Bergen Magazine February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 | $3.95 | BERGENMAG.COM | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 2

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 2 | FEBRUARY 2022

HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

THE PET ISSUE

LOVE STORIES PERFECT PUPS PRO TIPS TO KEEP FIDO LOOKING GOOD ‘CAT CREW’ COMES TO THE RESCUE

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in Tenafly

LUCKY 13 BERGENITES SHARE THEIR ROMANTIC TALES SPECIAL REPORT PROTECT SENIORS FROM SCAMMERS

BERGEN COUNTY’S TOP DENTISTS

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Care Like No Other is Coming to Paramus in 2023!

®

The Valley Hospital in Paramus will be the centerpiece of our new healthcare campus, which will include Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care; our same-day surgery center; and a medical office building, home to women’s and children’s outpatient services.

The new hospital has been designed with the needs of patients and families as the top priority, featuring single-patient rooms, a vastly expanded Emergency Department, and the latest in healthcare, all while retaining Valley’s renowned personal touch and emphasis on compassionate care.

Care Like No Other

®

ValleyHealth.com/NewHospital

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Care Like No Other is Coming to Paramus in 2023!

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OPEN TO LEARN MORE

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North Jersey’s Premier Design Resource Experience the beauty of transformed light in our window fashions gallery, conveniently located just north of the Route 4 interchange along Route 17 North.

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CONTENTS

{ FEBRUARY 2022 }

Features

Shovel Smart — For Your Heart | 30

The sudden exertions that come with shoveling snow can put a dangerous strain on your ticker. Here’s what doctors advise.

Puttin’ On The Dog | 32

Groomed your pooch lately?

Four pros tell how to keep your canine companion’s fur, skin, nails and paws perfect.

1 Room Leads 2 Lives | 44

Billiards, anyone? Or a formal dinner? A convertible space in Fort Lee can have it all.

Seniors at Risk | 48

Scammers prey on the elderly, and the isolation caused by the pandemic has made the problem worse here in Bergen County.

Sweater Weather | 52

HOW ROMANCE BEGINS

Neutral knitwear goes with everything you already have in your closet—plus it’ll keep you nice and toasty this season.

Who needs a dating app? Not these folks! A lucky 13 Bergenites tell how they met the one who turned out to be “the one.” p.

They’re Gone, But Their Names Live On | 98

Places you drive by in Bergen today recall luminaries of the past. Do you know these eight?

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ON THE COVER: Ten-year-old Naya Lerum of Leonia poses with the family pup, Biko the mini golden doodle, at Davis Johnson Park and Gardens in Tenafly. Photo

by Alyson Barrow Photography.

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 Editor’s Note 28 Health News 104 Be There 106 Where to Eat BERGENMAG.COM

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CONTENTS

Departments Bergen Buzz | 17

Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Your Friends and Neighbors | 21

Oradell’s Sophia Sembos, director of Cat Crew Rescue, has found loving homes for more than 500 cats in three years’ time.

For Men Only | 22

A refined yet relaxed outfit will make you look—and feel—your best when date night rolls around.

Style Watch | 24

Clashing prints? Not so much in these lively pieces.

Home Front | 26

East meets West in Japandi style, emphasizing a neutral palette and clean, simple lines.

Pet Fancy | 27

Forgot Fido during the holidays? It’s not too late to treat your furry companion to a gift you will both enjoy.

Escapes | 56

Though New Jersey has top-flight ski resorts, the slopes can fill up in a hurry. But with a quick getaway up north, you can enjoy your personal peak experience.

Tastes | 58

Celebrate February’s three milestones with these cherry desserts, which are rich in hearthealthy nutrients.

Power Food | 102

Homer called the pear “the gift of the gods.”

Apparently the deities knew their nutrition.

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Spirits | 103

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Turn this classic cocktail into a decadent dessert. It’s the perfect sip to share with your sweetheart.

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Just Married | 105

These high school sweethearts tied the knot at their local church in 2020, then celebrated at the reception of their dreams with their “big Italian families” last fall.

Gatherings | 110

Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.

A Bergen Moment | 112

A Hillsdale mom captures her “party animal” soaking up the fun as the family celebrates the Golden Labrador’s 5th birthday.

BERGENMAG.COM

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Left to Right: EVAN BAIRD, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center; RAFAEL LEVIN, M.D., M.S.C., Chief of Spine, HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley; JONATHAN LESTER, M.D., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; NOMAAN ASHRAF, M.D., M.B.A., Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center

WHERE OUR TEAM BELIEVES IN CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT FIRST. BOARD CERTIFIED SPINE SURGEONS AND PHYSIATRY SERVICES

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NJ TOP DOCS 2014-2022

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Ginger STORES Women, Children & Home

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“How did you meet?” The question inevitably comes up during conversations about relationships. In honor of Cupid’s annual visit this month, we excitedly posed it in hopes that readers would share their answers.

Quite frankly, we fell in love with many of the responses we got.

Turn to “The Romance Begins” on page 36 and read how 13 lucky Bergenites found the soulmates with whom they’re now living “happily ever after.”

Of course there are also “soulmates”—or at least it feels that way—with four legs instead of two. We can all learn lessons in unconditional love from the dogs who care for us loyally and the cats who—whatever their inward thoughts—at least give a purr-fect impression of doing so. And it’s in that spirit that we introduce our annual Pet Issue. In Bergen Buzz on page 17, five proud owners introduce their pups and share the stories of how they acquired them (more “how we met” tales!) and eventually welcomed them into their families.

New to Buzz this year is “Your Friends and Neighbors,” in which we spotlight a Bergen resident doing good in the community. We debut the feature (page 21) with Sophia Sembos, founder of Cat Crew Rescue, an Oradell nonprofit that has found homes for more than 500 cats in the past three years. This month’s Buzz also contains a few helpful hints for keeping your pets safe and warm during the final stretch of winter.

You’ll find more on pet care in “Puttin’ On the Dog,” in which professional dog groomers give sage advice about maintaining Fido’s health and hygiene, from coat and skin care to dental and paw pad upkeep. Turn to page 32 for the dog’s honest truth.

We focus at this time of the year on the heart as a symbol of love, but it’s also a vital organ—and February is American Heart Month.

Protecting one’s cardiovascular health is especially critical in winter, when Northeasterners face the task of shoveling snow. In “Shovel Smart—For Your Heart” on page 30, two Bergen-based doctors offer helpful hints to homeowners before they head out to clear driveways and sidewalks.

Our coverage doesn’t stop there. This month’s special report takes a look at the growing number of scams targeting Bergen seniors (page 48), while our home story features a beautiful Fort Lee room that serves as both a space for billiards and a formal dining room (page 44).

We loved putting together this issue, and we know you’ll enjoy it too. We hope all this talk of love puts you in the mood to show your affection, a gesture from the heart, whether it’s roses for your sweetheart or an extra treat for Rover or Mittens.

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Rita Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com

350-368 Center Avenue, Westwood NJ 201.664.2440

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Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS Lifestyle Editor HALEY LONGMAN

home is where the heart is.

Contributing Editors TIMOTHY KELLEY SARAH NOLAN LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF DONNA ROLANDO ART

Contributing Photographers DANIEL SPRINGSTON MIKE VAN TASSELL PRODUCTION

Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE

GPS something for everyone

CIRCULATION

Circulation Manager KATHLEEN WENZLER

BE SOCIAL Join our online community!

LIKE us on Facebook: BergenMag FOLLOW us on Twitter: @BergenMag SEE our photos on Instagram: @BergenMagNJ VIEW our boards on Pinterest: HealthandLife SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, BERGEN, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; fax 201.746.8650; email editor@wainscotmedia.com.

BERGEN assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.

KitcHenS & caBinetry

BatHroomS

ligHting

BERGEN is published 12 times a year

by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. This is Volume 21, Issue 2. © 2022 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Bergen County: $14 for one year.

Single copies: $3.95. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY Associate Publisher MARY MASCIALE ADVERTISING

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Director of Marketing and Digital Media NIGEL EDELSHAIN Director of Advertising Services JACQUELYNN FISCHER Chief Finance Officer STEVEN RESNICK Assistant Controller URSZULA JANECZKO Accountant KASIE CARLETON Communications Manager CATHERINE ROSARIO Office Manager PENNY GLASS BOAG PUBLISHED BY WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN President & CEO MARK DOWDEN Senior Vice Presidents RITA GUARNA CARL OLSEN Vice Presidents LIZETTE CHIN NIGEL EDELSHAIN THOMAS FLANNERY MARIA REGAN STEVEN RESNICK DIANE VOJCANIN

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

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WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON BERGENMAG.COM RIGHT NOW YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

Vote Now! 2022 READERS’

It’s that time again! Choose your favorite bakery, day spa, sports bar and more in the 2022 Best In Bergen Readers’ Choice Awards.

Online ballots are now available at bergenmag. com/votereaderschoice2022.

Then stay tuned for more info on our celebration of the winners.

CHOICE AWARDS CHEESEHEADS, REJOICE! Cheese Lovers Day has passed, but we always make time for the warm and gooey snack—especially during winter. Visit bergenmag.com/5-bergenlocales-that-please-everycheesehead for ways you can satisfy your cheesy cravings now!

Vote online for the 2022 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

VOTING IS OPEN! Here’s your chance to let us know your favorite burger joint, deli, day spa and more!

VOTING ENDS APRIL 15

Scan the QR code or visit BergenMag.com/VoteReadersChoice2022 to vote now!

WIN THIS Are you over the cold yet? If you’re thinking about spring and warm weather, you’ll love renowned designer Celerie Kemble’s newest book Island Whimsy: Designing Paradise

By The Sea. The tome has more than 250 pages of ideas and inspiration for anyone who decorates or dreams of decorating an island paradise. For a chance to win a copy of the book, visit bergenmag.com/island-whimsy.

STAY IN THE KNOW Want the latest tips, delicious recipes, fun photos, local news and more delivered to your inbox every Friday? Head to bergenmag.com and subscribe to our free Bergen Buzz weekly e-newsletter!

Follow us: BERGENMAG.C0M

The results will be revealed in our September 2022 issue.

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{ BERGEN BUZZ } OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

PUPPY LOVE

It’s not unusual for Bergenites to spoil our fur babies: We go out of our way to feed, dress and pamper them.

And the return is immeasurable. Our dogs give us unconditional love when we rise in the morning, come home from the office and just about any time we need a hug—whether we realize it or not. To show appreciation of their furry family members, BERGEN readers share a few details of their four-legged companions:

Dog: Minnie, 6-year-old Shih Tzu and Brussels Griffon mix Owners: Nancy and Bill Azzolini of Wayne Two years after losing their first dog to illness, the Azzolinis felt ready to open their hearts to a pup again when they saw 5-month-old Minnie. They adopted the sweet but quiet pooch through Pet ResQ, says Nancy, but the good girl didn’t come out of her shell until she met another dog in the family.

“She didn’t blossom until my grown son brought his half-black Lab, half-pit bull to visit,” Nancy recalls. And it’s been happy barks and smiles ever since. Now 6, Minnie is a lover of all toys, especially balls. “The bigger the better,” mama reports. “She pushes the big inflated balls for kids around the yard like she’s herding them.” Besides playtime, Minnie loves to visit Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne, chase seagulls at any Jersey beach and—perhaps her favorite pastime—snuggle her parents.

“She often climbs up behind me and wraps herself around my neck like a scarf,” her owner says.

“It’s quite enjoyable watching TV on a cold winter’s night with my heated neck wrap!”

Dogs: Kelli Rose, 10-year-old Havanese, and Sophie Lee, 18-month miniature Schnauzer Owners: Illene Sloan and daughter Melanie of Hackensack For the past 20 years, the Sloans have always had two dogs in their home, and Kelli Rose and Sophie Lee make the “family complete.” Like true family members, each pup has her own personality, and they’re essentially night and day. Older pup Kelli plays the alpha role, letting energetic Sophie know whether or not it’s playtime. She knows what she likes too, Ilene says, adding that Kelli is a picky eater who cowers over the sound of thunder and fireworks and prefers sleeping on her spot at the end of the living room couch.

Sophie, on the other hand ,“will eat just about anything, even things that aren’t food,” and is usually going at “100 percent speed” while playing with her toys. How are the two girls similar? “They love each other a ton, and they love their hoomans endlessly,” Illene says.

Dog: Lucas, 3-year-old Labrador retriever Owner: Janette McGee of Mahwah Feeling lonely after moving into her first apartment in Bergen County about four years ago, Janette decided a puppy could fill the void. She searched online for a shelter dog and found little Lucas, who was rescued from a puppy mill in upstate New York.

Mom brought home her new boy, who was timid and shy at first in his new surroundings. Things changed, however, when Lucas discovered the nearby parks, Janette says. “He loves running around Campgaw and swimming at the Ramapo Reservation,” she notes. “He still has a lot of the puppy crazies.” Though he’s now an outgoing pup and makes many new “fur friends” at Saddle River County Park, he enjoys quiet time at home with mom just as much. “We curl up on the couch and in bed when it’s time to get cozy,” she says. “He’s still growing, so I’m soaking this time up as much as I can while he’s still ‘little’ Lucas.”

Dogs: Sofie (above), 8-year-old Shih Tzu, and Mollie, 8-year-old Maltese Owners: Howard, Sylvia and Paul Rothbein of Tenafly After a past of buying puppies from pet stores, Sylvia says she began adopting rescue dogs about 15 years ago because “so many fur babies need homes.”

The Rothbeins adopted Mollie, who was skinny and had mange, from a Florida shelter, and only intended to give Sofie a weekend break from her shelter. “But I just couldn’t give her back,” says Sylvia. “Sofie’s big eyes and scroungy hair killed me—it was love at first sight. I felt sorry for Mollie and was determined to nurse her back to health.” Timid at first, the two puppies today are the queens of the house.

The dogs are big into snuggling, barking at the neighbors’ dogs and eating the healthy homemade dinners Sylvia prepares for them (Sylvia is now known as the Gordon Ramsay of dog food). “They’re arrogant and spoiled,” mama jokes, “but very loving.”

Dog: Bella, 13-year-old toy poodle Owner: Anna Medyukhof of Jersey City Anna was through the roof excited when she received Bella as a birthday present 13 years ago. The puppy had so much energy, but Bella’s true personality has come out during her adult years. “She is a fearless, discerning, intelligent, emotional, caring pup,” Anna says. “One time while hiking in the Delaware Water Gap, she ran ahead and suddenly started barking. I looked up and saw there was a black bear hugging the tree—she had barked a black bear up a tree. Thank goodness she wasn’t hurt in the process!”

When Bella’s not on hikes or hopping around “like a bunny” at nearby parks, she can be found cuddling in mom’s lap, hiding her treats and bones and chasing balls and sticks. She also loves massages and pets, Anna says, and “she will put her head under your hand to get you to pet her!

She really has so many different ways to try to communicate and express herself, it’s impressive.”

DO YOU WANT to see your dog or cat in a future issue of BERGEN? Email a photo and brief details to rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

BERGENMAG.COM

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{ BERGEN BUZZ }

GO OUT WITH THE GALS

You’ve been cooped up with your significant other far too long—don’t you deserve a girls’ night out? Sunday, Feb. 13, the day before that well-known romantic holiday, has been dubbed “Galentine’s Day”— an occasion to celebrate female friendships. So ladies, grab your mom friends, your single friends, your high school besties or all of the above for an all-female night out. Here are some ideas: Plan a paint night. Indulge your artistic spirit—maybe even with spirits! BYOB and BYCS (bring your creative side) to a local studio such as Board & Brush in Ramsey, where you’ll paint farmhouse chic home décor, or Pinot’s Palette in Ridgewood, which offers stepby-step group art lessons accompanied by cocktails.

Get cookin’. Sure, you probably do enough cooking at home, but it’s different when you’re with your friends and don’t have to clean up the kitchen. Local chefs like Rama Ginde of WannaBee Chef in Cresskill will teach you and your pals new techniques for delicious family-friendly dinners. Or book a healthy cooking session with HealthBarn USA in Ridgewood, which offers one-on-one cooking classes with a trained chef and up to 16 guests for dinner.

Relax at the spa. If it’s a break you’re craving (and aren’t we all?), book a girls’ trip to SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater, which offers pools, saunas, massages, skin treatments and more. For fewer frills but the same top-notch service, opt for a more low-key spot such as Hillsdale’s Lotus Pond Relaxation Cove for a full-body massage or reflexology.

Toast your “galentines.” Try a hand-crafted cocktail at Fire & Oak in Montvale, voted Best Girls’ Night Out by BERGEN magazine readers, or make a reservation at The Craftsman in Fair Lawn. (If you switch your occasion to a Thursday night, you’ll catch ladies’ night specials and live music.)

PROTECT YOUR PETS

Your cats and dogs don’t know what Punxsutawney Phil did on Groundhog Day—for them, there’s plenty of winter still to come. To commemorate National Love Your Pet Day Feb. 20, animal lovers can strive to ensure their furry friends stay warm and safe for the remainder of the season. Here are five tips: • Know their limits. Most vets agree that America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador retriever, should be kept indoors when the mercury dips below freezing.

Check with your vet on what the temperature limit is for your pet to remain safely outdoors—and err on the side of caution.

• Feet first. Keep your pets’ paws clean and free of ice and melting agents such as driveway salt. Allweather booties offer protection from the elements (and make for great Instagram posts). Also consider applying a moisturizer like ResQ

Organics Pet Skin Treatment to keep paw pads soft and crack-free.

• Dress right. Animals with lighter layers of fur should be covered in the cold, whether they wear sweaters or are wrapped in blankets. (Think wool/cotton blend or acrylic so washing the garment isn’t a chore.)

• The heat is on. Cat owners know they love a good radiator. But it’s important never to give a household pet direct access to heat sources.

Speaking of heat, be sure to keep flammable material away from stoves and heat lamps when you leave the home. The National Fire Protection Association says 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by pets.

• Make a move. Your exotic bird may like the view of the outdoors, but consider moving its cage away from windows and doors when it’s cold.

This will reduce any exposure to icy drafts. If the space is still chilly, try covering the cage at night.

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FEBRUARY 2022

MAKING JERSEY PROUD

Have you seen the new West Side Story?

The students at Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi sure have. Just before Christmas break, the teens gathered at a screening for the film, directed by Steven Spielberg, which stars one of their own: Rachel Zegler, a Clifton native who graduated from the private high school in 2019. Watch for Zegler on the small screen too—for her role as Maria, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and is nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Performer.

1/17/22 1:28 PM

BLACK HEALTH MATTERS

A QUARANTINE CANDYGRAM? If you don’t have any friends who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks, you may not have that many friends. Unfortunately, Omicron is running rampant, and almost all of us know someone who’s recently been in quarantine. Truth is, there’s only so much TV one can binge, so many books one can read and so much takeout one can order. So, if you have friends or relatives who are stuck at home for five days, show them you’re thinking of them with one of these quarantine-inspired care packages: • “The Quarantine” care package from Curbside Confections in Westwood features candies such as Twizzlers, Starburst, a Rice Krispies Treat and Hershey’s chocolate for $35. For an extra fee, you can add on a big swirl lollipop or customize your bag with gift wrapping and/or balloons. 7 Bergen St., Westwood, 201.986.6086; curbsideconfectionsnj.com • “Some Light Reading With Champagne” from Good 4 U Gift Baskets in Elmwood Park is perfect for your friend with COVID who isn’t feeling too hot. The basket features a balance of food items that taste good and are good for you, a health magazine to help pass the time and some champagne to pour when it’s all over. $129.99. 465 Mola Blvd., Suite 106, Elmwood Park, 800.497.6523; good4yougiftbaskets.com • “The Desert Rose Spa Collection” basket from Baskets-n-Beyond in Dumont will bring treatments to the lady in quarantine until she’s healthy enough to return in person to her spa of choice.

Featuring rose-scented scrub salt, body spray, body wash, lotion, soap and a gel eye mask, this is the pampering she’s been craving. $59.99. $15 more will get you hand delivery in Bergen County.

103 Washington Ave., Dumont, 201.384.7575; baskets-n-beyond.com

“Black Health & Wellness” is the theme chosen for Black History Month this February, and that means both physical and mental health. So what could be more fitting than to shop at one of these Blackowned health and wellness businesses in Bergen (and one in Hudson)?

As U Wish Nail Spa, a salon offering mani/pedis, eyelash extensions, hair removal and more; 319 Willow Ave., Hoboken, 201.420.5959; skyyhadley.com H. Lee Body Essentials, a line of handmade body lotions and products based in Bergenfield; hleebodyessentials.com LaDi, an online maternity clothing shop (and Etsy shop) based in Saddle Brook; la-di.com or etsy.com/shop/ladiwithababy/ Nenriki Therapy, a relaxing massage studio in Northvale; 169 Paris Ave., Northvale, 201.564.7861; nenrikitherapy.com Tina Pearson Salon, which offers services and products for textured hair; 1044 River Rd., Edgewater, 201.224.7000; tinapearsonsalon.com

YOU’LL BE BOWLED OVER

CATCH THAT OLYMPIC SPIRIT Perhaps the pandemic has one silver lining: Thanks to the summer Olympics’ being postponed from 2020 to 2021, we’re now blessed with two consecutive years of Olympics content. The 2022 Winter Games kicked off on Feb. 4 in Beijing, with televised coverage on NBC and its affiliates. If you’d like to supplement your Olympics TV bingeing with your own mini-Olympics here at home, try these ideas: • Bring your little ones ages 2 to 7 to the Midland Park Library on Godwin Avenue every other Tuesday at 3:45 from now until June (February dates are the 8th and 22nd) for its “Special Olympics Young Athletes” program.

Kids of all ability levels (“with and without intellectual disabilities”) will learn to develop sports skills (and sportsmanship!).

• Head about an hour south to Vernon on Feb. 7–8 to take in the Special Olympics’ 2022 Winter Games at Mountain Creek, where athletes who participated in local and sectional special winter sports across the state compete against each other.

• Book a day on the slopes at Campgaw in Mahwah for skiing, tubing or snowboarding. (When you’re all bundled up in your snow gear, you’ll inevitably feel like an Olympian.)

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Didn’t quite score the big-screen TV you wanted for the game February 13? You’re in luck; some of Bergen’s best sports bars are equipped with multiple big screens that will be showing all of the action come Super Bowl Sunday. Throw on your jerseys, bring your friends and head to one of these favorites, where you can nosh on pizza and wings and catch every play—and every commercial: • The 101 Pub, 101 Queen Anne Rd., Bogota, 201.343.9802 • Biggie’s, 430 Rte. 17 S., Carlstadt, 201.933.4000; biggies.com • The Cornerstone, 84 Broadway, Hillsdale, 201.666.8688; thecornerstonenj.com

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• Miller’s Ale House, 270 Rte. 4 W., 201.342.4800; millersalehouse.com • Redd’s Restaurant, 317 Washington Ave., Carlstadt, 201.933.0015; reddsrestaurant.com • The Shannon Rose, 1200 Rte. 17 N., Ramsey, 201.962.7602; theshannonrose.com

FEBRUARY 2022

1/18/22 8:36 AM

{ BERGEN BUZZ }

MARDI GRAS, BERGEN STYLE A trip to N’awlins might not be in the cards now, but that shouldn’t dampen your Mardi Gras spirit. The spirit of Bourbon Street and Fat Tuesday revelry lives on in Bergen, where eateries are ready to help you (safely) celebrate: Small bites. Head over to Bourbon Street Beignet (301 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.497.8429; bourbonstreetbeignet.com) for an order or two of beignets.

