Issuu

Let Me Count The Ways

F E B R UA RY 2 02 3

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

FOR 47 YEARS, O N LY P E R S O N A L I N J U R Y. A L L D AY. E V E R Y D AY.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

February Love Local

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn. I find myself torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweetness of the season. To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere a little in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in our local communities. I truly love February. For those of you that know me, I am a passionate person...and a rather sentimental, emotional one. In my young years, the prospect of love excited me and I went towards Valentine's Day with a bounce in my step and a smile on my face. All these years later, I don't think that's changed very much and I hope it never does. Maybe it's the energy of love that makes me feel a bit warmer as we inch away from snowy days and frigid nights. But while we teeter between the chill of January's Winter and the warmth and excitement of Spring, I hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life: The ones in your home and on your street. The ones in your neighborhood and throughout your community. “Love local” means your local businesses; those in your community - but it also means loving those nearby. Those under your own roof included. So grab a coffee at PJ's and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of wine and some cheese from Gary's and indulge in a movie night at home. I’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told within these pages month after month. Thanks for letting me be a part of the life you’re building, as you're a part of mine. My hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before. Happy February!

SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Lindsay Bernero | lindsay1833@yahoo.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Don Seaman, Frank LaMendola, Haley Williams CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Steven Wagner, Phillip Barone, Frank LaMendola, Michelle Vernuccio, Joe Rude, Cassandra Castaneda

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

PHILLIP BARONE, PUBLISHER @ WAY N E L I F E S T Y L E M A G

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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

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 The Romance of Food

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Inspired By

Culinary Creations

Must See

Locals Only

Home Update

Family Care

Wayne's Frank LaMendola Shares Some Thoughts to Help Your Next Kitchen Date Night

24 For That Extra Special Night Your 3-Course Romantic Dinner At Home

30 Spinning the Sounds of Love Find Your Musical Memories in Wayne

42 Love on the (Dotted) Line Believe it or Not, Insurance CAN be Romantic

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Frank LaMendola Oh, Cake (Yes, That’s A Cake!)... How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways. Frank LaMendola Bakes Us On A Journey & Shows Us The Quickest Way To EVERYONE's Heart.

FO O D + B EV ER AGE FO O D + B E V E R AG E

A RTS + C U LT U R E A RTS + C U LT U R E ST Y LE + B EAU T Y

FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

MODERN MEDITERRANEAN EATERY, JUICERY & COFFEE HOUSE

New Mediterranean Breakfast & Lunch Eatery Bringing You Traditional Eastern & Western Recipes With A Modern Twist.

JACKIE SMALLS Breakfast - Lunch - Catering (973) 706-5589 584 Valley Rd. Wayne NJ JackieSmalls.com Monday through Saturday 7am to 4pm. Closed Sundays @EatJackieSmalls

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. PHILLIP BARONE

PHILLIP BARONE

MICHELLE VERNUCCIO

PHILLIP BARONE

MICHELLE VERNUCCIO

1: Essex Valley School Dropped Off Tons Of Toys At Senator Jersey Joe Pennacchio's Toy Drive! 2: The Breakfast Club Networking Group Is A Veritable Who’s Who Of Networking! 3: M&T Bank (Pequannock) Held Their Grand Re-Opening Celebration with Staff, Customers, And The Mayor Himself! 4: Nearly 90 People Enjoyed The North Jersey Chamber's Premier Holiday Happy Hour At Uncorked! 5: Some Said The North Jersey Chamber’s Event Was The Best Networking Event They’ve Ever Attended. 6: Boys & Girls Club Held Their Giving Tree Event To Ensure Needy Families Have Gifts. 7: Gina Radice (Boys & Girls Club) Led The Giving Tree To Make The Holidays Special! CONTINUED >

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CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

JOE RUDE

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8: Paulette and Joe Rude (Mr. Sunshine) Hosted A Special Needs Holiday Celebration at Wayne PAL. 9: The Special Needs Celebration Saw The Arrival Of None Other Than Santa Claus Himself! 10: The Rude’s Outdid Themselves As Children’s Faces Lit Up With The Chance To See Santa! 11: Zana And Zana Spa Were A Hit At The Towaco Crossing Holiday Shopping Event! 12: Michelle From Jules Fine Jewelry Helped Customers Sparkle At The Towaco Event 13: While Lisa And Charlotte’s Web Made Every Customer Look And Feel Great! 14: Great Food, Great Drinks, And Great Deals at The Towaco Crossing Holiday Shopping Event. Yes!!

