Bergen Buzz

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

WHAT’S COOKING WITH KITCHENS

Before you tear down cabinets and put a sledgehammer to the wall, you should know that upgrading a kitchen takes plenty of thought and planning. Colors or neutrals? Traditional or “smart” appliances? BERGEN asked Jenn Klaus, spokesperson for the Northeast District of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, for some insider info on the latest in kitchen design. Experiment with color. White is still the “it” choice for kitchens, but some homeowners are adding accent colors. “Many are going the two-tone route with their cabinets, often installing white upper cabinetry with colored bottom cabinetry,” Klaus says. “The most popular colors we’re seeing right now are navy blue, hunter green and gray.” She adds that accent lights in bright colors or those with natural elements like rattan or crystal are also trending. Smarter kitchens. Many vendors are syncing their appliances with smartphone apps, with ovens—used so often during the quarantine—leading the way. “And to extend the life of appliances, many manufacturers are including technology that alerts homeowners when it is time for routine maintenance or when there is a potential problem,” Klaus notes. “And some appliances can communicate directly with the manufacturer to help diagnose performance issues,” which can spare a costly visit from a repair person. Water…from above. Another growing trend is a suspended faucet in lieu of countertop- or wall-mounted fixtures. “Why not free up some space and install a ceiling-mount faucet?” says Klaus. “A suspended faucet can be adjusted to any preferred ceiling and hanging height. It’s a great option for those homeowners looking for a sleek, modern and smart kitchen faucet.” See it in person. While consumers may shop for items such as faucets online, Klaus warns that many customers should visit a showroom first. “Online shopping may be a good option for small items or to replace a similar item, but when purchasing large items online, such as an appliance or new bathtub, many consumers don’t purchase all of the additional parts needed to complete the installation,” she says. “They may not know what they are missing until it’s too late and, in the end, they spend more money and time correcting problems.”

DID YOU KNOW? New Jersey’s first hydroponic vertical farm is located in Hackensack. Greens Do Good uses soilless, pesticide-free technology and offers locally grown, sustainable produce to local businesses. One-hundred percent of its proceeds benefit support services for adults with autism.

TREE TLC

Your trees are about to claim your attention again when they burst into full, glorious leaf. Why not act now to make sure they’re getting the care they need? BERGEN consulted Jay Reitter, district manager of Davey Tree, who offered a few tips: Spot problem signs. Check out your trees as early as possible so you have an idea of what you’ll need to do throughout the season. “If a tree hasn’t been looking right in recent years, if it’s discolored or if leaves haven’t been as green as they once were, you’ll want to get an arborist to give you answers before it’s too late,” Reitter says. Homeowners can identify when pests eat leaves, but certain damage isn’t as noticeable: Many insects also feed on plant roots. Licensed professionals can conduct computerized tests and scans to identify problems beyond a tree’s surface. Pick your pruning time. Growth and damage during the off-season may have left trees and shrubs misshapen, so many homeowners will want to prune them. “Now is the best time to prune fruit trees— you don’t want to prune them when the blossoms are out,” advises Reitter. “For other trees, wait till they bush out more during the season.” Time to trim? Your tall trees may have survived another winter, but how long can they keep it up? Before you start cutting from the canopy, have an arborist look at suspect trees and determine any level of decay. “We’ll be able to tell you if a tree is really safe and help you sleep at night,” he says. “Does it guarantee nothing will happen? No, but the tests provide the most accurate information.” Cover your bases. Using mulch adds nutrients to the soil and helps it retain moisture, but using it improperly can cause harm. “If you volcano-mulch at too great a depth around a tree, you’ll suffocate the roots, depriving the tree of water and oxygen, and invite disease and insects,” he says. “Keep mulch 3 to 4 inches away from the base of the tree.” Go deep. “My biggest piece of advice,” Reitter says, “is to plant trees and shrubs at the correct depth. An arborist will be able to tell you the appropriate depth for each plant. I’ve seen plants put in eight years ago that are now just showing problems. Plants are vigorous and fight through a lot, but this could be a final nail in the coffin that creates a problem.”

A BOOST FOR LOCAL BIZ

As the pandemic reached its height last summer, Jeff Werntz ((left, holding son, Van, and cousin Keith) watched as Fiesta Banquets, his family’s 70-year-old catering business in Wood-Ridge, slowly started to drift away. With grand events like weddings, anniversaries and bar/ bat mitzvahs on hold, cash flow stopped. The company had to lay off longtime employees and barely got by with a bare-bones staff, which had been reduced to a few family members. “It decimated our industry,” says Werntz, “but you still have to pay vendors and taxes, and you still have to maintain the facility.”

But Fiesta wasn’t the only one hit hard—hundreds of beloved businesses and restaurants nationwide have felt the economic impact of the coronavirus, sending an immediate S.O.S. to the public. While the government threw a few lifeline grants to small businesses, a major crowd-funding effort spearheaded by Dave Portnoy, a pizza-loving blogger who founded the sports and pop culture site Barstool Sports, gained traction. Dubbed the Barstool Fund, the ongoing campaign collects monetary contributions from the public (through traditional donations and apparel sales) and awards a sum to small businesses that meet eligibility requirements. (More than $50,000 in lost profits, for example, is a major qualifying factor.) To date, the Barstool Fund has raised more than $36 million from nearly 220,000 donors—and helped 315 businesses. Fiesta is one of four Bergen County establishments (Nanni in Rochelle Park, Bibi’z Restaurant and Lounge in Westwood and Ramsey Corner Café are the others) to receive Barstool’s support.