Served fresh and hot, these deep-fried doughy pastries are a breakfast staple in the Big Easy.

Eat like a king. There are many forms of king cake, such as the European version with puff pastry and almond cream made at A Little Cake (176 Kinderkamack Rd., Park Ridge, 201.391.6300; alittlecake.com), but it’s usually topped with icing in Mardi Gras colors purple, green and gold. The cake also offers delight to the lucky person whose slice includes a small baby figurine, which was placed into the batter before baking.

Enjoy a boil. Few things are as enjoyable as a Louisiana seafood boil, and restaurants like Cap’t Loui (210 Main St., Fort Lee, 201.461.7080; captloui.

com) do them up right.

Expect a messy good time when you choose from lobster, king crab, Dungeness crab, shrimp or crawfish, and top it with your selection of spice and sauce.

Raise a glass. Many cocktails are associated with Mardi Gras, but the Hurricane truly has New Orleans roots. Invented at legendary Pat O’Brien’s in the 1940s, this fruity drink is now made at restaurants and pubs worldwide. But just in case you’re playing it safe and celebrating at home, here is a simple recipe, courtesy of liquor.com: Ingredients: • 2 oz. light rum • 2 oz. dark rum • 1 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed • 1 oz. orange

CULINARY CORNER juice, freshly squeezed • ½ oz. passion fruit puree • ½ oz. simple syrup • 1 tsp. grenadine • orange slice, for garnish • preserved cherry, for garnish Directions: 1. Add the light and dark rums, lime and orange juices, passion fruit pureé, simple syrup and grenadine into a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.

2. Strain into a large Hurricane glass over fresh ice.

NEVER TOO SOON TO BRUSH Limiting Valentine sweets and goodies is one way to guard your kids’ teeth, but there are more steps parents can take to guarantee great smiles in the future. That’s the message in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month this February from the American Dental Association, which stresses that good oral hygiene starts in a kid’s earliest years.

• Small steps. Even before your baby’s teeth come in, you can use a warm, wet washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe his or her gums after each feeding, according

to Oradell-based KinderSmiles’ website.

Another option is a soft silicone brush, which can cleanse gums and remove any sugar or milk buildup.

• Brush up. Children should be using age-appropriate toothbrushes. Smaller brush heads with soft bristles are ideal for kids up to age 5; they’re gentle on delicate gums. Parents should supervise kids while they brush until they’re around 8 years old. Consider giving older children an electric toothbrush—this can add an element of fun and excitement to the activity.

• Beyond brushing. By age 9 or 10, kids should be flossing and using mouthwash regularly. Because their teeth are now bigger, there are more chances to develop plaque and gum issues, notes KinderSmiles, so they should be using adult-sized brushes as well.

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Three new after-dinner spots opened up in our county just in time for Valentine’s Day. (Datenight planning problems solved!)

Your new fave ice cream?

It’s a Thai!

Thai-style ice cream is frozen onto a surface, mixed with chopped fruits and other toppings of choice and then rolled, and you’ll find it at this new establishment, where milkshakes and bubble tea are on the menu too.

• Roll Thai’d, 61 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201.355.8080

Can a bundt be a home run?

It can if it’s a cake. A Las Vegasbased chain has debuted its firstever Bergen County location in Paramus, where customers will get bundt cakes made with real eggs, butter and cream cheese.

These cuties come bite-sized, mini or regular, frosted or plain, in flavors such as chocolate chip, red velvet, confetti and carrot.

• Nothing Bundt Cakes, 393 Route 17 South, Paramus, 201.584.1414; nothingbundtcakes.com

Your wish, granted Wish Upon a Pastry is a new storefront in Midland Park offering fully customized pastries—cookies, cakes, cupcakes, macaroons and more— so you don’t have to choose just one type of treat.

• Wish Upon a Pastry, 26 Goffle Rd., Suite 6, Midland Park, 201.428.9456; wishuponapastry.com

FEBRUARY 2022

1/17/22 1:28 PM

{ YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS }

‘Cat Crew’ Comes to the Rescue of Homeless Felines

The nonprofit launched by Oradell’s Sophia Sembos has saved more than 500 cats in three years’ time.

Lifelong animal lover Sophia Sembos found time through the years to volunteer for local rescue organizations when her career as an attorney and raising a young family allowed. Once she retired from practicing law, she decided to dedicate more time to her passion and eventually started her own nonprofit. Cat Crew Rescue is now a thriving organization that has helped rehome hundreds of felines.

Sembos relies on a tightknit group of volunteers to foster the animals until they are caringly matched with their forever families. Throughout the process, Sembos has been met with an overwhelming response from the community. Witnessing the kindness and generosity of people has been the icing on the cake of her mission to help as many cats as possible live happy and healthy lives. BERGEN recently spoke to Sembos about the rescue. Read what she had to say below.

When was Cat Crew Rescue founded and how did it come about?

Cat Crew Rescue was started at the end of 2018. I’m an attorney, and I had retired from practicing law and my kids were a little older. After I was done working, I really dedicated a whole year, almost full-time, to another local rescue and found that the way they

From left: Nike, a tiny female kitten that was found wet and cold in the pouring rain with her umbilical cord still attached. Her chances of survival were slim, but with ’round the clock TLC, she miraculously survived and Cat Crew Rescue went on to receive over 100 applications for her adoption; Sembos with Nike at 9 weeks, before she went to her forever home.

did things wasn’t the way that I would do them. I thought, I could start my own. We became a nonprofit and have received an overwhelming amount of support. I never realized that Bergen County had such a a real need for a rescue that was very hands on. People were very receptive, both in needing us and in volunteering and donating to us.

Where do you typically find the cats you’re fostering? Do people turn them in? Are they feral?

Our cats come to us from all different sources. I

always thought that Bergen County didn’t have a lot of strays and that we really were providing a service to other counties. But that’s not the case. Our name has gotten out there and people call us all the time to rescue stray cats or help with what’s called trap, neuter and release for feral cats. There are also people that are surrendering cats, people die, or children call for their elderly parents—all kinds of scenarios. We also got certified to take cats from the Bergen County Animal Shelter. When we had an open foster home, I’d go there and take in as many cats as we had openings to help alleviate them. But we’ve gotten so busy, I haven’t done that in over a year.

What’s the difference between a stray and a feral cat?

The word feral is very much overused—a true feral cat has had no interaction with humans and is very, very scared, very difficult to domesticate. Most cats are strays—they’re dumped outside or kittens of somebody’s own cat that wasn’t spayed. They’re skittish and scared, but they typically aren’t feral.

Feral cats can also be domesticated—they just need time, patience and structure.

How many cats does the rescue foster at a time and where do they stay?

It varies. Typically, we have about 10 to 12 foster homes and at any given time we have about 15 to 25 cats in foster homes.

All of the foster cats get names.

How are they chosen?

Yes, it makes them adoptable, plus they go to the vet and have to go with a name. I usually let my foster families name them because it’s fun for them and we encourage adoptive families to name them themselves because it helps them bond with their pets.

Do you have your own pets and if so, how do they interact with the fosters?

I have four cats of my own that I adopted—all have their own unique story and came to us at different BERGENMAG.COM

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points in time. One we got from something called Cats on Death Row—a New York City-based organization that posts cats that will be euthanized the following day. He’s the sweetest cat now. Our four cats get along with the fosters in varying degrees. I typically don’t foster kittens because everyone wants to foster kittens. I tend to foster sick or older cats, ones that need attention or have something that requires more nursing. Three of my cats don’t mind, one of my cats hates when I foster. We have to keep it a secret from her. The fosters stay in the guest room or the sunroom.

She’s a diva and she hates it when anybody else comes into her domain.

How many volunteers work with the rescue?

In addition to foster families, I have people that do other jobs, from helping to drive the cats to the vet and assisting with trap, neuter and release to social media.

People contact me and want to help but aren’t able to foster. People do what they’re capable of and what they enjoy. It’s around 18 people total.

Is it hard to part with some of the cats once they’ve been adopted?

It is very hard to give them up. All four of ours are “foster failures.” I’ve fostered many that I’ve given away and when you see them go to good homes, you feel good about it. I won’t let a cat go to a home that I don’t feel secure about. But I’m a rescuer, I’m not a hoarder—my job is to move them on, not to keep them all. Because I do empathize with my fosters, I involve them in the process. Sometimes there are good homes that adopt a cat and it’s just not the right match. We take those cats back and find them the right home.

How often do you have adoption events and where are they held?

We usually do them every Saturday at Pet Supplies Plus in Hillsdale, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Do you stay in touch with the new owners?

We do. We are a very “boutique” rescue—everybody that adopts through us becomes part of our Cat Crew Rescue family and I have to say, 99 percent of the people love it and send me updates and pictures. We post them on social media and love to inform people about their stories. Over three years we’ve adopted out a little over 500 cats. Most families keep in touch.

We’re also there as a support. We’re very interactive and because we’re small we’re able to do that. I’m very vested in these cats—not in a crazy cat lady way, but just to make sure that they’re good.

What has it meant for you to have this second career, post-retirement, that helps cats?

It’s been so much fun. I naively thought I could make a difference in the stray cat population in Bergen County and I don’t think we’ve done that, but for the cats we have rescued we’ve made a difference. It feels good; I love the way the rescue is run, and we receive so much positive feedback. It really is overwhelming, the response and the kindness of people—that’s been wonderful to see. I never anticipated it. A woman in Virginia, someone I’ve never met, contacted me and asked if we have an incubator for the kittens. I didn’t at the time, and she sent it­—a $1,500 piece of equipment—it was amazing, and we haven’t lost a kitten since we got that incubator. People are generous in such a positive way.

—Sarah Nolan

FEBRUARY 2022

1/18/22 10:05 AM

{ FOR MEN ONLY }

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FEBRUARY 2022

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{ STYLE WATCH }

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ALICE + OLIVIA MIX PRINT LONG SLEEVE COTTON BLEND DRESS Hartly, Westwood, 201.664.3111

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FEBRUARY 2022

1/18/22 8:47 AM

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{ HOME FRONT }

VISUAL COMFORT CHAPMAN AND MYERS LIGHT TRIPOD FLOOR LAMP Capitol Lighting, Paramus, 201.843.5353 LUMISOURCE NOAH FLOOR LAMP Bed Bath & Beyond, Edgewater, 201.840.8808

RIRAKKUSU CANE LOUNGE CHAIR bareeki.com

SYDNEE COFFEE TABLE allmodern.com

BLAKE CARBON 2-DOOR CABINET Crate & Barrel, Paramus, 201.986.2999

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FEBRUARY 2022

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Forgot Fido during the holidays? It’s not too late to treat your furry companion to a gift you’llboth enjoy.

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POTTERY BARN SHERPA PET PUFF BALL Pottery Barn, Woodcliff Lake, 201.307.1684

CHEW THIS JOURNAL: AN ACTIVITY BOOK FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG Urban Outfitters, Paramus, 201.556.1840

BEIS THE EVERYDAY PET TOTE Nordstrom, Paramus, 201.843.1122 BERGENMAG.COM

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FEBRUARY 2022

1/17/22 1:32 PM

CAN MUSIC HELP YOU HEAL?

KEEP THAT EYE EXAM

{ HEALTH NEWS }

Poor eyesight may affect cognitive function, say researchers who studied 1,200 men and women ages 60 to 94. Declines in visual acuity were associated with language and memory deterioration, as well as attention span.

—JAMA Network Open

Researchers followed heart attack patients for seven years and found that listening to 30 minutes of music daily reduced the risk of another heart attack by 23 percent.

Moreover, it lowered participants’ anxiety and pain.

—Cardiology

COUPLES SHARE TASTE

25 TO 30 The percent reduction in the chance of developing Alzheimer’s among adults ages 65 to 75 who received the pneumonia vaccine.

—Alzheimer’s Association

The longer a couple has been together, the more likely they are to have similar preferences for smell and taste, according to a recent study.

—Appetite

—Arthritis & Rheumatology

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The percentage of adults ages 50 to 80 who stopped taking antibiotics before finishing the prescribed medication.

Chronic stress is related to weight gain, according to a study that evaluated people’s hair samples for markers of cortisol, the stress hormone. Those participants with higher levels were more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI).

—Obesity

—University of Michigan

POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES RISE After analyzing blood samples of more than 14,000 people ages 12 to 90 over more than two decades, researchers found more instances—from 11 to 16 percent—of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), the most common biomarker of disease.

Among the groups showing the biggest rise: adolescents and older adults.

13

DESTRESS TO AVOID WEIGHT CREEP

Long-term romantic partners who expressed gratitude to each other regularly showed a greater ability to weather relationship storms, according to research.

—Journal of Positive Psychology

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FEBRUARY 2022

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

1/17/22 1:29 PM

We’ve got New Jersey covered.

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From the top of Bergen to the bottom of Monmouth, we cover New Jersey like nobody else.

If you want to reach the most affluent households and influential businesses in these counties and places in between, contact Publisher Tom Flannery today at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

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{ HEALTHY LIVING }

SHOVEL SMART— FOR YOUR HEART The sudden exertions that come with shoveling snow can put a dangerous strain on your ticker. Here’s what doctors advise.

Cold weather can pose special hazards for heart health, and the classic example is shoveling snow. This deceptively simple activity (or pushing a heavy snow blower) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure more quickly and dramatically than many other types of exercise. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that shoveling heavy snow can be more demanding on the heart than running on a treadmill. And a 2017 study in snow-savvy Canada found that hospital admissions for heart attack went up after heavy snowfalls—the heavier the snowfall, the more they rose.

“Shoveling is a unique form of exertion that triggers a cardiovascular response such as an increased blood pressure and heart rate, both essential in maintaining blood flow to your heart as your muscles contract,” says Shalin P. Desai, M.D., who practices general cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck. “What can make shoveling so dangerous is that it is performed in cold weather, which can lead to vasoconstriction, in which blood vessels narrow, reducing blood flow so that the heart’s pumping takes more effort. This, combined with a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, puts strain on the heart muscle, and increases the amount of oxygen the heart needs to function normally.”

If you have a chronic medical condition that raises your risk—or if you’re over age 55—it may be best to hire a brawny youngster down the street to do the shoveling for you. But those who do choose to shovel can protect their hearts this season by following heart-savvy advice from Dr. Desai and Nora Z. Tossounian, M.D., an internal medicine specialist with Hackensack

University Medical Center.

They suggest that people limit exposure to biting cold and wind outdoors to minimize vasoconstriction. That means choosing to exercise indoors if possible. Also, keep in mind that cold-weather comfort foods such as canned soup often contain high amounts of sodium, which can exacerbate high blood pressure.

The doctors also offer these tips for smart shoveling: • Lighten loads. Push snow if possible, rather than lifting it, says Dr. Tossounian. When lifting, scoop small amounts of snow, rather than heavy piles, especially when snow is wet.

• Don’t shovel on a full stomach. Allow food to settle for an hour or two after a heavy meal before heading out to the driveway. “Eating a big meal before shoveling can cause acid reflux and gas, mimicking the symptoms of a heart attack,” says Dr. Tossounian. “Instead, eat a small snack that combines protein and carbohydrates, such as half an apple with peanut butter or a few crackers with cheese.”

• Shovel in shifts. Both docs say that if you’re going to shovel, do it for short periods of time to reduce the chance of strain on the heart and muscles. Adds Dr. Desai: “And take frequent breaks!”

• Dress warmly. Make sure you’re “protected from the cold with warm clothes designed to stand up to frigid temperatures,” says Dr. Tossounian.

• Know trouble signs. Chest discomfort sometimes—but not always—signals a heart attack. “Symptoms include chest pain or pressure that lasts a few minutes or more, which occur intermittently and may radiate to one or both arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach,” says Dr. Desai. “Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack and calling 911 if they don’t resolve could save someone’s life.”

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YOUR BODY DEPENDS ON YOUR HEART—AND VICE VERSA

Doctors say you can do your heart a favor—in winter or any other time— by taking good care of the rest of you, and especially by acting to avoid infections. So be sure to: • Get vaccines. Check with your doctor to make sure you’re up to date with both COVID-19 and flu inoculations.

• Wash hands regularly. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds to reduce the spread of viruses.

• Treat dry skin. Cracks in skin can become portals for germs to enter the body.

• Get enough sleep. Slumber helps the body fight or fend off illness.

Eight hours a night is ideal. (If you’re sleeping enough hours but waking unrefreshed, consult your doctor about being evaluated for a possible sleep disorder.)

• Stay hydrated. Having enough fluid in the body helps regulate blood pressure.

• Keep a heart-healthy diet.

Emphasize whole grains, fruits and vegetables, get plenty of fiber and limit salty, sugary and fatty foods.

FEBRUARY 2022

1/17/22 1:28 PM

{ PAMPERED PETS }

PUTTIN’ ON THE DOG GROOMED YOUR POOCH LATELY? FOUR PROS TELL HOW TO KEEP YOUR CANINE COMPANION’S FUR, SKIN, NAILS AND PAWS PERFECT.

They say it takes a village to raise a human child; at least a few pairs of hands are needed to maintain your pup too—or your adult dog. Veterinarians provide medical care, dog sitters and dog walkers help out when you need a break and, of course, dog groomers keep Fido looking and feeling his best. But what do groomers learn that pet owners don’t just naturally know? BERGEN asked four of the county’s top groomers to share their tips. By Haley Longman OUR DOG GROOMERS

Cait Lauria, Groomington Coat Factory, Midland Park; pet “parent” to five dogs, one cat and one hedgehog

Helen Maggi, owner, Preppy Pampered Pups, River Vale; three dogs

Christina Ostro, owner, The Pawsmetologist, Teaneck; two cats and one dog

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Noemi Reyes, owner, Knot Too Shaggy, Wyckoff; two dogs

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{ PAMPERED PETS }

GROOMING: There’s no hard-and-fast rule on how often your dog should be groomed. “This depends on many factors, such as long hair vs. short hair, whether the dog has skin issues and whether he or she is outside a lot,” says Helen Maggi. But the average recommendation is every four to six weeks to ensure they’re staying healthy and fresh.

Brushing and combing properly are essential to pup hygiene because they remove dirt, mud and salt from their coats. The key: Don’t just brush the surface, but get close to the skin to prevent knots and matting. “Brush, then comb one area at a time, paying special attention to areas that mat easily,” says Noemi Reyes. “This includes behind the ears, the chest area and between the front legs and backsides near the base of the tail.”

The type of brush you use should depend on your canine’s coat type. “A smooth or flat-coated dog will benefit from a soft-bristle brush; a doublecoated dog can be brushed with a slicker brush and comb, and long-haired dogs definitely need brushing with a slicker or pin brush and combing,” says Christina Ostro. For longer-haired dogs, she says, use your slicker brush, starting from the back paws, and work up and then toward the front of the body to avoid damaging the hair.

Final touches: Cait Lauria adds that leave-in conditioner after a brush can prevent split ends and damage, so don’t forget this final step. “Conditioner also closes the cuticle of the hair shaft that keeps the skin hydrated, especially in winter,” adds Ostro.

BATHING: Dogs don’t need daily bathing as humans do; on average they can get along, says Maggi, on a bath every four to six weeks. But bathe your pooch more often if he or she is an active creature with a special knack for getting dirty.

Choose a moisturizing shampoo that meets your pet’s specific needs—mild if they have sensitive skin or allergies, medicated for skin irritations, “tearless” for puppies. The product should be a high-quality brand such as Les Poochs, as “worse-quality shampoos can damage the coat and dry out the skin if used too frequently,” says Lauria. Other issues

GENERAL HYGIENE: Even if the fur is in tip-top shape, don’t forget upkeep on other important areas such as your dog’s nails, teeth and footpads.

Nail clipping should be a priority for dog owners—aim to check on nails’ length every two to four weeks. “Dogs who get their steps in on pavement will require less frequent nail trimming than those who walk on grass,” says Ostro, because pavement essentially files the nails down.

“Nail trimming also helps the quick, the nerve in a dog’s nail, to recede, and keeps the nails short,” says Maggi. “To trim a nail, you need to identify where the quick is and trim on an angle the way the nail grows to avoid injury.” The process may sound intimidating, but “clipping can be pleasant if the dog is desensitized to having his or her feet touched and handled,” says Reyes. That means start them early! And a pro tip: Keep styptic powder or gel on hand in case of a minor bleed.

Teeth should be brushed daily as yours are, but at a minimum, brush a dog’s pearly whites three times a week “to control tartar buildup,” says Reyes.

A dental chew is a good supplement to regular teeth brushing too, says Lauria.

But if your dog just ain’t having it, says Ostro, “ask your vet about nonbrushing alternatives such as enzymatic toothpaste and water additives.”

Because dog breath can be the worst.

Paw pad maintenance is important for dogs, as pads help regulate their body temperature. “Clean feet and footpads when your dog comes inside to reduce licking, especially if your dog is prone to allergies,” says Maggi.

Reyes recommends wiping pads with hypoallergenic baby wipes after a long walk. You can trim them (not cut them!) if you’d like too, which helps with traction on smooth flooring. “To trim, simply glide a clipper blade over the pads without getting between the toes,” says Ostro.

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I’LL BE DOGGONE!

can arise from improper or infrequent bathing, adds Ostro, since “the skin and coat are a dog’s first line of defense against environmental pathogens, toxins and debris.”

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Dog groomers’ craziest experiences? Our experts recall these: • “The owner wanted a bob haircut on a male Yorkie,” says Christina Ostro of The Pawsmetologist in Teaneck. “There was to be long hair on the top and the sides of his head, with a very long bang crossing over his face. Hairspray was required for the look. By the end, he looked like what is known as a Karen.”

• “I’ve been asked to do Mohawks, paint dogs’ nails and airbrush or dye their hair,” reports Helen Maggi of Preppy Pampered Pups in River Vale, who also volunteers a list of things she’s found in dogs’ fur: “lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, stickers and a little plastic army man.”

• Recalls Noemi Reyes of Knot Too Shaggy in Wyckoff: “Shortly after my grand opening, I was grooming an Afghan hound with a nervous stomach.

As I was working around her rear legs, she had a sudden bout of explosive diarrhea! Well, I had to cut off my pullover grooming smock (because I was NOT going to pull it over my head), and I threw away my sneakers too! The funny thing was that I had just installed security cameras in the shop the day before. So yes, there is video.”

• “A 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy came in that was being returned to the breeder because the family didn’t want to care for him anymore,” remembers Cait Lauria of Groomington Coat Factory in Midland Park. “The poor thing threw up in his crate on the way to the airport, and the owners called us in a panic because they weren’t sure he would be allowed on the flight if he was dirty. My German Shepherd-loving husband happened to be at the salon that day; he had always wanted one and this was his golden opportunity. We called the breeder to see if we could keep him, and now we have Crue! A normal day at the salon ended up being an adoption day for a sweet pup, and we gained a new member of our family.”

