Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

A L S O S E R V I N G M O N T V I L L E & FA I R F I E L D

Holiday Magic!

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S

T H E S E I G E L L A W FA M I LY W I S H E S Y O U R FA M I LY A H E A LT H Y A N D H A P P Y N E W Y E A R .

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

December – Holiday Magic

Don Seaman | don.seaman@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Lindsay Bernero | lindsay1833@yahoo.com

CAN YOU BELIEVE WE’RE WRAPPING UP 2021? Time really flies when you’re

AD DESIGNER

having this much fun telling all the wonderful stories that make up our communities.

Mary Albers

This month, we highlight the magic of the winter season, a season full of holiday celebrations, festive light displays and gifts galore. Speaking of gifts, we’ve given you plenty of them in this issue. We pointed you to the perfect gift at Elements Massage to give to your special someone. We shared with you a place to take the entire family where you will find the toys, collectibles

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Zane Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Don Seaman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ryan Hicks, John Agnello

and memories you’ve all been looking for. We even shared with you some of our community’s favorite childhood holiday gifts. (what’s yours?) Lindsay, Don and I each pulled a family cookie recipe out of our holiday tradition boxes. This way, you are ready for any parties you go to or any guests that visit, regardless if they come in the house through the door or the chimney. Speaking of which, we even had a special interview with a very jolly and very generous worldwide icon. Quite unbelievable considering how busy he is this time of year! As this year comes to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to express our appre-

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

ciation for you, dear reader. I know we wouldn’t be here without you, and we look

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

forward to another great year ahead.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Blessings to you and yours. We hope to see you soon!

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Phillip Barone, Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Wayne ON THE COVER Holiday Magic PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO 4

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Wayne Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Wayne area’s 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 Wayne Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 12 My Favorite Holiday Gift I Ever Got As A Kid What’s Yours?

16 Finally...Something That Rubs You The Right Way The Totowa Elements Massage Is THE Perfect Gift

20 Collect The Missing Pieces Of Your Childhood Come To Pandora’s Box And Give Them The Gift They’ll REALLY Remember!

12 24

24 Our Own Holiday Cookies From The Three Of Us To All Of You

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local’s Choice

Artist’s Palette

20 Locally Owned 24 Culinary Creations 26 Giving Back 28 Parting Thoughts 32 Lifestyle Calendar

The Social Media Content Manager Your Fashion or Food Business Needs Reels Blogs Reviews & More

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GOOD TIMES

Wayne Day 2021 Wayne Day is Wayne's annual community-wide celebration, featuring rides, games, food trucks from local restaurants, music, as well as vendors and services from throughout the area. It was a day of perfect weather and a great time was had by all!

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

AROUND TOWN

NOW OPEN

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GORGEOUS COMMUNITY. VIBRANT LIFESTYLE. CHOICE AND INDEPENDENCE. At Brightview, upscale apartments, amenities, and gourmet dining combine with opportunities for lifelong learning, wellness, and recreation to inspire and entertain. Residents enjoy the freedom to explore new interests, unwind with daily happy hours in our pub, relax in our outdoor spaces – anything and everything that brings them joy. Most of all, Brightview provides expert assistance and care you can count on as needs change, right here at home.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR THAT NEW FAMILY PHOTO If it’s time for an updated family portrait then you are looking in the right place. Wayne photographer, John Agnello, generously agreed to keep a

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Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

My Favorite Childhood Holiday Gift OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFETIME, YOU’VE LIKELY RECEIVED COUNTLESS GIFTS. Some big, some small, most forgotten. But nearly everyone has that childhood memory of that one favorite gift that they’ve gotten at the holidays that stays with them forever. Here are a few of our favorite stories about some favorite gifts. much of it. But after the chaos of Christmas morning

“For me, it was my red Schwinn bike I got as a young

had subsided, I realized that I hadn’t seen any darts. It

kid. It’s unbelievable, I’m 62 years old and remember it

was then that my mother pointed out that she noticed

like it was yesterday!”

something strange in the fireplace.