“In my head, I know everyone deserves help—from the pushcart deli to the biggest guy in town,” Werntz says. “We’re just so grateful for everyone at Barstool for their help. In fact, when I took the call from Dave, I couldn’t wait to hang up with him because I had to share the news with my group [at Fiesta].”

“Dave just got it,” he adds. “And he got all his followers and fans to contribute to the fund. We’re in the service industry and we want to do everything for other people. It hits home when they turn around and help you.”

For more about the Barstool Fund, visit barstoolsports.com/the-barstool-fund.

SHARE THE BOUNTY

Closter Farm has had a more adventurous year than many of us, and that’s saying a lot. The proprietors cleared an old space and turned it into a viable field for growing crops. Now, the farm has debuted a new CSA program—short for community-supported agriculture—and launched its 2021 Farm Share just in time for the spring season.

Members who join the Farm Share get a Farm Card, which acts like a gift card. With it they can purchase their choice of local, organic vegetables, eggs and meat weekly during the season (typically May through November). Another option is to let the farmers curate a Farmers Box weekly with their picks. It’s a great way to try new produce (chicory or Swiss chard, anyone?), eat healthy, organically-sourced foods and support a local establishment—a win/win for all!

• Closter Farm, 681 Closter Dock Rd.; closterfarm.com. Farm Share pricing: Half share: $500 for $550 Farm Card; Three-Quarters: $750 for a $850 Farm Card; Full: $1,000 for a $1,150 Farm Card.

Here are some other CSA programs in the area:

• Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff, 201.891.0278; abmasfarm.com • Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, 201.666.0472; demarestfarms.com • MEVO Fresh Roots Farm, Mahwah, at Campgaw Mountain Reservation, 200 Campgaw Rd., Mahwah, 201.316.4888; mevo.org • Stokes Farm, 23 Dewolf Rd., Old Tappan, 201.768.3931; stokesfarm.com

PARKS GET SOME GREEN…

Spring has sprung, so it’s time to enjoy the outdoors—because Bergen County has awarded more than $19 million in grants for park improvements to be completed between now and April 2023. Sixty-two municipal and county parks received funding earmarked for open-space purchases, recreation upgrades and historic conservation.

“What the pandemic showed all of us is how essential our parks and open space are in the county,” says Steve Tanelli, chairman of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners and chair of the county Parks Committee. “The parks are a great place for people to get out, get exercise, get fresh air and spend time with their families in a natural setting.”

Tanelli, who resides in North Arlington, is particularly looking forward to the updates to Riverside County Park in Lyndhurst (pictured), home to the county’s first pickleball courts. That park will also become the site of a state-of-the-art boathouse and a stage, where planners hope to hold concerts in the future. Says Tanelli: “We’re thrilled to perfect these parks and spaces for the next generation.”

Want to see if your neighborhood park will be beautified? Visit bergenmag.com/parks-getgrants to see the complete list of grant recipients.

GIVE HELP, GET HELP

People helping people—that’s Bergen Volunteers. Community residents donate time, expertise and energies to help fellow Bergenites in varied ways, from spring cleaning to graphic design and website maintenance. Here’s how it works: Nonprofit organizations and small businesses in the county sign up as part of a network and post opportunities for which they’re looking for extra hands. Then, interested volunteers browse the listings—much as you would a job site—and apply for the unpaid “positions” that interest them. To find out about volunteering—or receiving services— mail Debbie Emery at demery@bergenvolunteers.org.

….AND BERGEN GOES GREEN

Ah, nature. We almost forgot what it smelled and looked like while we hibernated in our homes all winter. But April 22 is Earth Day, which encourages us to get outside and practice an eco-friendly lifestyle. Here are a handful of ways to celebrate our green planet, both in person (outdoors) and virtually: • Demarest Nature Center (pictured) hosts a birdhouse and birdfeeder building event for kids at the Demarest train station. Saturday, April 24, 12–3 p.m., $15 per kit and $10 for each additional kit per family. BYOH (bring your own hammer). 22–52 Park St., Demarest; demarestnaturecenter.org • New Jersey Audubon is based down in Bedminster, but it hosts a weekly virtual, nature-infused yoga class that explores the connections between the calming ritual and nature. Saturdays in April, 9:30–10:45 a.m., $13 for nonmembers; njaudubon.org • Nyack Chamber of Commerce, just across the state line in Rockland County, is moving forward with its Earth Day celebration, which will include farmers’ market vendors, craft tables and live entertainment (all socially distanced, of course). Sunday, April 18, 12–4 p.m., free admission, corner of Main St. and Cedar St., Nyack; nyackchamber.org • Teaneck Creek Conservancy, in conjunction with the Teaneck Public Library, hosts a new monthly Eco Book Club via Zoom, where environmental and naturethemed books are discussed. Monday, April 19, 7–8 p.m.; teaneckcreek.org • Wyckoff Public Library hosts an informative Zoom lecture presented by Anthony Bracco of Bracco Farms located in Pine Island, N.Y., on how to grow a victory garden: siting the garden, preparing the soil, crops to grow and tools to use will all be discussed. Thursday, April 8, 7–8:15 p.m.; wyckofflibrary.org