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1/17/22 1:32 PM

FUR YOUR PUP’S OWN GOOD

Dog fur is more susceptible to matting in the cold months. Three tips from our grooming pros: • Use sweaters sparingly. Cute as they are, sweaters, harnesses and anything hugging your pet’s body can cause a lot of matting.

• Dry Fido off. Use a towel after playing outside, comb out any clumps of snow that have formed, then brush them out immediately to prevent knots.

• Buy booties. If your pup is willing, try a pair of booties in the winter months to keep his or her feet dry and mud-free. A pet balm is also great for protecting paw pads from snow, ice and salt.

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{ LOVE STORIES }

e c n a m o R How s n i g e B

Who needs a dating app? Not these folks! A lucky 13 Bergenites tell how they met the one who turned out to be “the one.”

Alas for love-seeking singles, science still hasn’t developed a foolproof formula for finding lasting romance. Yes, it helps to keep your eyes open, be alert to cues, look your best and “put yourself out there,” but there’s a certain serendipity to meeting the right person at the right time that cannot yet be willed. (And we all have the dating-disaster memories to prove it!) The best we can do for now is to collect, around Valentine’s Day, inspiring anecdotal evidence like this:

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{ LOVE STORIES }

They met… at the Jersey Shore

“Steve and I met in our senior year of high school in 1999 at a mutual friend’s party in Seaside Heights. We went on several dates that summer but went our separate ways until 2004, when we reconnected over winter break while I was getting my master’s degree at Rutgers and Steve was in Army training in Maryland. Steve was deployed twice to Baghdad, Iraq, between 2004 and 2008, but we spent time together in between deployments in Texas and New Jersey until Steve completed active duty in 2008. After a very long-distance relationship, we were finally together in New Jersey and got engaged in 2010. We got married in 2011 in Long Branch since we shared so many happy memories at the Jersey Shore. We truly believe that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder,’ since our relationship had been tested time and time again. We now have two daughters: Emilie, 6; and Claire, 4.”

—Allison Sans, Park Ridge

They met…through her sister

“In 2009, when I was 28, Reuben saw pictures of me at my sister’s office desk and asked how she knew me because he thought I looked familiar. Turns out we both attended Rutgers University at the same time but didn’t know each other. Later that year, Reuben and some of my sister’s friends came to my birthday party. We exchanged hellos and had a couple of drinks but nothing else. We didn’t cross paths again until March 2011, when we ran into each other on a train going into Hoboken. This time we made sure to exchange numbers so we could meet up. We went on our first date about a month later and have been together for 10 years and married for six. We now have two beautiful daughters, Ruby, 5; and Rosalie, 2; and a fur baby. It’s funny, because while we never spoke to each other in college or lived in the same town, when looking back, Reuben was there all along—he’s sitting behind me in my graduation photos, and we both attended the same events over the years but never once ran into one another. Fate stepped in multiple times to get us here, and it is up to us to stay here.”

—Natalie Santos, Wood-Ridge

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They met…as small children

“My wife Samantha and I have known each other since we were 5 years old. We both grew up in Wyckoff and graduated from Ramapo High School in 1995. Our story started even earlier, in the early ’80s—our moms had a mutual friend, so as kids we used to get together and play every so often. In middle school we were really good friends. I remember my dad always saying Samantha was a great girl—a keeper.

I was into sports and hanging out with my buddies at this point—it didn’t really register that she could be my girlfriend. Our freshman year of high school was pretty much the same thing—we were really good friends but there was nothing romantic. Samantha always had a bunch of the football guys over after our double sessions so we could recover in the hot tub. Halloween 1992 was the exact date our relationship changed. She had a killer Halloween party, and I remember being in a heated game of pinball in Samantha’s basement with my buddy Jason. She asked me to help her bring food downstairs or something (I remember not being thrilled about being pulled away from the game) and we had our first kiss. We’ve been together (on and off) during high school and college ever since. We were engaged in 2003, married in 2005 and have three beautiful children, Olivia, 12; Luca, 11; and Tessa, 7. Our relationship has gone through a ton of twists and turns, but ultimately my dad was right. Samantha has always been ‘the one.’ We’ve shared so much in our lives and honestly, being friends before we ever dated helped lay a foundation for our relationship now. I can’t imagine my life without her.”

—Darren Magarro, Franklin Lakes

They met…in middle school

“Steven and I grew up together in Tenafly, so we technically met in sixth grade in 1994. During our sophomore year of high school we attended our semi-formal together—but with different dates who ultimately ended up together. My father passed away when I was 21, but he got to meet Steve, because we have pictures from semi-formal night with both of our families together. Steve and I lost touch after high school but reconnected in 2009 when we were 25 at a mutual friend’s father’s funeral, eventually got married and now have two little girls. We have our challenges like every couple, but ultimately we are soulmates because we found our way back to each other. Steve is everything that I cherish about my childhood and what I want my children to experience.”

—Jessica Vanderlinden, Oradell

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{ LOVE STORIES } They met…via a matchmaker

“Our love story began with a Jewish matchmaker who was based out of a JCC [Jewish Community Center] in Newton, Massachusetts. I had purchased a package of six dates. Sean Levin was my second. On our first date in 1996, Sean and I met at a coffee shop. I was a recent law school grad studying for the bar; Sean had already been practicing law for a few years in downtown Boston. We discovered a series of serendipitous coincidences between us: We had both grown up in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Our fathers, both attorneys, had worked on the Hill [Capitol Hill] the same year. We had had the same childhood dentist, we both raised miniature schnauzers as children, and, most startling, my husband’s high school best friend, Jason, was my friend, Jason, from elementary school! That first date ended with a promise from my now-husband: “I’ll call you.” And call me he did—just about a year later. He explained he had needed therapy to get clear within himself. He asked me out, and I said yes. Then I got a stomach flu, and had to postpone twice. He thought I was letting him down easy, but I wasn’t. I really liked him. When I was finally healthy again, we went apple picking. Eleven months later, over Labor Day Weekend 1998, we got married. We now have two sons; one will be leaving for college next fall, the other the year after. We have not had a conventional family life. Our older son is autistic; our younger son is gifted and has gone through very intense and difficult periods. I left the law. Family came first. I’m glad I made the choice I did. A lot of couples have to rediscover each other when the children leave the house. Sean and I will simply continue to discover each other. We have come through trauma and tremendous challenges. But our home is filled with love, honesty, humor, shared experiences, support, music, creativity—and schnauzers. And I still thank G-d for that matchmaker at the JCC.” —Susan Levin, Montvale

They met… via a personal ad

“I was 24 years old and not meeting anyone who had potential as a lifelong partner. I was living in Alexandria, Virginia, and worked in downtown D.C. A family member convinced me to place a personal ad in The Washingtonian, which reached all of the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas. The ‘In Search Of’ ad appeared in the September 1985 issue. After about a week or so, I had not received any responses. I visited The Washingtonian offices, which were a couple of blocks from where I worked, and asked how I’d get my responses. A woman there said that 10 letters were sent to me the week before; she was perplexed why I hadn’t received them yet, but she checked my box and there was one more letter. I hid in the bathroom at work to read the letter, lest anyone think I was desperate because of placing a personal ad, and opened the only response I had.

The note basically said, ‘Hi, I’m Rob from Brooklyn and I like….’ Rob answered my ad by citing back everything I had said I was looking for in a guy. There was also a photo and I thought he looked pretty cute. Even though it wasn’t such an original letter, I decided to call him. We spent hours on the phone talking, like we had known each other for years. We met the following night for dinner and saw each other several times after that. We quickly discovered that Rob lived directly across the street from me in Alexandria. I eventually received the 10 letters that were sent to me initially and another package with 14 more letters. But I was invested in Rob and starting to feel like we were meant to be. Rob and I got engaged three months after we met, and we got married on August 31, 1986. We just celebrated 35 magnificent years together. Through this time, we raised two fabulous children, enjoyed some amazing highs and dealt with the curveballs that life throws, as most couples do. Through it all, our love never wavered and we came out stronger together each time. Our kids complain that we set the bar for ‘happily married’ too high, but I can tell you that Rob and I are still each other’s best friends, and we can only hope that our children find the same type of love we found. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

—Caryn Schulsinger, Ho-Ho-Kus

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They met… at a bar (twice)

“It was 1998—I was 31 and single. I went to my shift as a bartender at Red Rock West, a rowdy biker bar on 17th Street and 10th Avenue in NYC. I waited on a group of Lehman Brothers employees all evening. A guy kept buying rounds of drinks for his co-workers, giving me a big smile and tip every time I waited on him, and asked for my number. Normally I wouldn’t give a customer my number, but he looked familiar...Three years prior I was in a relationship and not very happy. I went solo to a birthday party for a fellow actor friend at a now-defunct bar in the East Village. Everyone at the party was an actor, with the exception of Charlie, who was a singer in a rock band. We had a great conversation.

When I left the party, I thought, ‘Charlie’s girlfriend is so lucky to have such a nice guy.’ In 1998, both of us now single, I ended up giving Charlie my number at Red Rock West and we went out. We got engaged a few months later and were married within a year, just like a psychic had predicted I would be. It’s our destiny to be together. We have two beautiful girls. Our oldest child has autism and we work together as a team to support her and her younger sister. We cannot imagine this journey without each other.”

—Kim Cristo, Waldwick

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They met…at a shiva

“Andrew and I share family but are not at all related—my father’s cousin is married to Andrew’s uncle. We both attended family bar mitzvahs as kids, and we have pictures together playing ‘Coke and Pepsi’ on the dance floor.

Andrew’s father was also my dentist! But Andrew and I did not officially meet until 2005, when we were in our 20s, at his family home in Cresskill for his grandfather’s shiva. We dated for a few years and got married in 2009, and now have two children, Ryan, 9; and Faye, 6. We love having an unconventional love story, and know it means we were meant to be together.”

—Heather Eisler, Woodcliff Lake

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{ LOVE STORIES }

They met…when he was kissing her roommate

“I met my husband in 2006 while he was kissing my roommate, Alyson, at her birthday party. At the time, I was still deeply involved in a seven-year college relationship, but apparently Chris kept asking Alyson for my number. Maybe we connected because we have the same name? I didn’t want to go out with him and make anyone uncomfortable, but I finally agreed and we had our first date that October. We got married in 2008—and Alyson was my bridesmaid! We have four children—Chris Junior, 11; Chester, 9; Eve, 6; and Joy, 3. Eve was the first baby girl born to my husband’s family since the year 1860. I’m a COVID nurse in NYC and this hasn’t been an easy two years for any of us, but we are still here. Still standing. And still in love after all these years.”

—Christine Charles Ziobro, Ridgewood

They met…in the middle of the night

“I met Dan at the Mousetrap Bar in Rochelle Park on July 22, 1978. We met just after midnight and talked until 3 a.m. I had to be at work at the Pathmark in Fair Lawn at 7 a.m. As I punched in at the time clock, a friend asked how my Friday night was. I told her I met the guy I am going to marry. It took Dan seven years to propose and figure out what I knew in three hours. We finally married on Aug. 30, 1986. We have two fantastic adult daughters, Kat and Sam. We live in the same house we bought in August 1985, which we purchased about a week after we got engaged.

And yes, we are total opposites!”

—Rosanne Hurley, Paramus

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They met… at a Jets game

“My husband Greg and I met at a Jets game in 2000. I was a senior in college at SUNY Oneonta, and Greg had recently graduated from Oneonta as well. My roommate started dating this amazing guy our senior year. One week, they invited me to a Jets game, but I didn’t want to go. Strangely enough, my dad called that same week and asked me if I wanted to come home for the weekend and go to the Jets game with him, so I went. My roommate and I drove down to the Meadowlands to meet up with her boyfriend’s friend Greg, his mom and a few of Greg’s other relatives, and I met up with my dad there too. Greg and I ended up hitting it off and talking the entire night. We didn’t exchange numbers since I was hours away in college, but I couldn’t stop thinking about him. We saw each other at one other Jets game. Then, another year went by and I had now graduated and was living with some friends, and I ended up going to another Jets game with my roommate, her boyfriend and Greg. The following weekend we had an alumni weekend in Oneonta, and Greg was there too. We had the best weekend together but nothing came of it again! We ended up driving home at the same time but in separate cars. We got onto the highway from the back roads and Greg pulled into a rest stop. I followed him. We both got out of the cars, he kissed me, we exchanged numbers and the rest is history. We have been together for 18 years, married for 14, and have two amazing children—Lillian, who is 11½; and Garrett, who is 8.”

—Rachel Schanck, Norwood

They met…at Garden State Plaza

“My husband Emanuel and I first noticed each other in the spring of 1988 at the Garden State Plaza. I was 23 and working in a clothing store and he was working at a pizza shop in the food court. During my lunch break, I went for pizza with a co-worker who also happened to be a friend of his. On our way back up to work, Emanuel called her over to ask about me, but she didn’t tell him much since she liked him. Later that day, we crossed paths on the escalator and he asked me out for coffee—not drinks, because he wasn’t 21 yet. Our first ‘coffee date’ was on June 5, 1988, at the Land & Sea Diner in Fair Lawn. We got engaged seven years later at that same booth at the diner! One of the things that makes our story unique is that we are an interfaith couple. I’m Jewish and he is Catholic and first-generation Italian. Some family members tried to talk us out of being together and were unsupportive, but we didn’t let others interfere with our decision to start our life together. We listened to our hearts and are still going strong after being together for more than 30 years. We raised our two daughters, Marissa, 23; and Gabriella, 22; in an interfaith family, and truly have the best of both worlds.”

—Jodi Stellacci, Washington Township

They met…coaching high school sports

“Dan and I met at Westwood High School in the summer of 2006, when I was 22 and he was 24, at a volleyball practice that I was coaching. He was the middle school coach at the time. This was my first and his third year teaching/coaching at this high school—I teach math and coach volleyball; he is a physical education teacher and coaches bowling. We became good friends while working together that year, and started dating the following year, in January of 2008. We were engaged in 2010 and married in 2011. We even coached softball together as the varsity and JV coaches for about five years until I had our first daughter, Kylie, who’s now 6. (We also have a 3-year-old daughter, Ryan.) Ironically, we met the same way my parents met in 1975; they both taught at Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale for 36 years before retiring. They live in the town that we work in, and we now live in the town where they worked! Our daughters will one day go to the high school where they worked. It’s special to work with students and to share that with your spouse.”

—Lindsay Rattacasa, Hillsdale BERGENMAG.COM

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1 ROOM LEADS 2 LIVES Billliards, anyone? Or a formal dinner? A convertible space in Fort Lee can have it all.

By Donna Rolando Design by Jaclyn Isaac Photography by Mike Van Tassell

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{ PERSONAL SPACE }

Making the most of space originally carved out for a formal dining room, designer Jaclyn Isaac introduced a way to go from billiards to dinner table in a snap. She created a lounge atmosphere featuring a 14-foot gold velvet banquette and standout elements such as custom-design tiles by Flor.

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{ PERSONAL SPACE }

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He was shooting for a billiards room; she wanted the practicality of a formal dining room. A new-construction home in Fort Lee presented a dilemma for Steve and Rania, formerly of Astoria, Queens, and the parents of five children. Fortunately, a happy compromise was as near as the right designer.

Indeed, principal designer Jaclyn Isaac, owner of Shrewsbury-based Doni Douglas Design, came up with a plan to use one room to grant both wishes. Today the homeowners marvel at the ease at which the billiard table can be converted when company’s coming. On those special occasions, hydraulics adjust the height for dining and what resembles wall art turns into a tabletop by Andrew Coslow. Vital to the design plan are acrylic chairs slim enough to be stored until called into action.

“The pool table is amazing,” says Steve, who is an enthusiastic fan of how Isaac equipped a formal dining room for everyday fun.

While the family vacationed in Greece for two months, Isaac got to work—she surprised them with how she took the contemporary design from paper to reality, finishing in 2019 right before the pandemic. For a flavor of Greece, murals evoke what Rania describes as a “wavy feel” extending across the ceiling, where a smoky-glass-andbrass chandelier by Arteriors adds an abstract touch.

The murals help the high ceiling make its own aesthetic statement.

Just right for hosting many guests, a 14-foot-long gold velvet banquette creates a lounge effect. For a sense of drama, gilded-finish vintage mirrors flank windows accented with a laser-cut leather geometric pattern in olive green. Completing the picture are custom design carpet tiles in shades of olive, cream and black over red oak floors.

Visible from the kitchen, the living room also had to rise to the challenge of family living. To maximize seating, there’s room for the entire family on the olive velvet curved sofa by Rowe Furniture, paired with two side chairs in white performance fabric from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and a dark bronze table by Michael Aram.

The room delivers a pop with a gallery of Thom Filicia black-and-white monoprints and a cut-pile wool, linearcontrast rug over large format porcelain tile in limestone.

This creation from Abbot Collection/Loloi Rugs “is almost like an art piece on the floor,” says Isaac.

With children ages 5 months to 7 years, the couple appreciates that the living room’s freestanding marble fireplace is water-based. “It’s so the kids can touch it and not burn themselves,” says Steve. “Yet it looks 100 percent like fire.”

Coming home from Greece to see how design elements came together under Isaac’s direction was quite a treat.

“We loved it all,” says Rania. “She was great to work with, friendly—and knew what I wanted.”

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This page: Homeowner Rania and two of her five children hang out on the curved sectional in the living room, which wows with its gallery of black-andwhite monoprints.

Opposite page: Isaac (pictured) used unexpected features like a mural to build interest in the billiards room.

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{ SPECIAL REPORT }

SENIORS AT RISK

Scammers prey on the elderly, and the isolation caused by the pandemic has made the problem worse here in Bergen County. By Leslie Garisto Pfaff The two men at the door told Gabriel Musella they were from the utility company, and the WoodRidge homeowner accepted them at their word. They were, after all, wearing uniforms, carrying clipboards and flashing apparent SUEZ IDs, and just the other day Musella had seen workers from the water company changing pipes out on Valley Boulevard. So when they told him they needed to see if his water was running clear, Musella, 92, invited them in. Truth be told, he was happy for the social contact, and after the men had ascertained that his water was fine, one of them engaged him in pleasant conversation—so pleasant, in fact, that his partner was able to slip away unnoticed and make his

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{ SPECIAL REPORT }

way to the master bedroom, where he confronted Musella’s wife.

“Sit down and you won’t get hurt,” he ordered her. Then he proceeded to ransack the room. Eventually, he and his partner made off with some $50,000 in cash, jewelry and family heirlooms.

It’s a story that Mark Musella, Gabriel’s son—who also happens to be the Bergen County prosecutor—has told to hundreds of Bergen seniors over the past three months as part of an initiative known as Senior Safety Scam Alert. Launched in September 2021, the initiative was created after Musella and his colleagues noticed a significant spike in scams aimed at seniors—including Musella’s own parents—during the pandemic. In 2020 alone, New Jersey seniors lost some $2.9 million through a variety of schemes.

Seniors have long been a particular target of scammers—“they have money, and they tend to be trusting,” the prosecutor notes—but during the pandemic they’ve also been isolated, and scammers, Musella says, “prey on isolation.”

The initiative aims to combat the effects of isolation with a presentation detailing common scams. It’s available to any group of older residents— including clubs, residences and assistedliving centers—that requests it. The presentation also teaches seniors how to avoid scams and offers advice on what to do if they fall victim to one. That can happen online, on the phone or in person, in any number of ways intended to take advantage of human frailties that range from fear and loneliness to greed and financial duress.

“There are many scams, and they are often very clever,” warns Ria Sklar, a founder of the Bergen-based group Save Abused and Frail Elderly (SAAFE). Though that organization is no longer active (the seniors who founded and ran it having “retired” from the group), it helped set in motion the county’s coordinated response, by the prosecutor’s office and its office of Adult Protective Services (APS), to scams aimed at seniors. Sklar notes that the scams “change from week to week.”

Nevertheless, they all fall into a few basic categories, and knowing about them can help scammers’ targets from becoming their victims: The lottery scam: “This one is huge,” notes Maria Aberasturi, supervisor of Bergen County’s APS program. A caller or emailer contacts the target announcing

that she’s won big in a foreign lottery and, in order to claim the prize, she needs to remit something in return—usually money or valuable information such as a Social Security or bank account number.

Needless to say, the prize never arrives.

The romance scam: Scammers troll the internet, especially its many dating apps, to find men and women—often older— looking for love or companionship and then use their loneliness to manipulate them. After carefully building a relationship, they ask for a favor, usually in the form of money. Sometimes, Musella notes, romance scammers appeal not just to loneliness, but to greed as well. He cites the case of an older Bergen County woman who met a purported wealthy doctor on a dating site; the “doctor” claimed to have invented a medical device that could make them both rich if only she chipped in with some of the startup expenses. By the time she realized he was scamming her, she’d sent him more than $250,000—her entire life savings. “Through the dark web, we were able to trace him to South Africa,” Musella says, “but we weren’t able to get any of her money back”—a conclusion that’s all too common, especially in the case of long-distance cons.

The government scam: Usually this scam comes in the form of a phone call, notifying the target that he owes back taxes or that his Social Security number has been compromised, with the aim of either getting money from the victim or securing his bank account, Social Security number or some other piece of private information. These scammers depend on fear to muddle their targets’ thinking and often pressure them to take immediate action, before they can think clearly about the request or contact someone else. Some, notes Sklar, even claim to be police officers with outstanding warrants for their targets’ arrest. Bear in mind, says Musella, that “the IRS and the Social Security Administration will never call you concerning these issues.”

The charity scam: Because who wouldn’t want to help a worthy cause? The scammer will either claim to be from an actual charity (the local Police Benevolent Association, say) or a charity that sounds real but isn’t (the U.S. Cancer Society, for instance, instead of the American Cancer Society). Musella cautions that before donating, people should verify a charity’s existence and contact information at charitynavigator.org.

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The grandparent scam: Eleanor Stevens will never forget the day her husband, Hank, was scammed. “I was out,” she says, “and he got a phone call from someone saying he was his grandson—he sounded horrible, voice shaky, crying— and then someone else got on the line and said he was holding our grandson and in order to release him, he’d need a payment of $1,500.” Her husband, who died last year, was a retired doctor whom Stevens describes as alert and intelligent—“but somehow,” she says, “he got hooked.” He took a cab to his bank branch in their hometown of Fort Lee in order to withdraw the money.

Luckily, a bank officer noticed him and sensed his distress. Concerned, he asked if anything was the matter. When Hank told him why he needed money, the officer explained that it was a scam and sent him home, chastened but none the poorer. Offering some insight into why the scam—which takes advantage of a combination of love and fear—is so often successful, Stevens says, “It was his grandson—he would have done anything.”

Sometimes, a “grandparent” scammer poses as a lawyer and asks for money to bail a grandchild out of jail. But, says Musella, New Jersey abolished cash bail several years ago, so such a request is a giveaway that the call is fraudulent.