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Local Charity Vero Amici Helps West Caldwell

We Understand Commitment We Understand Commitment We Understand Commitment

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• First Aid Squads, Volunteer Fire, and Police Departments • Families suffering hardship or financial difficulties • Nana’s Gifts (buying Christmas gifts for underprivileged kids in Newark)

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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BE THE REAL MVP OF THE DAY United Tips Of America Launches Wayne Chapter (It's Fourth Overall) United Tips of America (UTA) is a networking organization committed to helping its members solicit new and referral business through networking among its multiple groups on a bi-weekly basis. Paul Bastante built the organization on three principles: the exchange of TIPS, improved public speaking, and community involvement. UTA just launched its 4th chapter which meets every other Monday at Gary & Meg's Chicken And Ribs (Wayne). Check them out at www.unitedtipsofamerica.org. Photography by Phillip Barone

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F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

There's nothing like shopping local. But what about all of the other things you can do in our area for a great night out, a daycation, or simply a hidden local place to explore?

Steven Wagner

Our Picks to Show Your Local Love ETHAN & THE BEAN: A community-minded coffee shop whose goals are simple and from the heart: to increase the employment rate for persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 98 Main St, Little Falls GAR Y & MEG'S CHICKEN & R IBS: Find a new appreciation of your favorite dishes & sides. Everything is how you’d do it at home - consider yourself invited to Sunday Dinner! 10 Erie Avenue, Wayne LAUR ELWOOD AR BOR ETUM: Gravel paths wind and connect through the sculpture-filled arboretum, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, runners, birdwatchers, artists and photographers. 725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne MAR AKESH R ESTAUR ANT: Share the experience and mysteries of Morocco in their marvelous, magnificently reproduced palace as their Moroccan born chef delights your senses and palate. 321 US-46, Parsippany MAR CO'S EMPOR IUM: North Jersey’s largest independent retailer of specialty toys and gifts. Marco’s stocks over 80,000 items, appealing to a vast array of tastes and ages. 574 Newark-Pompton Turnpike , Pompton Plains

Gary & Meg’s Chicken & Ribs

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

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The Romance of Food WAYNE'S FRANK LAMENDOLA SHARES SOME THOUGHTS TO HELP YOUR NEXT KITCHEN DATE NIGHT ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK LAMENDOLA

Frank LaMendola is an interesting guy. While most people are lucky to find one passion to keep them occupied, this Wayne resident has found three. Not only is he a teacher at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, he’s also a chef — as well as a handbag designer. Oh, he’s also an artist. Maybe it’s best to just stop counting at four. So as we take a moment to think about the romance of food, we thought that Frank would be the perfect person to speak with about what romance from the kitchen is all about, and get a few cooking tips to help for your own romantic dinner.

WHAT MAKES FOOD ROMANTIC? For me what makes food “romantic” is having the opportunity to share the experience and fun of preparing a meal together with that special someone, and then of course enjoying and sharing that meal together. Please include candlelight.

I NSP IR E D BY | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

This whole thing is, unbelievably, one of Frank’s cakes

WHERE IS YOUR GO-TO SPOT FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER? I really prefer having a romantic dinner at home. When I lived in Manhattan for several years, however, my all-time favorite restaurant to take someone on a date was always Le Zie in Chelsea. Authentic Italian cuisine and very nice atmosphere, especially if you request that back dining room which is very cozy with the perfect ambience.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD TO ORDER WHEN YOU JUST... CAN’T? My favorite food to order out would be sushi. It’s a lot easier to order than to make and it doesn’t have to be served immediately after preparing.

