BC the Mag Holiday 2019

A New Funeral Service for the Non-Affiliated and Reform Jewish Community

WHAT IS BERGEN JEWISH CHAPEL AND WHY IS IT UNIQUE?

The Bergen Jewish Chapel Concept is an online funeral arrangement process with the goal of alleviating a family's stress and burden while dealing with end of life issues.

Our process helps families to:

•Gather vital information you need before you need it.

•Benefit from our full disclosure of services, merchandise, and pricing.

•Eliminate the burden of a face to face meeting at a funeral home location, while still benefiting from our personal attention to our families.

•Maintain Traditions

268 Kinderkamack Road Oradell, NJ 07649

Owner/Manager Daniel W. Leber NJ Lic. No 3186

HOLIDAY 2019

Publishers

Steven & Sharon Goldstein

Associate Publisher

Brandon Goldstein

Editorial Director

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

Design Director

Jessica LaPlaca-Bruno

Fashion Director

Candace Kristin

Photographer

Kim Casamento

Contributing Writers

Kevin Czerwinski

Tara DeLorenzo

Kristin Favaloro

Brandon Goldstein

Dr. Michael Gross

Soneca Guadara

Louise B. Hafesh

Marilyn Katzman

Richard Posluszny

Kimberly Redmond

Michele Weinstein

Natalie Zisa

Audrey Zona

Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to 297-101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com.

For advertising and information, please call (201) 694-5197 or (201) 694-5196. For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.

Copyright 2019. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

A Letter from the Publishers

It was weeks ago when I first heard Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and thought, “Wow! It keeps getting earlier and earlier!” Now, with it firmly stuck in my head daily and the weather actually turning cold, I’m actually ready to get into the holiday spirit.

First thing’s first: Since this is the season of giving, please refer to our Giving Guide and help neighbors who are less fortunate. If you can’t give your dollars, please give your time. There are so many amazing local organizations that need our help all year long, and are looking for any help they can get.

As we start our 19th year, we at BC The Mag consider ourselves truly blessed. We are so thankful to our advertisers for supporting our dream to put out a high-quality community magazine for all of these years. Your loyalty and friendship have been duly noted and appreciated.

Then, there’s our team. Our editor, Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo, has been a true team player and we can’t thank her enough for her patience, loyalty and articulate wisdom. When she’s not dressing half of Bergen County, our incredible fashion stylist, Candace Kristin, is helping us refine our own looks. We can’t thank our fabulous fashion photographers, Nicholas Gagliano and Kim Casamento, enough for trekking all over Bergen County without complaint and giving our pages the look of a high-end fashion magazine. Lastly, our art director, Jessica LaPlaca-Bruno, makes our pages shine.

Throughout the years, we, as any magazines will tell you, have been adjusting with the times. Not only do we have a strong digital presence now, but also we’ve partnered with several local bloggers who have been bringing you fresh content within the pages of our magazines. Kristin Favolaro (Beauty and the ‘Burbs), Michelle DeSantis (The Bergen Skinny), Soneca Guadara (Style by Soneca) and Tara Ippolito-Lafontant (Al Dente Diva) have all helped bring the pages of BC The Mag to life. We hope you love their columns, but be sure to check out their pages on Instagram as well.

To our readers, thank you for all of your thoughts, comments and ideas, which you have shared with us through the years. Your input has been invaluable. We treasure each and every one of you!

As always, we bring you the best Bergen County has to offer inside these very pages. There are many imitations, but there is only one BC The Mag –the original; the best!

We wish you all a holiday season filled with good health, good friends, peace and love.

Reno’s Appliance Collaboration

Reno’s Appliance held an industry-wide networking event. For more information, visit www.renosappliance.com.

Center

Wellness & Walk-In Care Center at Garden State Plaza

The region’s premier shopping destination and healthcare system are joining forces to make getting the care you need easier.

• Care for minor injuries & illnesses

• On-site healthcare concierge • Pharmacy services & supplies

• Prescriptions dropped o by 3 p.m. will be filled by 6 p.m.

Level 1 near Lord & Taylor Valet parking available

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center held their annual golf outing at Hackensack Golf Club in Emerson. For more information, visit www.newbridgehealth.org.

Fall is perfect for making time for fun before the busy holiday season – go for a fall picnic, visit your local orchard or pumpkin patch, and take advantage of all the flavors fall has to offer.

Trim time grocery shopping so you can partake in your favorite fall activities by relying on a one-stop-shop like ALDI, now open in Hack-

ensack. Whether you’re looking for a new pumpkin spice treat or need quality ingredients for your famous chili, you can find it all at walletfriendly prices.

Before heading to ALDI, be sure to add the ingredients for these delicious, comforting, nohassle recipes to your shopping list.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl

1/2cup Baker’s Corner

100% Pure Canned Pumpkin

1/2cup Friendly Farms Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt

1/2 frozen banana

1/2 cup Friendly Farms Unsweetened Original Almondmilk

2 teaspoons Specially Selected

100% Pure Maple Syrup

1 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice

Optional garnishes:

SimplyNature Flax Seed

Southern Grove Chia Seeds

Baker’s Corner Semi-Sweet

Mini Morsels

Southern Grove Chopped

Pecans, toasted

Apple slices

SimplyNature Organic Ground Cinnamon

Blend canned pumpkin, yogurt, banana, milk, syrup and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.Transfer to serving bowl. Top with desired garnishes.

Mini Pumpkin Parfait with Cranberry Caramel

Recipe courtesy of Chef Kates, ALDI Test Kitchen

1 package Cafe Bistro Spekulatius

Spiced Cookies

1/2 cup Countryside Creamery

Unsalted Butter, divided

1/2 cup packed Baker's Corner

Brown Sugar

1/4 cup water

1 cup Sweet Harvest Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

8 ounces Happy Farms Pumpkin Spice

Cream Cheese Spread, softened

1/4 cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar

1 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin

8 ounces Friendly Farms Whipped Topping, divided

Place cookies in food processor and pulse to form fine crumbs.

In medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add cookie crumbs and stir over medium heat 5 minutes, or until toasted. Remove from heat.

To make caramel: Bring brown sugar and water to simmer. Cook about 10 minutes, or until color changes to dark amber. Do not stir, but watch closely. Stir in cranberry sauce and remaining butter. Return to simmer and continue stirring until well combined and thickened slightly, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Press warm cookie crumbs in bottom of small serving glasses, such as clear shot glasses, espresso cups, small bowls or parfait glasses. Set aside.

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin and continue mixing to combine. Gently fold in 6 ounces whipped topping.

To complete assembly, top crumbs with layers of cranberry caramel and pumpkin cream. Repeat layers, including crumbs, 2-3 times depending on glass size. Top each parfait with dollop of remaining whipped topping. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 8 hours.

Fall as plenty of delicious offerings. Think pumpkin, apples and pears, to name a few.

For a quick and satisfying treat, give these a try:

• The great taste of seasonal produce can stand on its own, adding star power to simple recipes. Baked pears or apples are a sweet, festive treat. Slice them in half and fill with walnuts, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake until the sugars caramelize and fruits soften.

• Take on-the-go snacks to the next level by coating almonds or garbanzo beans in your favorite seasonal spices and baking until crispy.

Boy Scouts of America

The Northern New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America held their annual golf outing at White Beeches Golf & Country Club in Haworth. For more information, visit www.nnjbsa.org.

FASHION DESTINATION FOR PREMIER DESIGNERS

IN-HOME PERSONAL SHOPPING

PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

BOUTIQUE811.COM (201) 485-8650

811 FRANKLIN LAKE RD FRANKLIN LAKES NJ 07417

CarePlus Foundation

CarePlus Foundation held their annual golf outing at White Beeches Golf and Country Club in Haworth. For more information, visit www.careplusnj.org.

The Capital Grille in Paramus held their annual event to benefit Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation. For more information, visit www.mc-lef.org.

EXPERIENCE THE MONOGRAM HEARTH OVEN

Obsessively engineered to deliver the performance of a wood-fired brick oven with no ventilation required.

Available at ’

The 200 Club of Bergen County

The 200 Club of Bergen County held their summer cocktail reception at Seasons Catering in Washington Township. For more information, visit www.200club.org.

Over 100 Pediatric

Specialists

Than

Subspecialties

www.StJosephsHealth.org

Columbia Bank’s Golf Classic

Columbia Bank held their annual golf classic to benefit Strengthen Our Sisters. For more information, visit www.sosdv.org.

A DAY DEVOTED SOLELY TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Nothing affects the quality of your life more than the quality of your health. All around you, at home and at work, people are depending on you to be at your best – and that requires good health and wellness.

The Braverman Family Executive Wellness Program is designed to provide a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment and wellness evaluation, all in a single visit directed by a dedicated concierge.

From the moment you enter Englewood Hospital, your health is our center of attention. You are the sole focus of select physicians, nurses, therapists, and technicians. Your personalized itinerary of exams, lab tests, and consultations is arranged for the most efficient use of your time.

At the end of the day, you and one of the program’s co-medical directors create an action plan to address any challenges and position you for better health. You leave with the confidence that you’re in command of your total well-being.

IT’S TIME TO PROTECT YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS Good health is a win-win proposition. Your six-hour investment in yourself will empower you to make important decisions that can directly impact your future. And people depending on you will have peace of mind knowing that you’re taking good care of yourself.

For more information on The Braverman Family Executive Wellness Program at Englewood Health, call 201-608-2355 or visit englewoodhealth.org/executive.

THE BRAVERMAN FAMILY EXECUTIVE WELLNESS PROGRAM

Englewood Health Foundation Golf Classic

The Englewood Health Foundation held their annual golf classic at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

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At Your Service House-Call Service Connects Senior Citizens with Volunteers

BBy Tara DeLorenzo

ringing the community closer and helping houses continue to feel like home, the Bergen County Volunteer Center’s CHORE program connects senior citizens with volunteers to help make them feel safer.

With a team of about 55 volunteers and three vans to make it all work, the program services 1,500 unduplicated clients a year, and in the last few years has covered almost every municipality of Bergen County, according to Lynne Algrant, CEO of the Bergen County Volunteer Center. The program, which is grant-funded, offers a wide range of services to both seniors 60 years and older and also people with disabilities of any age.

“Our goal is to allow people to remain in their homes and age in place safely,” said Michele Ogden, the program manager for the CHORE program.