The sweetheart scam: In this case, the “sweetheart” in question isn’t necessarily a potential romantic partner, but often a person who offers some kind of assistance. That person, explains Aberasturi, might be a new acquaintance (or even an old one) or a neighbor who approaches the target with a friendly “Let me help you with your banking” or “Give me your ATM card and I’ll go shopping for you.” Some sweetheart scammers, she notes, scout hospital wards for potential targets, posing as home healthcare aides and offering to work for the patient when he’s released.

Then they construct a relationship with their victim in order to gain access to his bank account or credit cards. Aberasturi recalls a scam in which an elderly man gave thousands of dollars to a so-called home healthcare aide claiming to need money for her own cancer surgery.

FIGHTING BACK

“My best advice to both seniors and their families,” says Aberasturi, “is to remain socially connected. Family members

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should stay connected with their elders and check on them often.”

Even the savviest among us can fall prey to a scam when we have no one around us to offer a second opinion.

Educate older family members about common scams and, advises Sklar, “encourage them not to react” after someone approaches them with an unexpected offer or threat.

Instead, ask them to call you or another trusted friend or relative first, or to call a company or government agency before agreeing to give money or information to a so-called representative of that organization.

If you or someone you know has already become a victim of a scam, you should notify law enforcement and/or APS. While it’s not always possible to retrieve money paid out to a scammer, it does happen, Musella says. Your notification will also help law enforcement understand what form the latest scams are taking so that they can stay ahead of the scammers and protect the people they serve from falling victim to fraud.

WEAPONS IN THE WAR ON SCAMS

Would a group you belong to be interested in a presentation educating seniors about avoiding scams? You can arrange such a talk by emailing the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office at outreach@bcpo.net or call 201.226.5511. Says County Prosecutor Mark Musella: “No group is too small or too big.” Another resource: The county’s Adult Protective Services office, which may be reached at 201.368.4300.

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{ FASHION }

r e t a e w S eather W Neutral knitwear goes with everything you already have in your closet—plus it’ll keep you nice and toasty this season.

Photography by Daniel Springston

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r

Sweater by Nili Lotan, Gito, Englewood, 201.541.7330. Jeans by AG, Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack, 201.457.2000. Belt by Ferragamo, Ferragamo, Hackensack, 201.342.0681. Boots by Gianvito Rossi, Gito, Englewood.

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Sweater and shirt

by Brochu Walker, shopbop.com. Pants

by Veronica Beard, Hartly, Westwood, 201.664.3111.

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{ FASHION }

Sweater by Veronica Beard, Hartly, Westwood.

Pants by Moussy, Gito, Englewood.

Boots by Manolo Blahnik, Bloomingdale’s, Hackensack.

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{ ESCAPES }

SOLITARY SPLENDOR

Though New Jersey has top-flight ski resorts, the slopes can fill up in a hurry. But with a quick getaway up north, you can enjoy your personal peak experience.

When the weekend warriors of the Northeast were headed to Vermont ski areas Killington, Stowe and Okemo one weekend, I headed north in search of a wintry sanctuary in the rarified air of Twin Farms. I admit to being awestruck upon arrival at this star of the Relais & Châteaux group. Routinely ranked as the top C-level getaway lodge in the country, if not the world—with rates to match—Twin Farms has everything just so.

Set on 300 acres, the main house is an 18th century farmhouse that was the retreat of the writer Sinclair Lewis. There are 10 freestanding “cottages,” more like small private homes, with whimsical designs that range from alpine to Adirondack to a Moroccan-inspired getaway. There are also four suites in the Farmhouse at Copper Hill and two more in the lodge. There are welcome fireplaces and amenities such as an unpacking service to help you settle in. The original artwork is by the likes

of David Hockney, William Wegman and Frank Stella. There’s a 15,000-bottle wine cellar but no menus. Chef Nathan Rich asks you what you’d like to eat, and then prepares it.

This hushed perfection might seem a tad oppressive except when you step outside the door and gaze up at Sonnenberg Mountain on the property. Here lie six perfectly groomed ski trails—Main Street, Man Trap, Free Air, World So Wide, Jay Hawker and Trail of the Hawk—accessible by a quick ride on Twin Farms’ Sherpa snowmobile to the top. The entire mountain is reserved exclusively for Twin Farms guests. I lapped these for hours each day, with the snowmobile always ready to get me back up to the top. Challenging? No, but they are pure joy, especially when followed by a soak in a Japanese furo bath at the resort’s Bridge House Spa. —Everett Potter

Opposite page, clockwise from top: Located in bucolic Barnard, Vt., Twin Farms feels like your own private estate; six trails offer hours of great skiing; four large suites in the main house are filled with history and modern amenities; eating is another pastime at Twin Farms—their pancakes are a can’t miss dish.

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{ TASTES }

CHERRY, BABY

Celebrate February’s three milestones—National Heart Month, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day—with these cherry desserts, which are rich in heart-healthy nutrients and pay homage to George Washington’s claim to fame.

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BROWNIE CHERRY TRIFLE Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

For the cherry sauce: n 2½ cups cherries (pits and stems removed) and cut in half n ½ cup orange juice n ¼ cup sugar For the brownies: n 2 large eggs n ½ cup butter, unsalted and melted n ¾ cup granulated sugar n 1 tsp. vanilla extract n ¾ cup Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Chocolate & Cocoa n ²⁄ ³ cup all purpose flour, unsifted n ¼ tsp. baking powder n ¼ tsp. kosher salt n 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) n prepared whipped cream (adjust to taste)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside.

For the cherry sauce, bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until cherries start to soften and release juices (8–10 minutes).

Transfer cherries to a heatproof bowl and set aside. Remove half of the cherries and when cool enough, pureé them in a blender or processor, then put back in the bowl. Simmer the remaining juices until it thickens. Pour over cherries and let cool.

For the brownies, in a medium bowl, stir together eggs, sugar, vanilla and butter with a wooden spoon. Sift chocolate, flour, baking powder and salt together in a separate bowl then add to the butter/egg mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and speed into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool and cut into bite size squares.

To assemble, place 2–3 brownie bites on the bottom of the glass, drizzle about a tablespoon of cherry sauce, then add whipped cream.

Repeat layers. Garnish with fresh cherries and shaved chocolate.

Cherries are low in calories and packed with nutrients. Just one cup provides a good source of potassium, vitamin C and almost 3 grams of dietary fiber. To increase the nutritional value and cut unwanted fat from this recipe, add an extra 2 cups of chopped cherries to the brownie batter, and forego the whipped cream.”

—Megan Triolo, registered dietitian/ nutritionist, MLT360, Saddle Brook

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{ TASTES }

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MINI KUGELHOPF CAKES Serves 8

INGREDIENTS *

For the cake: n 1¼ cup plain flour n 1¼ cup golden caster sugar n ½ tsp. bicarbonate of soda n ¼ tsp. salt n 1 large egg n ½ cup buttermilk n 1 tsp. vanilla extract n ½ cup butter, unsalted n 2 Tbs. cocoa powder n ¾ cup Coca-Cola Cherry For the icing and decoration: n 1½ cups icing sugar, sieved n ¹/ 8 cup butter n 3 Tbs. Coca-Cola Cherry n 1 Tbs. cocoa powder n tube of ready made chocolate “writing” icing n 16 or more cherries, pitted n peanuts, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda and salt. In a jug, beat the egg, buttermilk and vanilla extract in a measuring jug. In a heavy based saucepan, melt the butter, cocoa powder and Coca-Cola Cherry and heat gently.

Pour the butter and cola mixture onto the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon, then finally add the egg and buttermilk mixture and beat well until blended.

Pour into the baking tins or molds. Place tins/ molds on baking sheet and bake in the oven 2025 minutes. A wooden cocktail stick should just come out clean. Leave to cool for 15 minutes in the tin/molds before turning out.

Meanwhile, make the icing. In a heavy based saucepan, melt the butter, Coca-Cola Cherry and cocoa powder until liquid. Do not overheat as it burns easily. Remove from heat and spoon in the icing sugar a little at a time. Beat well until you have a runny glaze-style icing. Spoon the icing over the cake (or cakes). If you are using mini kugelhopf molds then attempt to drizzle artfully down the sides and whilst also coating, but not entirely filling the centre bit.

Top with cherries and peanuts if desired.

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Instead of cherry cola, swap in a tart cherry juice such as Cheribundi. Tart cherries are rich in antioxidants and can help reduce arthritis, joint pain and inflammation.

And instead of cocoa powder, try cacao powder, which is higher in magnesium, fiber, protein and antioxidants than cocoa powder (which often is heavily processed).”

—Azi Ahmadi, registered dietitian/ nutritionist, Ridgewood

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{ TASTES }

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CHOCOLATE CHERRY BROWNIES Serves 16

INGREDIENTS *

n ²/ ³ cup butter, unsalted and room temperature n 1½ cups sugar caster or granulated n 3 large eggs n ½ cup plain flour n 1 cup cocoa powder n ½ tsp. salt n ½ tsp. baking powder n 7–8 oz. chopped chocolate dark or milk or both n 1½ cups cherries, pitted and cut into halves and quarters

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter the bottom and the sides of an 8-inch square baking tin and line it with baking paper, with plenty of overhang.

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and one-third of the sugar and heat over a medium heat, stirring slowly until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted completely, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and the remaining sugar until light, smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Pour the sugar and butter mixture into the sugar and egg mixture and whisk to combine.

In a medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with sugar, egg and butter mix and whisk to combine. Do not overmix—a few streaks of flour remaining are just fine. Add the chocolate and cherries and fold them with a spatula until they are evenly incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and smooth the top with the spatula.

You can also reserve a small handful of chopped chocolate and scatter it over the top of brownie batter.

Dark chocolate is known to provide a variety of health benefits if consumed in moderation. To further improve heart health, add one cup chopped walnuts to the brownie batter.

Walnuts contain a good source of heart protective omega-3 fatty acids, and have been found to decrease cholesterol and blood pressure levels.”

—Megan Triolo, registered dietitian/ nutritionist, MLT360, Saddle Brook

Bake the brownies for 35–38 minutes or until the top of the brownies is set and shiny, with few cracks in the surface.

A toothpick inserted in the middle will not be clean and should have crumbs on it.

Allow the brownies to cool and set in the tin for at least 1 hour or ideally until completely cool. Use the overhang baking paper to lift the brownies from the tin, slice into 16 square pieces and enjoy.

* Please note that all measurements have been converted from metric units and are approximate.

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ALL-NEW FOR 2022!

THE GUIDE 2022

The Bergen Guide

SPONSORED BY HOLY NAME MEDICAL CENTER

FROM BERGEN MAGAZINE

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From the Publishers of

Sponsored by

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To advertise in the 2023 Bergen Guide, contact Publisher Tom Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

12/7/21 4:10 PM

SPECIAL SECTION

BERGEN COUNTY’S

TOP DENTISTS

2022 TO HELP YOU FIND GREAT DENTAL CARE, BERGEN magazine commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) of Troy, Michigan to conduct a peer-review survey of hundreds of practicing and active dentists across the county.

Dentists were asked to choose which of their peers they consider the very best, across seven different practice areas— endodontics, general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.

All the final honorees were fact-checked with the State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification System. The highest vote getters within each specialty who are in good standing with the state are included here in the 2022 “Bergen County’s Top Dentists” list.

There are many other good dentists practicing in Bergen County who may not be included on this list; we recommend that you consider “Bergen County’s Top Dentists” and other resources before scheduling your next dental procedure.

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TOP DENTISTS LISTINGS

ENDODONTICS THOMAS B. ALLEN New Jersey Endodontics LLC 2033 Center Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-9392 JEFFREY CHEN Mid-County Endodontic Group, PA 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-3311

MICHAEL J. LEWIS Foundation Endodontics 870 Palisade Ave. Suite 303 Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-836-8000 CHARLES T. LOO Ridgewood Endodontics 145 Prospect St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-4404

EDWARD B. DROZD Edward B. Drozd, DMD 42 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-1135

JAE Y. OH Jae Y. Oh, DDS & Louis Jerome, DMD 2185 Lemoine Ave. Suite 1M Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-0797

ANTHONY T. FASCIANO Anthony Fasciano, DMD 617 E. Palisade Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-894-0350

SUJEAN OH New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131

MICHAEL B. FEINTUCH Endodontic Associates of Bergen County 1 Kalisa Way Suite 106 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-262-3636

ALISON PETIX New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131

JOSHUA GOLDFEIN Metropolitan Endodontics 401A S. Van Brunt St. Suite 402 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-354-6201 Y. JIN HAHN Mid-County Endodontic Group, PA 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-3311 ALEKSANDER IOFIN Gentle Dentistry, PA 173 Terrace St. Haworth, NJ 07641 201-384-1611

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ALAN N. SEDELL Endodontic Associates, PA 300 Grand Ave. Suite 204 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-569-5500 SEUNG SHON New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131 MARK D. SIMPSON Bergen County Endodontics DDS, PC 121 County Rd. Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-568-8848 BRIAN P. TRAVA New Jersey Root Canal 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-251-8131

GENERAL DENTISTRY BRAM ALSTER Bram Alster, DMD 20-20 Fair Lawn Ave. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-797-3044

SHERWIN CHENG Sherwin Cheng, DDS 45 Central Ave. Suite E Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-894-8118

JASON ALSTER Bram Alster, DMD 20-20 Fair Lawn Ave. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-797-3044

DAVID CHRISTENSEN Glickman & Christensen Premier Dentistry Services 71 Franklin Tpke.

Suite 1-1 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-652-1569

JOSHUA B. AUSTEIN West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, PA 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-8875

ROLANDO CIBISCHINO Rolando Cibischino, DMD 71 Summit Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-204-1355

JODY Z. BARDASH Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn 10-06 Saddle River Rd. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-972-6555 JEFFREY BROWN Palisades Designer Dentistry 464 Hudson Ter. Suite 205 Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-541-0541 ANTHONY CARAMICO Midland Park Family Dentistry 662 Godwin Ave. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-447-5555 FRANK J. CARCIONE Ramsey Dental Group, PA 67 Arch St. Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-327-4445 DAYNA CASSANDRA Dr. Dayna Cassandra Cosmetic Dentistry 351 Evelyn St. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-350-7304

JAMES W. CURRERI James W. Curreri, DMD 378 Clinton Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-8314 DENISE FLEISCHMANN Denise Fleischmann, DMD, PA 11-26 Saddle River Rd. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-791-3283 ELLIOT P. FREY Elliot P. Frey, DMD 11 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-445-4144 MISATO FUKUDA Ohana Dental of Bergen County 30 Prospect St. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-444-5675 HOWARD S. GLAZER Howard S. Glazer, DDS, PA 810 Abbott Blvd.

Suite 302 Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-425-0584 STEVEN GLICKMAN Glickman & Christensen Premier Dentistry Services 71 Franklin Tpke.

Suite 1-1 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-652-1569

JEFFREY GLIKSMAN Drs. Freed and Gliksman 155 N. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201-384-3909 BEN S. GREENBURG Ben S. Greenberg, DDS 114 E. Main St. Bogota, NJ 07603 201-487-3361 ERICA HELLER Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006 JOYCE M. JOHNSON West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, PA 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-8875 ARCHER M. KATZ Emerson Dental Arts 310 Main St. Emerson, NJ 07630 201-328-0101 SHAHRAM LASHGARI Ameri Dental Group 136 Broadway Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-746-9299 MARLEN MARTIROSSIAN Marlen Elite Dental Wellness 130 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 306 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-383-6965 ROBERT MASON Bergen Arts Dental 579 Bergen Blvd.

Ridgefield, NJ 07657 201-941-4777 KELLY MCNALLY PASSARELLI Kelly McNally Passarelli, DDS 172 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4050

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MAYRA MODESTOGARRIDO Excel Dentistry 266 Harristown Rd. Suite 102 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-652-0400 CHUN PARK Oradell Dental 680 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 208 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-262-4500 CHARLES J. PERRUZZI West Ridgewood Dental Professionals, PA 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-8875 JEFFREY PAUL POWELL Elmwood Park Cosmetic Dentistry 248 Palsa Ave. Elmwood Park, NJ 07470 201-375-9051 ALISSA ROMAN Roman Dental Arts 747 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-373-2263 DONALD J. ROMAN Roman Dental Arts 747 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-373-2263 JOHN SARAYDARIAN Allendale Dental 42 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale, NJ 07401 201-760-1116

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ROBERT SCHERRER Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood 160 S. Broad St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-479-1203 BLAIR SCHLUSSELBERG Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006 THOMAS F. SHERLOCK Dr. Thomas F. Sherlock, DDS 163 Dayton St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-1338 KENNETH SLOANE The Center for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry 500 Piermont Rd. Suite 201 Closter, NJ 07624 201-205-2735 ANDREW SPECTOR Gentle Dentistry 173 Terrace St. Haworth, NJ 07641 201-379-6746

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY ESHANSH ARORA Sparkle Kids Dentistry 15-01 Broadway Suite 18 Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-475-1600 JASON M. AUERBACH Riverside Oral Surgery 130 Kinderkamack Rd Suite 204 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-487-6565 DENNIS BARBIERI New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PC 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353 SUNG HEE CHO Riverside Oral Surgery 130 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 204 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-487-6565

HILLEL EPHROS Hillel Ephros, DMD, MD 703 Main St. Paterson, NJ 07503 973-754-2050 JERALD S. FRIEDMAN North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 315 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-7737 STEVEN M. HABER Steven M. Haber, DDS 1319C Anderson Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-224-0094 CHANG HAN Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 920 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297 JOHN N. KALLIS Premier Oral Surgery Group, PC 617 E. Palisade Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-567-7500

JERRY STAHL Stahl Dental Studio 8-10 Saddle River Rd. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-479-0901

KENNETH J. COLAMEO New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PC 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353

LEE C. KOJANIS Premier Oral Surgery Group, PC 617 E. Palisade Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 201-567-7500

JAMES VENUTI Ohana Dental of Bergen County 30 Prospect St. Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-444-5675

MICHAEL COSTELLO Costello Oral Surgery Associates 949 Spring Valley Rd. Maywood, NJ 07607 201-712-5556

VINCENT NOVELLI Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 920 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297

LILLIAN VIDAL Lillian Vidal, DDS 1 Engle St. Suite 102 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-227-0516

ROBERT J. DEFALCO Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 270 Spring Valley Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-262-2667

KRISTOPHER PAIK Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center 385 S. Maple Ave. Suite 207 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-345-4420

JASON DIAMOND Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 920 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-343-8297

MARK PARK Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 260 Old Hook Rd. Suite 202 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-5656 MICHAEL PERRINO Riverside Oral Surgery 300 Grand Ave. Suite 102 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-487-6565

TOP DENTISTS LISTINGS

JOHN C. MINICHETTI Center for Implants and Aesthetics at Englewood Dental 370 Grand Ave. Suite 200 Englewood, NJ 07631 201-871-3555

DORON RINGLER Knickerbocker Oral and Facial Surgery 300 Knickerbocker Rd. Suite 2000 Cresskill, NJ 07626 201-399-7707 MANAF SAKER Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center 385 S. Maple Ave. Suite 207 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-345-4420 ZEV SCHULHOF North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 315 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-7737 LISA J. SMARTZ Dr. Lisa J. Smartz, DMD, PA 110 Warren Ave. Suite 4 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-652-1154 NEIL A. THOMAN Neil A. Thoman, DMD 1250 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-4452 NATHAN A. WUEBBELS New Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, PC 16 Johnson Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-342-7353

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TOP DENTISTS LISTINGS

ORTHODONTICS JAMES J. BANCROFT Bancroft-Dobrin Orthodontics 90 Franklin Tpke.

Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-447-1611 HEATHER BROSNAN Brosnan + Clark Orthodontics 47 Orient Way Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-935-8550 SALVATORE J. CARCARA Carcara Orthodontics 70 W. Allendale Ave. Suite C Allendale, NJ 07401 201-749-4890 LEEANN CLARK Brosnan + Clark Orthodontics 47 Orient Way Rutherford, NJ 07070 201-935-8550 MARISSA CLEMENTE Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888 MICHAEL CLEMENTE Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888 NICOLE CLEMENTE Clemente Orthodontics 60 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-2888 GWEN COHEN Cohen Orthodontics 156 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah, NJ 07430 201-828-9188 RENÉE KOJANIS CUOMO Tenafly Orthodontic Associates, LLC 111 Dean Dr. Suite 2 Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-569-2112

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MICHAEL DUONG Precision Orthodontics 148 Prospect St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-7447

ROBERT LOEB Loeb Orthodontics, LLC 180 Ramapo Valley Rd. Oakland, NJ 07436 201-337-3701

JULIA STAROBINETS Bright Smile Orthodontics 25-15 Fair Lawn Ave. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-794-9500

ADENA GOLDMAN Goldman Orthodontics 299 Forest Ave. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-523-6298

SCOTT MARTIN Martin Orthodontics 237 Everett Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-5534

JON GOLUB Golub Orthodontics 2185 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-9208

MATTHEW MILESTONE Milestone Orthodontics 27 Madison Ave. Paramus, NJ 07652 201-806-6581

COREY TURK Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006

MICHAEL GOLUB Golub Orthodontics 2185 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-9208

DANNY J. NAIFEH Bergenfield Orthodontics 59 N. Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201-244-4479

PAYAL JAIN Jain Orthodontics 289 Market St. Suite 8 Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 201-843-7064

GABE J. OLLINS Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7020

JUNG KIM Kim Orthodontics 2182 Lemoine Ave. Floor 2 Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-585-1247

JACY PAPASIKOS Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Midland Park 6 Prospect St. Suite 1A Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-972-6846

CHRIS KOJANIS Tenafly Orthodontic Associates, LLC 111 Dean Dr. Suite 2 Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-569-2112 ILYA LIPKIN Ilya Lipkin, DDS 345 Old Hook Rd. Westwood, NJ 07675 201-666-4646 ALLISON LOEB Loeb Orthodontics, LLC 180 Ramapo Valley Rd. Oakland, NJ 07436 201-337-3701

MICHAEL A. PERILLO Perillo Orthodontics 202-C LaSalle Ave. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 201-727-0988 RUSSELL SANDMAN Bergen Orthodontics 500 Piermont Rd. Closter, NJ 07624 201-768-4121 RACHEL SHAMASH Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006

MARTIN VAN VLIET Van Vliet Orthodontics 76 Arch St. Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-327-2233

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AURA CALDERA Valley Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 470 N. Franklin Tpke.

