Northern Highlands, NJ July 2026

Exciting Things Ahead

Summer is officially here, and I could not be more excited for what’s ahead for  Northern Highlands City Lifestyle. I’m thrilled to share that I have officially taken over the magazine and am honored to lead this publication into its next chapter. The Northern Highlands is such a vibrant, close-knit community, and I look forward to continuing to highlight the incredible people, businesses, and organizations that make this area so special.

This month’s issue is all about inspiration, connection, and summer exploration.

We begin with a beautiful travel feature on The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor, a reminder that some of the best summer escapes are just a short drive away. From relaxing accommodations to incredible dining and coastal charm, it’s the perfect destination to recharge and make lasting summer memories.

In addition, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable work of the  Unbridled Heroes Project, a local nonprofit organization making a meaningful difference through compassion, healing, and support. Their mission is inspiring, and we’re proud to help share their story with our readers.

As I begin this exciting new chapter with  Northern Highlands City Lifestyle, my goal is to continue building a magazine that celebrates our community while creating valuable connections between residents and local businesses. I’m energized by the future and look forward to bringing fresh ideas, engaging stories, and even more community involvement to the magazine.

Thank you for welcoming me into your homes each month and for supporting the local businesses and organizations that make the Northern Highlands such an incredible place to live.

Wishing you and your family a fun, relaxing, and memorable summer!

Anthony Rizzo

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Anthony Rizzo | anthony.rizzo@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Lucille Rizzo | lucille.rizzo@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lucille Rizzo, Anna Kofitsas, Elements Psychological Services, Alyssa Lavy, Pauli Reep, Kali Kasprzyk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Reeds at Shelter Haven, The Unbridled Heroes Project, Clara Wang Photography, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Closter Mayor and Council joined Perspire Sauna Studio for its third location ribbon cutting celebration. 2: IHA students earned gold and silver on prestigious National Latin Exam among 100,000 participants. 3: National Honor Society recognized IHA seniors for scholarship, character, leadership, and service. 4: Congratulations to the 2026 L.E.A.D. graduates celebrated for completing the drug and violence prevention program. 5: Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor, Council and chamber welcomed Harley Street Medical during a recent ribbon cutting celebration. 6: Northern Highlands DECA students captured top honors at the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta. 7: Ryan McDermott received the Rising Flame Award at the USR Fire Department installation dinner.

Honoring the Retirement of DPW Superintendent Robert C. Fleshman

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Upper Saddle River recently honored the retirement of Robert C. “Bobby” Fleshman following more than 40 years of dedicated service to the community. Fleshman served 25 years with the Upper Saddle River Police Department before leading the Department of Public Works for two decades. He also served as Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management, helping guide the borough through critical situations. Known for his professionalism, leadership and unwavering commitment to residents, Fleshman leaves behind a lasting legacy of public service.

A ribbon-cutting celebration recently marked an exciting new chapter for Michael Properties | SERHANT. as the luxury real estate brokerage officially welcomed clients and community members to its Saddle River office. Led by broker Michael Todaro, the firm brings decades of Bergen County real estate experience and a strong focus on luxury, residential and commercial properties throughout Northern New Jersey. The event celebrated continued growth, community connection and the expansion of the nationally recognized SERHANT. brand into the local market.

Photography by @yourpropertybroker

Allendale Recognized as “Victory Town” During America’s 250th Celebration

As part of its America 250 celebration theme, Allendale will be recognized as a “Victory Town” for its important role in Revolutionary War history. In 1781, the borough served as a vital corridor for the Continental Army’s march, helping provide critical supplies that supported the fight for independence. The designation highlights Allendale’s connection to the nation’s founding and honors the community’s historical significance as the country prepares to commemorate 250 years of American independence.

Photography by allendalenj.gov

Want to be featured?

IHA is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders by challenging our impressive young women to develop their God-given talents for a future filled with endless possibilities. Register at ihanj.com to be a Blue Eagle for the Day and find out why our extensive curriculum, artistic offerings, athletic teams, and Christian service programs are second to none.

Do you belong @theheart?