WHAT’S AN UNDERRATED ROMANTIC TYPE OF FOOD? I’m a huge fan of Thai cuisine. I love its amazing balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty flavors often finished with aromatic herbs Cooking to try to impress someone when you’re not a “kitchen native” takes a special kind of crazy. In fact, it’s rumored that a high-ranking member of the Wayne Lifestyle crew actually once staged a homemade meal for a dinner party that he’d ordered out, messing up the kitchen and dirtying pots and pans along the way. We asked Frank for a few “cheat codes” to help avoid such a failed sitcom moment from happening again in the future.

WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE KITCHEN TIP FOR OVERMATCHED COOKS?

“I think what is important when cooking with someone else is to share the experience and to remember it is all about having fun. Who cares if the other person doesn’t season the same as you do or may be a bit messier in the kitchen?”

I think what is important when cooking with someone else is to share the experience and to remember it is all about having fun. Who cares if the other person doesn’t season the same as you do or may be a bit messier in the kitchen? Although a messy cook literally drives me crazy…

WHAT KITCHEN ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE LOOKING TO IMPRESS A FIRST DATE? WHAT’S A SIMPLE, BUT CAN’T MISS, MEAL TO MAKE? Simplicity is always a good idea. Uncomplicated recipes are best and never try out new recipes unless you are super adventurous and don’t mind not having things turn out the way you expect them to. Broiled chicken, grilled meats or even poaching fish seems to work out fine. Also I always like to prep in advance, especially the sides and dessert. CONTINUED > FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO TIMING A MEAL PROPERLY SO THAT IT ALL COMES OUT TOGETHER? I think the timing of a meal is all in the planning of a meal. For example, usually I plan a meal and then prepare the dessert first, the sides also can be made in advance — some kept at room temp, and some may need to be kept in the oven until ready to serve. Saving the main course to prepare before serving minimizes the level of stress you may have in the kitchen. But sharing in cooking the meal almost always changes the dynamic and makes it much more enjoyable.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT COOKING TIP YOU LEARNED? The most important cooking tip I learned from my mother is “clean up as you cook”. Not to allow pans and dishes to pile up until after the meal is completed. It allows me to stay focused, eliminate clutter, and makes the entire process much more enjoyable. If you have a dishwasher, I suggest emptying it before you cook and fill it before you serve your meal.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN COOKING? Being raised in an Italian family it’s all about food, whether it’s holidays or just everyday dinner with family. As a child, we always had dinner together as a family and I was exposed at an early age to helping in the kitchen.

YOU’RE A BAKER OF SOME ELABORATE CAKES. WHAT’S THE BEST ONE YOU’VE DONE? To date, on my own, I would have to say probably a three-tiered carousel cake. On the Food Network, I would have to say the most recent filming on The Big Bake filmed this past October. I can’t disclose what the cake was, but it measured over five feet tall and included a lot of amazing dynamic elements which made it an incredible show stopper piece.

“Being raised in an Italian family it’s all about food, whether it’s holidays or just everyday dinner with family. As a child, we always had dinner together as a family and I was exposed at an early age to helping in the kitchen.”

I NSP IR E D BY | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

HOW HAS THE FOOD NETWORK EXPERIENCE BEEN? The entire experience and process was very surreal at first. There is so much going on and it’s all about being creative, focused, having the ability to work as a team member and at times as a team lead, and most importantly to be able to be flexible – especially when things are not turning out as planned. I knew the minute I stepped on set for my first time on Holiday Wars last year that this would not be the last time. I have been on other shows that are scheduled to air next season and plan on continuing this path – it's so much fun and I get to continue to learn; which for me is so enjoyable.