Suite 106 Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-746-4626 JAMIE DIAMENT-GOLUB Jamie Diament-Golub, DMD, PC and Associates 2185 Lemoine Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-944-7636 TAMAR GRUENBAUM Ridgewood Valley Pediatric Dentistry 385 S. Maple Ave. Suite 107 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-652-2707 EDWARD M. JACKSON State Street Smiles 405 Main St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-487-7030 GERI KREINER-LITT Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006

RAINA LEE Little Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry 1625 Anderson Ave. Suite 304 Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-224-2747 MICHELLE LIEBERMAN Kreiner Dental 45 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 100 Paramus, NJ 07652 201-556-0006 ANDREA M. MATTIA Dr. Andrea M. Mattia Pediatric Dentist 175 Old Tappan Rd. Old Tappan, NJ 07675 201-768-7100 BRIAN I. NO Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Midland Park 6 Prospect St. Suite 1A Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-972-6846 ANGIE PAPANDRIKOS Angie Papandrikos, DDS, PC 121 County Rd. Tenafly, NJ 07670 201-567-6900 CYNTHIA A. PATTISON Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7020 ELI M. RACHLIN Chestnut Ridge Pediatric Dental 595 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Suite 5 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-391-4441 MARIO E. RAMOS Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Midland Park 6 Prospect St. Suite 1A Midland Park, NJ 07432 201-972-6846

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AKSHAY KUMAR Affiliated Periodontists of North Jersey, PA 15 Emerald St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-5155

MICHAEL J. VOSKIAN HoHoKus Perio 204 Warren Ave. Suite 201 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-652-0080

PAUL W. GALITSIS Dr. Galitsis & Dr. Bovino 345 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite D Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-0787

MARK SAMANI Ridgewood Dental Associates 166 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-580-3240

VANESSA Q. VELILLA Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7020

SALVATORE LASPISA Salvatore LaSpisa, DDS 466 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 2 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-261-9200

CORY A. WANATICK Cory A. Wanatick, DMD 1563 Parker Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-461-4133

JOHN IANZANO Dr. John Ianzano 545 Rt. 17 South Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-3453

SARI C. ZIMMER Pediatric Dental Associates, Inc. 195 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7020

DAVID MOISA Fair Lawn Periodontics & Dental Implants 19-21 Fair Lawn Ave. Suite 2H Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-794-0260

MICHAEL S. YOUNG Wyckoff Periodontics, PA 385 Clinton Ave. Suite 1 Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-6270

JOHN JACKSON Oralfacial Esthetics 82 E. Allendale Rd. Suite 1B Saddle River, NJ 07458 201-760-0994

JEFFREY R. SCHWARTZ Jeffrey R. Schwartz, DMD, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry 489 Edsall Blvd.

Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-224-9000

JULIANA YUN Juliana Yun, DDS, PC 116 N. Franklin Tpke.

Ramsey, NJ 07446 201-825-7677

CALEB KIM AP&P Dental 119 1st St. Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-652-7711

PROSTHODONTICS JORGE E. BARRIOS Jorge E. Barrios, DDS 75 Chestnut St. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-4474

MICHAEL W. KLOTZ Prosthodontics of Ho-Ho-Kus 312 Warren Ave. Suite 1 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-444-9777

BRUCE W. BITZER Bruce W. Bitzer, DMD 385 S. Maple Ave. Suite 113 Glen Rock, NJ 07452 201-652-0435

CHARLES LENNON Kelly McNally Passarelli, DDS 172 Franklin Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-444-4050

PERIODONTICS DANIEL C. BARABAS Ridgewood Periodontal & Implant Associates 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-0855 PAUL A. BARABAS Ridgewood Periodontal & Implant Associates 88 W. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-0855 JEFFREY M. GORDON Dr. Jeffrey M. Gordon, DMD 130 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 202 River Edge, NJ 07661 201-487-8329

CHETAN S. PATIL Periodontal Associates, LLC 20 W. Ivy Ln. Englewood, NJ 07631 201-567-7766 JOHN R. PULLMAN Wyckoff Periodontics, PA 385 Clinton Ave. Suite 1 Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-6270 JERALD N. ROSENBERG Fair Lawn Periodontics & Dental Implants 19-21 Fair Lawn Ave. Suite 2H Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 201-794-0260

PRIYU GUPTA Westwood Periodontics 354 Old Hook Rd. Suite 201 Westwood, NJ 07675 201-664-3023

RICHARD H. SHIN Alpine Periodontics & Dental Implant 680 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 202 Oradell, NJ 07649 201-634-9400

ROBERT A. JAFFIN Affiliated Periodontists of North Jersey, PA 15 Emerald St. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-489-5155

JOHN VAROSCAK Kurpis Advanced Dentistry 545 Rt. 17 South Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-9700

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RYAN BURKE Glickman & Christensen Premier Dentistry Services 71 Franklin Tpke.

Suite 1-1 Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-652-1569 MARK DANBE Danbe Dental 500 Piermont Rd. Suite 203 Closter, NJ 07624 201-768-3513

TOP DENTISTS LISTINGS

FRANK P. SCARTOZZI Frank P. Scartozzi, DDS 550 Durie Ave. Suite 209 Closter, NJ 07624 201-750-9910

PAUL SOHN Comfort Dental Clinic 2044 Center Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201-585-8050 PETER TSATSARONIS Distinctive Dental Arts 696 Palisade Ave. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-836-0623 NICHOLAS A. VERO Nicholas A. Vero, DDS 756 Cedar Ln. Teaneck, NJ 07666 201-692-1919 ARTHUR WEINBERG Arthur Weinberg, DDS 104 Broadway Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201-307-1919

ROBERT T. MARTINI Emerson Dental Associates 110 Kinderkamack Rd. Suite 2A Emerson, NJ 07630 201-620-9998 GUILLERMO J. MOLINA Guillermo J. Molina, DDS 1200 E. Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-670-7774 GLENN PHILLIPS Phillips Dentistry 235 Madison Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201-891-5154

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Jason Diamond, DDS, MD Vincent P. Novelli, DMD, MD Chang H. Han, DDS, MD Mark Park, DMD, MD Sonia Francioni, DMD Jason Gordon, DDS, MD Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has four locations throughout Bergen County. With a steadfast goal of achieving excellence, BOMS consistently strives for quality patient outcomes that deliver greater peace of mind. The health and safety of patients and staff are always at the forefront and BOMS continues to lead the dental community with COVID-19 best practices and safeguards. To learn more, visit BergenOralSurgery.com.

Franklin Lakes • 794 Franklin Ave., Suite 202 • 201.808.8700 Hackensack • 920 Main St., First Floor • 201.343.8297 Ridgewood • 1200 East Ridgewood Ave., Suite 102 • 201.444.4137 Westwood • 260 Old Hook Rd., East Building, Suite 202 • 201.664.5656

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Serving Bergen County and surrounding areas for more than six decades, Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (BOMS) earned the Top Dentist Award for the fourth consecutive year. Committed to delivering the highest quality compassionate care to their patients, the expertly trained team of surgeons at BOMS continue to rise to the top of their industry.

Their full scope of work includes wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery and more. BOMS holds a unique distinction in that five of their surgeons carry dual degrees in medicine and dentistry. Active in the communities they serve, BOMS is a steadfast supporter of many local service organizations, including Center for Safety & Change. BOMS is also a proud recipient of prominent industry awards, including Bergen Magazine Top Dentist for 2018, 2019 and 2021, and 201 Magazine Best Medical Dental Service for 2021.

CHANG H. HAN, DDS, MD, is a Diplomate of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is extensively trained and well versed in anesthesia, dental implants, facial reconstructive surgery and orthognathic/corrective jaw surgery. He is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician who is licensed in both medicine and dentistry. He maintains clinical and teaching privileges at Columbia University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center.

VINCENT P. NOVELLI, DMD, MD, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician with surgical expertise centered on treating patients with congenital, acquired or traumatic problems of the oral cavity and maxillofacial skeleton. Additionally, he is also considered an expert in the field of cosmetic facial injectables. Dr. Novelli maintains hospital and teaching affiliations at Hackensack University Medical Center.

time, Dr. Francioni enjoys her family, outdoor activities and traveling back to Italy.

MARK PARK, DMD, MD, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician. An active member of the Osteoscience Foundation, Dr. Park specializes in dental implantation surgery with emphasis on virtual and guided implant placement, orthognathic/corrective jaw surgery and bone grafting. He serves on the Smiles International Foundation, providing much-needed surgical care to underprivileged children with cleft lips and JASON DIAMOND, DDS, MD, is both an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and palates. a physician who is board certified by both the American Board of Oral and SONIA FRANCIONI, DMD, is a member of multiple associations including Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Francioni’s Diamond earned his dental degree from Columbia University’s College of extensive training and expertise include dentoalveolar extractions, implant Dental Medicine and his medical degree from The Mount Sinai School of placement, bone grafting and more. Prior to relocating to New Jersey, Medicine, where he completed his one-year internship in general surgery Dr. Francioni owned her own practice in Northern Virginia where she was and the prestigious six-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency. recognized as Top Oral Surgeon by Northern Virginia Magazine. In her free

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JASON GORDON, DDS, MD, maintains advanced training in orthognathic and dentoalveolar surgery with proficiencies in complex extractions and bone grafting, dental implantology and facial trauma. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician, Dr. Gordon has been published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Andrew M. Spector, D.M.D., FAGD, FICOI Gentle Dentistry, P.A.

173 Terrace St., Haworth, NJ 07641 • 201.384.1611 • www.GentleDentistry.com • www.BergenHybridge.com DR. ANDREW SPECTOR continues the 61-year Bergen County legacy of “Gentle Dentistry.” Emulating its name, Gentle Dentistry P.A. is a fullservice, multi-specialty practice for all ages that provides minimallyinvasive dental care supported by today’s most advanced technologies.

Bolstered by state-of-the-art infection control protocols and equipment, Gentle Dentistry has always run on the philosophy “Our patients come first.” Dr. Andrew Spector, a trusted expert in restorative, implant and cosmetic dentistry, specializes in two-visit smile makeovers and is celebrated in the field for his expertise in technology-driven care. “Our treatment goals revolve around one concept, utilizing technology and techniques that can simplify even the most complex procedures for our patients,” says Dr. Spector. Combined with a distinguished team of associates, specialists, and a highly trained compassionate staff, the practice is uniquely qualified to handle all of your dental needs under one roof.

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With a focus on aesthetics, the team at Gentle Dentistry uses state-of-theart prevention programs to keep every patient’s needs at a minimum.

Extensive high-tech services such as 3D imaging, digital scanning, and the most advanced laser care, allow Dr. Spector and his team perform the fastest and most accurate treatment during each phase whether your care includes dental implants, full-mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry or general care. “It’s our never-ending endeavor to make your family’s dental care effortless and to ensure that every case is completed to the utmost of perfection,” says Dr. Spector.

Gentle Dentistry P.A. offers a comprehensive list of services. The list includes two-visit smile makeovers, Cerec™ Single Visit Crowns, Solea™ CO2 laser fillings/Gum Care, minimally-invasive guided implant surgery and sleep dentistry. The practice offers outstanding results in snoring and sleep apnea treatment through the use of 3D airway imaging,

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

seamless communication with your Sleep Medicine Physician, and comfortable Oral Appliances. General dentistry is always delivered through the use of today’s most advanced technologies including laser gum care and fillings, state-of-the-art early detection oral cancer screening and full-service hygiene/preventive care. In addition to family care for all ages, Gentle Dentistry also offers all implant alternatives to dentures, minimally invasive “microscopic” root canals, and oral surgery such as wisdom teeth extractions, along with the use of IV sedation.

“My passion revolves around the ability to craft the smile that you desire and together we envision,” says Dr. Spector. “My priority when consulting with a patient who is expressing interest in cosmetic care is to listen and determine the best enhancements for their individual and unique smile, based on their expectations and my years of experience,” Dr. Spector adds. “Our digital previews allow the patient to try on the discussed smile and experience how a well-done smile makeover can change their lives.”

Dr. Spector has built a long-standing 26-year relationship with a worldrenowned aesthetic lab based in New York which he uses to create a personalized smile design that satisfies even the most challenging cases.

“The laboratory translates my vision into the desired result the patient

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and I hope to achieve,” says Dr. Spector. “Together we are able to provide the dental artistry that guarantees you will be beyond satisfied from start to finish.”

Dr. Spector is also a passionate educator and renowned lecturer. He has trained more than 2,000 dentists on the newest dental techniques and restorations and teaches 300 hours a year of hands-on, nationallyrecognized coursework to aspiring esthetic and implant dentists around the world. Dr. Spector has been awarded Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, The International Congress of Oral Implantology and The International Academy of Dental-Facial Aesthetics. Dr. Spector is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

His stellar training also included a two-year residency program in Full Mouth Rehabilitation and Surgical Restorative Implantology at New York University. He has also served as Clinical Associate Professor at New York University, teaching surgical and prosthetic implantology. Dr. Spector is also a graduate of the Americus Center for Aesthetic Dentistry.

A visit to Gentle Dentistry will forever change the way you look at dental care.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Juliana Yun, DDS, PC Ramsey Periodontics 116 North Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446 • 201.825.7677 • www.drjulianayun.com “I’VE LEARNED THAT PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT YOU SAID, PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT YOU DID, BUT PEOPLE WILL NEVER FORGET HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL,” MAYA ANGELOU. Dr. Juliana Yun lives with intention. It’s a calling she attributes to three important people in her life -- her loving husband, her inspirational mother-in-law and her late father, the first Korean dentist in New York City -- for believing in her and supporting her journey.

In practice for over two decades, Dr. Yun’s expansive career, including work in the United States Navy, has given her unparalleled industry experience and a broad understanding of patients from all walks of life.

Her father’s best advice, “Never forget that the mouth you are treating is connected to a human being with feelings and emotions,” are words by which Dr. Yun practices every day.

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As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Yun offers a wide scope of periodontics, focusing on the healing aspect of dentistry and the importance of a well-balanced life. Her proudest accomplishment is the personal connection she has fostered with her patients and the practice’s loyal and dedicated team. Dr. Yun knows that by empowering her employees, they have greater job satisfaction and a stronger commitment to the practice. Her very capable, tightly connected female staff shares a mutual respect that transfers to every one of her patients.

Fostering an environment of trust and kinship, Dr. Yun offers patients more control and a deeper understanding of treatment leading to the heart of true patient care.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Rolando Cibischino, D.M.D. 71 Summit Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201.342.7742 • www.smilebeautification.com PATIENTS WHO THOUGHT THEY’D NEVER SMILE AGAIN come to Dr. Rolando Cibischino because of his comprehensive knowledge of facial musculature issues. Understanding how to naturally frame a smile can make all the difference in a well-balanced smile design, or one that’s not.

Dr. Cibischino, a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, continues his education on advancements using facial injectables to perfect a patient’s smile. In addition to his family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Cibsichino is a TMJ specialist treating oro facial pain and sleep disorders. His goal is to become a holistic part of every patient’s overall

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healthcare team. Dr. Cibischino’s distinguished continuing education and training includes attending the world-renowned Pankey Institute and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry. In addition, he teaches at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Meet Dr. Cibischino and you’ll know why generations of patients trust his cosmetic, restorative and general dental work. Dr. Cibischino and his team’s focus has always been, and will continue to be, providing the safest and most healthy environment for their patients.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Jody Z. Bardash, D.M.D. Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn 10-06 Saddle River Rd., Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 • 201.797.1555 • drbardash.com DR. JODY BARDASH, DR. MICHELLE MIRZA AND DR. ARI BARDASH of Dental Professionals of Fairlawn have a clear goal—to give every patient the gift of a brilliant smile to let their self-confidence shine through. Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, a comprehensive, state-of-the-art dental facility, uses the most advanced techniques for general and cosmetic dentistry to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles for life. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Bardash has gained a reputation as one of the finest cosmetic dentists in the country specializing in all aspects of full mouth reconstruction. Because he’s known for helping every patient recover their positive self-image with a new, beautiful smile, Dr. Bardash is consistently recognized as a Top Dentist. From 2003 to present day, Dr. Bardash has also been recognized as one of the top dentists in the country by the prestigious Consumers’ Research Council of America.

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As a Premier Invisalign Provider, the Doctors also treat teenagers and adult patients with this advanced orthodontic treatment to avoid metal braces. Invisalign can achieve straighter teeth using customized clear trays that help to shift the teeth into the desired position while addressing multiple issues such as crossbites, overbites, underbites and misaligned teeth.

Dr. Bardash currently serves as an attending in the dental residency program at Hackensack University Medical Center as well as Englewood Hospital, and he is a member of a number of prestigious associations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bardash donates his time and talents to the Health & Humanitarian Aid Foundation (HHAF) as a member of the dental outreach mission by treating villagers living in the impoverished jungles of Ghana, Africa.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Dr. Marlen Martirossian, D.D.S. Marlen Elite Dental Wellness 130 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 306 River Edge, NJ 07661 • 201.546.8512 • www.marlenelitedental.com A HIGHER LEVEL OF DENTISTRY FOR LIFE-CHANGING RESULTS. Imagine a dental practice that takes cosmetic dentistry to a new level of excellence, beyond the cosmetic to the com-prehensive.

At Marlen Elite Dental Wellness, our pain-free approach focuses on the underlying fa-cial structures of your teeth and jaw to ensure your smile not only looks flawless, but reflects complete, long-term dental wellness.

Your smile is more than a look; it’s a complex system of muscles, bones, and teeth that is essential to your health. By bal-ancing this system to function in harmony, we create a beautiful, natural smile that will improve your overall health and help you look and feel younger.

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Led by Dr. Marlen Martirossian, our team is dedicated to providing a personalized, stress-free experience. From consultation to transformation, we customize your treatment plan down to the last detail and schedule every visit in advance to eliminate wait times. Our advance scheduling ensures we see only one patient at a time, so we can keep the focus on you. In our spa-like office designed for your comfort, we utilize the most advanced technology, treatments, and techniques to make certain you look and feel your absolute best for years to come. Schedule your consultation today and experience a higher level of dentistry for life-changing results.

1/17/22 10:30 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Michael W. Klotz, D.M.D., M.DENT.SC., F.A.C.P. Prosthodontics of Ho-Ho-Kus 312 Warren Ave, HoHoKus NJ 07423 • 201.444.9777 • www.smilehhk.com DR. MICHAEL KLOTZ LOVES BEING A DENTIST. After earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree (D.M.D) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. Klotz went on to study Prosthodontics, the dental specialty of implant, aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry.

He was accepted into a competitive three-year residency program in Prosthodontics at the University of Connecticut Health Center. During his post-graduate training, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Dental Science (M.Dent.Sc), concentrating his research on the bio-mechanics of dental implants. Dr. Klotz continued his education with a fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Here, he cared for the complex needs of patients with head and neck cancer. While at MSKCC, he completed board certification in Prosthodontics, the most demanding and highest honor in the specialty.

Using his advanced training, Dr. Klotz continuously strives for the highest level of patient care and satisfaction. “I chose Prosthodontics as a way to

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help my patients with difficult dental issues as well as satisfy my passion for aesthetic and implant dentistry,” says Dr. Klotz. “My goal is to deliver extremely natural and high-quality dentistry both comfortably and efficiently.”

Dr. Klotz and his team pride themselves on diligence and integrity, giving patients all of their options. An in-house laboratory allows Dr. Klotz to offer the highest standard in dental restorations, fabricated in a timely fashion. While his office specializes in Prosthodontics, they also take care of the general needs of all patients young and old. “We treat all our patients like our own family members and take care of any of their dental needs in a thorough yet easy-going atmosphere.”

Dr. Klotz has published in peer-reviewed dental journals and has lectured nationally on various topics in Prosthodontics and Implant dentistry. His greatest reward is completing life-changing dentistry and creating long-lasting relationships with his patients.

1/17/22 10:30 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Mark Samani, D.M.D. Jin Ha Joung, D.M.D. Ridgewood Dental Associates 166 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.652.2474 • www.ridgewooddental.com DRS. MARK SAMANI AND JIN HA JOUNG ARE HUMBLED AND PROUD to consistently be considered among Bergen County and New Jersey’s Top Dentists for over a decade. From providing the highest quality adult restorative and implant dentistry to teaching dental students and dentists, the doctors take their role as leaders in the field of advanced dentistry very seriously.

Ridgewood Dental Associates (RDA) continues to be Bergen County’s stronghold for adult restorative implant and esthetic dentistry. While always prioritizing our patient’s dental health, COVID-19 has heightened our safety measures even further by equipping our staff with PPE; installing extra oral chairside suction systems to reduce aerosols in treatment rooms; disinfecting all surfaces and instrumentation after every patient using the Vector fogging machine with hypochlorous acid; placing air purifiers with HEPA filtration throughout the office; and isolating individual treatment rooms to limit aerosol cross contamination.

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Dr. Samani, a Prosthodontist, has 25+ years of experience in adult restorative implant dentistry. He lectures extensively on all aspects of dental implants and sleep apnea and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine since 2000.

Dr. Joung, a Prosthodontist and a board-certified Periodontist, is one of only a handful of doctors in the country to be trained in both specialties.

As a dual specialist, he has a unique perspective in comprehensive care and treatment planning in the most complex cases.

Together the doctors have created the Ridgewood Implant Institute (RII) at RDA which offers All-on-4® CE courses to general dentists educating them on every facet of the All-on-4® treatment. Patients have the opportunity to participate in this program for a reduced fee. The RII Conference Room provides a venue for practitioners to comfortably watch live streamed surgeries being performed in the Surgical Suite by the doctors for our exclusive All-on-4® CE course. We invite you to contact our office for more information.

1/17/22 10:30 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Bram Alster, D.M.D. Jason Alster, D.D.S. 20-20 Fair Lawn Ave., Fairlawn NJ 07410 • 551.265.5568 • www.bramalsterdmd.com FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, Dr. Bram Alster has been dedicated to improving the oral health of New Jersey families. Together with his son, Dr. Jason Alster, for the past 7 years, he and their staff, deliver uncompromised quality, comfort and care to provide patients with healthy, beautiful smiles.

In a warm, state-of-the-art office located in Fair Lawn (across from Radburn Train Station), the team employs the latest in safety, infection control and dental technology. Their Covid protocols include systems for air purification and electrostatic disinfection to eliminate airborne pathogens to help keep patients and staff safe during these unprecedented times. It is our policy that our staff remain fully vaccinated and encourage our patients to do the same.

“Our family practice stays current with the latest technologies and proven techniques in general, cosmetic and implant dentistry. We utilize digital

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X-rays, quiet drills, laser, and warmed syringes for added comfort,” states Dr. Bram. “With an emphasis on being conservative yet ideal, we explain options to patients to derive a plan that most meets their needs and desires.” Extensive participation in continuing education and postgraduate training in implant dentistry, full mouth rehabilitation and Invisalign, helps them create natural, beautiful smiles that both enhance a patient’s facial features and maintain long term optimal oral health.

“Come meet us and consider joining our Dental family.”

Dr. Jason teaches at Hackensack University Medical Center and practices part-time in New York City. Dr. Bram has recently enrolled the practice into the well respected Frank Spear study club based in Arizona. Both are members of the ADA, AGD and are ”fellows” of the International Academy of Oral Implantologists.

1/17/22 10:30 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Dayna Cassandra, D.D.S. Dr. Dayna Cassandra Cosmetic Dentistry 351 Evelyn St., Paramus, NJ 07652 • 201.261.7645 • www.cosmeticdentistofparamus.com FOR 20 YEARS, DR. DAYNA CASSANDRA has stayed true to her vision by always taking her time to give her best to every patient. Her greatest joy is delivering quality dental care that affords her patients lifelong confidence, comfort, and beauty to feel good about the investment they’ve made in their smiles.

Dr. Cassandra infuses the same passion and energy into her staff investing time to train and educate her entire team. From the front office to those who work with her side-by-side treating patients, she institutes a philosophy of inclusion and growth through weekly meetings and continuing education so that her team is the best they can be for their patients.