CULINARY CORNER:

HOT POTATO

French fries play only a supporting role on most burger plates, but at Jack Potatoes, spuds are the star. Recently opened in downtown Westwood, this eatery makes the beloved baked potato the main course, offering a range of signature combos such as the spicy Jack on Fire as well as a build-your-own option featuring add-ons like sausage and Tzatziki sauce. As for “side dishes” at Jack Potatoes, there are assorted burgers and paninis.

• Jack Potatoes, 288 Third Ave., Westwood, 201.664.5225; jackpotatoes.com

HOW SWEDE IT IS!

If the raggmunk recipe on page 76 leaves you craving more Swedish sweets, visit Bageriet in Hackensack. The bakery boasts authentic, homemade Swedish café treats, from cakes and cookies to tarts and muffins. Those with dietary concerns need not feel left out: Bageriet offers vegan and gluten-free pastries too.

• Bageriet, 355 Essex St., Hackensack, 201.487.8787; thebageriet.com

¡HOLA! AGAIN

One of the first eateries to close shortly after the COVID outbreak began last year, the venerable Spanish restaurant Meson Madrid has reopened under new management. The eatery retains many favorites from the previous iteration (three must-try paella options), but the new team members—one trained at a Michelin-starred NYC restaurant—have curated an improved menu. We can’t wait to try it!

• Meson Madrid, 343 Bergen Blvd., Palisades Park, 201.947.1038; mesonmadridcorp.com

STRANGERS HELPING, 24/7

Had a hard time booking an appointment for a COVID vaccine in Bergen County? Imagine trying to get one without knowing how to use a computer or a smartphone! Fortunately, two sisters, Brittany Prell Cohen and Brandi Prell, started “New Jersey COVID Vaccine Info,” a crowdsourcing group on Facebook for which they and hundreds of volunteers help older people or those otherwise eligible book vaccinations across the state. “In our lifetimes, we rarely get the opportunity to make such an impact on a stranger’s life,” says Sharon Kates, a Paramus resident who volunteers as one of 16 group moderators—a full-time job on top of her full-time job. “That is the sentiment we get with each vaccination appointment received by our seniors.”

At presstime, the group had amassed more than 100,000 followers, and these “power bookers” with fast fingers—“survival of the fastest,” if you will—have confirmed shots for thousands of individuals, mostly by refreshing websites, staying up late when new appointments open up and generally having the time and tech savvy to navigate the flawed signup system.

“A post from Northvale resident Arlene Ivory to her volunteer really touched my heart, as she was trying for weeks to schedule an appointment,” Kates recalls. “She requested help on the page and within minutes she was paired with a volunteer who then scored a vaccine for Arlene and her husband. It is as simple as that, but lifechanging for Arlene.”

For those needing vaccination, the group is open to anyone with a Facebook account; simply request access, answer two questions about abiding by community rules and you’re in. Then you can post about how many inoculations you’re looking for and for whom, and you’ll be “matched” with a volunteer who can help secure your appointments. “In this group, you will find strangers helping strangers every hour of every day,” says Kates.

LAST CALL FOR THE ‘BEST’ POLL!

There’s still time to show support for the best local businesses in our annual Best In Bergen Readers’ Choice Poll. Visit bergenmag.com/best-inbergen-2021-voting and choose your favorites in all categories, from bakeries and boutiques to salons and sporting goods stores. Polls close April 15.

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Hudson, 4½-year-old American bulldog, Boston terrier, St. Bernard mix Owners: The Larcara family of Oakland The Larcaras had been searching for the perfect pup to adopt when they heard of the plight of a deaf American bulldog mix available at Jersey City-based See.Spot.Rescue. Before landing in New Jersey, Hudson was at a kill shelter, where he ended up after previous owners abandoned him when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston.

“He has been through a lot,” says Shannon Larcara, who adopted Hudson three years ago. “But he has finally found a permanent home filled with love.” Since he joined the Larcara clan, Hudson has learned sign commands and has become “an amazing and well-behaved dog,” she says.

“We are avid hikers, and Hudson comes with us and stays by our side every step, even if we let him off leash,” Shannon adds, noting that their favorite spots are Campgaw Mountain and the Ramapo Reservation. “If he goes ahead, he’ll always turn around to make sure we are still there.” Like any adventure dog, Hudson also enjoys the beach and a good game of fetch with his tennis ball, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a mush too. “His favorite thing is cuddles,” Mama says. “He thinks he is a lap dog even though he is 65 pounds. He likes to feel people near him as a result of his loss of hearing.”

If you’d like to see your puppy or kitten in an upcoming issue, email rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com or DM us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.