Issuu

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

JULY 2020

the summer issue

NORTHWEST BERGEN'S SALUTE TO THE CLASS OF 2020 ALL ABOARD THE CABOOSE VALLEY ROCK INN SUMMER PORCH LIVING

COVID-19 UPDATE: Legal services will continue to be made available to existing and new clients via phone, email, remote consultations, and online resources. We are limiting access to our office, but we are OPEN and available to help.

JONAS K. SEIGEL Partner

JAN K. SEIGEL Partner

O U R H A R D W O R K M A Y G O U N N O T I C E D , B U T O U R R E S U LT S D O N O T

FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS,

Seigel Law has provided exceptional

customer care with compassion – it is at the heart of all that we do. No matter how many accolades we receive, we know the most important thing is making sure our clients’ individual needs are met. We understand that wherever a person is from – whatever their background – they have the right to protection under the law when facing the inevitable hardships due to personal injury. Our clients want to get back to work and they want to return to a normal life as quickly as possible. Call 201-444- 4000 today for a free consultation. To learn more about Seigel Law, watch our video at www.SeigelLaw.com.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2020 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@lifestylepubs.com

Graduation...We Are All Moving Forward FRIENDS, On behalf of our family, the staff, and advertising partners of Northwest Bergen Lifestyle, I would like to offer our warmest congratulations to the Classes of 2020. Our July issue features nine incredible high school graduating seniors; one from each public high school in Northwest Bergen County. Jessica Swenson, Jillian Reynolds, Annabel Mendoza, Michael Hurtado, Serena Huang, Elijah Kupferberg, Lauren Amram, Theresa Olson, and Caroline Schwanewede; kudos to you for being chosen to represent your fellow 2020 graduating senior classmates. You are part of a unique class that will be remembered for its compassion, resilience, patience, and strength. You are our future...you are the architects and builders of the next generation...

CREATIVE MANAGER

Jean Terman SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Katherine McCahill | katherine.mccahill@lifestylepubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Adam Waxman | adam.waxman@lifestylepubs.com STAFF WRITER

Lucy Probert | lucy.probert@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

you are the leaders that we will depend upon to unify our society...and you are the guardians of our planet for which future generations are dependent. Yes, that's a great deal of responsibility; however, you've given us tremendous courage to make it through the first half of 2020. We know that we can count on you as we move forward together on this journey. To our essential frontline workers, we can't begin to thank you enough for all that you have done and continue to do on a daily basis. If not for all of you, where would we be today? I'm not sure that I have the exact answer to that question, but what I do know is that because of your tireless efforts, our current situation is by far, much better than it would be without you. And for that, we are most thankful.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

As you all know by now, for me it's all about keeping things local. When it comes to taking

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

the family out for a lunch filled with great food and lots of fun, head down to the train

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

tracks and visit the Hot Dog Caboose in Midland Park. While most of us will be staying

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

home around the July 4th holiday, enjoy some wonderful family time and maybe you'll be inspired to decorate your very own "Patriotic Porch" as seen in this summer issue. We've worked very hard and have shown spectacular solidarity in flattening the health crisis curve over the past few months. Now let's do our part by boosting the economic recovery right here in Northwest Bergen. When you are considering where to spend your hard-earned dollars, please give your local merchants first dibs. Most all of our local businesses offer curbside pickup, will deliver locally, offer online shopping, and are now or will be open shortly. Don't just think of the "big" guys; the "little" guys really need your help and they will go out of their way to earn your business.

Be careful, be safe, and stay healthy. Happy 4th and God Bless America! Marc Schwartz, Publisher ON THE COVER Our “Patriotic Porch,” accessories by Pazzazed

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN TERMAN 4

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

Proverbs 3:5-6 Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northwest Bergen areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2020

FEATURES 08 Summer Porch Living What's More American Than a Patriotic Porch?

12 The Class of 2020 A Salute to Our Graduates

24 All Aboard! The Hot Dog Caboose in Midland Park Keeps Chugging Along

24 28

28 Valley Rock Inn The Great Escape That's Nearby

08 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Renovate & Refine

Inspired By

24 Locals Only 28 Road Trip 34 Page Turners

RENOVATE & REFINE

WHAT'S MORE AMERICAN THAN A PATRIOTIC PORCH?