COOKING ISN’T YOUR ONLY PASSION. YOU’VE ALSO APPEARED ON QVC FOR YOUR HANDBAG DESIGNS. WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THOSE? It was very interesting how going on QVC all came about. At the same time when I was cast for Holiday Wars (Season 3 / Episodes 3-7) I was also asked to begin designing for

a handbag brand called Lodis. Having been a handbag designer for several decades, I saw this as an amazing experience to not only design the product but to go on national TV to promote and sell it. What really fascinated me is how at this stage of my life and career I have been given the opportunity to share my creativity in a such a vast way. QVC is so much fun, and the organization and the people in it are fantastic to work with.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AT THE MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY. I have been teaching at MHCA for the past 5 years in Culinary Arts and Fashion Design. I consider myself extremely fortunate that I get to share with my students the two things I am most passionate about. Having never had the experience of teaching before, I have learned that by sharing my experience, knowledge and God-given talents, that I never take for granted, I get to inspire our students. As a creative person teaching and sharing is one of the greatest joys I have ever experienced.

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For That Extra Special Night

YOUR 3-COURSE ROMANTIC DINNER AT HOME

ARTICLE BY FRANK LAMENDOLA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK LAMENDOLA

FRANK LAMENDOLA DRAWS HIS CUPID ARROW TO HELP MAKE YOUR VALENTINE’S NIGHT UNFORGETTABLE

Coq Au Vin I N G R E D IE N T S • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons olive oil 4 ounces pancetta, diced (2 -3 pound) chicken thighs (skinless) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2-pound carrots 1 yellow onion, sliced 1 teaspoon chopped garlic 1/4 cup Cognac or good brandy 1/2 bottle good dry red wine such as Burgundy 1 cup homemade chicken stock 10 fresh thyme sprigs 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2-pound frozen small whole onions 1/2-pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and thickly sliced

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

NOW OPEN

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. 2. Add the pancetta and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove the pancetta to a plate with a slotted spoon. 3. Meanwhile, lay the chicken out on paper towels and pat dry. Liberally sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. When the pancetta is removed, brown the chicken pieces in batches in a single layer for about 8 minutes, turning to brown evenly. 4. Remove the chicken to the plate with the pancetta and continue to brown until all the chicken is done. Set aside. 5. Add the carrots, onions, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. 6. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac and put the pancetta, chicken, and any juices that are collected on the plate into the pot. 7. Add the wine, chicken stock, and thyme, and bring to a simmer. 8. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is just not pink. Remove from the oven and place on top of the stove. 9. Mash 1 tablespoon of butter and the flour together and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions.

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10. In a medium sauté pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the mushrooms over medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until browned. 11. Add to the stew. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.

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12. Season to taste. Serve hot. CONTINUED >

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Spinach Salad with Oranges, Pomegranates, and Nuts IN GR E D IE N T S

Valentine’s Day Gift Certificates Available

• • • •

4 cups fresh spinach 2 oranges peeled and sliced 1 pomegranate peeled and seeded Almonds, toasted (alternatively shown here with Walnuts) • Slices of feto cheese (optional) dressing • ½ cup olive oil • 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar • Juice of one orange • 2 teaspoons agave nectar • Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Add fresh spinach to a large salad bowl. Add oranges, pomegranates, and nuts. 2. To make the dressing in a small bowl add vinegar, orange juice, and agave nectar. 3. Whisk in the olive oil, Add salt and pepper to taste. 4. Toss salad with dressing and serve. CONTINUED >

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FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake These Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes for two are the perfect small-batch dessert and are incredibly easy to have ready in less than 30 minutes.

IN GR E D IE N T S • • • • • • • •

¼ cup unsalted butter 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped ½ cup powdered sugar 1 large egg 1 egg yolk ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray two 6-ounce ramekins well with nonstick cooking spray and place on a baking sheet. Set aside. 2. Add the butter and semi-sweet chocolate to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-30 second increments, making sure to stir well after each increment, until melted and smooth. Remove from the microwave and whisk in the powdered sugar until well combined, then add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix until fully combined. 3. Add in the flour and espresso powder and mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix the batter. Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared ramekins. 4. Bake at 425° for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are firm and the center is slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 1 minute. 5. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a small plate, serve, and enjoy!