Its roots date back 42 years now, stemming from a federal legislation that created a division of senior services in every county. To do so, Bergen County reached out to the Volunteer Center to help develop the program. Tasks can be anything from a grab bar installation to light housekeeping and grocery shopping. They also do light electrical work, leaky faucets, helping with air conditioner unit installation and help with changing light bulbs.

“For us here, it was really about homeowners and safety and how do they get access to the

kinds of repairs and other things that will keep them safe in their homes in an affordable way,” Algrant said. “At the volunteer center, it was how can we harness the power of volunteerism to do something and that’s how CHORE got started. It’s safety, it’s repairs and other chores that will keep people safe in their home that they shouldn’t or can’t do on their own and that may be very expensive on the open market.”

The program does more than help with the home; it also helps newly retired people get more involved.

“It’s dual purpose program,” said Ogden. “They’re all volunteers and it gives them a purpose. You’ve never met a group of happier guys that get together with their team every week on the same day every week. They go out and they love the friendship and helping each other, and it really serves two purposes and it’s really growing with our volunteers. We have new volunteers weekly coming to us interested in coming on board with us.”

With all projects the volunteers do, the labor is free; the only cost is for the material needed for the task. As the volunteers stop to assist with other projects they see in the home, Algrant says there’s a higher sense of comfort for the resident to know they’re not being taken advantage of. Getting volunteers to help take care of an issue is as simple as a phone call to the Volunteer Center, then the staff will work on scheduling from there.

The feedback given has been overwhelming. While some are upset about the wait time – the biggest issue the CHORE program has as they have only the three vans and an ever-growing list of clients, so the waitlist is about a month out – most are extremely grateful for the services provided.

“The thing I get out of it is when the clients call and the gratitude they express; you can just hear it in their voices,” said Jessica Leibe, program assistant for the successful aging department at the Volunteer Center. “They’re so amazed even when you make an appointment that we’re calling them back and that in of itself, the fact that they’re so happy we’re even returning their phone calls makes your heart soar. We do a lot of stuff that really helps the seniors age in place and make them feel more independent. The thing the seniors love about our guys is they will come in and do whatever they have to in order to try and fix the problem. It’s very rare they come back and say they couldn’t figure it out. The clients trust our guys; they know they’re going to come in and you’ll see 3 to 4 friendly faces and they’re going to do whatever they have to to get the job done.”

For both the volunteers, who range from ages 16 to 80 years old, and the citizens being helped, the CHORE program offers security and joy to those involved in it. But for those being helped, it offers more than security. It offers a sense of independence and growth for their future, even as they’re less able to help themselves.

“What it symbolizes for them is huge,” Algrant said. “We can’t underestimate as people grow older how scary it is about whether

they can live the way they want to live and do it safely and the CHORE service does that and does it with smiling faces and lots of chatter. It’s just the cherry on top. That being able to stay in your home is invaluable, and that people are in the community and are helping people have that is overwhelming.”

There are two ways to become involved with the CHORE program. One is their Get Connected website or at http://bergenvolunteers.galaxydigital.com/need/. The biggest way they have gotten volunteers though is mostly word-of-mouth. Another way to get involved is through one of the Bergen County Volunteer Center’s programs called Redefining Retirement, where matchmakers pair recent retirees with volunteer programs.

With its work bringing the community together through assistance, this program helps senior citizens feel safe and comfortable in their home. The hard-working staff furthers that progress.

“When you run volunteer programs, people always think, ‘Oh, that’s so great! They’re free.’ But you still have to recruit them and train them and supervise them. We have to have someone answer the phone and schedule. It’s important to understand that CHORE is a professionally managed volunteer program and that’s why it is as successful as it is. It is because of the high quality way the Volunteer Center does its work and its superior staff, so one of the things that’s important for people to understand is we couldn’t have this if it weren’t for people’s philanthropy and investment in us to

do this great work,” Algrant said.

What keeps the staff happy and motivated though is helping make a difference and they encourage people to continue to get the word out.

“[It’s important for people to] know that we’re here,”Leibe said. “We get so many phone calls where the clients say they’ve never heard of us. It’s important though for people to know that there is a group of people out there who want to get out there to help them and who will do everything they can and who will respond to them honestly. It may not always be what they want to hear but we pride ourselves on our honesty and telling them what we can and cannot do. We always call the office and Michele and I are more than happy to tell them yes or no and if they can’t, we’ll find them a name of someone who might be able to help. The important message is to know that we are here, and we are happy to answer any questions.”

As the program manager, Ogden concurs and is proud of all the work

done with the program and for the people of Bergen County. With another goal of the program being making people feel comfortable in their homes, they’re bringing people together with their services.

“It’s so important because so often we see the elderly become almost invisible in their own community. They don’t know their neighbors and they don’t know who to trust or call, but one thing is for certain: they know they can call CHORE, and they know they’re going to get a response from the office, and they’re going to get a crew that’s vetted and is in uniform and the van is clearly marked it’s CHORE service,” she said. “They know they can reach out and trust us. It’s such a comforting program for them and that means a lot to us.”

For more information about the CHORE program, visit https://www.bergenvolunteers.org/chore-service.

Englewood Health Foundation

Englewood Health Foundation held their Fall Breakfast Club at Montammy Golf Club in Alpine. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

Foundation For Free Enterprise

Foundation For Free Enterprise held the Joseph M. Sanzari Business Leaders Reception at the Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack. For more information, visit www.fffe.org.

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The Valley Hospital Auxiliary Saddle River Branch

The Valley Hospital Auxiliary Saddle River Branch held a fashion show and luncheon to celebrate Theia’s 10th anniversary. For more information, visit www.valleyhealthfoundation.org.

The team at Active Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is proud to announce OrthoASAP, an Orthopedic Urgent Care that lets you skip the wait time and costs of an Emergency Room or general urgent care. At OrthoASAP, our team of Orthopedic Specialists treat bone, joint and muscle injuries - with no appointment needed! So whether it’s an injury on the field or that nagging pain you have had for a few weeks, we have the right solution for you. Our goal is to make sure you are seen by the right specialist right away so that you can get back to living your life ASAP.

HEEL THE SOUL

Ensures No One Walks Alone

Joanne Ehrlich fought cancer and survived.

By Kevin Czerwinski

The Tenafly resident, however, did more than just win a battle and move on to the next stage of her life. Rather, she fights that fight again and again, day after day.

While she is healthy and cancer free, there are countless women in North Jersey who continue to wage a war against the dreaded disease and Ehrlich has committed herself to standing with as many of them as possible, helping them through a struggle in a way that only someone who has experienced it can.

Ehrlich’s experience as a cancer survivor led her to create Heel the Soul, an Englewood Hospital-based program that is in its fifth year and provides comfort, care and support to women experiencing serious illness. When Ehrlich was going through treatment for cervical cancer 22 years ago, one of the reasons she was able to not only survive but also thrive was the support system she had. Family, friends and neighbors all chipped in to help so she was never truly alone.

Ehrlich had two small children at the time and didn’t want them to know she had cancer. So, she went to treatments while they were in school or at camp, making sure to shield them from what she was going through. Doing that suc-

cessfully, however, required a support group and it was that group that provided rides for her and her kids, meals etc., anything that it took to get Ehrlich successfully through her journey.

“I went through five weeks of radiation and noticed right away that so many patients were sitting alone,” Ehrlich, 57, said. “I was blessed to have a strong network of family and friends helping me at every step and I promised myself that I would do what I could so no one ever walked alone.”

Her journey provided the impetus for Heel the Soul, which is funded by philanthropy and donors who have raised for than $375,000 in support of the program over the last four years. That support has allowed thousands of comfort bags to be delivered to patients at Englewood Health.

Ehrlich and a team of volunteers work countless hours each week handing out comfort bags. She selects each item for the bags, many of which come from her own recovery experience. There are blankets, slippers, water bottles, cosmetics, lip balm, lip gloss, moisturizer and makeup. There are also gift certificates for local services including Kings Food Markets (a meal is sent home for your family), Merry Maids (staff will clean your house), The Graf Center for Integrative Medicine at Englewood Health (for service such as massage, aromatherapy and Reiki) and Englewood Hospital’s Drapkin Family Café, where patients can get a meal while waiting for an appointment.

Additionally, the play on the word “heel” in the Heel the Soul is personal for Ehrlich, whose experience also includes a preventative double mastectomy 11 years ago. She knew the statistics regarding breast cancer and rather than take that chance she made a courageous decision. That decision played a part in the naming of the program.

“When I was going through treatment and reconstruction, my body was changing in so many ways,” she said. “Amid weight loss and complicated emotions about my body and what it means to be a woman, I noticed one constant – my shoe size never changed. So, at age 34, I purchased my first

Town Title Agency is a full-service title insurance agency headquartered in Paramus, NJ. Founded in 2001, Town Title has grown to become a leader in the title search and settlement industry and has developed a reputation that is second to none. Over the past 15 years, Town Title has processed in excess of 15,000 title searches — and is still growing. Town Title Agency is licensed in New Jersey and New York and is an agent for Chicago Title Insurance Company and First American Title Insurance Company.

pair of designer shoes and they were the first things I put on after recovering from my surgery. They made me feel grounded and helped me feel feminine at a moment in time when I did not feel my best.

“When a person is diagnosed with a serious disease, it becomes a frightening and challenging time in their lives.You don’t know what it’s like to walk in another person’s shoes, so I’m making sure they are not walking alone. I want to make their lives more manageable.”

Englewood Health’s Department of Patient and Family Engagement proved to be a natural home for Heel the Soul because Ehrlich believes the team shares in her goal to provide patients with a sense of community and belonging.

“The first two years of the program, I saw every patient, sat with them and heard their stories,” she said. “Today we have a team of volunteers who help make sure that no patient is alone. To have someone there to share in this journey is sometimes exactly what you need to inspire you to say ‘I can do this.’

“We’re woven into the fabric of this hospital now and our supporters can see the tangible impact this program has on the patients. We are more than the contents of a comfort bag, though. It’s the gift of empathy and the power of connectivity.”

Ehrlich also credits the community’s ongoing philanthropic commitment for the program’s growth. An annual benefit was held in November at Montammy Golf Club during which the program’s fifth anniversary was celebrated in addition to Ehrlich being honored.