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES SUMMED UP HOW AMERICANS IN THE LATE 1800s FELT ABOUT THEIR PORCHES IN HIS JOURNAL IN 1873. “The best part of the present house is the veranda. But I would enlarge it. I want a veranda with a house attached.” As their popularity grew, porches in the nineteenth century became outdoor parlors; extending the house into its surrounding landscape. The porch provided homeowners—and especially their children—with inconspicuous opportunities for socializing that might otherwise be frowned upon in an age obsessed with propriety. For many, sitting on the porch became an important part of their daily routine. Porch construction began declining as more people owned automobiles, mak-

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

SUMMER PORCH LIVING

ing leaving home for fun and relaxation more practical. Once the telephone gained popularity, friends could chat without leaving home. As the post-World War II construction boom progressed, backyard patios, rather than front porches, became the primary outdoor focus. Air conditioning and television drew people inside and the construction of front porches on American homes continued to decline. Today, a front porch remains on the bucket list of many home buyers who appreciate the grace and beauty of times past. We loved this front porch in Ridgewood and thought it would be fun to share some beautiful and patriotic summer looks that feature everything we love about the season. Rustic flags are always a favorite, but you can also complement Americana with other items you may have around the house. Whether it’s red, white, and blue or summer-centric, outdoor living spaces are an extension of your home and create a fresh and healthy way to entertain with social distancing. Our thanks and appreciation to Pazzazed Gift and Home of Ridgewood and Franklin Lakes, a boutique-style gift store with a wide selection of handcrafted items from artisans around the country. They carry beautiful home accessories, tableware, kitchenware, and jewelry; and much of their inventory is made in the USA! pazzazed.com 8

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

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Rustic Americana touches at the entryway

Battery-operated mason jar candles

Flag tote and star scarf/wrap

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INSPIRED BY

THE CLASS OF 2020

THE CLASS OF 2020 LOST WHAT MANY OF US TAKE FOR

GRANTED; THE RITES OF PASSAGE THAT CAPPED OFF

EVERYONE ELSE’S HIGH SCHOOL JOURNEY WERE SHUT

DOWN FOR THESE STUDENTS. No prom, no spring sports or activities, no graduation. Their final days of school dissolved in

virtual classes and uncertainty about whether they will be able to begin their first semester of college “in-person.”

We interviewed nine young men and women from our public high schools in northwest Bergen County and discovered strong spirits,

A SALUTE TO OUR SENIORS

resiliency, and much hope for the future. Celebrate them with us!

jessica swenson

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

As a true RIH kid, Jessica Swenson lived in all three towns covered

by the Ramapo-Indian Hills school district and attended Ramapo. She grew up in Wyckoff, later moved to Franklin Lakes, and now resides in Oakland. A true scholar-athlete, Jessica played three years of both basketball and golf, while being a member of the National Honor Society, World Language National Honor Society (Spanish), and serving as a Senior Ambassador for incoming freshman this year. She was a member of the DECA club and was Vice President of Public Relations for NJ DECA. “I joined it as a freshman, and we made it to the state competition in my sophomore year,” says Jessica. “I met a lot of close friends through DECA and I really enjoy the competitiveness of it.” Serving as the Senior Class President at Ramapo, Jessica also founded two clubs at the school, Girls Who Code and Love Letters. “I could never fit a computer science class into my schedule,” says Jessica, “so a friend and I decided we should just learn it ourselves. Girls Who Code is a national organization and there is curriculum available online.” The Love Letters club focuses on creating cards and letters to brighten the holidays of seniors in area nursing homes, which are delivered along with their meals to brighten their days. Jessica is attending Ohio State University in the fall as a marketing major but intends to follow a pre-med track with the goal of becoming a radiologist and running her own business. When asked about how the COVID-19 situation upended her senior year, Jessica answers: “It’s upsetting, it’s not the way we wanted our senior year to end. But we try to put it in perspective, if it saves lives, it is better for us to stay home. Some of our parent organizations are working to get something together for us to celebrate over the summer or next fall. It’s important to have that closure.” 12

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

RAMAPO HIGH SCHOOL

Jillian Reynolds will be attending Villanova in the fall and

She has enjoyed a rewarding sports career; playing

focus on a STEM education with a major in mechanical

soccer throughout high school and participated in win-

engineering and a possible biomedical minor. Jillian wants

ter and spring track. When she moves on to Villanova,

to pursue a career making and designing prosthetics.