2. Michelle Vernuccio, President, North Jersey

Leading out of the fireplace was an even greater sur-

Chamber of Commerce

prise - boot prints trailing ash towards the tree.

There, mostly covered with ashes, was a random gift.

“Oh this one’s easy. Every year I got the new Holiday Edition Barbie. I would display them all over my room and I still have each one of them.”

Of course, when I opened the present, I found it to be darts. It wasn’t the best gift but it was my favorite because it was something beyond the darts and dartboard. It

3. Melissa Cipriano, Owner, Cipriano Law Offices, P.C. “I got this great record player when I was young and a whole bunch of records that I would listen to all the time. They were all the popular 80’s songs.”

was the gift of Christmas magic. I knew that Santa was real...even if he was a little butterfingered. And somehow, a few decades later, wouldn’t you know it? The same thing happened to my kids. Seems like Santa never really fixed that clumsiness. I guess I’ll

4. Henry Madalian, Owner, Madalian Wellness Center

have to ask my grandkids one day."

“I Loved the Rock’ Em, Sock’ Em, Robots I got. I could play forever. I just needed to keep finding people who would agree to play”

6. Phillip Barone, Publisher, Wayne Lifestyle “Well, there were some really great ones: Rage Cage Hulk, Hot Wheels Criss-Cross Crash, 1985 Voltron,

5. Don Seaman, Editor, Wayne Lifestyle

Ewok Village, and Transformers Optimus Prime but I

"I was probably around eight or nine when I got a

think my favorite was my Shogun Godzilla. I saw one

dartboard. I’d opened it up and set it aside, not thinking

recently at Pandora’s Box…the temptation was strong!”

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

ARTICLE DON SEAMAN, PHILLIP BARONE

1. Chris Vergano, Mayor of Wayne

CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

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Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

ARTIST’S PALETTE

F I N A L LY. . . Something That

R U B S YO U T h e R i g h t Wa y

THE TOTOWA ELEMENTS MASSAGE IS THE PERFECT GIFT

ARTICLE DON SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN AGNELLO

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

DID YOU KNOW THAT MASSAGE OFFERS A

”Many people get a massage while on vacation

DRUG-FREE, NON-INVASIVE APPROACH TO

and don’t think to get a massage more regularly for

WELLNESS USING THE BODY’S NATURAL ABIL-

their health or to reset,“ Jill explained.“ Massage has

ITY TO HEAL ITSELF? Taking time to take care of

so many healing properties and goes hand in hand

your health is difficult to prioritize — we often take

with chiropractic or PT treatment. Doctors will often

care of others and skip taking care of ourselves.

prescribe regular massage to their patients, helping

Massage can make everything you do less stressful

with depression and overall mental health. People

and less painful, allowing you to be more productive

don’t realize that monthly massage improves holis-

with the rest of your day!

tic health and well-being.”

Jill Clarvit has been passionate about massage

Besides traditional massage therapy, they offer

therapy for most of her adult life; a devotee of the

other enhancements for an individualized experi-

positive impact of monthly massages. When her

ence. “Our clients love Himalayan Salt ‘Hot Stone’

husband, Neil Nosenchuk, came to a career cross-

massages. We do cupping, prenatal massages, mas-

roads, her passion became their business. After

sage to help with oncology, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s

doing their due diligence, they took the leap 10 years

disease, and more. We offer aromatherapy and

ago with Elements Massage.

CBD oil, which can be incorporated into massage

They chose Elements for their singular focus on therapeutic massage. “Our therapists are true masters of what they do,” said Jill. “We’re here to help people to relieve their pain or to completely relax.”