27 ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES 14 DUAL ENROLLMENT COLLEGE COURSES 12:1 STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Best Pool Builder

Thomas Flint Landscape Designs & Custom Pools thomasflintlandscape.com | 201.327.5162

Acqua Pools, Inc. acquapools.com | 201.444.2424

Westrock Pool & Spa westrockpools.com | 845.284.9546

Mufson Landscape Design LLC mufsonpools.com | 201.768.6844

Aqua Doctor theaquadoctor.com | 201.236.0300

Best Coffee Shop

Bergen Coffee Roasters bergencoffee.com | 201.595.0662

Alt Eats Cafe alteatscafe.com | 201.444.1300

SOMA Cafe & Creperie somacafeandcreperie.com | 201.389.3184

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

The Mindful Cafe themindfulcafe.org | 201.649.3600

Blue Ridge Cafe blue-ridge-cafe-ridgewood.cloveronline.com | 201.389.3147

BEYOND Schedules

HOW ELEMENTS IS REDEFINING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR MODERN FAMILIES

ARTICLE BY ELEMENTS PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

CLARA WANG PHOTOGRAPHY

As families transition into the back-to-school season, the focus often falls on logistics, including new schedules, academic demands, extracurricular activities and the return to structured routines. Calendars fill quickly, and expectations rise just as fast. But beneath all of this preparation lies a critical, often overlooked foundation: emotional and mental well-being. Without it, even the most carefully planned routines can become unsustainable.

At Elements, this perspective is central to how care is approached. Emotional health isn’t viewed as secondary to performance. It is what makes performance possible in the first place. Clinicians at Elements see firsthand how quickly stress, anxiety and dysregulation can emerge when the emotional foundation isn’t supported, particularly during periods of transition like the start of the school year. For Dr. McCarthy, this understanding is both professional and deeply personal. As a neuropsychologist and a single mother of two, she brings a dual lens to the conversation, one grounded in clinical expertise and one shaped by the realities of parenting.

Today’s families are navigating an increasingly complex landscape. Children face heightened academic pressures, while parents are balancing demanding work schedules with the desire to be present and engaged at home. Overscheduling has become the norm, and with it comes a rise in concerns like anxiety, ADHD and a pervasive sense of overwhelm. At the same time, the nature of childhood and adolescence is evolving. Digital communication has shifted how children connect, often limiting opportunities to develop essential social and communication skills. Educators are reporting noticeable changes in classroom engagement, with many students struggling to participate, express themselves or navigate peer interactions in meaningful ways.

Elements has developed particular expertise in supporting neurodivergent families, including those navigating ADHD and autism. These families often experience the pressures of the school year more intensely, as traditional expectations around attention, behavior, communication and executive functioning may not align with how their children naturally operate. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, Elements emphasizes individualized, strengths-based care that supports each child’s unique profile while also guiding parents in creating more sustainable systems at home. This approach not only addresses challenges but also helps families better understand and advocate for their children in academic and social environments.

Despite these challenges, many families still take a reactive approach to mental health, waiting until concerns escalate before seeking support. At Elements, there is a strong emphasis on shifting this mindset. Proactive care allows children and families to build resilience, develop effective coping strategies and create a more stable emotional baseline before stressors intensify. When support is introduced early, it not only addresses immediate concerns but also changes the trajectory of a child’s academic and social experience.

Our nation is in the middle of a mental health crisis affecting children and adolescents, and that crisis does not stop simply because the school year ends. Elements is working to meet that

growing need by expanding year-round care and support focused on children, teens and young adults, while also increasing access to a level of clinical services many families might not otherwise be able to obtain.

A key part of this approach is helping families understand what to look for in quality mental health care. Effective support goes beyond surface-level strategies; it requires highly trained specialists who can integrate evidence-based clinical knowledge with a nuanced understanding of family dynamics and real-world challenges. At Elements, this means delivering individualized care that reflects both scientific rigor and practical relevance, meeting families where they are while guiding them toward meaningful, sustainable change.

At the same time, Elements recognizes a broader challenge within the mental health landscape: how to make high-quality care more accessible without compromising standards. Rather than lowering the bar, the organization is focused on expanding capacity in thoughtful, intentional ways. This includes investing in training, supervision and innovative care models that allow more families to access expert support while maintaining the integrity of the clinical experience.