“I would love to expand Heel the Soul,” Ehrlich said. “If I could help the world, I’d help the world. No one should ever walk alone. No one should be alone.”

Photos by Chris Marksbury

Young

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Is chronic knee or hip pain holding you back?

oung ue diver Robert Y Young back in action sooner than he ever imagined. s story o read Robert’ T To Schedule your consultation at the Joint Replacement Center by calling 845.368.5884 – and get back to doing what you love. , visit GoodSamHosp.o y y, visit GoodSamHosp.org/CultureofCare. ,

FRIENDS of Hackensack University Medical Center

FRIENDS of Hackensack University Medical Center held their summer soiree at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes. For more information, visit www.hackensackumc.org.

By Tara DeLorenzo

Looking to create a space for artists to share their work, teach their craft and have a creative outlet, Creative Den opened in Glen Rock.

Creative Den, which opened in August 2018, is developed to be a makerspace and offers something for everyone, as the store is divided into three sections. The front-end is filled with artwork that is all locally sourced and handmade. The goal of it is to provide a gift shop for people with items that have a unique flare. Another part of the shop includes a space for workshops. These workshops are developed and taught by local artists in the community.

The back-end of Creative Den is the kitchen, where cooking classes take place. Food products are also featured in the front half of the shop as well for purchase.

“I see it as the front of the store is the community supporting the artists and their work, the middle of the house is the artists supporting the community by giving them healthy hobbies and then the back is the kitchen, which was supposed to be reverse, where we were supposed to have cooking classes,” said owner Tara McKee. “I want it to be cool and unique. I want it feel like Etsy, where you can see the product and touch it and feel it and have the experience, and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool too if the people could meet the artists behind the product and the artists run the workshops?’”

The inspiration for Creative Den sparked at a dinner with some friends where the conversation centered about what was missing in town and how there used to be a gift shop. McKee was inspired by her artist friends and began to wonder if she could make her own gift shop that featured some of her artist friends’ work.

From there, she reflected on her own background to draw further inspiration.

“When I was a toddler, my mom, who I consider an artist – she’s a seamstress, she does watercolor, she can bake – grew up on a farm; she can do anything. She sold work on consignment to a shop when I was a toddler as a means of income, and I had access to any kind of creative outlet you can think of as a child,” she said. “I wanted to give that to people who didn’t have that experience.”

Her father was also a large part of her inspiration. As he battled cancer, McKee and her mother would sit with him, and her mother and her worked on a redwork quilt. The stitching, she said, was therapeutic and relaxing. When he passed, she found strength in his memories to make the dream for Creative Den a possibility.

“I really feel like he was putting all these ideas together in my head and opening doors to show me I should do this. Like the address is 216, which is a Cleveland area code and that’s where I’m from, and it was just all of these things and signs pointing me to do this,” she said.

Creative Den’s products and workshops offer a variety wide enough for anyone to find their creative outlet. Their specializations range anywhere from jewelry to painting to card-making to wood-working, as well as culinary classes. Artists who want to teach develop the workshops. Some choose to just teach, while others feature work in the shop as well as teach.

The goal is two-fold: one for people to have a creative outlet for everyone, and two, to help people find unique gifts for themselves and for loved ones that either they made themselves or that they found at the store.

“We’ve got jewelry, painting, card-making, woodwork, the culinary stuff. There’s a sea salt girl; a guy who makes breads from Glen Rock; there’s jams; there’s pasta and olive oil. It’s anything giftable,” McKee explained. “We have a big range; there’s been everything from hand-made soap to these gorgeous pieces of artwork. You can’t be everything to all people, but I have a market that appreciates the variety.”

McKee’s biggest goal for Creative Den is to have people explore that variety the shop offers and to help people find what makes them passionate and what makes them feel creative.

“The mission is ultimately having even one person saying it saved them in some way – that would be a really lofty thing but for someone to say either they started a business out of something they learned at the Den or that they were inspired to do something outside their comfort zone and either it gave them a creative outlet or release or that they started their own business doing something like that,” she said.

Moving forward, Creative Den looks to grow more, both in terms of workshop structure and the kitchen. She also hopes to one day be able to franchise so that everyone is able to have a place to encourage and enhance their own creative outlets.

With the positive feedback she’s received from the community, McKee is excited for Creative Den’s future. Between the rich stories of the artists and the work they bring in, as well as what they teach at the workshops, there is something for everything. McKee encourages all to see what’s available and discover the possibilities and learn a new trade while they’re there.

“They just have to come in and explore. I want them to find a creative outlet, and I tried to come up with a tagline for that and it was ‘Either you come in to support somebody else’s hard work and/or find yourself a creative outlet.’ For people who know what that means, they get it, but for people who have never stepped into that knitting on the side or drawing or whittling, there’s so many millions of things that it’s a form of therapy,” McKee said. “At the end of the day, even though it’s a business, I’ve never done anything for just financial gain, and it’s worked out pretty well. I really feel that when your focus is on giving others happiness and joy, you can’t go wrong. Don’t be afraid to try. Art is unique to each person and there’s no right or wrong.”

More information on workshops and Creative Den, located at 216 Rock Road in Glen Rock, can be found at shop.creativedenllc.com.

I l l u m i n a t i n g t h e S e a s o n

By Marilyn Katzman

Traveling around Bergen County during the holiday season, it’s easy to find lighting displays that will bring you holiday cheer.Whether you’re on Teaneck Road in Ridgefield Park, Jefferson Avenue in Emerson, High Street in Norwood or other area thoroughfares, you’re sure to come across displays that will put a smile on your face.

While some residents are happy to spend time and effort stringing lights or placing cutouts on their lawns, many opt for professional help to enjoy the season. Joe Soccodato of JVS Christmas Lighting in Westwood said he expanded his landscaping business 14 years ago when clients kept asking for assistance to decorate and light their homes.When meeting with residents to assess their needs and color preferences, he will propose a package that includes installation and take down of decorations and lights.

Removing the danger of inexperienced homeowners falling off a ladder is just one of the benefits. Soccodato, a self-proclaimed “chief executive elf,” noted that some homeowners opt for a three-year commitment to lock in a price that includes off-season storage.While JVS packages start at $499, he noted that some homeowners could spend as much as $10,000.

Edward Salzano has been taking advantage of JVS’ services for nine years after deciding it was becoming more difficult to do it himself. His River Vale home usually has three large wreathes on windows as well as lights that frame the house and highlight entry columns, trees and bushes.

“The neighbors always compliment the decorations,” he said. “It enhances the neighborhood rather than overpowering it.”

But another River Vale resident said he prefers to do his own decorations. Tony Buonomo said doing it for 20 years, he has it down to a science, starting in the summer with planning meetings that include family members wearing custom “decorating committee” sweatshirts.Though he likes to make some changes every year, their display usually includes animated figures like Santa’s elves, snowmen, and even gingerbread men on trampolines.

“I start in October, doing a little at a time until I’m finished,” he said. “I try to get creative every year.”

Jim Mink of Christmas Decor by Shining Nights, serving northern New Jersey towns, said he has seen holiday decorating evolve over 20 years in business installing lighting displays. With the advent of LED lights, more vibrant colors are available and homeowners can easily change the colors from their smartphones.

“It can be a traditional color one night, and the next day you can even change to the colors of your favorite football team,” he said.

While many people assume holiday lighting is just for Christmas, holiday lighting is popular for other celebrations such as Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and for Chanukah when homes may display LED menorahs and dreidels in conjunction with blue and white lights.And remember, as you ride through the area, holiday decorating is not just for homeowners. It’s a bright time for retail stores, car dealerships, restaurants and even office buildings.

Photos courtesy Christmas Décor by Shining Nights.

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‘Outnumbered’ and Dynamic

From Motherhood to Anchoring, Bergen County’s Faulkner Shines

By Kevin Czerwinski

Harris Faulkner is rocking a purple scrunchie as she sits at her dining room table, her hair pulled back in a tight knot, allowing those around her to focus on a megawatt smile and piercing eyes that convey a sense of warmth and understanding.

The Edgewater resident is also sporting a white tracksuit with a black T-shirt, the word Montauk stenciled across the front. Faulkner, 53, in that moment, is simply a suburban mom, talking about her husband, her kids and Halloween, throwing in a tidbit or two about her childhood as an Army brat or what life is like in the shadow of the country’s most vibrant city.

Faulkner is certainly not complicated, but she is complex. That suburban mom who worries about getting her kids to the bus stop on time each morning, however, also happens to be one of the most dynamic personalities on television, anchoring a top-rated news shows in addition to being an author, a motivational speaker, an activist and a role model.

“My mother always told me that my gifts would make room for me,” Faulkner said. “And I worked on a long, hard journey to get to a point where, even now, I’m not done yet. I think there is a purpose to my steps and I believe that there is a way for me to make a difference on every story I tell.

“I think I learned the graces of range in storytelling and it informs every part of my life. When

things go wrong I have the ability to begin to ask questions that maybe other people wouldn’t ask and I think it brings a great calm in my life to play the role I do as a journalist.”

While Faulkner doesn’t let her career define who she is, there is no denying that her work puts her in a spotlight that can sometimes eclipse the normalcy of her home life. It’s easy to see why. Faulkner hosts backto-back news programs from noon to 2 p.m. weekdays on Fox News Channel (FNC). She co-anchors “Outnumbered” at noon. That’s followed by “Outnumbered Overtime with Harris Faulkner,” which has dominated daytime ratings and consistently outperformed its broadcast competition, ABC’s “GMA3: Strahan, Sara & Keke,” in total viewership, according to Nielsen Media Research, for the better part of the summer and into the fall.

Her program’s high-water mark came on Aug. 21 when she topped all challengers in the 25-54 age demographic and total viewers. She had a 26 percent advantage in total viewers and collected 271,000 in the demographic, allowing her to beat MSNBC and CNN combined. Currently, “Outnumbered Overtime” is the top-rated program in all of cable television for that hour.

That Faulkner is also a woman of color who has broken down barriers and excelled at the highest level of her profession only makes what she has accomplished and who she is that much more impressive. She has been able to forge a balance between work and her family – she and her husband, Tony Berlin, have been married for 16 years and have two daughters, Bella (12) and Danika (10) – never letting her attention to either slip.