for their wonderful anti-inflammatory and relaxation properties,” Neil noted. Jill explained why regular sessions are critical. “People don’t realize that pain might not come on CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

suddenly but can also be a result from something you do repetitively, over time, like hunching over a desk, sitting on endless Zoom calls. Massage therapy isn’t a quick fix. As it can take time for the pain to set in, it might take time to feel better. You might even feel worse before you feel great. But when you go back to your routine, you’re at square one. That’s why we have our monthly treatment and membership program.” The more you come, the better you’ll feel. Treatments are personalized. “People call to ask about services and we’ll interview them. What are your needs, what are you looking for? ‘The Elements Way’ was created for us to match our clients with a therapist with particular training,” says Jill. That’s why they keep the focus on massage. Elements doesn’t sell products—their product is massage. Memberships help people continue their treatment at a recurring discount to reap the full benefits of therapy. It’s a flexible wellness program, sharable if a member chooses to give away their monthly massage. And it’s not limited to one a month — members’ massages are unlimited at the membership price. Membership is optional, as Elements welcomes everyone to partake in the healing properties of massage. They even have a loyalty program to accrue free massages, along with a discounted massage 3-pack, valid for a year. And yes, they offer gift cards. So as you’re looking for a heartfelt, body-restorative gift this holiday season, Elements Massage has your back. And they know exactly what to do with it.

ELEMENTS MASSAGE, Totowa is located at 650 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512 Schedule Appointments via Phone: (973) 304-5327 or at elementsmassage.com

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

GET INSPIRED

EAT + DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

LOCALLY OWNED

Collect The Missing Pieces Of Your Childhood COME TO PANDORA’S BOX AND GIVE THEM THE GIFT THEY’LL REALLY REMEMBER!

ARTICLE DON SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN HICKS

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

"I t 's rewarding when your job is like Christmas morning , every d ay."

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A COUPLE OF

that started at their door, wrapped around

GUYS MORE PLUGGED INTO POP CUL-

the entire shopping center, and was growing.

TURE COLLECTIBLES, YOU’RE GOING

“What’s going on?”, he asked as he

TO HAVE TO REALLY HUNT FOR THEM,

entered the shop. “Oh, Mankind is here.”

PROBABLY FOR FAR LONGER THAN

But he wasn’t talking about the vast human

YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR THAT 1974

chain outside — it wasn’t all of mankind,

VINTAGE G.I. JOE WITH KUNG-FU GRIP

although it probably seemed that way. It was

OR THAT 1981 DIECAST VOLTRON.

the WWE wrestler, Mankind. They come

But guess what? Pandora’s Box probably has them.

here often. Star wrestlers like Kevin Nash, Billy Gunn, and Ken Shamrock have been by.

Erik Miller and DJ Adamcik have been

Many are names you may know — and some

friends since they were six years old. And

you won’t — but for the fans that come here,

because of their shared lifelong passion

it’s like they’re giving away gold.

for pop culture collectibles, they ultimately opened a store dedicated to them.

Wrestling is a big draw here, sure. But so are Star Wars, Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons,

Pandora’s Box initially served as a way to

Transformers, Dragon Ball Z, Teenage Mutant

clear out their overburdened homes — they

Ninja Turtles, Nintendo related products,

had their inventory preloaded. Yet despite

an exhaustive selection of video games and

opening a small storefront, their collection

nearly any other pop culture-driven collectible

never waned, thanks to ongoing networking

you can think of. Vinyl records, lunch boxes,

and word of mouth that continued to grow

superheroes, horror movie items, action fig-

their warehouse. As it turns out, nostalgia is

ures, comic books — you probably can’t name

quite the growth industry.

a pop culture collectible that can’t be found

The storefront they opened in 2018 was two locations ago. They moved into their current

here, most in its original packaging. Erik says it’s like walking into a KB Toys 30 years ago.

site during the pandemic, unsure what would

To find their unique inventory, Erik and

happen if and when the world opened up

DJ travel as far as they need to scour per-

again. They got their answer during their grand

sonal collections, warehouses, museums,

opening of their new, far larger space. About

drug store basements, and countless home

500 people came in on that first day back.

attics and basements. They routinely host

Recently, the store had a regular customer

people who are looking to sell them their

stop by who was amazed at what he saw.