This commitment to growth is reflected in several recent developments. Elements is proud to welcome Kate DeSantis,

whose clinical work focuses on supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, grief and chronic health concerns. Her approach aligns closely with Elements’ emphasis on whole-person care, recognizing the complex interplay between emotional well-being and physical health. In addition to her clinical expertise, Kate is joined by Penny, her certified therapy dog, who is integrated into sessions as part of Elements’ expanding pet therapy services. The inclusion of animal-assisted therapy offers another avenue for connection and regulation, particularly for children and individuals who may find traditional talk-based approaches more challenging.

In parallel, the launch of the Advanced Doctoral Externship Program marks an important step forward in addressing the growing demand for mental health services. Designed to train the next generation of clinicians, the program provides intensive, hands-on experience under the close supervision of licensed psychologists at Elements. As part of this initiative, the program will offer both neuropsychological evaluations and psychotherapy services for children and adults at a reduced rate, increasing access to high-quality care for families who might otherwise face financial barriers. By prioritizing mentorship, rigor and accessibility, Elements is expanding its impact without compromising the standard of care.

Looking ahead, this model reflects a broader shift in how mental health care is delivered, one that is more proactive, more integrated into everyday life

Elements is positioned at the forefront of this movement, combining clinical expertise, lived experience and innovative thinking to redefine what effective support can look like.

and more responsive to the evolving needs of modern families. Elements is positioned at the forefront of this movement, combining clinical expertise, lived experience and innovative thinking to redefine what effective support can look like.

As the school year begins, the message is clear: True readiness goes beyond organized schedules and academic preparation. It starts with emotional well-being. When that foundation is prioritized, everything else, from learning to relationships, has the opportunity to thrive.

DR. JESSICA MCCARTHY

Elements Psychological Services is now offering expanded Child, Teen, & Family Services for Summer 2026

Specialized care for:

ADHD | Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dyslexia/Learning Difference

Gifted & Twice-Exceptiona

Executive Function Coaching

Anxiety & Depression

Grief & Loss

Chronic Health Adjustment

Divorce Adjustment

College & Post-Graduate Transition

Including:

Neuropsychological Evaluations

Individual Child & Teen Therapy

Play Therapy

Executive Function Skills Training

Parent Coaching

IEP/504 Consultation

Pet Therapy Support

For more information about Elements Psychological Services, visit elementspsych.com call (201) 383-5056 or email Admin@ElementsPsych.com

(201) 664-0304 • www.aeonfitgym.com • info@aeonfitgym.com

Training Center #1: 157 Patterson Street, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 & Training Center #2: 270 Knickerbocker Avenue, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

ESCAPE THE EVERYDAY

A Sophisticated Shoreline Getaway at The Reeds at Shelter Haven

For Northern Highlands residents, the Jersey Shore has long been a summer staple, but what if your next escape felt entirely elevated? Just a drive away,  The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor redefines the coastal getaway, blending boutique luxury, thoughtful service, and a sense of seaside serenity.

Consistently recognized by  Travel + Leisure  as a World’s Best Resort Hotel in the Mid-Atlantic and a  Condé Nast Traveler  favorite, The Reeds is more than a destination. It is an experience that begins the moment you arrive and lingers long after you return home.

ARTICLE BY LUCILLE RIZZO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE

A Must-Sip Summer Experience

You will not want to miss the “Crew Room Crush” cocktail lineup at The Reeds this summer. Designed for sun-soaked afternoons and breezy evenings by the water, each drink is bright, refreshing, and effortlessly elevated, capturing the essence of a perfect coastal escape.

THE LINEUP TO TRY:

CLASSIC: grey goose orange vodka, orange liqueur, lemon lime soda

STRAWBERRY JALAPEÑO: tanteo jalapeño tequila, strawberry purée, agave syrup, lemon lime soda

BLUEBERRY BASIL: grey goose citron vodka, blueberry purée, honey simple, lemon juice, lemon lime soda

FUZZY PEACH: grey goose essences vodka, peach purée white cranberry, club soda

COLADA: bacardi coconut, pineapple juice, agave syrup, lemon lime soda

BLOOD ORANGE: grey goose orange vodka, blood orange juice, triple sec, lemon lime soda

PERFECT PEAR: Aviation Gin, pear purée, elderflower liqueur, cucumber syrup, lime juice, club soda

MAKE IT A MOMENT: Arrive early, settle in by the water, and experience them for yourself. This is summer at The Reeds, perfectly poured.