“I never felt like my job got in the way of my personal life,” said Faulkner, who joined FNC in 2005. “But I married the right person and I was a late mom so my motherhood started when 40. Because of that gap between getting into the industry and starting a family I know what’s important. My children don’t compete with my job; they’re in the fold. Because I am a public person, I have to bring them into the fold and say this is what mom does.

“The most important gift I give my young daughters of color is seeing a mom who loves what she does, works hard at it, is dedicated but also has the ability to come home and make dinner and do things to keep things balanced and has a great life partner. I think those are incredible gifts to give my girls.”

Faulkner and Berlin, who is now the president and CEO of Berlin Media Relations, met when both were working in Minneapolis on rival stations nearly 20 years ago. While finding a partner that was the perfect match for her was important, Faulkner says that Berlin, simply by being who he is, “100 percent helped my career.” They have been together for 18 years and his ability as a reporter impressed her and influenced how she went about her job. Berlin’s ability to tell stories and connect with those he was interviewing was special, so much so that Faulkner said his approach to his work helped her find balance then and it’s a balance that remains, allowing her to juggle her many commitments.

“One of the things we do as young reporters in the field is try to tell everybody else’s stories impactfully and memorably,” Faulkner said. “For me, the experience was that I was completely out of balance. When out of balance you tend to ask really boring questions; you don’t have texture and you don’t have depth to your life. I’ve always had a fierce work ethic, but when a story was over I just moved on to the next thing.

“He [Berlin] was one of their star reporters and an amazing storyteller, a live-shot artist. So just being around him in the beginning when we were dating made me a better on camera journalist. He was using everything spatially to tell the story and that mesmerized me. I thought ‘Watch the way he listens to people.’ When I got to know him, he was just really balanced. After got married, my life changed. He didn’t just put a ring on it and my last name would change. Not just my status changed, my whole world was different because this human being that really believed that every human being is worth sitting down with and talking to infiltrated it. It made me love what we do even more.”

That love and passion for her work is obvious. Just check the ratings if there any doubts.

Faulkner serves as a role model for many, particular women of color, and understands the significance and impact she continues to have as a result of her achievements. There will always be those who admire her and those who will vilify her simply because she is who she is.

“People of color come up to me and say thank you,” Faulkner said. “But it’s [also] a challenge. Some people look at me as not being black enough. Some people call me the n word. Some people think I am privileged. Can’t they just watch me?”

If “they” did, they’d eventually come to know that this down-to-earth, suburban mom who can rock a scrunchie and sing in the car with her kids is quite impressive, whether she’s working on the air or in her home.

FRIENDS of HackensackUMC

FRIENDS of HackensackUMC held another event in their series of community, educational offerings at Seasons Catering in Washington Township. For more information, visit www.hackensackumc.org.

Gift of Life America Golf Classic

Gift of Life America held their 15th annual Golf Classic at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale. For more information, visit www.giftoflifeamerica.com.

Montvale Resident Hosts ‘ REALLY FAMOUS ,’ Where Celebs Get Real

KBy Kimberly Redmond

ara Mayer Robinson regularly mixes business with pleasure.

For the last two years, the Montvale resident has hosted and produced Really Famous podcast, where she does deep dives with actors, musicians and other personalities.

Every Monday, Robinson posts a new 60-minute episode, which is available on Apple, Spotify, Pandora, Google, Stitcher and iHeartRadio online. She also has a YouTube channel (youtube.com/reallyfamous), where she uploads videos of her interviews.

Among the celebrities she’s interviewed: Spike Lee, Sharon Stone, Mandy Moore, Tim Gunn, Seth Rogen, Kevin Hart, Omar Epps, Michael Imperioli, Steven Zahn, Jay Mohr, Ana Gasteyer, Fabio and Christina Aguilera.

What she hears often from stars, as well as listeners, is that her interviews feel a lot like “sitting down and catching up with a friend for coffee.”

“I feel very lucky,” said the wife and mother of three. “What I need to do to thrive is have variety and do what I feel passionate about. It took all these career path changes to pursue what I wanted to do.”

“It was a long, windy road to the show,” Robinson said. “And, I never intended to go in the direction that I’ve gone. You only live once, so if you’re not happy I don’t think you need to suffer. I thrive on change – it feels good,” she said.

After graduating with an accounting degree from the University of Florida, Robinson worked at a bank for about a year and “didn’t like it,” she said. Robinson went on to take a job at Com-

edy Central in the sales department, but said she found business “wasn’t for me.”

She decided to pursue a career that would put her more in touch with people, instead. Robinson earned a master’s degree in developmental psychology from Columbia University and launched her own practice in 1997.

“There were so many self-help books flying off the shelves at the time. I saw those books and thought, ‘I could totally write one of these,’” she said. “I always liked writing, so I decided to go for it.”

Robinson put together a book proposal and shopped it around to several publishing houses, however she didn’t receive any offers.

“I got a similar response. They told me they thought it was a great idea, but because I had never been published, they sug-

gested I get published, then return,” she said.

From there, she began freelancing for local newspapers and magazines, and then worked her way up to writing for larger publications, such as Women’s Health and Fitness, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Hollywood Reporter and WebMD.

“My favorite kind of writing is interviewing and profiling. I love doing a Q&A instead of a narrative,” she said. “I’m so into people and so intrigued by their experiences.”

Two years ago, she decided to create a podcast that aimed to deliver “real conversations with spectacular people” and help listeners get to know celebrities in a different way.

By using connections she made while working as a freelance journalist, Robinson reached out to publicists and other entertainment industry-related professionals she knew to help get started.

“When I began, I decided to go back to people that I had interviewed in the past that I connected with and knew I was trustworthy,” Robinson said. “I was nervous asking them, but I went for it and they all said ‘yes.’”

Some of her first guests were Tim Gunn, Daymond John and Debi Mazar.

“Almost all of my deep dives reveal things that have never been revealed before,” she said. “I am a therapist, so very often my interviews go very deep and there’s all sorts of personal details revealed.”

Robinson added: “It’s not salacious though.”

“I think what my listeners like is that they hear things that’ll help them get to know a celebrity in a way they never imagined,” she said. “Some celebrities cry – it doesn’t happen a lot – but it can be almost therapeutic for them.”

There’s also been shocking reveals on Really Famous podcast.

“Tim Gunn talked about how much he detests one of the judges,” she said. That wound up spreading online, earning Robinson’s show some mentions on entertainment news websites and blogs.

From there, the podcast gained momentum.

She conducts all of her interviews in person at a studio in New York City. About once a year, Robinson will fly out to Los Angeles, Calif., where she’ll spend about two or three weeks conducting several interviews to be featured on upcoming episodes.

Robinson also handles promoting, booking guests and editing the show, as well as continues to work as a freelance journalist.

She also has to keep up with what’s new and hot in the entertainment industry, so she’s always reading a new book, catching up on a television series or checking out a newly-released album or film.

“I’m not all work and no play, but I do feel like my work is play,” she said.

In between, Robinson enjoys spending time with her husband, David, three children, Taylor, 19, Griffin, 15 and Charlie, 11, and friends.

As for her dream interview, that’s impossible for Robinson to nail down.

“There’s way too many,” she said.

Just a few of the celebs she’s eager to interview: Ray Liotta, Ethan Hawke, James Caan, Patricia Arquette, Lisa Kudrow, Eddie Murphy, Benicio Del Toro, Joe Pesci, Diane Keaton and John Travolta.

“I am drawn to people who feel really real to me,” Robinson said. “I am all about getting to the heart of someone.”

For more information about Robinson’s show, visit ReallyFamousPodcast.com.

St. Joseph’s Health Foundation Gala

The St. Joseph’s Health Foundation held their annual gala at the Newark National Building. For more information, visit www.stjosephshealth.org.

Fall is perfect for making time for fun before the busy holiday season – go for a fall picnic, visit your local orchard or pumpkin patch, and take advantage of all the flavors fall has to offer.

Trim time grocery shopping so you can partake in your favorite fall activities by relying on a one-stop-shop like ALDI, now open in Hack-

ensack. Whether you’re looking for a new pumpkin spice treat or need quality ingredients for your famous chili, you can find it all at walletfriendly prices.

Before heading to ALDI, be sure to add the ingredients for these delicious, comforting, nohassle recipes to your shopping list.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl

1/2cup Baker’s Corner

100% Pure Canned Pumpkin

1/2cup Friendly Farms Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt

1/2 frozen banana

1/2 cup Friendly Farms Unsweetened Original Almondmilk

2 teaspoons Specially Selected

100% Pure Maple Syrup

1 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice

Optional garnishes:

SimplyNature Flax Seed

Southern Grove Chia Seeds

Baker’s Corner Semi-Sweet

Mini Morsels

Southern Grove Chopped

Pecans, toasted

Apple slices

SimplyNature Organic Ground Cinnamon

Blend canned pumpkin, yogurt, banana, milk, syrup and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.Transfer to serving bowl. Top with desired garnishes.

Mini Pumpkin Parfait with Cranberry Caramel

Recipe courtesy of Chef Kates, ALDI Test Kitchen

1 package Cafe Bistro Spekulatius

Spiced Cookies

1/2 cup Countryside Creamery

Unsalted Butter, divided

1/2 cup packed Baker's Corner

Brown Sugar

1/4 cup water

1 cup Sweet Harvest Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

8 ounces Happy Farms Pumpkin Spice

Cream Cheese Spread, softened

1/4 cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar

1 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin

8 ounces Friendly Farms Whipped Topping, divided

Place cookies in food processor and pulse to form fine crumbs.

In medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add cookie crumbs and stir over medium heat 5 minutes, or until toasted. Remove from heat.

To make caramel: Bring brown sugar and water to simmer. Cook about 10 minutes, or until color changes to dark amber. Do not stir, but watch closely. Stir in cranberry sauce and remaining butter. Return to simmer and continue stirring until well combined and thickened slightly, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Press warm cookie crumbs in bottom of small serving glasses, such as clear shot glasses, espresso cups, small bowls or parfait glasses. Set aside.

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin and continue mixing to combine. Gently fold in 6 ounces whipped topping.

To complete assembly, top crumbs with layers of cranberry caramel and pumpkin cream. Repeat layers, including crumbs, 2-3 times depending on glass size. Top each parfait with dollop of remaining whipped topping. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 8 hours.

Fall as plenty of delicious offerings. Think pumpkin, apples and pears, to name a few.