Jillian’s roommate will be a track rival from Park Ridge.

She was thrilled to get into her number one school, and

“We met and became friends over the years at meets,

her acceptance was well-deserved. Jillian is president of

and decided to room together at Villanova,” she says.

the National Honor Society and secretary of the student

Jillian plans to stay very active in college through intra-

council. She was a member of the Heroes and Cool Kids

murals and club sports.

program which mentors elementary school children. “We

“It’s sad to miss my senior track season. I’d rather be

talk to the kids about resilience, share stories about our

in school with my friends, but virtual learning is going as

own life lessons, and play games. It’s too bad we can’t

well as it could be. The teachers are understanding, and

have our last meeting this spring.” Jillian also puts her

the workload is manageable. I’m grateful for their patience.

math acumen to good use by participating in the peer

The whole situation stinks but I’ve been able to handle it

tutoring program on Tuesday mornings to help middle

well. I’ve worked hard and wanted everything to end on

school students with math.

a good note. But we are all going through this together.”

jillian reynolds WALDWICK HIGH SCHOOL

“ The teachers are understanding, and the workload is manageable. I ’m g r a t e f u l f o r t h e i r p a t i e n c e .” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

annabel mendoza RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Annabel Mendoza is the valedictorian of her senior class at Ridgewood High School. With educational interests in economics, math, and science, Annabel is president of the Finance Club which took second place last year in state competition. She’s the co-president of Ridgewood’s math team, a member of the National Honor Society, and president of the French National Honor Society. She shares her musical talents by playing the piano along with the music honors society, Tri-M, for residents at Van Dyke nursing home. Through Project Interact, she volunteers at local community events including Ridgewood’s holiday tree lighting and Haunted Harvest. One more thing…this young woman can take care of herself. A student of Tae Kwon Do for over ten years, Annabel is a third-degree black belt and will be testing for her fourth-degree belt this summer. She was invited to participate in the Governor’s School, a three-week program at Drew University taking science classes and doing neuroscience research. “I’ve always liked math and science, and my involvement in the Finance Club has developed my interest in that subject as well,” says Annabel. Annabel will attend the University of Chicago in the fall and plans to major in economics or neuroscience. “I chose that school because of its strong focus on academics…and I like Chicago,” she says. “The COVID-19 situation was disappointing at first--everyone was looking forward to ending our senior year together. Our teachers and faculty in Ridgewood have done a good job making sure everyone is engaged with their education. I feel prepared for my upcoming AP tests. I’m lucky to be in a town with such a strong virtual education environment.”

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

Michael Hurtado is the president of his senior class at

Politicians Club and the Coding Club. His favorite subject

Mahwah High School. He is an active member of the stu-

is computer science and he will major in it with a focus

dent government and has been very involved in planning

on cybersecurity when he attends Stevens Institute of

fundraisers, events, talent shows, and prom…which, as

Technology this fall.

we know, didn’t happen.

“I was put into computer science accidentally in ninth

“We are trying to brainstorm ways to bring back the

grade. I was doing poorly, so midway through the year, I had a

senior rites of passage that we’ve all lost. We will see if

pep talk with my teacher. She told me that computer science

anything is possible,” says Michael, “it will be difficult to

teaches you how to think, and it’s a great path for college. I

make everyone happy.”

began to apply myself and once it clicked, I loved it!”

Michael volunteers with MEVO cleanups. “People

Michael has been the recipient of various scholastic and

take trash, clothes, refrigerators, and cars and aban-

advisory council awards throughout his student career.

don them in the woods. We break it all apart and haul

Capping it all off during the COVID-19 pandemic was dis-

it away,” he says. He works as a waiter at Legends in

heartening. “I stayed up so many nights this year, in order

Midland Park and is also a lifeguard.

to prepare for and enjoy all the exciting things going on

As the catcher on Mahwah high school’s baseball

at school--Acceptance Day, Senior Picnic, etc. It’s hard to

team, Michael notes, “we had our first practice on the

have that ripped away. It was difficult. But it’s a small sac-

last day of school—and that was it. I’m hoping to play

rifice in the scheme of things. There are so many people

on a club team in college.” He belongs to the Young

dying, it puts everything into perspective.”