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

Spinning the Sounds of Love ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILLIP BARONE

M UST SE E | A RTS + CU LTURE

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A lasting truism of poets and philosophers is that music is the language of love. Love songs are a genre of music unto themselves, capable of connecting us on a higher plane. So for this month synonymous with love, who better to speak with than Anthony Coviello, owner of one of the lone bastions of physical music stores in the area, Sound Exchange in Wayne, to talk about how music connects us all? “Music and love are one and the same,” Anthony opines. “Music is all about caring. What’s better for Valentine’s Day than a playlist? Something you’ve crafted, created, curated — a playlist... just for them. Songs you’ve thought about, thought about the order, and it’s all based upon the emotion and the feeling that they give you. That doesn’t exist much anymore with algorithms on Spotify.” But for some of us, there’s a special romance that comes from the tangibility of music that an intangible playlist will never quite deliver. The album art, the sound of a needle on vinyl, the hiss of a cassette player, they all evoke connections to a lifetime of emotions. A road trip with your college sweetheart. That indelible song that played as you first slow danced with your crush at the prom. And yes, that mixtape that you made for them. Even the smell of the record store experience is something unmistakable. The common thread of it all is the attachment we have to music. It’s at once both deeply personal and interconnective. It taps into a wellspring of nostalgia and yet delivers new energy. “People are thinking in terms of songs again,” Anthony rhapsodizes. “They’re thinking about something that has a

deeper emotional connection than just a physical product. Earrings get lost. But the song that you sit down and share together, maybe slow dance to, or even boogie to, that memory is going to outlast you. That piece of energy that you become when you leave this plane, that’s going to carry on with someone else. You want to have those moments.” “People are chasing music that’s moving them and lighting up their day.” “Falling asleep to music is incredible. It affects you the next day. Listening to beautiful music is going to shape things in your brain you didn’t even realize you had.” For Anthony, music truly is his happy place. He’s a musician. He’s also a bartender, where music is a constant presence. “I’ve always had the biggest music library of all my friends for as long as I can remember,” Anthony admits. “I fell in love with it since I was in my single digits. It’s never left me.” So what more perfect a way to fully immerse himself into it than by taking ownership of a store that’s all about music, with a built-in legacy all its own? “I’ve shopped here for 20 years, so when the store became available, it was the right thing to do.” Anthony has only owned the store since October of 2021. But in that short time, he’s managed to both honor its history while building a vibe that’s uniquely his own. He’s breathed new life into the place. Finding music is often a scavenger hunt. Yet Sound Exchange, while always being a refuge for some far-flung music, hadn’t always been the easiest place to navigate. Longtime customers marvel at how neat and tidy he’s made it, while still holding onto its indie spirit. It’s a small space, bursting with music found in virtually every format imaginable. But curated by Anthony, the hunt has become a joy. The rummage store feel has been upgraded, making discovery of the impossible, possible. “We’re definitely a small store with too much inventory,” Anthony admits. “I get to pass on the love of music to other people, and they can pass along their love of it to me. It’s all about sharing. What’s more awesome than that?”

“People are chasing music that’s moving them and lighting up their day.”

Sound Exchange is at 1482 Route 23 North in Wayne, in the Packanack Shopping Center.

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Songs Of The Heart THE SONGS WE SHARE WITH OUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN AND PHILLIP BARONE

They say that music is the soundtrack to your life. That’s even more meaningful when it’s a song that reminds you of the love of your life. Whether it’s your wedding song, the song that played during your first dance, when you met, or even from that epic road trip, we all have memories that connect songs to loved ones. Let’s face it, there’s a pretty good chance you remember the song your mother sang to you as she got you to sleep. So with that in mind, we started to think about what songs brought up those great memories for us. Don Seaman - I couldn’t pick just one. For my wife and I, before we were married, it was “I Will” by the Beatles. It said a lot to both of us. So when we decided to make homemade

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gifts for each other one Christmas, I got ahold of a four-track recorder and recorded my own version of it for her. (Let’s face it, it was a pretty good excuse to buy more musical equipment, but that’s another story.) But there’s one more song that turns out to be even more meaningful for us. Of all songs, it’s “Bus Stop,” by the Hollies. Jen and I met on a bus during a commute to NYC. And there’s one particular line, “by August, she was mine.” We were married in August. So a song written three decades before we even met could’ve been written about us. Who says that music isn’t a magic time machine? Phil Barone - I also have two. I had known LeLane for several years prior to us dating but had wanted to be with her almost from when we first met. When the time was right, we got together. Almost immediately after we started dating, we were at an event and had our first slow dance together and it was to “At Last” by Etta James. I remember thinking in my head how spot on the song we were dancing to was. Then later, at some point pre-engagement, I sang her “Lady” by Kenny Rogers and that hit home enough that it became our wedding song.