With a reputation for superior results, many of Dr. Cassandra’s patients come to her through referrals for routine restorative work, comprehensive care, or extensive treatment including digital smile design. She is driven by the challenge of discovering underlying reasons why a person’s smile may change over time. Advanced training helps

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her identify and understand the specifics of tooth wear and decay and proper diagnosis leads to effective treatment planning enabling longterm function and desired esthetics.

In addition to achieving optimal dental health for patients, Dr. Cassandra understands the importance of the design and flow of the physical space.

This past year, she created a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that utilizes digital applications in dentistry and offers more space for greater privacy and safety.

A graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School, Dr. Cassandra completed her residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. She teaches at the Advanced Esthetics program at NYU Continuing Dental Education and advances her clinical knowledge as a member of the Spear Education Faculty Club.

One thing will never change for Dr. Cassandra -- practicing with integrity, authenticity and excellence to improve her patient’s quality of life.

1/17/22 2:32 PM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Tamar Gruenbaum, D.D.S. Ridgewood Valley Pediatric Dentistry 385 South Maple Ave., Suite 107, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 • 201.652.2707 • rvpediatricdentistry.com BOARD-CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST, TAMAR GRUENBAUM, or “Dr. Tamar” as patients call her, considers each precious moment with her patients an opportunity to shape their view and attitude about the connection between dentistry, good health and nutrition. Dr. Tamar views pediatric dentistry as much more than just dentistry. She knows firsthand that children are extremely amenable and eager to learn, and uses the time with her captive audience to instill good oral hygiene practices from the onset. Through her gregarious nature, she infuses fun and gains patients’ trust, exercising her mantra “make everybody feel like a somebody.”

The uniqueness of Dr. Tamar’s practice is best encapsulated by the unending stories shared by patients and their parents. When a patient who had been previously sedated for restorations, returned for a filling and chose to have the procedure without laughing gas, Dr. Tamar recognized she had accomplished more than perfect fillings. Or the fulfillment she gained hearing that her patient was the only child who

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refused to eat candy on a family trip because “Dr. Tamar says it causes sugar bugs and I want to make her proud.” “It’s the little things that go a long way. My patients know I truly care.” Recently, the parents of two young siblings relayed another telling anecdote. The youngsters misinterpreted a trip to Dunkin Donuts with a trip to the dentist and their parents had to fend off cries of disappointment. The mom told Dr. Tamar “coming to your office is a biannual treat for my kids.” Patients enjoy coming for their appointments even more now that Cookie, a Teacup Shitzhu and emotional support dog, is a part of the team.

A graduate of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Tamar completed her post-graduate training in pediatric dentistry at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, where she served as chief resident during her second year. “More so than executing the perfect filling, I strive to be a behavior management specialist and to teach my patients a lifetime of healthy habits.”

1/17/22 10:41 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Riverside Oral Surgery 130 Kinderkamack Rd., Suite 204, River Edge, NJ 07661 • 201.487.6565 333 Old Hook Rd., Suite 100, Westwood, NJ 07675 • 201.664.2324 300 Grand Ave., Suite 102, Englewood, NJ 07631 • 201.894.0888 www.riversideoralsurgery.com RIVERSIDE ORAL SURGERY, NEW JERSEY’S LEADING ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY GROUP, is led by top doctors Jason M. Auerbach and Sung Hee Cho. The surgeon owned and operated group was founded fifteen years ago with a singular focus, “the optimal patient experience…each and every time” and still remains top priority today.

With rapidly expanding locations, a full scope of surgical offerings, and the Official Oral Surgeons of the New Jersey Devils, Riverside Oral Surgery is the top choice for patients in Bergen County and throughout the state. Dr. Auerbach, founder of Riverside Oral Surgery, and Instagram’s BloodyToothGuy, is a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, currently on staff at HUMC and the Valley Hospital. He explains the success of the group, “I founded this practice to provide patients with uncompromised care in an unparalleled setting. Our growth over the years is due to the commitment that every member of our team meets that high standard with every patient we are privileged to serve.”

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Dr. Cho is a partner of the group and a board certified dual-degree surgeon, trained and licensed as both a dentist and a medical doctor. He practices the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, while possessing specialized education in managing oral cavity cancers and other pathology. As the first oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the country to complete Ear, Nose, and ¬Throat (ENT) medical training, he draws upon his extensive training to treat patients in both the office and on staff at Hackensack University Medical Center.

The doctors, who serve as the Official Oral Surgeons of the New Jersey Devils, offer expertise ranging from wisdom tooth removal and dental implants to corrective jaw surgery. Bergen County surgeons on the team include Dr. Jason Auerbach, Dr. Sung Hee Cho, Dr. Michael Perrino, Dr. Jared Rosenstock, and Dr. Justin Richer who all have a full scope of training – making each patient’s experience – seamless. From surgeon to staff, Riverside’s professionals strive to offer the highest quality of care and service in each Riverside office.

1/17/22 10:31 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Michael Clemente, D.M.D. Nicole Clemente, D.D.S. Marissa Clemente, D.D.S. Clemente Orthodontics 60 W Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ 07450 595 Chestnut Ridge Road Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 201.447.2888 • www.clementeorthodontics.com MULTI-GENERATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES in a locally-owned family business: that’s what you’ll find at Clemente Orthodontics. Clemente Orthodontics has been treating patients in the area for over 35 years, always using the latest technology and techniques to provide their patients with not only the best outcome but also the best experience.

Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Drs. Nicole and Marissa Clemente, provide all levels and types of orthodontic treatment to ensure the absolute best in patient results and comfort. They treat with early-stage growth modification appliances (as opposed to rapid palatal expanders); traditional braces; Invisalign clear aligners and everything in between. They have patients in treatment from ages 6 to 96 and are truly a full-service orthodontic practice.

Clemente Orthodontics is the #1 provider for Invisalign in both Bergen and Rockland County and hold Diamond Plus certification from

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Invisalign, the highest tier possible. Having treated over 8,000 patients with Invisalign, the Clemente’s experience is simply unparalleled. That experience allows them to treat patients differently; 95% of their patients enjoy attachment-free Invisalign.

The Clemente Team puts in hours of behind-the-scenes work to help ensure every treatment is successful. That means patients can enjoy all the awesome benefits of Invisalign—more comfort, easy brushing and flossing, no loose wires and no food restrictions—with the added peace of mind that they’ll be able to enjoy their investment for the rest of their lives.

This long-standing family practice just added their third location, at 595 Chestnut Ridge Road in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. As with their existing offices in Ridgewood NJ and New City NY, Woodcliff Lake will provide the latest in dental technology and offer large, private treatment rooms.

1/17/22 10:31 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Anthony Caramico, D.M.D. Midland Park Family Dentistry 662 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432 • 201.447.5555 • midlandparkfamilydentistry.com team@midlandparkfamilydentistry.com COMMITTED TO DELIVERING HIGH-QUALITY, INNOVATIVE DENTISTRY in a patient-focused atmosphere is what Dr. Anthony Caramico, (AKA. Dr. Tony) and his friendly, knowledgeable staff at Midland Park Family Dentistry promise every patient, every visit.

Recognizing his patients have choices, Dr. Tony knows it takes more than knowledge and experience to stand out. Delivering the best patient experience requires staying ahead of the curve and at the forefront of the dental industry. Dr. Tony continually invests in the latest dental technologies, methodologies, and approaches to deliver the results his patients deserve. The oral health and well-being of his patients are always top priority.

Additionally, Midland Park Family Dentistry is 100% committed to office cleanliness and infectious disease mitigation whether or not amid a public health crisis. Since its inception, this office is proud to share that they have consistently outperformed CDC and OSHA standards

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and guidelines. This dedication to safety combined with a steadfast deliverance of groundbreaking dentistry has enabled the practice to earn the trust and confidence of its patients… generation after generation. Dr. Tony understands and appreciates that TRUST is never given, but instead earned.

“Our mission remains the pursuit of excellence and the delivery of quality care to our patients,” says Dr. Tony. “Everything I do is with my patients in mind. I am blessed and humbled to have had the good fortune to travel through life with my patients and my staff. Most endearing of all is to care for patients and their families through multiple generations.”

Midland Park Family Dentistry continues to expand, offering extended evening hours two days a week and Saturday appointments. Proud of his Bergen County roots, Dr. Tony along with his team welcome you to be a part of the family.

1/17/22 10:31 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Eshansh Arora, D.D.S. South Bergen Oral Maxillofacial Surgery 422 Stuyvesant Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 • 201.935.4577 15-01 Broadway, Suite 18, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 • 201.475.1600 • www.southbergenoralsurgery.com DR. ESHANSH ARORA, A DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, is a highly trained specialist in all aspects of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Arora successfully removed the world’s first cheek odontogenic choriostoma, a rare tooth and jaw pathology that arises in children. The case was published in the Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Among his many groundbreaking procedures, he restored the eye movement of a child who, while playing basketball, suffered from a facial fracture resulting in trapped muscles.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Arora is a clinical attending physician at Hackensack University Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Valley Hospital where he performs facial trauma surgery involving complex facial lacerations and oral cavity reconstruction using hip to jaw bone grafts to improve function in pathologic cases. Using dental implants like the All-on-Four implant technique, he restores patients’ dental function and aesthetics. Dr. Arora is accomplished in multiple

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facial aesthetic procedures from botox and restylane fillers to facial implants as a way to provide ideal facial proportions.

At the Fair Lawn office, Dr. Arora proudly practices along with Dr. Preeti Gupta, a Pediatric Dentistry specialist. Dr. Gupta is highly experienced and passionate in the planning and delivery of treatment from patients with healthy smiles to those who are medically compromised. Her sense of humor keeps her young patients relaxed and at ease. Additionally, Dr. Gupta is a clinical attending at Hackensack University teaching residents all aspects of pediatric dentistry from behavior management to white crown restorations and where she performs complete mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia.

Dr. Arora and Dr. Gupta are both humbled and proud to be recognized amongst New Jersey’s finest doctors; Dr. Arora as a Bergen County Top Dentist and Dr. Gupta as one of New Jersey’s Favorite Kids’ Docs. The dedicated team pledges to make the oro-facial health and well-being of patients their top priority.

1/17/22 10:31 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

New Jersey Root Canal 290 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506 • 973.423.0789 119 1st St., Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 • 201.251.8131 1777 Hamburg Tpke., Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973.835.7500 njrootcanal.com NEW JERSEY ROOT CANAL HAS BEEN SAVING TEETH for 30 years. Dr. Brian Trava established the practice in 1990, and later added offices in HoHo-Kus, Oradell and Wayne. Endodontics is the specialty of saving your natural teeth and diagnosing facial pain. This may encompass root canal, correcting a failing root canal, treating traumatized teeth, and stem cell therapy to stop a child from having a root canal.

The standard of care of endodontics has been raised using technology such as 3D imaging, surgical microscopes and researched-based sterilization techniques. 3D imaging and surgical microscopes help us detect extra roots and infection not seen by traditional methods, leading to a higher degree of eliminating infection. Longevity and quality of life are increasing in our population. Studies show it is more cost- and healtheffective to save your natural teeth. Children are an important part of our practice. Trauma can have long-term ramifications from a dental and legal perspective, if not handled properly for the first time. Always seek a second opinion.

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Special needs patients can range from apprehensive to Autistic—specific areas that take understanding and a working knowledge of root canal treatment and restoration.

Patients look to our practice for consistency in diagnosis and treatment.

Having five recognized specialists to discuss, diagnosis and treat is a great advantage for our patients. Communicating and working with so many exceptional dentists and physicians in the community allows us to understand the patient as a whole and deliver successful treatment.

Dr. Seung Shon, U.M.D.N.J., has authored research papers advancing the field of endodontics. Dr. Sujean Oh, Columbia University, has completed extensive studies in oral pathology. Dr. Alison Petix, Tufts University, earned a research fellowship and has served our Veteran community.

Dr. Yang, NYU, has been awarded multiple research fellowships and has donated his skills in Haiti and Mexico.

1/17/22 10:31 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Steven N. Glickman, D.D.S. David K. Christensen, D.M.D. Glickman & Christensen Premier Dentistry 71 Franklin Tpke., Suite 1-1, Waldwick, NJ 07463 • 201.652.1569 • www.gandcpremierdentistry.com COMMITTED TO DELIVERING RESULTS, Drs. Glickman, Christensen and Burke know that the calm atmosphere they have created in their office goes a long way in keeping their patients relaxed and comfortable. The doctors maintain open dialogue with patients and educate them about their recommended procedures. This communication creates trust, keeps treatment efficient, and gives patients confidence that they are getting the exact treatment to address their unique situations and optimize their oral health.

Glickman & Christensen Premier Dentistry is a comprehensive dental office and provides care for the entire family. The doctors perform general and cosmetic dentistry including preventative exams, fillings, extractions, teeth whitening, CEREC (same-day crowns) and neuromuscular dentistry.

In addition, the doctors perform dental implant procedures in the office including a same-day procedure that eliminates the need for removable

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dentures. The office uses cutting-edge technology including, but not limited to CT Scans, 3D printing, in-office milling, and digital software that delivers more accurate results and eliminates the need for impression materials. Patients are especially happy to be able to see a preview of their new smile before work begins.

The three doctors and their friendly staff go out of their way to make every patient feel at ease and are attentive to those with dental anxiety.

The Glickman & Christensen Premier Dentistry practice has earned its stellar reputation for many reasons. Patient reviews praise the doctors and the staff for being caring and gentle, but also for being mindful of punctuality and professionalism. The doctors are proud that many of their patients come to them through personal referrals, and that many travel to the office from out of the area.

1/17/22 10:31 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

John Minichetti, D.M.D. The Center For Implants And Aesthetics At Englewood Dental 370 Grand Ave., Suite 200, Englewood, NJ 07631 • 201.871.3555 • www.englewooddental.com MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, DR. JOHN MINICHETTI began practicing cosmetic and implant dentistry as an innovative solution to replacing missing teeth and improving smiles. Dr. Minichetti and his team are leaders in the dental community, addressing both simple and complicated cases with the same degree of attention and expertise.

Dr. Minichetti’s office is Bergen County’s cutting-edge facility for cosmetic and implant procedures and provides quality comprehensive care in general, pediatric, laser, facial aesthetics and orthodontic dentistry.

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The practice hosts an in-house lab, digital X-rays, a board-certified anesthesiologist and a specialized surgical suite. Dr. Minichetti often receives patient referrals from other dentists. As Chief of Dentistry at Englewood Hospital and President of the American Board of Oral Implantology, Dr. Minichetti brings expertise to his practice and enjoys teaching clinicians from around the world. Testimonials from colleagues and patients agree that Dr. Minichetti’s staff sets the standards for quality dental care.

1/17/22 10:32 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Michael Duong, D.D.S. Precision Orthodontics 148 Prospect St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.444.7447 • www.luvmybraces.com AS THE OLD WISE PROVERB SAYS, “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Dr. Michael Duong is one of those lucky individuals to realize the profession that perfectly aligns with his strengths. His keen visual perception, mastery of science and excellent diagnostic skills, made orthodontics a no brainer.

Dr. Duong’s proudest accomplishment of his career is building his own practice. “I love coming to work. My team is super energetic, warm and caring. The patients we care for and the families we get to know are the epitome of each day,” says Dr. Duong. “Listening to the kid’s stories and watching them grow into beautiful adults is heartening. I treat patients of all ages and I take pride in knowing that they acquire a boost of confidence when facing the world with a beautiful smile.”

With technology constantly evolving, Dr. Duong teaches to stay on the cutting edge. He is an assistant clinical professor at Columbia University

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where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and orthodontic specialty training.

A stickler for making sure that treatment is working right and moving along as quickly as possible, Dr. Duong made the conscious decision to practice solo. Since 2010, when he first opened his doors, the practice has been growing. The doors are finally open to Dr. Duong’s new location in the heart of downtown, Ridgewood. Their super new modern office is equipped with the most advanced technology and provides the highest quality of care.

Dr. Duong is a strong believer in giving back to the community at the grassroots level where he can make a direct impact on his patients and their families. He donates to local schools, teams and religious institutions.

1/17/22 10:32 AM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

John Saraydarian, D.M.D. Allendale Dental

42 West Allendale Ave., Allendale, NJ 07401 • 201.760.1116 • www.allendaledental.net THIS PAST YEAR, WHEN DR. JOHN SARAYDARIAN TOOK A LEAP to more than double the size of his general and cosmetic dental practice, he did so without a moment’s hesitation. Above all, Dr. Saraydarian is driven by one goal – to provide his patients a simple and pleasurable dental experience.

Now with 17 operatories, Dr. Saraydarian and his associates, Jenna Earnhardt and Jennifer Kim, have the capacity to better accommodate their patients, upholding a commitment to provide the highest quality of dental care with a comprehensive approach to overall patient health.

With the additional space, Dr. Saraydarian realized another dream in patient care. He hopes to build on his vision in the coming months by inviting other industry specialists to come on board to enhance the practice’s scope of dental services.

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According to Dr. Saraydarian, “Honesty, integrity and a quality treatment are the goals I’ve strived for since opening my practice in 2004. While staying true to our basic tenets, the expansion allows us to better serve both the health and scheduling needs of our patients. I consider my patients an extension of my family and I practice with genuine respect, thoughtfulness and sensitivity. First and foremost, we listen to our patient’s concerns.”

This philosophy has proven successful with frequent referrals and glowing word-of-mouth endorsements, which have spurred their growth.

With a focus on preventative care, the dentists integrate innovative, state-of-the-art cosmetic and restorative dentistry in a friendly, relaxing environment using the most up-to-date technology. Ultimately, their objective is to establish every patient’s smile on a solid foundation that will promote excellent dental health throughout their lifetime.

2/3/22 12:46 PM

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Jon Golub, D.M.D. Michael Golub, D.M.D. Golub Orthodontics 2185 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee, NJ 07024 • 201.944.9208 354 Old Hook Rd., Westwood, NJ 07675 • 201.722.3600 6 Brighton Rd., #105, Clifton, NJ 07012 • 201.944.9208 goluborthodontics.com DR. JON GOLUB AND HIS SON, DR. MICHAEL GOLUB, ARE COMMITTED to upholding the same principles of integrity and excellence that were instituted fifty five years ago by Dr. Michael’s maternal grandfather.

Applying comprehensive and efficient techniques, the dentists and their highly skilled staff provide cutting-edge orthodontic treatment to children and adults in three state-of-the-art locations.

As graduates of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, the devoted practitioners strive to give the highest level of orthodontic care, always working to exceed their patient’s expectations and provide an exceptional experience. As a member of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Michael brings a modern, innovative approach to the practice. The doctors are particularly proud of their in-house clear aligner program which gives the doctors and their patients greater control, precision, value, convenience and flexibility. In addition to providing

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excellent care to every patient, the dentists are keenly aware of the importance of strong relationships with both their patients and other dentists who are an integral part of the treatment process. The doctors availability to patients and their dentists is fundamental to maintaining their stellar orthodontic practice.

Golub Orthodontics is dedicated to giving children something to smile about. Dr. Jon and his wife, Jamie, travel throughout the world to impoverished countries participating in dental outreach projects. Dr. Michael was selected by the Massachusetts Dental Society as a recipient of the prestigious ’10 Under 10′ award, recognized for outstanding contributions to his field and his humanitarian work. He is a founder of “The Passion Project” which connects dental students with volunteer opportunities in countries in need of dental care. The practice welcomes new patients into the Golub Orthodontic “family.”

1/17/22 10:32 AM

Tenafly Orthodontic Associates, LLC 111 Dean Dr., Suite #2, Tenafly, NJ 07670 • tenaflyortho.com • 201.569.2112 TENAFLY ORTHODONTIC ASSOCIATES IS A THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY PRACTICE THAT HAS BEEN CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN FOR OVER 30 YEARS! Dr. Kojanis and Dr. Kojanis-Cuomo have earned a reputation among patients and dental peers for high quality, compassionate care. Personalized oneon-one treatment is provided at the highest level with care performed exclusively by the doctors.

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Chris Kojanis, D.D.S. Renée Kojanis-Cuomo, D.D.S., M.S.

A recent addition to the practice but a lifelong resident of Tenafly, Dr. Kojanis-Cuomo graduated Valedictorian of her 364-member class at NYU. She then went on to pursue her post-graduate studies in Orthodontics at Columbia University. Serving as chief resident, she gained some of the best training in the country when it comes to treating both children and adults as they progress through traditional fixed braces and Invisalign®.

Tenafly Orthodontics encompasses a team approach to care, with both doctors working together to ensure the best possible outcomes. Please visit our website at TenaflyOrtho.com to learn more or call us at 201.569.2112 for a complimentary consultation.

Robert Scherrer, D.M.D.

Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood 160 S Broad St., Ridgewood NJ 07450 • 201.670.0670 • www.advanceddentalcarepa.com HIS EXPERIENCE, SKILL AND COMPASSION HAVE MADE Dr. Robert Scherrer a prominent figure in New Jersey dental care for over 30 years. Dr. Scherrer is an expert in general and cosmetic dentistry, including cosmetic reconstructions, crown and bridge work, implant restorations and porcelain veneers. He provides the type of service that leads to acclaim like this from fellow New Jersey dentist Dr. Joel N. Pascuzzi: “Robert is one of the most talented and meticulous dentists I have worked with; particularly with esthetic and reconstructive dentistry. He’s a doctor’s doctor; he’s my doctor.”

Patients offer praise, too: “‘Great dentist’ is an understatement.” says Rebecca C. “I had extreme dental anxiety until I went to Dr. Scherrer. I live two hours away, but it’s worth every minute we sit in the car.”

At Dr. Scherrer’s custom-built facility, patients don’t wait to be seen and enjoy personal overhead entertainment during their appointments. With extensive experience and a strong commitment to lifelong learning, the team at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood is more than well-equipped to help you comfortably attain the smile you’ve always wanted.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Kelly McNally Passarelli, D.D.S. Charles Lennon, D.M.D. 172 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201.444.4050 • theridgewooddentist.com BORN WITH A CLEFT LIP AND PALATE, Dr. Kelly McNally knows how it feels to be ashamed to smile. After wearing braces since first grade and following multiple reconstructive procedures, Dr. McNally achieved the gift of a smile.

The importance of a smile inspired Dr. McNally to pursue a career in dentistry with a focus on cosmetic and restorative procedures. “Dentistry is a team effort between the dentist and the patient. It’s my job to empower and educate my patients, to listen to their needs and to then create proper function and esthetics,” explains Dr. McNally.

One of Dr. McNally’s proudest achievements is carrying on the Passarelli family legacy left by her father-in-law and her late husband, Dr. Lawrence Passarelli, for exceptional and compassionate family dental care. With the support of her devoted staff and loyal patients, Dr. McNally is focusing on the future and is tremendously proud of the growth of the practice, including the addition of Dr. Charles Lennon.

Dr. Lennon, a prosthodontist, brings valuable experience to her team and demonstrates the same passion for dentistry and compassion for excellent patient care that is the heart and soul of the practice.