michael hurtado MAHWAH HIGH SCHOOL

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

serena huang Serena Huang knows her numbers. As valedictorian at Northern Highlands and a member of the National Honor Society, she has an affinity for mathematics and economics. She was a vital member of the DECA Club and the Fed Challenge. Serena

also

participates

the

American

Mathematics Competition. Her wide array of interests includes her position as Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, The Highland Fling. “I really enjoy getting to meet a lot of people by interviewing them and writing about them,” says Serena. This senior’s musical talents extend from the flute to the piano. “Marching band was a great experience. I remember being a freshman in the flute section and the upperclassmen were so helpful to me. I was happy to be able to pay that forward to the underclassmen this year,” says Serena. She also competes on the school’s fencing team. “I went in knowing nothing about fencing, and it was a fun thing to learn. It also taught me lessons about losing and not getting discouraged,” she says. Serena is also the treasurer of the LEO Club, providing various services to the community. Serena will be attending the University of Pennsylvania and hopes to major in mathematical economics. Outside of school, Serena was a Girl Scout Ambassador and received the Gold Award this year. Her project was comprised of designing a nutrition program for kids. She also volunteered as a cashier with the All is Well Foundation shop in Wyckoff. “When we found out that the rest of the school year would be canceled, it hit hard,” she says. “My friends and I call each other and do a lot of baking! We exchange notes and baked goods to keep connected in this unfortunate situation. My classmates are connecting virtually now.”

NORTHERN HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL 16

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

Elijah Kupferberg is the valedictorian at Indian Hills

“It combines economics, psychology, and sociology

High School and participates in Debate Club, DECA, and

programs and can be applied to many different corpo-

Stock Market Club. His academic awards include being

rate career paths,” he said.

a National Merit Scholar, NJ SEAL (Spanish Literacy)

When life is “normal,” Eli likes to spend time at the gym

Certification, and a Financial Literacy Award. He has an AP

and with friends. He has volunteered with Pony Power in

Scholar Designation in US History, Physics, and English.

Mahwah and Project Love, a tennis program; both serving

He would have been the captain of his varsity tennis

individuals with special needs.

team at Indian Hills this year, but the season never even

“When the COVID pandemic first hit, I didn’t see my

began due to COVID. “When they canceled school the

friends at all. For the past few weeks, we have at least

first two weeks, I thought it would probably get worse.

been able to see each other social distancing. We also

I didn’t think we’d be able to go back in another two

text and play Xbox together.” Eli and his fellow students

weeks,” said Elijah. “But I never imagined being out the

are hoping there may be a graduation ceremony in July or

rest of the school year.”

August. “It’s disappointing, but my teachers, administra-

As he finishes his AP testing online, Elijah says the

tors, and the state have done a good job. It is what it is.”

school’s technology has been working fine, although virtual schoolwork is a little tedious. “I have to put in the time and prepare for the AP tests and it’s a little difficult to stay motivated,” he says. Eli will be attending Vanderbilt University in the fall,

INDIAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

majoring in Human and Organizational Development.

elijah kupferberg

“ I t ’s d i s a p pointing, but my t e a c h e r s , administrators , and the state have done a g o o d j o b .”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

lauren amram GLEN ROCK HIGH SCHOOL

As the president of the student council, Lauren has been involved in planning school events including homecoming, pep rallies, school-wide projects, and fundraisers. She is also the president of the Key Club, which also organizes community-based service projects and encourages students to volunteer. Besides being on the school’s tennis team, she also enjoys spring track and is a member of the DECA club. “DECA is a great opportunity to participate in a business-prompt competition. You gain experience interacting with professional adults, and even begin to build your wardrobe of professional business outfits,” she says. This member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall and is interested in communications, media, and business. “I’m a people-person,” she says, “I like to be creative.” Lauren has been working with the principal and other seniors about what they can do for a virtual graduation with hopes of a “live” one later in the summer if social distancing is lifted. They are also looking into a homecoming event in the fall. “To me, missing graduation is worse than missing prom. Our graduation tradition is a “Grad Ball” when the parents completely transform the gym with a different theme each year. It’s really a cool thing that the parents do,” she says. The Class of 2020 was born during the country’s 9/11 crisis, so they have some pre-existing resiliency. When the COVID situation struck, Lauren and her friends had to work through their feelings. “I was really upset because we worked so hard the two years building up to graduation. You plan for the future, and when you aren’t sure how things are going to play out, it’s kind of scary. The community is really doing a great job trying to give seniors their moment, but it’s still difficult. We just want this to work out in the best way it possibly can.”