WHERE COASTAL ELEGANCE MEETS COMFORT

Set along the bay and just two blocks from the beach, The Reeds offers tranquil waterfront views alongside easy access to Stone Harbor’s pristine shoreline. The 58-room boutique property feels intimate yet indulgent, with each guest room designed to reflect a modern coastal aesthetic.

Inside, warm white oak flooring, soft neutral palettes, and subtle nautical details create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Luxuries such as Frette Egyptian cotton linens, Malin + Goetz bath amenities, fireplaces, and private balconies in select rooms make every stay feel polished and personal. Whether you choose a spacious suite with bay views or a cozy guest room for a weekend away, each space invites you to unwind.

DINING THAT DEFINES THE DESTINATION

At The Reeds, dining is part of the experience. With multiple distinct culinary outlets, guests can explore everything from elevated coastal cuisine to casual bites without leaving the property.

Water Star Grille, set along the bay, pairs sweeping sunset views with standout dishes like lobster spaghetti fra diavolo, grilled branzino, and fresh raw bar selections. It is the kind of place where dinner turns into an evening.

Sax Restaurant & Lounge offers a year-round dining experience with a menu that blends comfort and sophistication, complemented by live entertainment and crafted cocktails. For something more

“From waterfront dining to beachside relaxation, every moment feels intentional.”

relaxed, Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina brings a lively atmosphere with Mexican-inspired flavors, while Stone Harbor Pizza Pub offers slices, local brews, and scenic views.

A STAY DESIGNED AROUND YOU

What sets The Reeds apart is its attention to detail. Every aspect of the stay feels seamless and thoughtfully curated.

Mornings can begin with rooftop yoga or invigorating zumba, followed by a beach day where Beach Butlers handle everything from chair setup to food and drink service. On the bay, guests can enjoy complimentary kayaks and paddleboards or opt for a sunset cruise.

Back at the resort, the Roof Garden Sundeck offers a plunge pool, creating the perfect place to relax. For deeper relaxation, Salt Spa provides a 6,000-squarefoot retreat featuring signature treatments and a Turkish Bath designed to soothe and restore.

MORE THAN A GETAWAY

The Reeds is also a sought-after destination for weddings, celebrations, and retreats, offering flexible event spaces and a stunning bayfront setting. Yet what truly defines the experience is its ability to blend luxury with familiarity, capturing the nostalgia of summers at the shore while introducing a new level of sophistication.

YOUR SUMMER STARTS HERE

As warmer days approach, The Reeds invites guests to embrace the season with sun-filled days, coastal breezes, and experiences designed to be savored. From waterfront dining to beachside relaxation, every moment feels intentional.

For Northern Highlands locals, The Reeds at Shelter Haven offers an escape that feels both close to home and a world away.

PLAN YOUR STAY

The Reeds at Shelter Haven 9601 Third Avenue Stone Harbor, NJ 08247

Phone: (609) 368-0100 Website: reedsatshelterhaven.com

Follow Along: Instagram: @thereedssh

Facebook: The Reeds at Shelter Haven

Best Time to Visit:

Late spring through early fall for warm beach days, though the resort’s yearround amenities make it a perfect off-season retreat as well.

Horses HEALING THROUGH

How wild mustangs and the Unbridled Heroes Project help veterans rediscover strength, trust and purpose

Horses, like people, often resist being tamed. They need space, trust and patience to open up. Amy McCambridge understands this intimately, because horses mirror the emotions of the humans around them. She and her husband, Mark, founded a nonprofit, Unbridled Heroes Project, to connect veterans with wild mustangs in hopes of healing.

The husband-and-wife team created a sanctuary where individuals can spend time with these wild mustangs they rescue.