Glenn Phillips, D.M.D. Phillips Dentistry 235 Madison Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481 • 201.891.5154 • phillipsdentistry.com PRACTICING OLD SCHOOL DENTISTRY WITH CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY, second generation dentists Glenn Phillips, a prosthodontist specialist and Diplomat of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and his brother Andrew Phillips, a general and cosmetic specialist, team up to perform all aspects of dentistry. Patients are assured of receiving the finest care in general, prosthodontics, oral surgery, root canals, Invisalign and sleep apnea.

The family practice is supported by an experienced staff who have achieved the highest accolades in their respective careers. Set in a restored old house, the charm and calming atmosphere helps make patients feel right at home. “Our entire focus is on our patients and we do whatever it takes to make them as content as possible,” says Dr. Phillips.

Dr. Glenn Phillips has a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and utilizes that knowledge in his work today designing engineered oral rehabilitation. He received a dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed a hospital based general residency and his two-year specialty training in Prosthodontics also at UMDNJ. Under the tutelage of world-renowned implantologist, Dennis Tarnow, he completed a two-year surgical implant fellowship at New York University.

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Roman Dental Arts 747 Main St., Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201.843.0440 • www.romansmiles.com DR. DONALD ROMAN AND HIS DAUGHTER, Dr. Alissa Roman, believe in restoring the natural beauty and longevity of patients’ smiles, building confidence, and improving overall health. A unique blend of compassion, training, and the most advanced dental technologies, along with a staff that embodies the doctors’ ideals, is the essence of their practice. The doctors provide safe, comfortable care for adults and children, crafting each patient’s treatment based on their needs and desires.

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Donald J. Roman, D.M.D., MAGD Alissa Roman, D.D.S.

Dr. Donald Roman is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and served as a Dental Officer in the U.S. P.H.S. before opening his own private practice. Dr. Alissa Roman is a graduate of the University of Buffalo School of Dentistry and is presently working toward her Fellowship and Master’s.

Staying at the forefront of the latest dental advancements allows them to provide the most accurate diagnosis and care. Their specialties include dental implants, laser dentistry; with little to no injections, and invisible aligners Dr. Donald Roman and Dr. Alissa Roman believe in caring for your family as if you were their own.

Peter Tsatsaronis, D.M.D., P.A. Distinctive Dental Arts

696 Palisade Ave., Teaneck, NJ 07666 • 201.836.0623 • distinctivedentalnj.com THOROUGH AND FRIENDLY are words patients consistently use to describe their experience at Distinctive Dental Arts. Dr. Peter Tsatsaronis is proud of the long-term relationships he has built with his patients over time.

Dr. Tsatsaronis provides quality comprehensive dentistry, ranging from cleanings and preventive exams to prosthodontics, dental implants and cosmetic dental services. He performs complex dental reconstruction and employs only the latest digital and 3-D technology, which allows for crown placement in one visit.

Dr. Pete is committed to continuing education to remain at the forefront of his profession.

After receiving both his Doctor of Dental Medicine and his postdoctoral degree in prosthodontics from Tufts University in Boston, Dr. Tsatsaronis taught at both Tufts University and at Hackensack Medical Center.

Dr. Pete’s goal is to help patients maintain all of their teeth in maximum health through treatment focused on comfort, function, and appearance. He and his staff are dedicated to providing personalized treatment options delivered with a minimum of stress and expense.

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TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

John Kallis, D.M.D. Lee Kojanis, D.D.S. Premier Oral Surgery Group Pc 617 E. Palisade Ave. • Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 • 201.567.7500 375 S. Washington Ave. • Bergenfield, NJ 07621 • 201.385.0775 • www.premieroralsurgerygroup.com AFTER FOUR YEARS IN PRACTICE TOGETHER, Dr. John Kallis and Dr. Lee Kojanis are proud to serve their community’s oral surgery needs as partners of Premier Oral Surgery Group PC., providing optimal care in a calm, serene and safe atmosphere.

The surgeons practice full scope Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom teeth removal. They diagnose and treat TMJ disorders and perform a full range of dental implants and bone grafting procedures. They are both highly recognized for their technical skills and extensive specialty training in complex facial trauma and corrective jaw surgery, using minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and shorten recovery times.

With the help of a compassionate and dedicated staff that is committed to patient’s optimal oral health and surgery needs, patients can expect exceptional care and the highest standards in Oral Surgery. The staff is trained in assisting with Intravenous sedation in their state-of-the-art office setting. Additionally, Dr. Kojanis has admitting hospital privileges at Englewood Hospital Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, and NYU/Bellevue Hospital where he helps train and educate residents.

Jeffrey R. Schwartz, D.M.D.

Jeffrey Brown, D.M.D.

Cosmetic & Restorative Dentisty

Palisades Designer Dentistry

489 Edsall Blvd., Fort Lee, NJ 07024 201.224.9000 • www.jeffreyschwartzdmd.com

464 Hudson Terrace Suite 205 201.541.0541 • www.palisadesdesignerdentistry.com

DR. JEFFREY SCHWARTZ brings more than 30 years of clinical excellence, judgment and personalized attention to his restorative dental practice. His expertise includes crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures, implant restorations, veneers, bleaching, aesthetic fillings and treatment for TMJ pain, snoring and sleep apnea.

“No patient is ever just a number, but always treated as an individual,” says Dr. Schwartz who received both his dental and prosthodontic degrees at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Recognized as the specialist of choice by many of his colleagues, Dr. Schwartz has a reputation for perfection in creating beautiful, healthy smiles for both complex and routine services.

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TIME-PROVEN METHODOLOGY meets cutting-edge technology at Palisades Designer Dentistry. Dr. Jeffrey Brown has worked tirelessly over the last 35 years to foster a low-stress, welcoming environment where everyone can feel at home while benefiting from the latest advancements in dentistry. In fact, many of his patients have been doing so for over 20 years. New patient or long standing though, Dr. Brown always has time in his schedule for anyone with an immediate dental concern.

Whether you’re looking for general or cosmetic dentistry (including Invisalign), or an endodontic, periodontic or implant specialist, Palisades Designer Dentistry is well-equipped to help you achieve a healthy smile you’ll want to show off.

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West Ridgewood Dental Professionals 88 W Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood NJ 07450 201.652.8875 • www.WestRidgewoodDental.com FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ITS FOUNDER, DR. ROBERT DWIGHT MINER, West Ridgewood Dental is known for excellence in ethical dentistry and a deep commitment to the community.

Partners Dr. Perruzzi and Dr. Austein provide services ranging from preventative dentistry to full mouth esthetic rehabilitation, creating natural and comfortable outcomes. They help their patients live a healthier, more confident life. They have created a comfortable, attractive, and up to date office with all cutting-edge technology. The staff are sensitive to all patients’ needs and apprehensions they may have about dental care creating an environment where even dental-phobic patients feel at ease.

BERGEN COUNTY’S

TOP DENTISTS

2022

TOP DENTISTS PROFILES

Charles J. Perruzzi, D.M.D. Joshua B. Austein, D.M.D. Joyce M. Johnson, D.D.S.

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{ HISTORIC NAMES }

They’re Gone, But Their Names Live On Places you drive by in Bergen today recall luminaries of the past. Do you know these eight?

Seems every town in America has a Maple Street, and it doesn’t take much sleuthing to connect that moniker with the ubiquitous tree. But across the country, other place names are clues to intriguing stories—and people—if we take the time to look into them.

And Bergen County is no exception.

Some roads, for instance, have names that recall their colorful pasts. Paterson Plank Road has connected its namesake town to the Hudson since colonial times. The “plank” in its name comes from the original cedar planks that, laid side by side, kept wagon wheels from sinking into the soil. (In the mid-19th century, “plank road fever” reigned as several such cedar-plank

routes were created.) And Racetrack Road in Ho-Ho-Kus isn’t just a fanciful tribute to equestrian competition. It marks the location of an actual track where horse racing began in the late 1860s, followed by auto racing a few decades later. (Though popular, Ho-Ho-Kus Speedway closed suddenly after a fatal accident on July 4, 1938.)

Then there are the historic individuals. Bold-face names of their day, their prominence is now pretty much limited to the signs we see on parks and landmarks. And yet they’re a part of our county’s heritage. Here are eight sign-honored men, whose lives span from the time of Columbus to the presidency of George W. Bush:

GIOVANNI DA VERRAZZANO (1485–1528) may be best remembered today for the Verrazzano– Narrows Bridge that links Brooklyn with Staten Island—and for the arguments about how many “z”s he really had in his name. But did you know this renowned explorer is also credited with labeling the Palisades famous cliffs? As he sailed past this landmark geologic formation, the rocks looked to him like a “fence of stakes”—in military lingo, a stockade or a palisade. So the latter term appeared on a very early map of the New World.

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LIEUTENANT COLONEL GEORGE BAYLOR (1752–1784): This Revolutionary War officer, an aide-de-camp to General Washington, bequeathed his name to history on September 28, 1778, when his 3rd Continental Light Dragoons were attacked by British soldiers while trying to gather information. (Patriots suspected that a Britfriendly area resident had alerted the Redcoats to Baylor’s location.) It was evidently the threat of more British attacks that prompted the hasty interment of the American dead in tanning vats along the Hackensack River. An archaeological investigation in the 1960s turned up the skeletons, now properly laid to rest. Today, the Baylor Massacre Burial Site is a historical park in River Vale.

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ISAAC VAN SAUN and JACOB VAN SAUN: A common family name, Van Saun identifies one of the area’s earliest settlers, Isaac Van Saun, who laid claim to his land back in 1695 in a deal possibly struck with Native Americans. New Yorker Jacob Van Saun bought much of what is today Van Saun Park from Albert Zabriskie in that same year of 1695. And George Washington later drank water from the park’s Washington Spring.

ERNEST B. DAHNERT (?–1952): This fellow, who gave his name to Dahnert’s Lake County Park in Garfield, was a German immigrant who knew how to think big. As Garfield’s fifth mayor, he dreamed of city status for the community and got voters behind him in that cause in 1917.

His tenure (1914–1920) is recalled for such achievements as paved roads, water and sewer expansion and the first police cars.

SAMUEL GRAYDON (1852–1927): Did this reticent gentleman roll over in his grave in 1931? That’s when the village of Ridgewood named Graydon Park in a fitting tribute in his honor, as he had not only donated land for recreation as far back as 1910, but also dammed the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook for swimming every year. A modest individual, Graydon thought the park should be named Linwood instead—but his name survives in spite of him.

JOHNNY VANDER MEER (1914–1997): Don’t hold your breath waiting for this athlete’s miraculous achievement to recur. Johnny Vander Meer Field in Midland Park honors a Jersey-born member of the Cincinnati Reds who remains the only major league pitcher to throw two no-hitters in a row. His second triumph, four days after his first, came on June 15, 1938, in the first night game ever played at Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field (and less than three weeks before that auto-race accident in Ho-Ho-Kus). This time he got wobbly in the ninth inning and loaded the bases with walks. But then his incredible record was saved by a third-out, pop-up fly from an opposing batter, one Leo Durocher, who was unwittingly a nice enough guy to help him finish—at last.

RICHARD W. DEKORTE (1936–1975): The 640-acre Richard W. DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst is a fitting tribute to the state assemblyman who worked to create the first Meadowlands Commission. Though he died at age 38, the Republican DeKorte had a political career of more than a decade, during which he also served as Franklin Lakes mayor.

WILLIAM D. McDOWELL (1927–2007) is recalled by Lyndhurst’s William D. McDowell Observatory. A Republican, he was elected in 1986 as Bergen’s first County Executive. He was also the first executive director of Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission, later the sports authority, and the mayor of North Arlington—plus he served two terms as county sheriff.

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» PET GUIDE

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BERGEN COUNTY PET GUIDE

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AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE *For new clients only. One $20 off initial health exam available per pet (dogs or cats only), up to 2 pets per household. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good toward any services other than those set forth above including; boarding, grooming, prescription and non-prescription medication, and retail items. Not good toward towards emergency and/or specialty veterinary services. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location(s) listed.

For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No Cash Value. Expires 07/01/2022. Cashier Code: 700.530 (Local). ©2022 VCA Animal Hospitals Inc. VCA Logo is a registered trademark of VCA Inc. or its affiliated companies.

Special Section Freelance Writers Wanted

DO YOU WANT YOUR WORK TO BE FEATURED IN OUR SPECIAL SECTIONS? Actively seeking professional freelance photographers and writers for Advertising Department’s Special Sections

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If interested please contact Jacquelynn Fischer Jacquelynn.Fischer@wainscotmedia.com

1/17/22 9:18 AM

{ POWER FOOD }

The Peerless Pear

Homer called this familiar fruit “the gift of the gods.” Apparently the deities knew their nutrition.

To appreciate a food, it’s helpful to imagine if it didn’t exist, so let’s conjure up for a moment a world without pears. Certain Cezanne still-lifes would show only an empty plate. We’d all miss out on nutrients, a moistly crunchy texture and a mildly sweet taste. And that well-known 12-day holiday song would have to end each verse with “and a partridge in an undisclosed location.”

But never fear—the good old pear isn’t going anywhere. (Nor is its homonym-happy name: Pluck two and you’ve got a pair, peel the skin and you’ve begun to pare.) Known for broad bottoms and narrow tops (though some are rounder), the fibrouscentered genus Pyrus grows on trees, but doesn’t ripen well there. (It gets gritty.) Its skin is usually greenish-to-gold, though some varieties are pinkish—indeed, there are roughly 3,000 known kinds, including Bartlett, Red Bartlett, Red Anjou, Green Anjou, Bosc, Comice, Concorde and Starkrimson.

The cultivation of pears is believed to date back to 5,000 B.C. in China. In those days, so the story goes, a diplomat named Feng Li got so busy tending his pears that he neglected his diplomacy. Millennia later, Homer in the Odyssey called pears “the gift of the gods.” You just can’t buy PR like that.

POWER UP Pears’ benefits to human health are legion. Tipping the calorie scale at a svelte 86, one small fruit (148 grams) can furnish 18 percent of your daily required fiber, 10 percent of your vitamin C, 8 percent of your K and 6 percent of your copper.

(Yes, you need some copper.) These nutrients’ antioxidant properties can help protect cells from the effects of free radicals, which have been associated with the development of cancer.

Like apples but even more so, pears provide the soluble fiber known as pectin, which helps regulate the bacteria in your gut. They can also help ward off cardiovascular disease, for which high blood pressure is a known risk: In a 2019 study, people with metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that together raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes) who ate a daily pair of pears for 12 weeks experienced small decreases in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure.

Containing 84 percent water, pears have a natural laxative effect that can help keep you regular. But you never want to pig out on pears all afternoon, lest gas and bloating result. Medical News Today warns that “people with IBS [irritable bowel syndrome] should speak with a dietitian before including pears in the diet.”

poach or grill? Think “ABC,” for the Anjous, Bosc and Concorde, firm varieties that hold their shape well. Prefer to chomp on the fruit fresh? Then a juicy Cornice, Starkrimson or Bartlett pear is your best bet.

Pears are often canned (usually Bartlett) or dried, and are sometimes used in jams and jellies. If you Google “Mayo Clinic – pears” you’ll see that the renowned medical institution has put on its chef’s hat to present a healthy recipe for poached pears. Other possibilities for your culinary pear-adise? Cinnamon baked pears, pears with pork chops and onions, pear streusel cakes, pears bordelaise (with wine), pear crumbles (with flour, sugar and oats), pear and blue cheese crostini, pear oatmeal muffins and pear upside-down cake!

—Timothy Kelley

BUY/STORE/SERVE Purchase pears at a grocery or fruit stand, and store them at room temperature until they ripen. (They’re subject to pear-peer pressure—place one in a fruit bowl next to a banana, and that yellow influencer gives off ethylene, prompting the pear to ripen.)

Keep ripe pears in the fridge, where they’ll be good for two to three days. You can freeze cooked pears, but not fresh ones, which tend to come apart.

How to tell if a pear is ripe? Apply your thumb gently to the upper portion near the stem; if you feel a slight give, chances are the fruit is ripe and ready. But picking your pear must be paired with your purpose: Plan to cook with the fruit, perhaps to bake,

DID YOU KNOW? China grows more than two-thirds of the world’s pears, almost 12 times as much as the next-ranked pear-producing pair, the U.S. and Italy, combined.

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{ BAR TAB }

Chocolate Comfort

Turn this classic cocktail into a decadent dessert. It’s the perfect sip to share with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day—or just about any time of year.

CHOCOLATE MARTINI Yields: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 2 oz. vanilla vodka n 2 oz. amaretto n 2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream n 2 oz. Kahlua n 2 oz. chocolate syrup

DIRECTIONS

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vanilla vodka, amaretto, Bailey's Irish Cream, Kahlua and chocolate syrup. Shake for about 30 seconds. Strain shaken chocolate mixture into prepared glasses.

For a different take, try a white chocolate martini. Combine vanilla vodka with crème de cacao and white Godiva chocolate. Then line the rim and inside of a separate glass with chocolate syrup before filling it with the liquor combo. Sub out the Kahlua with fresh espresso for extra flavor and top with fresh cocoa shavings.”

—George Chicolo III, bartender, Prohibition, Westwood

Recipe courtesy of thekitchenismyplayground.com

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{ ON THE TOWN }

Be There

In-person events are back in full swing! Here are 10 that are filled with fun, laughter and entertainment—and will help you safely return to normal.

FEB. 10, 17, 24

FEB. 16

FEB. 25

Join the Englewood Library during its BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM SERIES, a collection of movies celebrating the lives and culture of Black Americans.

The films are screened in the library’s MacKay Room from 2 to 4 p.m. and are free for all. The following titles will be featured: 13th on Feb. 10, Just Mercy on Feb. 17 and Hidden Figures on Feb. 24. Find out more at englewoodlibrary.org.

Who doesn’t enjoy a story about an art heist? Learn the details about the missing $450 million Salvator Mundi painting during a screening of THE LOST LEONARDO, the final feature of the Reel Voices Film Festival at the Ridgewood Library, 7 p.m. The Danish/ French documentary tells the tale of Leonardo da Vinci’s work and its unknown whereabouts.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Save your seat and find out more at ridgewoodlibrary.org.

You don’t have to travel to Lincoln Center to listen to the world’s greatest symphonies.

THE RIDGEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA will perform a series of classics, including Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and Mozart’s Un Moto Di Gioia. The 8 p.m. concert will also feature solos by pianist Ron Levy and soprano Kristen Plumley. General admission is $35, senior tickets are $25 and students are $5. Head to ridgewoodsymphony.org for more details and information.

FEB. 12 Lace up your sneakers and layer up for COMMUNITY OPTIONS CUPID’S CHASE 5K in Glen Rock. The inperson and outdoor event (you’ll warm up during the run) begins at 10 a.m. at municipal pool and raises awareness to support housing and jobs for people with disabilities. Registration starts at $35. To sign up and for more details, visit comop.org and search for the Glen Rock run under “Cupid’s Chase.”

FEB. 12–MARCH 5 Craving a live comedy show on stage? Book a seat to see the Bergen County Players perform “MOON OVER BUFFALO” at their Oradell playhouse.

The story, originally on Broadway starring Carol Burnett, tells the tale of an acting couple on tour in Buffalo during the 1950s. Various shows are held Fridays through Sundays. For tickets and showtimes, visit bcplayers.org.

FEB. 13 Cuddle up with your loved one at Tenafly Nature Center’s SWEETHEART NIGHT HIKE & CAMPFIRE. The two-hour stroll begins at 7 p.m., follows an easy trail through the center’s preserve and leads to a romantic campfire and s’mores. Registration is limited and is $30 per couple; discounts apply for TNC members. Sign up now at tenaflynaturecenter.org.

FEB. 17 Television and standup legend SINBAD brings his story-telling style of comedy to bergenPAC in Englewood for a 7:30 p.m. performance.

Named one of the “100 Greatest Standups of All Time”

by Comedy Central, Sinbad has appeared in multiple TV shows and specials throughout his decades-long career— but the over-40 crowd can say they “discovered” him on Star Search. Tickets range from $29–$69 and are available at bergenpac.org.

FEB. 18–20 Get your heartrate going with an outdoor ice-skating session at BERGEN COUNTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND. This weekend marks the season finale of the county’s open-air playland at Van Saun Park in Paramus. General admission skating takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (no time slots) and costs $15 per person and free for kids under age 3. Military and senior discounts are available.

Get your tickets now at bergencountywinter wonderland.com.

FEB. 27 Get into the swing of Mardi Gras with a jazz concert starring DR. DUBIOUS at the Mahwah Library. The band has been performing their New Orleans- and Chicago-jazz style of music in the tri-state area since 1998 and is considered a favorite among music-loving locals. The concert starts at 2 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required. Mahwah residents may sign up four weeks before the show, and non-residents can register two weeks prior. Find out more at mahwahlibrary.org.

*Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all events are subject to cancellations or changes. Attendees are encouraged to observe local safety guidelines.

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FEB. 26 It may be winter, but we’re already thinking spring and St. Patrick’s Day. Join the Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County for their annual ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE DANCE at The Graycliff in Moonachie. The event, held from 5 to 10:30 p.m., will include the installation of Kieran Lynch as parade grand marshal.

Tickets to the dance are $125 for general admission.

Find out more and RSVP for the dance at bergencountyirish. org. Also mark your calendars: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Bergenfield will take place March 13.

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{ JUST MARRIED }

Amanda Sorrentino & Anthony Spadaro

These high school sweethearts tied the knot at their local church in 2020, then celebrated at the reception of their dreams with their “big Italian families” last fall.

VENDORS

WEDDING DATE October 23, 2021 NUMBER OF GUESTS 225 CEREMONY/RECEPTION The Estate at Florentine Gardens, River Vale, florentinegardens.com FLOWERS Broderick’s Florist, Bergenfield, brodericks.net PHOTOGRAPHY Philip Siciliano Photography, Staten Island, NY, philipsicilianophotography.com CAKE Palermo’s Café & Bakery, Little Ferry, palermocafe.com HAIR Vilda Bala, @glambyvilda MAKEUP Vjollca Broja, @vjollcamakeup ENTERTAINMENT Extreme Rhythm Entertainment, Brooklyn, NY, extremerhythmdjs.com BRIDE’S GOWN Eve of Milady from Bridal Reflections, NYC, bridalreflections.com BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Bill Levkoff from Bridal Reflections, NYC, bridalreflections.com GROOM’S TUX Phil’s Tuxedos, Brooklyn, NY, facebook.com/pages/phils-tuxedos

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{ ON THE TOWN }

Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Bergen County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.

SAMDAN 178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurant.com

DEMAREST YASOU MYKONOS 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasoumykonos.com

DUMONT FINK’S BBQ 26 W. Madison Ave. 201.384.3210 finksbbqsmokehouse.com FOSCHINI’S 21 E. Madison Ave. 201.387.9998 foschinis.com Fleming’s Steakhouse in Edgewater

*Editor’s note—Patrons are encouraged to confirm individual restaurant policies regarding social distancing and curbside service.