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

Theresa Olson is this year’s valedictorian at Midland

delivering food to a shelter in Haledon and sitting down

Park High School. In addition to playing varsity basketball

to share the meal with the people whom they are serving.

and softball, she also plays the tuba in the marching band

“It’s very interesting because they get up and share their

and concert band and has served as drum major as well.

stories. Many are happy and good-spirited in their situation.

Theresa has been involved with an organization called TEEEM which works with third world countries and impoverished areas of the US to help improve education and

It’s eye-opening and makes you appreciate what you have.” Theresa will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

economics in the area. “We were just getting it started,”

It’s helpful to be able to look forward to college after a

she says. “We had meetings every couple of months with

challenging spring with COVID-19. “It was crushing,” she

other schools and were planning some fundraisers that

says. “Especially being seniors; these were supposed to be

got canceled due to COVID.”

our last couple of months together with our classmates. It’s

Outside of school, Theresa volunteers with church and

upsetting to not go back to school and see my friends. We

other organizations, most of which are centered around

understand why we’re doing it--we don’t want to risk any-

providing food for area shelters and families that are

one’s health--but we lost out on our events. I will miss grad-

food insecure. Volunteering with Meals that Heal, entails

uation the most…being on the field with my classmates.”

“ I t ’s h e l p f u l t o be able to look for ward to college after a challenging spring with C O V I D -1 9 .”

theresa olson MIDLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

caroline schwanewede Track and field, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse… Caroline Schwanewede has had a distinguished sports career at Ramsey High School. As the salutatorian of her senior class, sports have always been a big part of Caroline’s life. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society for French and participates on the debate team and in math and science leagues. These experiences will serve her well when she goes on to the University of Virginia with an interest in either pre-law or pre-med. Caroline was selected to attend the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminar as a sophomore and participated in a service trip to southern Tanzania with 13 of her Ramsey classmates last summer. “The trip was focused on student-driven leadership and teamwork. We built a teacher’s home for an elementary school in Tanzania, and it was an amazing experience. You really get to see how privileged we are,” she says. Caroline tutors students and has volunteered with the Challenger Soccer program which empowers children with disabilities to participate in sports. She also provides soccer instruction for kids on her own. “My high school experience has changed me as a person, she says. “Going into my senior year of soccer, I thought we were going to have a great year--but we lost our first three games. As captains, we had to bring the team together. By the end of the season, we won sectionals. I learned that things don’t always come easy, but we saw the rewards of communication and hard work.” That lesson extended into Caroline’s experience as a senior in high school during the pandemic. “When COVID first hit, I was hopeful that we would get back to school. I am still optimistic that we will get some type of graduation. It doesn’t help to be negative. I’d rather be positive in the present than negative worrying about the future.”

RAMSEY HIGH SCHOOL

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

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All Aboard! THE HOT DOG CABOOSE IN MIDLAND PARK KEEPS CHUGGING ALONG

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

CELEBRATING ITS 14TH ANNIVERSARY

coleslaw; and the Taco Dog featuring corn

to pay for the rest and provide delivery. I am

THIS MONTH, THE HOT DOG CABOOSE

chips, chili cheese, and jalapenos. Chicago

so appreciative of their efforts to keep busi-

IN MIDLAND PARK IS A FAMILY-FOCUSED

Dogs come complete with yellow mustard,

nesses afloat in this area. It’s an amazing

DESTINATION THAT’S RIGHT ON TRACK!

pickles, tomatoes, raw onion, and celery

idea to help everyone.”

