sarlo
Rich and Aleta Taylor, Mike Maron, Sister Andrea Nenzel
Shonda Corbett, Kim Fallon
Tina and Joe Coccaro
Scott and Rose Santin, Lisa and Geoff Maleson
The Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph of Peace
James Gennarelli, Jean Cho, Dr. Anna Kundel-Bellorin, Dr. Omar Bellorin
Michael Maron, His Eminence Joseph Cardinal Tobin, The Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph of Peace
Carley and Mike Maron
By Kevin CzerwinSKi
The combination of Manhattan-style quality and the feel of a suburban neighborhood restaurant provides patrons of The Four Leaves in Park Ridge with an upscale and elegant dining experience without having to make a trip to New York City.
That the gastropub is tucked neatly on the ground floor of a recently opened luxury condo complex only adds to the neighborhood feel, providing customers with the chance to enjoy a spectacular dining event at what is, at its core, a neighborhood joint. The warm and inviting atmosphere is evident from the moment you walk in and if that isn’t enough to hold your attention, the genuine welcome provided to patrons by General Manager Dana Paradiso and Assistant General Manager Ann Marie Jimenez only serves to enhance the eatery’s neighborhood feel.
“Park Ridge was crying out for a place like this,” Four Leaves Vice President Eamon Donnelly, 52, said. “It doesn’t have a neighborhood bar as such. We wanted to create that neighborhood bar with an upscale touch. It’s very homey and very welcoming when you come in. Basically, we wanted to be in a suburban neighborhood and try to give the customers the Manhattan restaurant feel.”
Donnelly, a native of Ireland, would know about providing the Manhattan restaurant feel. He’s opened several restaurants in New York City over the last two decades, including The Beer Authority just off Time Square. He and his business partner, Mike Madigan, a Wyckoff resident who is also the chief financial officer of Keller Williams in New Jersey, worked tirelessly to create the restaurant’s atmosphere, which is adorned with brick, wood and metal, in part paying homage to Park Ridge’s industrial heritage that dates back more than 200 years.
“When we came in it was a white box; a blank canvas,” Donnelly said. “We didn’t know where to start. It was only because I had designed and built several restaurants before that we started to put the puzzle together. We built everything around the furniture. We went to Ireland for the furniture. European furniture is ahead of the curve.
“We purchased the furniture, and I had a couple of very smart nieces and women involved [in decorating] so once we had that in place, we built the rest around it. Everything revolves around the furniture. And the second floor is a little more industrial.”
The Four Leaves – the name represents love, community, respect and harmony, according to Donnelly –opened in 2024 and, after a feeling out period amongst the staff and the customers, hit its stride after hiring Chef Zorobabel Duran. A new menu was implemented in March and the choices reflect Duran’s experience throughout Europe. The flavors represent a fusion between Spanish, Irish and American kitchens.
Duran is well-known for his creativity, unique tastes and excellent presentation. The new menu features starters such as charred octopus, salads featuring roast beets and entrees like burrata vodka rigatoni in addition to huge juicy burgers, fish and chips, branzino, short ribs and Donnelly’s favorite – the chimichurri steak. There is also lamb Sheperd’s Pie and every Sunday from 3-9 p.m. a traditional Sunday roast is offered. Duran is also well-known for his paella, a dish that is made tableside, which will be a staple on the menu during the spring and summer.
And expect to enjoy pheasant when the menu switches over again in the fall. It’s a dish that Duran learned from one of his teachers in France 30 years ago and it’s one that he continues to make as a tribute to his former mentor.
“When you open a new restaurant, like any new venture, Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Donnelly said. “We had to build a staff and a team capable of producing what we had at the start until we could find a team to work on the menu. Right now, we have a team in the back of the house that is excellent. That’s when it became time for the new menu.
“We had to elevate the menu for the neighborhood. Bergen County can be a tough crowd, and we were busy getting feedback from the customers, you know you should have this or that on the menu. And a year in, we were ready to go. Ultimately, the goal was to have this menu from Day One, but we weren’t ready. We would have fallen flat on our face.”
Donnelly added that the process of finding their niche in the neighborhood is nowhere near complete. He said he wants to produce more and be available for the community in terms of celebrating communions, confirmations, etc. Additionally, there will be courtyard dining once the weather cooperates.