ALLENDALE ALLENDALE BAR & GRILL 67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com ALLENDALE STEAKHOUSE 95 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhousenj.com MEZZA LUNA 96 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.6556 mezzalunabistro.com NIRVANA INDIAN KITCHEN 29 W. Allendale Ave. 201.818.2300 nirvanaindiankitchen.com

SAVINI 168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com

ALPINE KIKU 385 Rte. 9 W. 201.767.6322

BERGENFIELD CHAPALA GRILL 52 S. Washington Ave. 201.387.2107 chapalamexican grill.com NIHON KAI 41 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.3000 nihonkaijapanese.com TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE 32 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com

BOGOTA LUKA’S ITALIAN CUISINE 10 River Rd. 201.440.2996 lukasitaliancuisine.com

CARLSTADT

CLOSTER

BIGGIE’S 430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com

BRASSERIE MEMERE 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com

IL VILLAGGIO 651 Rte. 17 N. 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com

THE HILL 252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com

CLIFFSIDE PARK 354 STEAKHOUSE 354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499

LOCALE CAFÉ AND BAR 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 locale208closter.com

AVO’S GRILL 720 Anderson Ave. 201.945.9038 orderavos.com

SEAR HOUSE 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhouse.com

RUDY’S RESTAURANT 591 Anderson Ave. 201.943.9252

STERN AND BOW 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbowrestaurant .com

SEDONA TAPHOUSE 679 Anderson Ave. 201.943.2300 sedonataphouse.com VILLA AMALFI 793 Palisade Ave. 201.886.8626 villaamalfi.com BERGENMAG.COM

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CRESSKILL DELVINA RESTAURANT 172 Piermont Rd. 201.816.0239 delvinarestaurant.com

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GRANT STREET CAFÉ 25 Grant Ave. 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com IL MULINO 132 Veterans Plz. 201.384.7767 ilmulinodumont.com

EAST RUTHERFORD AL DI LA 1 Hoboken Rd. 201.939.1128 aldilaitalianbistro.com ANNABELLA’S HOUSE OF MOZZARELLA 900 Paterson Plank Rd. 201.804.0303 annabellasmozz.com BLARNEY STATION PUB 258 Park Ave. 201.531.0001 blarneystation.com CAFFÉ CAPRI 119 Park Ave. 201.460.1039 caffecaprirestaurant.com

EDGEWATER BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 59 The Promenade 201.313.3889 baumgartscafe.com

BROWNSTONE PANCAKE FACTORY 860 River Rd. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com DE NOVO EUROPEAN PUB 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropeanpub.com EMMA BISTRO 2 Hilliard Ave. 201.402.7719 emmabistronj.com FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com GREEK TAVERNA 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com HAVEN 2 Main St. 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE 15 The Promenade 201.366.4065 ophedgewater.com PIER 115 115 River Rd. 201.313.2155 pier115barandgrill.com REBECCA’S 236 Old River Rd. 201.943.8808 rebeccasedgewater.com RIVER PALM TERRACE 1416 River Rd. 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com ROBERTO’S II 936 River Rd. 201.224.2524 robertosii.com SEAK 725 River Rd., #30 201.402.3400 seaknj.com

Photos courtesy of Fleming’s Steakhouse, Andiamo

HANAMI 41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com

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ELMWOOD PARK TAVERNA MYKONOS 238 Broadway 201.703.9200 tavernamykonos.com ROYAL WARSAW 871 River Dr. 201.794.9277 royalwarsaw.com

EMERSON PIMAAN THAI 79 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.com

ENGLEWOOD AKAI LOUNGE 11 N. Dean St. 201.541.0086 akailounge.com BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 45 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.6267 baumgartscafe.com BENNIE’S 54 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.5700 benniesofenglewood.com BLUE MOON CAFÉ 23 E. Palisade Ave. 201.541.0600 bluemoonmexican café.com CASSIE’S 18 S. Dean St. 201.541.6760 cassiespizzeria.com CHAT KAEW THAI CUISINE 4 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.0343 HUMMUS ELITE 39 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.5600 hummuselite.com

Photos courtesy of Fleming’s Steakhouse, Andiamo

LA FONDA PAISA 95 W. Palisade Ave. 201.871.3544 lafondapaisausa.com LA’MEZZA 63 Nathaniel Pl. 201.569.2662 lamezzarestaurant.com

ROSE’S OF ENGLEWOOD 126 Engle St. 201.541.0020 rosesplacenj.com

SAGE RESTAURANT 17-15 Broadway 201.797.0500 sagefairlawn.com

VENTANA’S 200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthemodern.com

SOFIA 36 Engle St. 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com

FAIRVIEW

FRANKLIN LAKES

NOCHES DE COLOMBIA 172 Broad Ave. 201.840.8428 nochesdecolombia.com

SUSHI COCORO 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com

PATSY’S 344 Old Bergen Blvd.

201.943.0627 patsysbistro.com

GARFIELD

TANI SUSHI & ASIAN GRILL 44 E. Palisade Ave. 201.567.7888 taniofenglewood.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS BROWNSTONE PANCAKE FACTORY 717 E. Palisade Ave. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com CAFÉ ITALIANO 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net CLIFFS STEAKHOUSE 18 Sylvan Ave. 201.944.0233 cliffssteakhouse.com LEFKES ESTIATORIO 495 Sylvan Ave. 201.408.4444 lefkesnj.com GRISSINI 484 Sylvan Ave. 201.568.3535 grissinirestaurant.com

FAIR LAWN ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA 2101 Promenade Blvd.

201.796.2625 acfp.com EMPRESS DINER 13-48 River Rd. 201.791.2895 empressdinernj.com KIMCHI MAMA 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.703.2905 kimchimamafairlawn.com

FORT LEE AQUARIUS 230-234 Main St. 201.592.8338 aquariusrestaurant nj.com BAGGIOS 212 Main St. 201.585.7979 baggiospizzarestaurant. com BIG RED TOMATO 1205 Anderson Ave. 201.224.6500 brtnj.com

GOODFELLAS 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000 goodfellasristorante.com LA CAMBUSA 517 River Dr. 973.272.8739 cambusanj.com

LIDO RESTAURANT 701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com

LA FORTALEZA 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezamexrestaurant .com

LT BAR & GRILL 390 Hackensack Ave. 551.287.6333 ltbarandgrill.com

GLEN ROCK

MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY 70 Riverside Sq. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com

GLEN ROCK INN 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com

CHILLERS GRILL 2191 Fletcher Ave. 201.461.0075 chillersgrill.com

STONE & RAIL 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com

IN NAPOLI 116 Main St. 201.947.2500 inapoli.com

TANI SUSHI & ASIAN GRILL 206 Rock Rd. 201.612.1188 taniofglenrock.com

THE OCEANAIRE 175 Riverside Sq. 201.343.8862 theoceanaire.com

KUBA RESTAURANT 2139 Hudson Ter. 201.585.1601 kubarestaurant.com PHO TODAY 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.585.8818 POMODORO 795 Abbott Blvd.

201.224.0800 pomodoro1.com PRIME & BEYOND 501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com

NOCHES DE COLOMBIA 90 W. Palisade Ave. 201.567.4950 nochesdecolombia.com

RIVER PALM TERRACE 41-11 Rte. 4 W. 201.703.3500 riverpalm.com

PUNTA CANA 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.849.5556 puntacanarestaurante .com

PINTXO Y TAPAS 47 N. Dean St. 201.569.9999 englewoodtapas.com

ROSE’S PLACE 32-01 Broadway 201.475.8800 rosesplacenj.com BERGENMAG.COM

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Andiamo in Haworth

CAP’T LOUI 210 Main St. 201.461.7080 captloui.com

OCEANOS OYSTER BAR & SEA GRILL 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com

LAS MARAVILLAS DE TULCINGO 84 W. Palisade Ave. 201.568.1980

THE FIREHOUSE 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 firehouse-restaurant.com

HACKENSACK CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.488.0330 thecheesecakefactory.com THE CROW’S NEST 309 Vincent Ave. 201.342.5445 crowsnest.com HOT FISH 450 Hackensack Ave. 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com HOUSTON’S 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com

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P.F. CHANG’S 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com THE PICCO TAVERN 160 Prospect Ave. 201.880.8750 piccotavern.com ROSA MEXICANO 60 Riverside Sq. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com

HARRINGTON PARK DONATELLA RISTORANTE 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS BENSI 459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.com THE HEIGHTS BAR & GRILL 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338 IVY INN 268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com SOFIA’S 220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com TOM YUM KOONG 305 Boulevard 201.288.3840 tomyumkoong.net

HAWORTH ALESSANDRO’S 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com ANDIAMO 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net TERRACE STREET CAFÉ 149 Terrace St. 201.338.4720 terracestreetcafe.com

HILLSDALE THE CORNERSTONE 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com DELLA CUCINA 100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 dellacucinanj.com

FEBRUARY 2022

1/17/22 2:11 PM

{ ON THE TOWN }

GEN SUSHI & HIBACHI 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.930.9188 gensushimontvale.com HEARTH & TAP CO. 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com YUKI 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.9877 yukimontvale.com

MOONACHIE

BAZZARELLI 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazzarellirestaurant.com Barrel & Brew in New Milford

DOMANI 387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com MATSU SUSHI & GRILL 140 Broadway 201.722.9388

DANTE’S PLACE 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com FONTANA TRITONE 248 Fort Lee Rd. 201.242.9040

LITTLE FERRY

OSSO BUCO 343 Broadway 201.664.1600 ossobucogrill.com

SEGOVIA STEAKHOUSE 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com

HO-HO-KUS

LODI

ALT EATS 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com

KAYA 334 N. Main St. 973.779.1128 kayalodi.com

CATCHY CAFÉ 614 N. Maple Ave. 201.445.6400 thecatchycaterer.com

REBAR & KITCHEN 132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com

HO-HO-KUS INN 1 E. Franklin Tpke.

201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com

SERGIO’S MISSIONE 2 Mercer St. 973.778.4545 sergiosmissione.com

HO-HO-KUS SUSHI CAFÉ 29 Sheridan Ave. 201.670.7677 hohokussushicafe.com

LYNDHURST

ST. EVE’S 611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com

FOSCHINI’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA 298 Ridge Rd. 201.460.7600 foschinis.com

LEONIA CAFÉ MIGNON 332 Broad Ave. 201.292.1992

ANGELO’S 263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922

MICHAEL’S RIVERSIDE 528 Riverside Ave. 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com

MAHWAH JUN LUNG 180 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.9898 junlungnj.com MAHWAH BAR & GRILL 2 Island Rd. 201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com NAGOYA 1007 MacArthur Blvd.

201.818.9933 nagoyacuisine.com

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SEGOVIA 150 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4266 segoviarestaurant.com

MAYWOOD PANCAKE HOUSE 92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com

BARREL & BREW 872 River Rd. 201.483.3329 barrelandbrews.com

MIDLAND PARK ARTURO’S 41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co

ROXANNE’S 150 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.0007 roxannes restaurant.com

FIONA’S RISTORANTE 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com

SANGRIA 1033 MacArthur Blvd.

201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com

ROSARIO’S TRATTORIA 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335 rosariostrattoriamenu.com

STATE LINE DINER 375 Rte. 17 N. 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com

MONTVALE

MAYWOOD ANGELO’S GREEK TAVERNA 245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektavernanj.com

BERGENMAG.COM

MAYWOOD INN’S TWIN DOOR TAVERN 122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com

THE SEAFOOD GOURMET 103 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8558 seafood-gourmet.com

NONNA’S 11 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com

BISTRO 107 107 Moonachie Rd. 201.440.3339 bistro107nj.com

DELPINO RESTAURANT 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.391.6866 delpinorestaurant.com BELLISSIMO 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com

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NEW MILFORD

CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 200 Main St. 201.576.0400 casualhabanacafe.com SANZARI’S NEW BRIDGE INN 105 Old New Bridge Rd. 201.692.7700 sanzaris.com

NORTHVALE

OAKLAND

CENZINO 589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com TROVATO’S DUE 4 Barbara Ln. 201.337.0813 trovatosduenj.com YUKI 350 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8889 yuki-oakland.com

OLD TAPPAN

PATRIZIA’S 183 Old Tappan Rd. 201.515.2900 patrizias.com

PALISADES PARK

SO MOON NAN JIP 238 Broad Ave. 201.944.3998 so-moon-nan-jip.com

PARAMUS

BIAGIO’S RISTORANTE 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com THE CAPITAL GRILLE 1 Garden State Plz. 201.845.7040 thecapitalgrille.com GRAND LUX CAFE 1 Garden State Plz. 201.909.0399 grandluxcafe.com KIKU 365 Rte. 17 S. 201.265.7200 MANTRA 275 Rte. 4 W. 201.342.8868 mantranj.com

BIDDY O’MALLEY’S 191 Paris Ave. 201.564.7893 biddyomalleys.com

SUBURBAN DINER 172 Rte. 17 N. 201.261.2605 suburbandiner17.com

THE GREEK VILLAGE 254 Livingston St. 201.750.8570 greekvillagenj.com

PARK RIDGE

MADELEINE’S PETIT PARIS 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetit paris.com OLAR NOSO 493 Tappan Rd. 201.402.9355

103 PRIME AT VALENTINO’S 103 Spring Valley Rd. 201.391.2220 103prime.com ESTY STREET 86 Spring Valley Rd. 201.307.1515 estystreet.com THE PARK STEAKHOUSE 151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com

Photos courtesy of Barrel & Brew, Park West Tavern

FIRE & OAK 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.307.1100 fireandoak.com

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{ ON THE TOWN } PEPPERCORNS 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercorns176.com RIDGE DINER 125 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.4242 ridgediner.com

RAMSEY ANTHONY FRANCO’S 128 E. Main St. 201.236.8000 afpizza.com BRADY’S AT THE STATION 5-7 W. Main St. 201.327.9748 bradysatthestation.net CAFÉ PANACHE 130 E. Main St. 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com

RIDGEFIELD CAFÉ TIVOLI 533 Shaler Blvd.

201.941.5561 cafetivoli.com 88 RICE SHOP 88 Rte. 46 W. 201.840.8688 88riceshop.com

RIDGEFIELD PARK MK VALENCIA 228 Main St. 201.373.0228 mkvalenciarestaurant.com THAI PALACE 218 E. Main St. 201.441.9119 thaipalacenj.com

RIDGEWOOD

KINCHLEY’S TAVERN 586 N. Franklin Tpke.

201.934.7777 kinchleyspizza.com THE SHANNON ROSE 1200 Rte. 17 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com SMYRNA 21 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.7990

TAWARA 53 W. Main St. 201.825.8712 VARKA ESTIATORIO 30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

IT’S GREEK TO ME 21 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.612.2600 itsgreektome.com

SANDUCCI’S 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

LA LANTERNA 29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaof ridgewood.com

RIVER VALE AMMATA THAI KITCHEN 184 Rivervale Rd. 201.664.2299 ammata.com

LATOUR 6 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com

ARMANDO’S GRILL 688 Westwood Ave. 201.722.5820 armandostuscangrill.com

LISA’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE 28 Oak St. 201.251.8686 lisasmediterranean cuisine.net

LET’S MEAT STEAKHOUSE 625 Rivervale Rd. 201.660.7960 letsmeatsteakhouse.com

ROCHELLE PARK

WESTWOOD

THE SADDLE RIVER INN 2 Barnstable Ct. 201.825.4016 saddleriverinn.com

CAFFÉ ANELLO 11 Madison Ave. 201.786.8137 caffeanello.com

TEANECK AMARONE 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net B V TUSCANY 368 Cedar Ln. 201.287.0404 bvtuscany.com ETC. STEAKHOUSE 1409 Palisade Ave. 201.357.5677 etcsteakhouse.com NOAH’S ARK 493 Cedar Ln. 201.692.1200 noahsark.net

PARK WEST TAVERN 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com

NANNI 53 W. Passaic St. 201.843.1250 nanni.com

CRAVINGS TAPAS BISTRO 8 Wilsey Sq. 201.857.8533 cravingstapas.com

PEARL 17 S. Broad St. 201.857.5100 pearlridgewood.com

CAFÉ MATISSE 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com

DELHI ACCENT 37 Chestnut St. 201.444.4910 delhiaccentnj.com

RAYMOND’S 101 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5125 raymondsnj.com

FINCH’S 801 Rutherford Ave. 201.231.3141 finchsdining.com

FELINA 54 E. Ridgewood Ave. 551.276.5454 felinarestaurant.com

ROOTS 17 Chestnut St. 201.444.1922 rootssteakhouse.com

PAISANO’S 132 Park Ave. 201.935.5755 paisanos.com

BRASSERIE 4 Washington St. 201.266.6400 tenaflybrasserie.com

S. EGIDIO 17 N. Broad St. 201.389.3525 segidiopizza.com

THE RISOTTO HOUSE 88 Park Ave. 201.438.5344 therisottohouse.com

SAYOLA 50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurantnj.com

STEEL WHEEL TAVERN 51 N. Broad St. 201.882.1800 steelwheeltavern.com

VOLARE’S 7 Station Sq. 201.935.6606 volaresrestaurant.com

TPR RESTAURANT 38 W. Railroad Ave. 201.871.0444 tprrest.com

SADDLE BROOK

WALDWICK

CAFE 37 37 S. Broad Ave. 201.857.0437 cafe-37.com

GREEN FUSION 22 Oak St. 201.670.7502 greenfusionnj.com

RUTHERFORD

VILLAGE GREEN 36 Prospect St. 201.445.2914 villagegreenrestaurant.com WHITE MAPLE CAFÉ 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.447.1953 whitemaplecafe.com

Photos courtesy of Barrel & Brew, Park West Tavern

SADDLE RIVER

RIVER EDGE MADO RESTAURANT 570 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.265.3629 madorestaurant. business.site

MIDLAND BREW HOUSE 374 N. Midland Ave. 201.797.0070 midlandbrewhouse.com QUE PASTA 326 Market St. 201.712.1900 qpitalian.com THE PLANK PIZZA CO. BEER PARLOR 383 Market St. 201.843.2426

REGINA’S 827 Teaneck Rd. 201.862.1996 reginassteakhouse andgrill.com

TENAFLY AXIA TAVERNA 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com

ANDREA’S RISTORANTE 20 E. Prospect St. 201.670.0275 andreasrestaurant nj.com LIMONCELLO 32 Franklin Tpke.

201.652.5577 limoncellonj.com

DOWNTOWN DHABA 266 Center Ave. 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com THE IRON HORSE 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 theironhorse.com KIMCHI SMOKE 301 Center Ave. 201.497.6333 kimchismoke.com OSTERIA CRESCENDO 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com PHOENICIAN LOUNGE 284 Center Ave. 201.722.8600 phoenicianlounge.com

WOODCLIFF LAKE SOL RESTAURANT 42 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.9363 solrestaurantnj.com

WOOD-RIDGE AL TORO 187 Hackensack St. 862.243.3850 al-toro-restaurant-bar. negocio.site

WYCKOFF ALDO’S 640 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.2618 aldosofwyckoff.com BENARES 327 Franklin Ave. 201.904.2222 benaresnj.com BLUE MOON CAFÉ 327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexicancafé.com T.S. MA CHINESE CUISINE 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BACARI GRILL 800 Ridgewood Rd. 201.358.6330 bacarigrill.com

Park West Tavern in Ridgewood BERGENMAG.COM

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{ ON THE TOWN }

Gatherings

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6

Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.

1

THE COMMUNITY CHEST The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County held its Donor Appreciation Event at Jaguar Land Rover Englewood. The event brought together community leaders and residents who have donated to the organization’s programs throughout the year. 5 Franci Steinberg, Susan Klausner 6 Nina Bachrach, Peggy Kabakow

The Keystone teen leadership club at the Boys & Girls Clubs spearheaded a food drive and distribution event during the holiday season. Turkeys, all of the trimmings and more were donated to more than 100 families in need in Lodi and Hackensack. 7–8 Young volunteers at the Boys & Girls Clubs prepare food donations for distribution.

THE SHOPS AT RIVERSIDE The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack hosted “Art with Heart,” an evening of art and fashion to benefit the Show Me Your Heart (SMYH) Foundation. The event was attended by1approximately 100 guests of Heather Won Choi, chairman of the SMYH Foundation.

Proceeds from the event were donated to autism charities. 1 Heather Won Choi, second from left, joins guests for a photo.

8 2

3

BERGEN VOLUNTEERS

9

Hackensack-based Bergen Volunteers held a celebration event to say “thank you” to the residents who support the organization’s CHEER, CHORE and VITA programs.

CareOne donated all food served at the luncheon for the volunteers. 2–3 Volunteers gather for the “thank you” luncheon.

4

COLUMBIA BANK Columbia Bank employees participated in the company’s annual Week of Giving last fall. During the week, employees volunteered to assist those in need throughout New Jersey.

4 Columbia Bank volunteers pitched in at Spectrum for Living Development in Teaneck.

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FAMILY PROMISE OF BERGEN COUNTY The Ridgewood organization held its first in-person gala since 2019, honoring board president Paul Shackford, West Side Presbyterian Church and the TD Charitable Foundation. 9 Alina Albano, Marc Oehler 10 Kate Duggan, Paul Shackford

FEBRUARY 2022

The Shops at Riverside (1), Bergen Volunteers (2–3), Columbia Bank (4), The Community Chest (5–6), Boys & Girls Clubs (7–8), Family Promise of Bergen County (9–10)

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF LOWER BERGEN COUNTY

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1/13/22 1:55 PM

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“Watson is a 5-year-old Golden Labrador mix who is incredibly patient and sets a (mostly) good example for our foster dogs. He is an amazing ‘brother,’ and a special guy like him deserves a special birthday celebration. We’ve done dinosaurs, sports and cowboys themes, and this past year was pirate sharks. The dogs had cake and cookies by our favorite bakery, Meatloafs Kitchen on Etsy, and the humans enjoyed tacos, churros and snacks from El Azteca in Mahwah and Park Ridge. It was a special day, and his sixth birthday (in November) is already being planned!”

—Christina A. Lloyd-Williams, Hillsdale

BERGEN Magazine Volume 22, Issue 2 (ISSN# 2573-8151 and USPS 025-351) is published 12 times a year by Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Postmaster: Send address changes to Subscription Department, Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and additional mailing offices.

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Photo courtesy of Christina A. Lloyd-Williams, Instagram: @sir_watson_of_longfellow

{ A BERGEN MOMENT }

FEBRUARY 2022

1/13/22 2:02 PM

your day is all about you

ONLY YOU

AT EDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB we only accommodate a single event per day, so you'll feel at ease knowing our staff is committed to every detail of your special occasion. Delivering one-to-one service is our personal touch, and we do it all in our stunning, newly redesigned clubhouse. This unique experience is what turns a single moment into a lifelong memory.

FOR YOUR PRIVATE TOUR, CONTACT CANDICE Candice@EdgewoodNJ.com | (201) 666-1200 Ext. 218 .

449 RIVERVALE ROAD, RIVER VALE, NJ 07675 EDGEWOODNJ.COM

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1/3/22 8:39 AM

The best mammography experience provides advanced imaging.

And comforting care.

Everything medicine can do. A few things medicine can’t.

It starts with online appointments and a team of dedicated specialists who read only breast images. Along with

the clinical confidence they bring is the human comfort of getting your results the same day. Together, you’ll get a personal and comfortable experience.

Call 201-447-8200 to make an appointment or visit ValleyHealth.com/Mammogram

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1/13/22 3:48 PM