Featuring pushcart-style Sabrett dogs,

salt. Other favorites include Frito Pie and

The Caboose celebrates National Hot

soups, chili, and homemade baked beans,

the Smashed Potato Cup: mashed potatoes

Dog Day on Wednesday, July 22 by donat-

the Caboose does not offer indoor seating

topped with options including pulled pork,

ing 50 cents per hot dog sold that day to

but food can be ordered to-go or enjoyed

chili, and baked beans.

the Special Olympics in honor of Midland

“tailgating” in the parking lot. Picnic table seating is available as well.

“Throughout the pandemic, people have been so appreciative to have a place to sit

“Spring and fall are the busiest times, but we

outside and eat on a nice day without being

get a lot of calls for soup and chili in the winter,”

cooped up in their house,” says Carol. We

says Carol Laub, owner. “We have had many

have been working alongside the Wyckoff

loyal customers over the last 14 years.”

Helping Healthcare Heroes group to assist

Park police officer, Chris Birch, who passed away several years ago. “I love the small-town feel of it here,” says Carol.

Specialty hot dogs include the North

in providing food for frontline workers. We

201.444.2531

Carolina Dog, topped with pulled pork and

donate what we can, and they raise money

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ROAD TRIP

V A LL E Y ROCK IN N

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

THE GREAT ESCAPE THAT'S NEARBY

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

ENVISION YOURSELF A WORLD AWAY. A locale with

markets in the area that is set up for curbside pickup

unique, rustic charm, jaw-dropping scenery, and ameni-

or delivery,” says Michael Bruno, Valley Rock Inn

ties galore. Take a quick ride up Route 17 north, cross the

founder and owner.

state line into New York, and in all of 20 minutes, you’ll

Pivoting to manage the business and meet the

discover a private village where you and your friends can

needs of customers, while ensuring the safest environ-

gather—even with socially distant policies in place.

ment possible, Valley Rock’s garden area will be closed

A visit to the Valley Rock Inn in Sloatsburg, New York

to the general public. However, the restaurants will be

is an immersion in bucolic beauty. It’s a peaceful set-

open to serve a limited number of guests by reserva-

ting with a vibrant health and wellness attitude com-

tion only. “It’s all about the outdoor dining here,” says

plemented by incredible culinary delights. This hidden

Michael. We have a stunning setting and extensive gar-

gem is surrounded by 70,000 acres of mountains. With

dens. Social distancing is not a problem since we can

Harriman State Park and Sterling Forest nearby, there

move our guests even farther apart than the standard

are more outdoor experiences than you can shake a

6 feet outdoors. Being known for providing a wonderful

stick at! Trails and lakes in every direction make this

experiential fresh air dining experience is not such a

getaway perfect for fresh air adventures.

bad thing right now!” quips Michael.

The fitness-focused property offers a 75-foot pool,

The resort has begun offering Shelter and Nature

a 7,000-square-foot gym, and guided hiking, biking,

Overnight stays to thoughtfully and safely accommo-

and kayaking outings. Year-round wellness and fitness

date guests. Valley Rock’s guesthouses offer superb

programs incorporate healthy eating and exercise in the

accommodations with three to five bedrooms each.

great outdoors. Developed and opened in phases over

They are being offered exclusively to parties that

the past few years, the property’s historic homes and

have sheltered together. With an emphasis on fitness

barn buildings form a wall around an interior courtyard

and active outdoor lifestyles, guests can reserve

garden. Four renovated guesthouses provide a total of

one or all four houses for a reunion of friends and

17 bedrooms and 16 baths that are perfect for family

family. Every guest house will have its own assigned

reunions and corporate retreats.

pool area complete with seating and sun lounges,

The Inn features an organic market and two restau-

and each house comes with three dedicated dining

rants with a farm-to-table theme that highlights

tables in the Lodge restaurant, the Rose Garden, and

organic products sourced from their own Hudson

by the pool.

Valley fields with a big emphasis on fresh air dining.