“We wanted to bring in a little more with the new menu and provide a better product,” Donnelly said. “We have fresh seafood along with seafood starters and we have brought the steakhouse feel to the neighborhood. It’s not like going to a steakhouse, though, where you must spend $200 on a steak. You can get a very good steak here for 40 or 50 bucks and we didn’t have to cut our quality.”
Welcome to the neighborhood.
Probably my favorite element of my test E450 All-Terrain was how well it handled NVH. Equipped with an inline six-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces about 360 horsepower and nearly 370 lb.-ft. of torque, you wouldn’t know it. That’s because the engine is silky smooth. While you will hear the motor spin up if you push it, the sound is not overly intrusive into the cabin.
Shower and Wedding Favors Gourmet Cookies and Treats by the Pound
Personalized Cookies and Cakes Corporate Logos and Gifts New All Natural Dog Cookies
We all have that voice in our heads. The little voice that tells us we are not good enough, smart enough or deserving enough. When you get a negative thought, take note of it, dismiss it, forgive it and let it go. Next reach for a new positive thought. One that makes you feel good. Focus on what is good and what is working well in your life. Surrounding yourself with positive people who lift you up and support you is also key.
The hip joint and groin muscles are susceptible to injury due to the mechanics of the skating stride. Some of the most common soft tissue injuries in hockey players include a groin strain and a hip flexor strain. Off-season strengthening and dedicated stretching before and after practice are important to prevent these injuries. In addition, a direct blow to the outside of the hip can cause a hip pointer or trochanteric bursitis. Hockey pants with reinforced padding over these vulnerable areas may help protect them.
miles on dirt roads. In most vehicles this isn’t exactly a brilliant situation since you can damage the underside of your car. But with the All-Terrain, the button to raise the vehicle’s ride height came in handy. Phew!
"It is so hard to keep them reading. Reading has become a challenge in the modern age. There are so many places you can go to not read. It has fallen out of favor and because they so much technology, reading pales by comparison. So film is a great platform.
most common soft tissue injuries in hockey players include a groin pull and a hip flexor pull. A severe strain can be a nagging injury that limits performance throughout the season. A direct blow to the outside of the hip can cause a bruise (contusion) of the iliac crest (hip pointer) or trochanter (trochanteric bursitis).
Add in the extra utility provided by having a long roof and I quickly found myself examining this E450 even closer. Frankly, I am considering adding one to my fleet.
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Helping this was the fact my test vehicle had the Acoustic Comfort Package, meaning, it boasted additional sound deadening insulation as well as thicker glass to reduce noise. It really pays off as at speed it sounds as though you’re traveling at 20-30 mph when in reality you’re doing three times that. You won’t stress your vocal cords in this E, that’s for sure. Once again, this is a trait found in the flagship model.
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All in all, I was extremely impressed during my time with the All-Terrain. Not only did it deliver with space, comfort and excellent control of NVH, it also did the unexpected.
Why, you ask? Well, it’s this simple: It can do anything and it flies under the radar. For me, that’s as close to perfect as it gets.
Part of creating better mental health can be found in what’s on our plate and how we move our bodies. Small steps like taking a walk around your neighborhood, signing up for a yoga class or dancing around the house can increase serotonin, the feel good hormone. Eliminating sugar, incorporating more seasonal fruits and vegetables and drinking more water are simple steps to enhancing your health and relieving anxiety.
Make mine black on black, fully loaded and optioned with the 19-inch AMG wheels, please.
Avoiding injuries in hockey has to do with properly fitted equipment, making smart plays, following the rules and a lot of luck because hockey is inherently risky. Understanding how the injuries occur, recognizing them when they occur and seeking the best treatment will help you enjoy the game at whatever level you are playing.
Loccke said one of her inspirations for using film in the classroom is to provide her underclassmen with a reward. Her students are always asking her if there is a film that corresponds with the book so she uses the film as a payoff once the students have finished reading the novel. She shows as many as three movies a year to her underclassmen. Time constraints – her classes are 40 minutes long – usually prevent her from showing more.
The medial collateral ligament is most susceptible to a sprain because of the leg position – pushing off the inside edge of the skate blade – and contact to the outside of the knee. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disruption and meniscus tears (torn cartilage) can also occur but are less common in hockey than in other sports such as football, soccer and basketball.