Stationed in California, McCambridge served four years on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1998 to 2002, and her husband is also a veteran who served in the Army. When they returned, nothing made sense until they found healing through horses — wild mustangs, to be exact. The couple found that mustangs were misunderstood and displaced. They were broken, too. As they spent more and more time with horses, McCambridge and her husband felt free. They could run wild as they did before their trauma.

“We remembered who we were before the world broke us,” Amy said.

McCambridge and her husband started the nonprofit in September 2018 specifically to rescue mustangs, which provide equine therapy for people who have experienced trauma like their own. The program pairs rescued mustangs with veterans, offering connection, trust and transformation. The point is to provide equine therapy for veterans completely free of charge.

Horses feel what humans feel, and the healing power they offer can be transformative. The sanctuary began with Chirpa, an untrained horse adopted from Long Island. The tips of her ears were frostbitten off due to the extreme cold in Nevada, before she came to Long Island. Her calm and steady demeanor puts clients at ease and spreads hope to the seemingly hopeless.

The second to arrive was Hope, a rescued mustang who suffered extreme neglect and abuse in Florida. Shiloh came to them third, from Nevada, initially auctioned off for a mustang makeover but withdrew when she refused to be haltered. After some bouncing around, Shiloh found a home with Unbridled.

Kaia was brought to Unbridled as one of the first mustangs, as well. She was rescued from Pennsylvania, and her pain was visible in her eyes. McCambridge and her husband made it their mission to save Kaia. They outbid the buyers, and she was brought to Unbridled.

In the spring 2018, McCambridge spent 10 days in Florida training with Cat Zimmerman on how to rescue horses.

Zimmerman is an acclaimed mustang trainer and the owner of CZ Mustangs, a training program that helps traumatized horses and humans alike. There, McCambridge came to the realization that she wanted to open her own version of the program: Unbridled Heroes Project.

Once back in New Jersey, McCambridge found a space for the mustangs she would rescue. Unbridled Heroes ended up being a project under CZ Mustangs, and McCambridge applied for nonprofit status at that point. Her dream was alive. A barn was found, a lease was signed, and soon they had their grand opening.

McCambridge said a fear of dying inspired Unbridled Heroes Project, as did her family history and personal trials. After surviving a benign brain tumor and watching her mother battle terminal cancer, she realized life was too short to wait.

“I asked Mark, ‘What if we never live?’ That fear pushed us to chase the dream of saving horses — and helping veterans — without overthinking it,” she said.

The program emphasizes mental health, patience and emotional connection. Veterans aren’t expected to ride immediately. Instead, they spend time with the horses — grooming, leading and simply being present.

Unbridled Heroes also has opportunities to volunteer. Community members can donate, help with horse care or participate in events that highlight the ongoing need for awareness and support. Memorial Day holds special significance for the organization, honoring veterans through both action and empathy.

To learn more about Unbridled Heroes or to volunteer, donate or support the program, visit unbridledheroesproject.org, follow them on Instagram @unbridledheroes_, or email unbridledheroesproject@gmail.com.

“It’s about creating a place where both horses and humans can finally breathe,” Amy  McCambridge

The beautiful connection that is built between a mustang and a human cannot be matched. Horses understand what a veteran went through, without words. There is healing over trauma that can’t be explained. A veteran can feel the strength of a horse by simply spending time with them, not only by riding.

McCambridge’s own story — from living in an orphanage in Colombia to studying political science at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), to helping Mark found Unbridled Heroes — illustrates the deep passion at the root of the project.

“You can be your own hero,” she said. “If you just live authentically, you have the power to drive change — for yourself and others.”

Whether it’s training a deeply empathetic horse like Kaia or helping a veteran rediscover confidence, hope and dignity, the work at Unbridled Heroes proves that healing can be mutual, slow and profoundly beautiful. Here, the horses are wild. They are free — and so are the people they help heal.

When people learn about the mustang rescue, they realize this isn’t just about horses. “It’s about creating a place where both horses and humans can finally breathe,” Amy says.

Summer Seafood Gazpacho

ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN

A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!

This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!

Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)

• 8 large tomatoes

• 1 large cucumber

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 small sweet onion

• 1 jalapeño pepper

• ½ tsp hot sauce

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

• 8 oz lump crab meat

• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)

*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.

Directions:

1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.

2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.

3. Mince garlic. Set aside.

4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.

5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.

6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.

7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.

Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.

Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!

Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

3

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

4

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

5

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

JULY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SUNDAYS

Ramsey Farmers Market

Main Street Train Station - Station Plaza & W Main St, Ramsey | 9:00 AM

Check out the Ramsey Farmers Market to enjoy some summer shopping! With a rotating list of vendors, special events, and children’s activities, it is the perfect place to find new places to try and enjoy a summer’s day! For more information, visit ramseyfarmersmarket.org.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Summer Concert Series at Kasschau Memorial Bandshell

Kasschau Memorial Bandshell, 125 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood

Enjoy live music under the stars at this beloved outdoor venue. Bring a blanket or chair and relax with family and friends. For more information visit kasschaumemorialshell.com/calendar-of-events.

JULY 4TH

Run for Remembrance and Community Spirit

Rock Road at the intersection of main street and Rodney Street. Glen Rock, NJ | 8:30 AM

Celebrate Independence Day at the Glen Rock 5K and Kids Fun Run on July 4, 2026. The festive community event winds through the streets of Glen Rock before the town’s annual parade begins. Open to runners of all ages, proceeds benefit G.R.A.C.E., supporting families impacted by 9/11, local memorial efforts and scholarships honoring Glen Rock’s 11 victims. Registration information: runsignup.com/Race/NJ/GlenRock/TheGlenRockTributeRun

JULY 4TH

Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration

Veterans Park - N Maple Avenue, Ridgewood | 6:00 PM

The amazing fireworks show returns to Ridgewood in 2026! Stop by to enjoy the entertainment, food trucks, beer garden and, of course, the fireworks!

JULY 11TH

The Revolutionary War at the Hermitage

The Hermitage - 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus | 10:00 AM

Step back into 1778 at The Hermitage Museum during Revolutionary War reenactments, musket drills, live music, crafts, historic tours, Tricorne Dancers and family-friendly activities, including a Battle of Monmouth war game for kids. For more information and tickets visit thehermitage.org or call 201-445-8311.

JULY 22ND

Feeding Fido

Upper Saddle River Library | 7:00 PM

Dog owners can learn how nutrition impacts their pet’s overall health during Feeding Fido on Wednesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. Stacey Jablin of Precision Pet Nutrition will discuss the science behind canine nutrition and how to make informed feeding choices tailored to a dog’s individual needs. The adult program will be held in person. Registration and details: bccls.libcal.com/event/16726258 .

Want to be featured?

Pickle In A

ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN WINGS SOAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE.

I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wing flavor, never quite satisfied, until I heard a podcast suggestion: brining chicken wings in pickle juice. It sounded strange at first, but it yields incredibly tender and flavorful wings! Since then, I save pickle juice from every jar I buy just to recreate these beloved wings. If I run out of pickle juice, olive juice works too. I air fry mine, but if you don’t have an air fryer, cook them as you normally would. Don’t forget to toss them in a buttery dill sauce and try the Alabama white BBQ sauce for an extra layer of goodness!

Pickle Juice Brined Wings

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drumettes)

• Pickle juice - enough to cover wings

• 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• 6 tablespoons butter

• A few dashes of hot sauce

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place chicken wings in a non-reactive container and pour pickle juice over chicken wings until completely covered.

2. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate, covered, for at least 8 hours.

3. Drain wings, discard pickle juice, and completely pat wings dry.

4. Put dried wings in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Mix well.

5. Place wings in an air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd. Cook at 400 degrees for 28 minutes, turning every 8 minutes until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven for 35 - 40 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through.

6. Melt the butter and add a few splashes of hot sauce of your choice and mix in a bowl. Add wings and completely cover with butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss a few times, and serve with my white barbeque sauce.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s)

• ¼ cup water

• ¼ cup white wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon pepper, coarsely ground

• 1 tablespoon Creole mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk all ingredients together until blended. Dip your pickle juicebrined wings in this sauce and taste the joy!  Store in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 weeks.