Overnight guests will have a dedicated 90-minute

“When I realized COVID was going to be a signifi-

time slot each day to use Valley Rock’s gym featuring

cant issue this spring, we immediately converted our

yoga classes, spin studio, and weights. Those with “pedal

organic market to an online model. It offers hundreds

power” can enjoy using the resort’s e-bikes, road bikes, or

of items to pick from including filet, salmon, tuna,

mountain bikes specifically dedicated for the use of each

and fresh produce; it is one of the only fresh organic

guest during their stay—it’s a great way to explore the

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

“THE VIEWS ARE BEAUTIFUL— PROVIDING A GREAT OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE IS OUR THING!” parkland that surrounds the property. Guides

shut-down, but hopes are that exhibitions

are available to take guests hiking on hun-

will begin with new shows soon and guests

dreds of miles of trails with stunning views.

will be invited to tour the latest exhibit instal-

Hikes can be anywhere from one hour to five

lation. Although the space leans toward

hours long and may include strolling along

local artists, the gallery will be drawing art-

a brook or to famous 7 Hills, complete with

ists from other areas of the country as well.

ridgeline views and some exciting climbing. Kayaking is available as well.

Consider taking over the entire property for your next event, or reserve one of

Relax back at the Inn with a game of

Valley Rock’s special gardens, which were

bocce, and a quick bite or freshly squeezed

designed to accommodate spectacular

juice from the organic market. These retreat-

events--whether it’s a birthday party for 20

style getaways start at a two-night minimum

people, a wedding for 250, or a corporate

and offer an “a la carte” plan as well as an

retreat. “To find a private place where you

all-inclusive plan for the ultimate spa-type

and your friends and family can gather is

getaway. The resort allows for two days in

rare…but even rarer one hour from New

between each stay to be sure each house

York City,” says Michael. “The views are

has been properly cleaned and sanitized,

beautiful—providing a great outdoor expe-

and there is plenty of space to spread out!

rience is our thing!”

Valley Rock’s art gallery, 66 Orange, had recently opened before the pandemic 30

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

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CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

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NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

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CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

PAGE TURNERS

SUMMER PAGE TURNERS “READING GIVES US SOMEPLACE TO GO WHEN WE HAVE TO STAY WHERE WE ARE.” --MASON COOLEY ARTICLE LUCY PROBERT

Circe

The Night Circus

A Year in Provence

A modern take on Greek Mythology, Circe

Set in late 19th century Victorian London,

Who hasn’t dreamed of packing everything

tells the story of the formidable sorceress

the Cirque des Rêves, is a wandering

up, and moving to an old farmhouse in the

who appeared in The Odyssey and is the

magical circus that arrives in town unex-

south of France, enjoying the amazing wine

daughter of Helios, the god of the sun,

pectedly and is only open from sunset to

and food offerings the region has to offer.

and the mightiest of the Titans. This tale

sunrise. Under the black and white striped

In 1989, Englishman Peter Mayle wrote

follows Circe’s banishment to a deserted

tent are acrobats soaring with no nets

about his adventures after moving with his

island where she discovers and hones her

among other breathtaking, enchanting,

wife to Ménerbes, a village in Provence.

powers of witchcraft, lives with wild beasts,

and whimsical amazements. Behind the

Intending to write a novel, he ended up

and crosses paths with many famous

scenes, a competition arises between two

chronicling their lives renovating an 18th

figures in mythology (Zeus, Medea, and

young magicians, Celia and Marco, trained

century stone farmhouse. From January

Odysseus to name a few). Called ‘a feminist

since childhood for an epic battle where

through December, each of the 12 chapters

piece of ancient fantasy,’ this page-turner

only one is left standing. The circus tent

follows their adventures; from enduring the

is a triumph of storytelling and a celebra-

becomes the stage for their battle of wills

frosty winter winds down the Rhône Valley,

tion of invincible female strength among

and imagination, all while, inevitably, they

to encountering local builders, truffle hunt-

Greek gods. Her previous book The Song

fall in love. Their game plays out with the

ers, and more. The couple’s pace slows

of Achilles, winner of the Orange Prize for

fates of circus performers and patrons

down as they enjoy the regional cuisine

fiction, is also a great read. Circe is being

hanging in the balance. This book dazzles,

and the pleasures of Provençal life. Over

adapted into a series by HBO.

a feast for the senses.

30 years later it’s still considered a classic.

by Madeline Miller

NorthwestBergen Lifestyle | July 2020

by Erin Morgenstern

by Peter Mayle

The Most Extraordinary & Luxurious Kitchens!

Photograph:

Jean Terman Photography

Photograph:

Peter Rymwid

*By Appointment* 361Clinton Ave Wyckoff NJ 07481 201-274-6080 * www.thehammerandnail.com

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