Like any practice, you must want to do it in order to achieve results. It’s really very simple and easier than you think. Beginning a meditation practice requires only your slight willingness. Your desire for more peace in your life, less stress and better focus and so many other benefits is all you need to get on the path. Start by taking 5-10 minutes each morning to close your eyes, focus on your breath and be still. The thoughts will come and that’s natural, just let them go and return to your breath. Try counting four breaths in and four breaths out through the nose. You can also try repeating a mantra like “om” or “peace begins with me.” Start a daily meditation practice and stroll into this season with a spring in your step.
“A lot of what they read they read on their own [and not in class],” Loccke said. “The movie is a great way to provide a communal feeling and it provides something they can share together. You can have a discussion and share it and the movie is something we all experience at the same time so it is very unifying.”
Power was more than adequate, which says something coming from someone who regularly drives autos with more than 600 horsepower, and when in Sport mode you can have a giggle or two. During an Everglades excursion we had to slow down to travel for about five
Tracy Flaherty is a certified integrative health and lifestyle coach; meditation teacher; and the author and founder of Be Well Nourished. She integrates meditation into her health coaching practice as well teachin You can find her meditations on the Insight timer app and on her Instagram page @wellwith_tracy.
The mechanics of the skating stride makes the hip and groin muscles susceptible to injury. Some of the
Such was the case when Loccke addressed the largest classroom of her career on TCM.
Dr. Michael Gross is the founder and director of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. He is the chief of sports 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.
The beauty of having a garden is buds continually blooming on one plant or another throughout most of the year. While this provides lovely views from your windows, it can also be nice to bring some beauty indoors.
Don’t be afraid to snip off a few blossoms each week. Many plants thrive after trimming and may reward you with even more flowers. Once you’ve gathered a bouquet from your garden, consider these tips to help keep fresh flowers at their best for a week or more:
• Bacteria can quickly destroy fresh flowers, which is why it’s important to use a clean vase. Any floral foam, wires or frogs used in your arrangement must also be washed in warm, soapy water.
• Remove any lower leaves that may come in contact with water inside the vase.
• Carefully trim each flower stem at a 90-degree angle. It may also be helpful to cut flowers while they are underwater to keep moisture flowing into the stems.
• Keep your arrangement out of direct sunlight. The darker and cooler the room, the longer your blossoms will bloom.
• Adding a crushed aspirin, bleach, vinegar, sugar or penny to the vase are age-old tricks. However, you can keep bacteria at bay and help flowers thrive by adding a packet of flower food to the water. It can be found at your local florist or home improvement store.
Flowers are living things that still require water, food and care after they are cut. Every 2-3 days, be sure to change the water, replenish the flower food and recut the stems for additional days of glorious color.
The Paramus PD held a special gala for their 100th anniversary at The Terrace.
Michael Focarino, Frank Scott, Robert Goudetti, Tom Holden
Hassan and Shawn Brown
Robert and Francine Giudetti, Maryann and Rich LaBarbiera
Norman Gin, Tom Coppo, Greg Hooper, Fred Corrubia
Elizabeth, John and Cyndy Martel
Brian and Tracey McGovern
Hector Olmo, Glenn Pagano, Tom Schroeder
Justin McKeon, Jessica, Francine and Robert Giudetti
Michael Focarino, Chris DiPiazza, Robert Giudetti
Craig and Jannine McEllen
Kevin and Tina Smith
Kim and Alan Macchietto
Rob Brown, Father Larry Evans, Rich Menhinick
Lisa Callahan, Marisa Guastella
Rob Brown, Sal Cosentino, Father Larry Evans
Anthony, Michael and Michael Mordaga Jr.
At Valley Health System’s Center for LGBTQ+ Care, we’re more than just healthcare providers — we’re advocates for your total well-being. Our approach ensures that every individual who walks through our doors feels welcome, respected, and valued.
From primary and gynecologic care to programs for sexual health, HIV testing and prevention, adult transgender care, and behavioral health, you’ll find the services you need in an environment where you can be your authentic self.
Experience care that not only meets your healthcare needs, but celebrates your identity. Your journey to wellness starts here, with us.
for LGBTQ+ Care 95 Route 17 South, Paramus, NJ 07652
Call 201-612-4735 to schedule an appointment today.