For a quick and satisfying treat, give these a try:

• The great taste of seasonal produce can stand on its own, adding star power to simple recipes. Baked pears or apples are a sweet, festive treat. Slice them in half and fill with walnuts, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake until the sugars caramelize and fruits soften.

• Take on-the-go snacks to the next level by coating almonds or garbanzo beans in your favorite seasonal spices and baking until crispy.

Five Hacks for Holiday Hosting

It may feel impossible to fit even more into already jam-packed days, but when the holidays roll around, entertaining and celebrating always find a way. Fortunately, you can find some shortcuts when hosting that offer plenty of festive style while also helping you avoid stressing over every detail.

This year, rely on some timesaving hacks so you’re not just throwing the holiday party, but enjoying some seasonal fun of your own.

Repurpose with purpose.

There’s no need to make time for a trip to the store or to spend a bundle on party supplies. A pretty, oversized flowerpot or planter that has been cast aside for winter makes a perfect tub for icing down beverages. When it comes to decor, you can cover any old box with some of last year’s leftover holiday paper to add some colorful touches around the home. A similar idea: wrap canvas art or other frames in pretty paper to extend the theme up the walls.

Make easy attractive.

Most holiday celebrations center on the food, but it’s still an area where you can shave some time. For a more elegant affair, use products – such as the Chinet Cut Crystal collection – that are part of a fully coordinated line of disposable plates, cups, cutlery and wineglasses. Guests will barely realize they’re not using the good china, but you’ll definitely notice when you’re able to skip time at the sink to spend more precious moments with your loved ones.

Fill the freezer.

Whether your holiday entertaining is more impromptu in nature or you host a single sizable shindig, keeping a well-stocked freezer can help make hosting a cinch. Dedicate an afternoon to preparing items you can easily defrost and serve later, like casseroles, appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Forgo fussy food.

An elegant sit-down meal isn’t the only way to enjoy a holiday gathering. Guests may even appreciate a break from traditional heavier fare. Simple food stations, finger foods and even store-bought meals are all timesaving alternatives. Another timesaving option: dressing up store-bought food as part of a larger spread. For example, you can top side dishes like mashed potatoes with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with cheese or embellish a main course such as ham with rosemary sprigs and fresh fruit.

Keep cleanup simple.

For a festive, yet deceptively easy table, consider using Kraft paper as tablecloths and let some of that leftover wrapping paper do double-duty as table runners. Simply cut the wrapping paper to your desired length and fold the edges under to create clean seams. Match the DIY table coverings with a coordinated line of disposable tableware to make cleaning up a cinch.

Can’t Find The ‘Perfect’ Gift? Make One

The holidays are coming fast and, for many, it comes with a lot of unnecessary stress. Not only do you have holiday parties and get-togethers to attend, but you also have to find the “perfect” gift. It’s difficult. That’s exactly why it’s tempting to buy a gift card, which lacks personality.

So, what about trying something new this year and making an ornament that’s affordable and personalized? You can give it by itself or in addition to a gift card. Ornaments don’t cost much nor do they take a lot of time to make.

Here’s three different ideas.

Personalized Christmas Ball

Supplies:

• Glass Ornament Ball

• DecoArt Gloss Enamels Paint and/or DecoArt Pens

• Pearls

• Ribbon

• Craft Glue and/or Hot Glue

Directions:

1. Open the top of the glass ornament and fill with pearls.

2. Put the top back on the ornament.

3. Using the DecoArt Gloss Enamels paint (or if using the DecoArt Pen, write) the recipient’s name and if you’d like add polka dots or a little black bow.

4. Let it dry and when completely dry, use a ribbon and make a bow at the top.

5. Wrap it up nicely with or without a gift card attached.

NOTE: Looking to make one for the men in your life? Be creative and add in something other than pearls.

Supplies:

• Wood Slices

• DecoArt Multi-Surface Paint

• Pom-poms, ribbons, etc.

Directions:

1. Using a pencil, trace what you want onto the wood piece. If you make any mistakes, you can always erase. Here are some cute ideas that you can do with templates: Mr. & Mrs. + Last Name; Baby’s First Christmas + Year; First Christmas In Our New Home + Year; etc.

2. Add a ribbon, glitter, and anything else you want to jazz it up.

Personalized Kid-Approved Ornaments

Supplies:

•Glass Ornament Ball

•DecoArt Gloss Enamels Paint and /or DecoArt Pens

•Pom-Poms

•Ribbon

•Craft Glue and/or Hot Glue

Directions:

1.Using DecoArt Gloss Enamels or the DecoArt pen, paint the outline for the eyes and face. Keep in mind: There are so many different characters that you can make, but start out with the color of the face. Is the character blue, yellow, brown or green? Either purchase colored balls from Michaels or purchase clear balls and add shredded paper that matches the face into the ball.

2.Let it dry and then add on pom-poms, pipe cleaners, etc. on with a hot glue gun.

Optional: Personalize the back with their name.

F

o r

TF i t t i n g S n a c k s

H

o

l i d a y F e s t i v i t i e s

he to-do list for holiday hosts seems to be a never-ending one, starting with planning, guest lists and preparation then ending with goodbyes and cleanup. The hours of work that go into a festive get-together are almost always worth it in the end, and family members surely appreciate the hospitality – especially when it comes to food.

When hosting for the holidays, it can be a challenge to accommodate all of your guests’ favorite tastes while factoring in dietary preferences and restrictions. Building out a balanced menu, like other parts of hosting, starts with devising a thought-out plan.

To help accomplish this task without cooking up personal dishes for everybody in the house, consider these simple tips:

• Request that guests RSVP. Assuming you have a basic understanding of which friends and family members adhere to special diets, knowing exactly who is coming can be a major help before heading to the store.

• Think back to past festivities. Try to remember which dishes were hits at last year’s party, and which ones were hardly touched. Maybe the appetizers that disappeared in a flash will be good ideas to repeat this year.

• Create dishes that fit (almost) everyone. While you can’t control guests’ flavor preferences, it is possible to whip up snack trays, main courses, desserts and more that fit a multitude of dietary restrictions.

• Add “warning” labels. Despite your best efforts, it can be nearly impossible to create foods every single person can enjoy. If you make a dish containing a common allergen, such as peanuts, simply place a card next to the bowl, tray, plate or pan that informs guests of the ingredients included.

4 ounces apple butter

1 bag Crunchmaster Pumpkin

Harvest Crackers

3ounces toasted pepitas

12slivers fresh sage

Spread apple butter over one cracker and sprinkle with pinch of pepitas. Top with sage sliver.

For serving, scoop apple butter into small crock or serving vessel. Place pepitas and sage in serving dishes. Place assembled stacker on platter with crackers. Add serving dishes, if space allows, or position around platter.

Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 5 minutes • Servings: 6

24Crunchmaster Multi-Grain

Crackers, Sea Salt flavor

24small slices Brie cheese

1/4cup prepared cranberry sauce

2slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Heat broiler to high and position rack in center of oven. Arrange crackers in single layer on foil-lined baking sheet.

Top each cracker with slice of Brie, 1/2 teaspoon cranberry sauce and sprinkle of bacon. Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Tip: For vegetarian option, substitute chopped hickory-smoked almonds or pecans for bacon.

2 ounces prosciutto

1 ounce aged balsamic vinegar (syrupy consistency)

4 ounces gorgonzola

4 ounces aged Parmesan, shaved 1 bag Crunchmaster Pumpkin Harvest Crackers

Cut prosciutto into cracker-size pieces, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Pour vinegar into small carafe or dish with serving spoon.

Layer gorgonzola, 1-2 pieces prosciutto and 1-2 pieces shaved Parmesan on one cracker.

Drizzle lightly with vinegar. Place on wooden or slate serving platter to serve as inspiration to guests. Plate remaining prosciutto, gorgonzola, Parmesan and crackers on platter before serving and place vinegar nearby.

How To Host a ‘Healthy’ Holiday Party

By Audrey Zona

Why do we cringe when we see “healthy” and “holiday” in the same sentence? A clue may be that the holidays are a celebration of traditions, religious faith, family, needed time off from work and a real escape from “the musts” in life. I’d like to see us break from this idea that you cannot find holiday cheer unless you escape by overindulging and stressing yourself out. I’m here to tell you that you can celebrate the holiday season without carrying extra work, pounds and guilt.

When I was asked what it could be like to host a healthy holiday party, my mind went to careful planning, tips for an easy menu and focusing on gratitude.

Planning

For starters, you don’t need to create everything that you will be serving. Buy some of your appetizers, like almonds or spicy nuts, fruit and cheese, to pass as guests arrive.

Rather than a full sit-down party, embrace small bites or finger food. People want to chat, snack and mingle. Here is a sample menu: bite-size chicken meatballs (see recipe that follows); vegetable crudités; shrimp cocktail; mini crab cakes; smoked salmon and cream cheese cucumber bites; tomato soup shots; and a sushi platter.

Providing a variety allows guests to choose based on their personal tastes, but won’t overwhelm you with creating 15 options when seven or eight good ones will do.

Helpful Tips

If you’re trying a new recipe that you’re excited about serving, test it ahead of time, especially if it’s a healthy option that has ingredient substitutions.

If you’re hosting a potluck, make sure you have one or two healthy, but filling, options for yourself and others who may be trying to watch calorie intake. Serve on small plates. It encourages portions control.

Make cute little place cards with cues for gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free and mix those in with cards that say “celebrate” and “yum.”

If you want to ensure that there is no waste and you’re not stuck with more food than you can possible eat, consider togo Chinese containers. Place these somewhere handy. At the end of the evening, people can take home the leftovers.

Gratitude

We forget that positive feelings are the product of positive thinking and good choices. It has been scientifically proven

that a sense of contentment and belonging affects the body in positive ways. Make gratitude an element of your holiday celebrations.

Ask your guests to take a minute to focus on their favorite holiday memory or a member of their family and write down on a card that memory or what they’re grateful for. Some hosts tie these cards to a special tree at the party so that others can read. Others ask guests to share them aloud if inclined, or you can provide an envelope so that they can send their special memory to that person or share thoughts at another holiday gathering.

Audrey Zona is an integrative health and wellness coach and the founder of Zo Healthy, www.livezohealthy.com. She is a mother, wife and personal coach who loves seeing her clients break old diet patterns and enjoy more satisfying, healthier lives. Follow Audrew on Instagram (@zo_healthy) for recipes, tips and tricks for leading a healthy lifestyle.