In that spirit, we asked around to see what were some other songs that had enough magical moments in them to become “their song” between them and their significant other. Here are just a few of the answers we got. • Chris Edmonds: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz • Liz Johnson: “At Last” by Etta James • Dina Drew Duva: “Suspicious Eyes” by Elvis • Pete Perrillo: “I Could Fall In Love” by Selena • Kim Robinson-Juhlin: “If I Should Fall Behind” by Bruce Springsteen (My friend flew in and sang it at our wedding) • Justine Schepis: “Do You Remember” by Jack Johnson • Gina Radice: “Always” by Paul McCartney • Frank LaMendola: “At Last” by Etta James • Shane Edmond: “My Girl” by Dylan Scott An amazing thing happens when you ask someone what their song is. Their heart and head are momentarily filled with love as the emotions of what that song represents floods them. And that is the power of music. Let us know what song is “your song” with your significant other. We’d love to know! FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

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ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

3 WAY S T O O R G A N I Z E A N D

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our three tips for transforming and elevating your closet as you Spring clean and declutter for a more peaceful, inspired space you absolutely love. A sneak peek inside the closet of active mom and entrepreneur Keri Tarantino of Leawood, KS reveals a dressing room that rivals celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. But it didn’t come easily. Keri painstakingly planned, designed and curated the space with care. When we first stepped inside, we gasped as our eyes beheld the glory. No detail went unnoticed in this dreamy dressing room. Here are some guiding principles that can be drawn from her exquisite taste and vision. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying the guidelines Keri used in her space will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

1. USE REAL ESTATE WISELY Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. The large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

2. ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

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LOVE ON THE (DOTTED) LINE

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILLIP BARONE

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, INSURANCE CAN BE ROMANTIC

There are no great love songs about insurance. It’s not something that makes your heart skip a beat or launch a thousand ships. What it really is is the fine print of love. “That’s what love really is, when you get down to it, making sure your family is OK, that you’ve done your best for your family,” says Catherine Rabidis. Catherine’s an independent agent who admits that “insurance is probably the least sexy thing out there — and the most boring — but it’s the most wonderful feeling to know that you’ve helped someone make a difference. There’s so much you can do to improve people’s lives, just through their insurance.” For a good agent, their clients become like family. “It’s because you get to know so much about them,” admits Catherine.

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It helps when that agent has personal experience to share with those they work with. The miracle of planning for life means more that way, because it’s firsthand knowledge. That’s readily apparent when talking about things like setting up a future for your family through life insurance. Like a down payment on a house for yourself or even your kids. Or long-term care — that’s not just about caring for the elderly as their needs change. Life-changing conditions or accidents can happen at any time. Being ready for that is the ultimate in invisible devotion. “Dignity is priceless,” says Catherine. “They’re not seen as ‘a patient.’ That’s still your dad, in his home. He’s still the husband, the father, or the grandfather. He’s not a patient. He just gets the extra help he needs, without disrupting lives. It’s a wonderful thing.” Self-insurance isn’t peace of mind. Unless your assets top $10 million, it’s worth a conversation, according to Catherine. And since 34% of caregivers have a full-time job, the impact of committing to providing long-term care to a loved one on your own has many tentacles for any family, emotionally, professionally, and physically. The stress grows exponentially. Love suffers under stress; it endures with a plan. It’s no coincidence that February is the “Insure Your Love” month. It is, after all, the month to think about love. And maybe it might inspire a couple of insurance-based sonnets. Catherine Rabidis' office is in Saddle Brook. She can be reached at crabidis@ft.newyorklife.com

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