vintage stockpiles. This has created quite an

There was a line. And not just any line — one

extensive network of collectors that they’ve CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED) developed, from both sides of the counter. After all, this isn’t merchandise you can simply order from some supplier. This is a treasure hunt and Pandora’s Box is the “X” on the map. And that’s the pivotal word — treasures. There’s a sense of urgency that exists here. People come here on a mission to find those elusive things that they just can’t find anywhere else. Erik and DJ realize how they fit in that community. They recognize the value that they have to some who simply can’t connect socially. They’ve partnered with a local special-needs school and have had kids come to work at the store. Sometimes they’re almost non-verbal coming in, but over time, they can spend hours talking about their passions. According to Erik, seeing that transformation reminds them of how much value they can bring to people’s lives. They’ve had desperate moms race in on Christmas Eve looking for a holiday miracle and getting it. A woman came in looking for Dick Tracy’s baby - a toy from 1951. She had been searching for fifty years. They had one. This is the place where a lifetime of fruitless searching culminates into joy. This isn’t just a business. It’s a way to connect to forgotten happiness, and that’s what makes Pandora’s Box so special. DJ explained why what they do is such a passion for them. “It’s rewarding when your job is like Christmas morning, every day.” Here, you ARE a kid again! Pandora’s Box is typically closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. During the holidays, the store is open every day, usually 11-6, with extended hours as necessary.

DETAILS: Pandora’s Box is located at 191 NJ-15, Lafayette, NJ 07848 Phone: (973) 827-3003 Facebook: PandorasBoxNewJersey

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

B E CO M E A PA RT O F O U R D E N TA L FA MI LY

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CULINARY CREATIONS

FROM THE THREE OF US TO ALL OF YOU

OUR OWN H O L I D AY C O O K I E S COOKIES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A HOLIDAY TRADITION. They’re made for parties, they’re made as gifts, they’re left out for Santa. Many families have their own family favorites. Recipes are handed down over generations, many insisting that “the secret ingredient is love.” That’s why it’s only right that we share a few family cookie recipes here with you. So from our kitchens to yours, here are three of our family recipes for you to try out for your own family.

LELANE’S GLAZED LEMON COOKIES

courtesy of Phillip Barone

INGREDIENTS + 2 cups sugar + 2 sticks of butter + 16 oz ricotta + 2 teaspoon lemon extract

+ 4 cups flour + 2 tablespoons baking powder + 1 teaspoon salt + Grated rind of one lemon

DIRECTIONS + Preheat oven to 350 degrees + Cream butter and sugar. Add the next 3 ingredients to incorporate. + Mix the rest of the items in a separate bowl to combine.

Then add them

to other ingredients. + Drop by the teaspoonful on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. PHOTOGRAPHY PHILLIP BARONE

ARTICLE PHILLIP BARONE, DON SEAMAN, AND LINDSAY BERNERO

+ 2 eggs

+ Bake 12-15 minutes (careful not to burn the bottom).

FOR GLAZE + 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar + 3 tablespoons lemon juice + 2 tablespoons water Beat sugar, lemon juice, and water until well blended. Dip top of cookies into glaze. Set aside to harden.

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

MAUREEN’S MOLASSES COOKIE CUTOUTS courtesy of Don Seaman

INGREDIENTS + 3 ¾ cups flour - sifted

+ 1 cup butter

+ 2 tablespoons cocoa

+ 1 cup sugar

+ 2 teaspoons ginger

+ 1 egg

+ 2 tablespoons cinnamon

+ ½ cup molasses

+ 2 teaspoons cloves

+ Honey

DIRECTIONS + Sift flour and spices + Beat butter until fluffy, add sugar, gradually beat after each addition + Add egg and molasses. Beat well + Stir in flour mixture, stir well + Wrap, refrigerate overnight + Roll out in small portions, cut with cutters. Place on lightly grease cookie sheet + Bake at 350° for 8 minutes or until the edges are brown. + Let cool for a few minutes on the rack. + Brush tops with honey

GRANDMA HELEN’S COCONUT THUMB PRINT COOKIES

courtesy of Lindsay Bernero

INGREDIENTS + 1 cup of margarine

+ 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

+ ¼ tsp. of salt

+ 1 cup of flocked coconut

+ 1 cup of confectionary sugar

+ ¾ cup chopped walnuts

+ 1 tsp almond extract

+ Marmalade (any flavor)

DIRECTIONS + Cream margarine, salt, sugar, almond extract. + Add flour a small amount at a time. Mix well. + Stir in coconut, walnuts. + Chill dough. + Roll a small amount at a time into small balls. + Place on ungreased cookie sheet. + Bake at 325 degrees for 8 minutes. + Remove from oven and make a finger impression in the center. + Return to oven and bake for 12-15 minutes longer or until lightly brown. + Cool & fill each cookie with ½ tsp. of marmalade. + Top with confectionary sugar. + Store in a loose container.

CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

GIVING BACK

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are. —Anna Sarol

family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have

Anna Sarol

otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

PARTING THOUGHTS

SANTA FOUND TIME FOR A QUICK INTERVIEW WITH US

ARTICLE DON SEAMAN

SA N TA C L AUS I S COMING TO TOWN(S)

I RECENTLY HAD A CHANCE TO SIT DOWN WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS HIMSELF, SANTA CLAUS. Despite heading into his busy season, it should be really no surprise that he’d be so gracious, happily giving me an early gift. His time. WAYNE LIFESTYLE: Santa, thanks for giving me a couple of minutes today. I know that this is a crazy time of year for you. How’s this year looking? SANTA CLAUS: It’s sooo much better than this time last year. We’re pretty much back to normal. Like everybody, we’re struggling a little bit with supply lines. But our team is on that and we’re predicting we’re going to put out the best Christmas

WL: How hands-on are you leading up to the holidays?

ever. Yeah, we say that every year, but other than

SC: I’m really lucky that I have such a great team. A few of my

one really bad one back in the 1920’s, we’re always

elves have been with me for a long time — like, millennia. We just

right. Don’t bet against Santa’s team.

celebrated an anniversary for one of the “newbies” in HR. He’s only been with us for 165 years. He just got his own parking space

WL: How does the rest of your year go? Are the toy factories running 365 days a year? SC: Well, a lot of that is outsourced now. In a way,

Of course, I’m still involved heavily in the day-to-day, but it’s mainly in meetings. Those Amazon guys always insist that I’m in the

it was far easier before when all we were building

weekly status calls, even if it’s just on Zoom. They’ve been a god-

were toy boats and dolls on a production line. You

send though. It’s really lightened the load on the sleigh when we

can’t exactly make an Oculus 2 out of wood, you

can pre-ship things to houses before Christmas Eve. I hope parents

know? So most of my time is spent making distri-

know what to do with all of those Amazon boxes that show up daily.

bution deals with vendors. It’s vastly more efficient.

Bezos was a tough elf to lose when he decided to go to the private

Better upward mobility for the elves. They still do a

sector, but he never really left the North Pole, so to speak.

bulk of the work, but other than custom orders that we have to produce ourselves, most of them have switched to marketing.

and was overjoyed. Reindeer make lousy Ubers.

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

WL: Do you get to come to our area often?

WL: What do you do when the holidays are over?

SC: I do. I really love it here. I don’t get to be that

I think we all have that mental picture of you in a

“public” as much as I’d like, but I do have my favor-

Christmassy Hawaiian shirt on the beach somewhere.

ite spots to go without drawing attention to myself.

SC: Ho-Ho-Ho! Yeah, Mrs. Claus posts one

Maybe one day I’ll give you a list of “Santa’s Favorite

vacation picture from our week at Point Pleasant

Local Spots”...