Experience Matters

Choosing a home care agency for yourself or a loved one?

quality care and assuring clients’ dignity, comfort and independence in their own home. HomeWell is:

Family owned and operated since 2005

Accredited with distinction by New Jersey CAHC

Committed to providing compassionate care and peace of mind for you and your loved one

Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs

Recipe is compliments of Chef Craig Chomsky of CK Kitchen, located in Waldwick.

Ingredients:

1 pound 99% lean organic ground chicken

1 egg

1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs

2 Tbsp diced fresh basil

2 Tbsp ketchup

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup sweet onions, diced

1 Tbsp garlic, diced

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions:

1.Dice and sauté the garlic and onion, then cool off.

2.Next, in a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and onion mix. Mix with your hands and make it completely mixed together.

3.Get a large sheet tray and put parchment paper down.

4.Evenly portion the meatballs and space them so they can cook evenly.

5.Turn the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Convection and bake for 15-18 minutes. The internal temperature must be 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be finished cooking completely.

HOLIDAAY GIFT GUIDE

$275

Card Specials

$450

$625

$800 valued at $900

$975 valued at $1,100

IBy Kristin Favaloro

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially for all my makeup and skincare junkies! I love all the holiday sets that come out this time of year. I have handpicked some of my favorite sets and services from around Bergen County. From your dad to your teenager, there is something for everyone on that nice (and maybe naughty) list.

Patchology Patching All the Way Gift Set

If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, I think this is it! I love this line of sheet masks and this set contains eight single use masks for $20. Available at Bluemercury, 93 Vervalen St., Closter.

Laura Mercier Luxe Ultime

Ambre Vanille Luxe Body Collection

This is the gift I will be getting for my mom (Hopefully she’s not reading this!). I love all Laura Mercier body and fragrance products, but Amber Vanilla is my favorite scent. The set comes with everything you need to smell amazing. Available at Bluemercury, 93 Vervalen St., Closter.

One of my favorite skincare lines is Fresh and this is set has so many good products in it. The overnight mask and the toner are two of my favorites. It is perfect for that skincare junkie on your list. Available at Sephora, Paramus Park, 1460 Paramus Park Mall, Paramus; Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza Boulevard, Paramus.

Too Faced Gingerbread

Bronzed and Kissed Set

It doesn’t get more holiday than this set right here. The Too Faced gingerbread collection smells amazing. This set has one of my favorite products a bronzer and a lipstick in the cutest gingerbread cosmetic bag. I think it’s perfect for any young girl on your list that loves makeup. Available at Sephora, Paramus Park, 1460 Paramus Park Mall, Paramus; Westfield Garden State Plaza, 1 Garden State Plaza Boulevard, Paramus.

Lash Lift Brows By Kristina

I am always a sucker for long lashes and a great alternative to the high maintenance of lash extensions is a lash lift. Of course, I only go to the best! I think this is a great gift that most people don’t splurge on for themselves. Available at The Strand Salon, 10 NJ-4, River Edge.

I can’t forget all the men out there, and this Kiehl’s set is so good. It has a great wash, moisturizer and eye cream. The hand cream, though, is probably one of my husband’s favorite products ever. Available at Bluemercury, 93 Vervalen St., Closter.

Charlotte Tilbury the Gift of Pillow Talk Set

This to me is a great gift because this is my Holy Grail lipstick and liner. If you have wanted to try this amazing line this is the perfect way. Available at Bloomingdale’s, The Shops at Riverside, 400 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack.

Makeup Class at Muah Makeup and Lash Bar

For any makeup lover, I think this is a great option for something different and fun. With eight classes to choose from, there is something for. Muah Makeup and Lash Bar is located at 180 Westwood Ave. in Westwood.

Microblading at Casa de Piel

If you don’t know what to get for you’re the woman in your life, I think microblading is the way to go. I had mine done at Casa de Piel in Tenafly and the obsession is real. I have natural, flawless brows every single day. Casa de Piel is located at 2 Highwood Ave. in Tenafly.

Blow Out Package at Beautiful Revenge

Kristin Favaloro is a Jersey girl with a serious makeup and skincare obsession. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/ beautyandtheburbsnj or visit her blog at www.beautyandtheburbsnj.com to discover all that Bergen County has to make a beautiful you. Have a product you’d like Kristin to check out? Email her directly at beautyandtheburbs201@ gmail.com.

Who doesn’t love a good hair day? I am fully obsessed with the blowouts at Beautiful Revenge. Their blow out package is four for $100, and you can’t beat that. Beautiful Revenge Salon is located at 251 Westwood Ave. in Westwood.

STYLE WITH SONECA

Make Holiday Dressing Easy With A Wardrobe Capsule

By Soneca Guadara

We all know how exhausting holiday party season really is. Yes, it’s exciting to get invited to all these events and to be able to meet up with new and old friends, but all this celebrating takes a toll on you and your wallet. Keep things simple and bump the brakes on spending to create a wardrobe capsule geared towards holiday outfits.

You may be asking what is a wardrobe capsule; it’s basically a collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion from season-to-season. The holiday capsule is made up of basics you can interchange and more glitz and glam items to rotate. Mix and match what you already own; this in turn will help take away the holiday stress. The wardrobe capsule is the building blocks of your closet that support the foundation of your personal style. It’s worth it to invest in classic timeless pieces that set your current fashion style. So, save your extra cash for those holiday presents.

These are a few items to help build your holiday capsule: a statement jacket; statement earrings; evening clutch; turtleneck; camisole/silk top; black heels; dress; party pants; and black booties.

Look One

You want to look showy yet elegant all at the same time. Opt for a pair of party pants (something with sheen or metallic) and how about an eye-catching coat.

Cozy and chic. Layer statement pieces that work together. 2 3 4 5

Look Two

Ready to dance the night away? How about using those same party pants paired with the silk camisole? Add a cute pair of statement earrings, and add your evening clutch.

Look Three

How about layering a turtleneck under your party dress for a little more coverage? This could be worn to a house party or somewhere with a more casual feel.

Look Four

For that polished look, top your dress with a blazer and add fancy heels.

Look Five

There you have it – five examples on how to mix and match your holiday wardrobe capsule. You can easily turn these pieces into another five outfits or more.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who makes her clients feel beautiful and confident. When Soneca is not working her magic assisting her clients, she can be found working backstage at New York Fashion Week, working on location shoots and contributing as an onair fashion/style expert and style writer. You can follow Soneca on her Instagram (@stylebysoneca) for weekly style tips.

Share your generosity with worthy area charities

Giving Guide

This year join forces with other like-minded individuals and organizations, such as the ones that follow, to continue Bergen County’s long-standing spirit of caring commitment to improving our communities and all of those who call it home.

Center For Food Action of New Jersey

192 West Demarest Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631

Contact: Director of Communications & Community Relations Jennifer Johnson

Phone: (201) 569-1804, ext. 28

Email: jenniferjohnson@cfanj.org

Web: www.cfanj.org

Mission: The organization’s goal is to prevent hunger and homelessness and to improve the lives of individuals and families. It provides emergency food, utility and housing assistance, advocacy, counseling services and access to other community resources. CFA helps clients find solutions to problems, achieve financial stability and create a brighter future.

Habitat For Humanity of Bergen County

121 Carver Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675

Contact: Executive Director Jacey Raimondo

Phone: (201) 457-1020

Email: jaceyr@habitatbergen.org

Web: www.habitatbergen.org

Mission: Habitat For Humanity of Bergen County was established in 1994 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Its mission is to provide decent, affordable homes for hardworking Bergen County families.

New Concepts For Living

68A West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07662

Contact: Associate Executive Director Adam Fishman

Phone: (201) 843-3427

Email: info@ncfl.net

Web: www.ncfl.net

Mission: New Concepts For Living is a community nonprofit organization committed to people with disabilities and their families. Inspired by the vision of families and consumers, New Concepts enables people to realize their dreams and achieve their individual potential through quality community program supports and services.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

1 Bergen County Plaza, Suite 440, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Contact: Executive Director Ellen Davis

Phone: (201) 336-7520

Email: ellendavis@bergencasa.org

Web: www.bergencasa.org

Mission: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) For Children of Bergen County is an independent, non-profit organization of professionals and trained volunteers who have been appointed by the NJ Family Court to advocate for children removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. CASA works to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to these children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.

Multiple Sclerosis Care Center

Holy Name Hospital

718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666

Contact: Development Officer Lisa Futterman

Phone: (201) 833-3000, ext. 3899

Email: futterman@holyname.org

Web: www.holyname.org/mscenter

Mission: The Multiple Sclerosis Care Center is New Jersey’s only non-profit licensed facility providing healthcare and related services to patients with MS regardless of their ability to pay.

Hope For Children Research Foundation

700D Lake St., Ramsey, NJ 07446

Contact: Executive Director Meg Minassian

Phone: (201) 962-8686

Email: cgf01@aol.com

Web: www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org

Mission: The hope of the foundation is finding new treatments and cures for children with neurological diseases. The foundation hopes a doctor will never again have to say to a mother or father, “Take your child home; there’s nothing we can do.”

Pet ResQ, Inc.

24 West Railroad Ave., Suite 172, Tenafly, NJ 07670

Contact: Founder Robyn Urman Phone: (201) 450-5992

Email: petresqinc123@gmail.com

Web: www.petresqinc.org

Mission: Pet ResQ, Inc. is a small group of volunteers who believe that all living creatures deserve a change. They exist solely on donations and the efforts of volunteers and foster homes. They tend to rescue the elderly and handicapped pets that otherwise would not stand a chance at life.

Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation

P.O. Box 547, Tenafly, NJ 07670

Contact: Founding President & Executive Director Lisa Yue Phone: (866) 808-2873

Email: info@childrenscardiomyopathy.org

Web: www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org

Mission: The Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation is dedicated to finding the cause and cure for pediatric cardiomyopathy, a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease of the heart muscle, through the support of research, education and increased awareness and advocacy.

Sharsheret

1086 Teaneck Road, Suite 2G, Teaneck, NJ 07666

Contact: Executive Director Elana Silber

Phone: (201) 833-2341

Email: esilber@sharsheret.org

Web: www.sharsheret.org

Mission: Sharsheret is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young Jewish women and their families facing breast cancer. Their mission is to offer a community of support to woman of all Jewish backgrounds diagnosed with breast cancer or at an increased genetic risk by fostering culturally relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals and related resources.

Pony Power Therapies

1170 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430

Contact: Founder & Executive Director Donna Spett

Phone: (201) 934-1001

Email: dana@ponypowernj.org

Web: www.ponypowernj.org

Mission: Pony Power Therapies is a non-profit organization giving special needs and at-risk children and adults a unique opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses. The riding and non-riding activities enhance individuals’ physical, social and emotional wellbeing in a safe, nurturing farm environment.

200 Club of Bergen County

560 Hudson St., Hackensack, NJ 07601

Contact: Executive Director Andrea Betancourt

Phone: (201) 229-0600

Email: info@200club.org

Web: www.200club.org

Mission: To benefit law enforcement, fire or emergency personnel who die or are seriously injured in the line of duty. Their motto is “serving our servants.”

Heightened

Independence & Progress (hip)

131 Main St., Suite 120, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Contact: President/CEO Eileen Goff

Phone: (201) 996-9100 Email: ber@hipcil.org

Web: www.hipcil.org

Mission: Heightened Independence & Progress is a nonprofit agency run by and for people with disabilities.With Centers For Independent Living in Bergen and Hudson counties, hip’s mission is to empower people with disabilities to achieve independent living through outreach, advocacy and education. hip offers wide-ranging programs and services to people with disabilities of all ages.

Juvenile

Diabetes Research Fund’s New Jersey Metro and Rockland County Chapter (JDRF)

1480 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 306, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

Contact: Executive Director Jess Backofen

Phone: (732) 219-6654 Email: jbackofen@jdrf.org

Web: www.jdrf.org/newjerseymetro

Mission: To find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research while providing support for those living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families in the community.

Julia’s Butterfly Foundation

637 Wyckoff Ave., Suite 285, Wyckoff, NJ 07481

Contact: President Christine Callahan

Phone: (201) 675-9961

Email: Christine@juliasbutterflyfoundation.org

Web: www.juliasbutterflyfoundation.org

Mission: Julia’s Butterfly Foundation is a volunteer, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of terminally and chronically ill children and their families.The foundation honors the memory of 6-year-old Julia Marie Bommer, who passed away in 2005 following her brave battle against a rare kidney disorder. It is the foundation’s goal to pay tribute to Julia’s life by helping other children and their families struggling with the demands of their unique circumstances. The foundation is humbled by the courage and dedication of the children and caregivers they support, and consider it a privilege to provide financial aid, physical assistance and services to those who need it most.

Tomorrows Children’s Fund (TCF)

30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601

Contact: Administrative Director Susan Garbe

Phone: (551) 996-5504

Email: sgarbe@tcfkid.org

Web: www.tcfkid.org

Mission: The Tomorrows Children’s Fund was founded by a group of committed parents to help their children and others like them with cancer and serious blood disorders. With the help of friends and supporters, today, TCF provides a warm, healthy and loving environment for children in treatment, a full scope of services to relieve families’ emotional and financial stress and the very best possible medical care – all of which confirms TCF’s belief that through hope, hard work and heartfelt generosity, extraordinary things are possible.

bergenPAC (Performing Arts Center)

30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ 07631

Contact: President & CEO Dominic Roncace

Phone: (201) 816-8160

Email: droncace@bergenpac.org

Web: www.bergenpac.org

Mission: To make the live performing arts accessible, and to speak to the lives of its diverse community. bergenPAC builds a creative home for artists of excellence and relevance, who entertain and enlighten, inspire and inform audiences.

Foundation for Autism Training and Education (FATE)

P.O. Box 1157, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632

Contact: Director of Development Sheilagh Cirillo

Phone: (201) 541-9833

Email: info@thefate.org

Web: www.thefate.org

Mission: FATE strives to help individuals with autism achieve their highest level of independence within their home, school and community.

West Bergen Mental Health

120 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Contact: Chief Development Officer Barbara Krusko

Phone: (201) 444-3550

Email: bkrusko@westbergen.org

Web: www.westbergen.org

Mission: The agency’s mission is to treat severe mental illness in children and adults and promote psychological health and personal growth. It provides comprehensive treatment and supportive services for clients and the surrounding community.

The

Volunteer Center of Bergen County

64 Passaic St., Hackensack, NJ 07601

Contact: CEO Lynne Algrant

Phone: (201) 489-9454, ext. 201

Email: lalgrant@bergenvolunteers.org

Web: www.bergenvolunteers.org

Mission: The Volunteer Center of Bergen County strengthens the community by connecting people with opportunities to serve, operating model volunteer programs, building capacity for effective volunteering and participating in strategic partnerships that meet community needs.

The Community Chest

122 S. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ 07631

Contact: Executive Director Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer

Phone: (201) 568-7474

Email: shelly@communitychestofenglewood.org

Web: www.communitychestofenglewood.org

Mission: The Community Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to residents and provides coordinating and planning services in Englewood, Englewood Cliffs and Tenafly to support a range of needs, including hunger, afterschool programming, elderly care, career counseling for women, mental health services, environmental education and medical care to low-income pregnant women.

The

Comedy Cures Foundation

122 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ 07670

Contact: Founder Saranne Rothberg

Phone: (201) 227-8410

Email: info@comedycures.org

Web: www.comedycures.org

Mission: The Comedy Cures Foundation is a national nonprofit organization bringing joy, laughter and therapeutic humor programs to kids and grown-ups living with illness, depression, trauma and disabilities.

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. (RBARI)

2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436

Contact: Executive Director Megan Boyle

Phone: (201) 337-5180

Email: adoptlove@rbari.org

Web: www.rbari.org

Mission: RBARI believes that all animals have a natural right to humane treatment, including proper care, respect and safe shelter.Their primary mission is to provide sanctuary while finding permanent, loving homes for the many animals that arrive in their shelter, including feral, elderly, handicapped and formerly abused animals. Animals in their care receive lots of love, shelter, food and medical care. RBARI adheres to a “no-kill” policy, giving animals an open-ended stay at a warm, safe place until loving homes can be found.

Youth

Consultation Services (YCS) Foundation

235 Main St., Third Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Contact: President & CEO Richard Mingoia

Phone: (201) 678-1312

Email: rmingoia@ycs.org

Web: www.ycs.org

Mission: AT YCS, the mission is to advocate, educate, shelter and care for children in need and their families so that each can further develop the skills, self-worth and hope necessary for success within their communities.

Family Promise of Bergen County

100 Dayton St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Contact: Executive Director Kate Duggan

Phone: (201) 833-8009

Email: kduggan@bergenfamilypromise.org

Web: www.bergenfamilypromise.org

Mission: To provide hospitality to the homeless and to keep families together in times of crisis, guiding them through temporary periods of homelessness by helping them create an achievable vision and develop a strong foundation for self-sufficiency.

North Jersey Friendship Home

1125 Atlantic St., Hackensack, NJ 07601

Contact: Director of Operations John Alecci

Phone: (201) 488-2121

Email: jalecci@njfriendshiphouse.org

Web: www.njfriendshiphouse.org

Mission: To maximize the independence and community living skills of persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, in order to reduce unnecessary hospitalization, secure other health and welfare services, as required by each individual referred to Friendship House for treatment, and to render assistance voluntarily in a safe, comfortable environment. Friendship House is a non-profit rehabilitation center offering comprehensive behavioral health services, vocational training and employment support for adults with all types of disabilities. Services are designed to address the unique needs and goals of every individual.

New

Jersey Association of Verismo Opera

P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Contact: Chorus Coordinator Mary Ellen Rohon

Phone: (201) 886-0561

Email: info@verismoopera.org

Web: www.verismoopera.org

Mission: New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera’s mission is: 1) to enhance the cultural life of the community by providing a complete range of fine musical programming; 2) to educate the community about the uplifting benefits of music and, in particular, grand opera; 3) to educate and introduce youth to the joy of fine music; and 4) to provide performance opportunities to musicians and offer study grants to young performing artists.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

1701 Tower Drive, Edgewater, NJ 07020

Contact: Fred Fiddle Phone: (877) 444 -1149

Email: info@djfiddlefoundation.org

Web: www.djfiddlefoundation.org

Mission: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, the first notfor-profit and only all-volunteer-run organization in the United States to focus on adult autism has been blazing trails since 2002. It creates paths leading to fulfilling and potential driven lives.The endowed programs at America’s leading universities, resources, and public policy/awareness initiatives are person-centered and derive from the needs and hopes of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

Jewish Home Foundation of North Jersey, Inc. (JHF)

10 Link Drive, Rockleigh, NJ 07647

Contact: Executive Director Melanie S. Cohen Phone: (201) 750-4231

Email: info@jewishhomefamily.org

Web: www.jewishhomefamily.org

Mission: The mission of the Jewish Home Foundation of North Jersey, Inc. is to provide aid and support to the not-for-profit organizations of the Jewish Home Family, Jewish Home at Rockleigh, Jewish Home Assisted Living, Jewish Home at Home and Jewish Home and Rehabilitation Center. The purpose is to make healthcare, education, life enrichment, scientific and other charitable efforts available to the seniors, the elderly and infirm in the community, without regard to the individuals’ ability to pay.

Alzheimer’s New JerseyNorthern Regional Office

690 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 300, Oradell, NJ 07649

Contact: Executive Director Elaine Winter

Phone: (201) 261-6009 Email: ewinter@alznj.org

Web: www.alznj.org

Mission: Alzheimer’s New Jersey, formerly known as Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, provides programs and services to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and caregivers who live in Bergen County and the 13 other New Jersey counties. Association programs and services include education and training, support groups, respite assistance and a toll-free telephone, HelpLine.

Adler Aphasia Center

60 West Hunter Ave., Maywood, NJ 07607

Contact: Director of Development and Communications Elissa Goldstein Phone: (201) 368-8585

Email: egoldstein@AdlerAphasiaCenter.org

Web: www.adleraphasiacenter.org

Mission: The Adler Aphasia Center’s mission is to be a vital resource to anyone whose life or profession is touched by aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs the expression and understanding of spoken language, reading and writing. It occurs most often form a stroke or brain injury. This condition affects a person’s ability to communicate, but does not affect their intellect. Adler Aphasia Center provides people with aphasia the assistance they need in regaining basic communication skills, as well as their self-esteem and self-confidence, often lost as a result of their disability.