that goes viral — she’s all over Instagram — and it’s

I’m still making some personal appearances

“Beach Santa” forever. Usually, we just take a long

around here whenever I can. It really helps with

weekend afterward to decompress then hold a big

morale, and it’s great for PR and brand awareness. I

debrief sometime in January with the crew. Then it’s

stopped by Accentuate with LoVe a couple of times

right back to it. Christmas is a 24/7/365 business for

this year and did our big holiday helicopter landing

us. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

show at Packanack already. I have to do that one every year. The elves never let me hear the end of it that one year that I forgot to stop by Packanack Bakery to bring them back crumb cake. And I've ridden in my fair share of fire trucks in Fairfield and Montville. Far more than the Easter Bunny, no matter what he tells you. And yes, I usually send most of my relief Santas to the local malls when I can’t get there myself. I always stop by Pandora’s Box whenever I have some time in the area. Those guys really saved my bacon one Christmas Eve when Cupid got spooked while we were going over Ohio during some sort of holiday fireworks show. Dumped a bunch of stuff over Canton, including a vintage Boba Fett figure that it took me forever to find. I called Erik from the sleigh and naturally, he had one. Those guys are the best. Of course, it turned out that “little Timmy” was a 45-year-old medical admin from Towaco, Ho-Ho-Ho! That reminds me, I owe them a call. I have a bunch of things from the old workshop that might have some magic left in them. I’ll bet they would be interested.

CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

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CityLifestyle.com/Wayne

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

by Accentuate with LoVe for some

for the holiday season! Don't miss the

local holiday cheer and great gift

a cappella quintet as they perform

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

shopping. He'll be there from 11-3. It's

“It’s Been A Long, Long Time,” their

Santa's way to remind you that it's ok

rendition of the popular 1945 tune,

to shop small and avoid the mall!

and other Christmas classics.

CRANE HOUSE & HISTORIC YWCA HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Crane House and Historic YWCA, 110

Brunch with Santa, shop our hol-

Orange Road, Montclair

iday boutique, goodie bags for

Explore this 225-year-old house

the kids, raffles for gift baskets,

while viewing the award-nominated

and have your photo taken with

period holiday decorations made by

the big guy himself! Two sepa-

Camp Hope, 1792 Rifle Camp Road,

the Garden Club of Montclair! Self-

rate sessions of 10AM-12:30PM &

West Milford, NJ

guided tours start at the Nathaniel

1PM-3:30PM. Cost is $45 per person.

Seniors, come celebrate the holiday

Crane House (the little red house).

season with good food, friends, festive

Open every Wednesday and Sunday

music, trivia, and prizes! Admission is

from 10am-2pm starting December

for residents age 55+. Register online

5th and ending December 22nd.

Wayne Township Municipal Building

Holiday music from Bach to Rock, a sing-along with Cub Scout Pack 104, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Festivities begin at 6:30.

PASSAIC COUNTY SENIOR HOLIDAY PARTY

The Cosmopolitan, 1377 NJ-23, Wayne

WAYNE VALLEY HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

at passaiccountyrec.org or call 973-728-8166

Wayne Valley High School, 551 Valley Road, Wayne

PENTATONIX EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS TOUR

Come browse through over 100

Newark’s Prudential Center

The show will be held in the gym of

Accentuate with LoVe, 60 Newark-

Three-time GRAMMY award-win-

Wayne Valley High School.

Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock

ners Pentatonix released their sixth

Come bring your camera to take

holiday project, Evergreen, this Fall

pictures with Santa as he stops

and makes a tour stop in Newark, NJ

SANTA, WITH LOVE

booths and exhibits, all in one place.

CONTINUED >

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Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

18 RIDE THE SANTA TRAIN WITH SANTA HIMSELF Wayne Route 23 Transit Center

Ride With Santa! is a fun-filled, hourlong, round trip experience. Riding aboard one of NJ Transit’s modern, climate-controlled trains, passengers are treated to on-board entertainment including singing carols along with our musicians, a cast of costumed characters, and getting to meet Santa himself! For information, go to www.tristaterail.org/santatrain.

28 AMERICAN RED CROSS BABYSITTING COURSE

Municipal Complex, Health Room #2

The American Red Cross will cer-

Seaon’s Greetings

tify you to be the most capable,

During this holiday season, we wish you all the best.

neighborhood. Cost is $120, register

trusted, in-demand babysitter in the online or in person at the Municipal Building. Registration is limited to the first five who register. A second class is offered on December 30.

Conan F Ward Financial Advisor 500 Valley Road Suite108 Wayne, NJ 07470 973-872-1616 edwardjones.com

IRT-1948E-A

MKT-9811B-A

Member SIPC

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Wayne using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

Wayne Lifestyle | December 2021

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