Center For Hope and Safety

12 Overlook Ave., Suite A, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662

Contact: Director of Development Jean Kirch

Phone: (201) 498-9247, ext. 301

Email: jean@hopeandsafetynj.org

Web: www.hopeandsafetynj.org

Mission: Center For Hope and Safety’s mission is to assist women and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual and physical abuse. The agency provides emergency and transitional housing, emotional support, as well as a diversified continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment and self-sufficiency.

The Office of Concern Food Pantry

55 West Demarest Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631

Contact: Director George McKenna

Phone: (201) 568-1465

Email: GMcK1230@optonline.net

Web: www.officeofconcern.com

Mission: The Office of Concern Food Pantry serves “the poorest of the poor” in northern New Jersey by supplementing their food and other basic needs with bags of food each week. Food packages contain canned goods and other non-perishables, as well as fresh poultry, fruit and vegetables and dairy products. St. Cecilia’s Church in Englewood sponsors The Office of Concern Food Pantry, but the pantry is independent functionally and financially. It serves all regardless of religion, race or culture. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each week, they move 4.5 tons of food from their warehouse to their front office for distribution to 750 needy families. The 501 (c)(3) organization is staffed by dedicated, unpaid volunteers, who operate through the generosity of foundations, businesses, churches, schools, community organizations and individuals.

The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc.

335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423

Contact: Visitor Services Manager Leslie Naghshineh

Phone: (201) 445-8311, ext. 102

Email: lnaghshineh@thehermitage.org

Web: www.thehermitage.org

Mission: The Friends of the Hermitage, Inc. was established to restore, maintain and interpret The Hermitage, along with its grounds and outbuildings. Their mission is not only to provide these services, but also to communicate to a diverse audience of students, scholars and the general public, the site, its archives and its collections as they relate to local, regional and national history beginning in 1740.

Giants of Generosity, Inc.

201 Piermont Road, Suite 16, Cresskill, NJ 07626

Contact: President & CEO D. Jane Chagaris Albanese Phone: (201) 567-2622

Email: jane@giantsofgenerosity.org

Web: www.giantsofgenerosity.org

Mission: Giants of Generosity’s mission is to quickly respond to the urgent needs of people in the community who are experiencing critical, life-altering situations. It does this by providing financial relief, connections to valuable resources and service providers. Its goals are achieved with much greater impact by leveraging resources, expertise and relationships with other, likeminded organizations whenever possible. Giants of Generosity is fully funded by the generous donations of area residents and by corporate grants.

Girl Scouts Council of Northern New Jersey

300 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ 07652

Contact: Marketing and Public Relations Director Lynn Apolinaro

Phone: (973) 248-8200

Email: lapolinaro@gsnnj.org

Web: www.gsnnj.org

Mission: Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decisionmaking; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills and cooperation with others.The Girl Scouts Council serves one in every four girls in 61 Bergen County towns, over 13,000 girls. Girls, ages 5-17, meet in age-level groups on a regular basis or they may participate in short term activities, special interest groups, neighborhood activity centers or camping.

Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF)

1 Grand Ave. Suite 3, Englewood, NJ 07631

Contact: Associate Director Danielle De Laurentis

Phone: (201) 568-5608

Email: nnjcf@nnjcf.org

Web: www.nnjcf.org

Mission: NNJCF focuses on civic engagement, education, public health and the arts by working with local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profits and citizen groups to improve community life. Foundation partners identify and resolve regional problems and opportunities by sharing ideas, services and resources. The ArtsBergen initiative supports and encourages creative place making, the integration of arts and culture into an area to build community and boost the local economy.

Advance Housing, Inc.

100 Hollister Road, Teterboro, NJ 07608

Contact: President & CEO Carolyn Jaime

Phone: (201) 498-9140

Email: cjaime@advancehousing.org

Web: www.advancehousing.org

Mission: The mission of Advance Housing, Inc. is to expand the range and scope of supportive housing opportunities available to persons with psychiatric disabilities. In addition, Advance Housing, Inc. seeks to make similar options and services available to other individuals who are in need of supportive housing. The array of outreach services, designed to help people live independently and productively in the community, will exceed the highest standards of professional practice.

Beautiful Self, Inc.

P.O. Box 241, Allendale, NJ 07401

Contact: Founder Michele Bonacorte

Phone: (201) 818-8753

Email: info@beautifulself.org

Web: www.beautifulself.org

Mission: Feeling beautiful and being able to love yourself is considered a luxury by most. Beautiful Self, Inc. is a unique therapeutic, transformational experience that peels back the layers of insecurities to expose self-love and acceptance by changing perception of inner beauty and power. Beautiful Self, Inc. believes a woman’s selfworth is essential to how she navigates and contributes to the community around her.

“We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest.”

– Orison Swett Marden

Good Samaritan Hospital

Good Samaritan Hospital held their 30th Annal Golf and Tennis Classic. For more information, visit www.goodsamhosp.org.

Hackensack Chamber of Commerce

The Hackensack Chamber of Commerce held their annual gala at the Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack. For more information, visit www.hackensackchamberorg.

IPlatelet-Rich PLASMA: What Is It and Does It Work? Platelet-Rich PLASMA: What Is It and Does It Work?

By Dr. Michael Gross

nitially in Europe, and more recently in the United States, there has been an increasing interest in the use of patient’s own blood products to stimulate healing in a variety of settings. During the past several years, much has been written about one preparation called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its potential effectiveness in the treatment of various acute injuries and chronic conditions.

Several years ago, PRP injections got their first big publicity boost when two of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ stars, Hines Ward and Troy Palamalu, were treated with PRP before they returned from injuries to win the Super Bowl. Since then, many famous athletes — Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal and others — have received PRP for various problems, such as sprained knees and chronic tendon injuries. Traditionally, these types of conditions have typically been treated with medications, physical therapy or even surgery. Some athletes have credited PRP with their being able to return more quickly to competition.

Experts agree that PRP injections may be the key to treating a variety of stubborn injuries, such as tennis elbow, tendonitis in a variety of locations and plantar fasciitis. In addition, PRP injections have frequently been used in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and other joints. Presently, we have learned more about the role of growth factors in the healing process. There is a growing enthusiasm for the use of concentrated platelets, which contain dense concentrations of growth factors to stimulate recovery for non-healing injuries. Even though PRP has received extensive publicity, there are still lingering questions about it, such as what exactly is platelet-rich plasma; how does it work; what conditions are being treated with PRP; and is PRP treatment effective?

Here are the answers to these questions, as well as some of the most common questions I am asked in my office regarding PRP treatment:

1. What is PRP?

Platelets are special types of blood cells that promote blood clotting and injury healing. Exciting research demonstrates that when a concentrated platelet solution, known as PRP, is injected into an injury it can stimulate healing. Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells and platelets). The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors, which are very important in the healing of injuries.

PRP is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets –and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors – can be five to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual.

To develop a PRP preparation for injection, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation, where the blood is spun at very high speeds for between five and 15 minutes. Then the increased concentration of platelets is combined with the remaining blood.

2. Why does PRP work?

Human platelets are extremely rich in important protein products, connective tissue growth factors and other enzymes that play important roles in the healing and regenerative processes. Injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments, tendons and joints stimulates the natural repair process. The key to obtaining benefit from injecting these natural healing proteins is that the platelets must be concentrated. In other words, by delivering a high concentration of platelets into a soft tissue injury, PRP recreates and stimulates the body’s natural healing process. Simply put, PRP jumpstarts the body’s own ability to heal itself.

3. What conditions can benefit from treatment with PRP?

PRP treatment works best for chronic ligament and tendon sprains or strains that have not recovered with other conservative treatment. These injuries include rotator cuff injuries; tennis elbow; golfer’s elbow; hamstring injuries; knee ligament sprains; patella tendonitis; ankle sprains; Achilles tendonitis and partial tears; plantar fasciitis; and osteoarthritis.

4. How is PRP done?

In the office, one syringe of blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a special centrifuge where it is spun at high speed. By doing this, the platelets are separated from the red blood cells and other blood products. In addition, they are highly concentrated, thereby multiplying the healing strength of the platelets, growth factors and enzymes. The injured area is anesthetized and then injected with this high concentration of platelets. By injecting concentrated platelets and their growth factor directly into an injured area, the bodies own healing and regeneration processes are strongly stimulated to start and assisted in their effect.

5. How many injections are needed?

Many patients respond after the first treatment. A follow up appointment is scheduled six to eight weeks after the injection to evaluate the patient’s progress. In some patients, up to three sessions are necessary. There’s no set number of injections in a course of therapy, although several doctors who have published articles on the topic recommend one to three injections, with four weeks between injections.

6. Do PRP injections hurt?

The injured area is first anesthetized with long and short acting medications, so the actual injections are only slightly uncomfortable. Once the numbness wears off, there may be some mild increase in pain for several days. Patients are instructed to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Celebrex and others, since they will neutralize the healing response that is stimulated by the PRP. Tylenol is OK.

7. Are there risks associated with PRP?

Of course, any time there is an injection, there are risks of infection, bleeding or even nerve damage. However, all of these are extremely rare. Since we are injecting the patient’s own blood back into the injury, the risks of any allergy or sensitivity doesn’t exist.

8. What is the success rate for PRP injections?

Most recent studies suggest a significant success rate for PRP therapy. Research studies are currently being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP treatment. At this time, the results of these studies are inconclusive because the effectiveness of PRP therapy can vary. Factors that can influence the effectiveness of PRP treatment include the area of the body being treated; the overall health of the patient; and whether the injury is acute (such as from a fall) or chronic (an injury developing over time).

Some patients experience partial improvement, and many patients have complete relief. Since PRP stimulates healing and is not a “cover up,” results are generally permanent.

In summary, PRP now provides a promising alternative for the treatment of a variety of injuries and chronic conditions. It is safe, easy to perform and promotes a natural healing response for patients. Treatment with PRP is very promising and exciting, however, current research studies to back up the claims in the media is still inconclusive. Even though the success of PRP therapy is still being studied, the risks associated with it are minimal: There may be increased pain at the injection site, but the incidence of other problems – infection, tissue damage and/or nerve injuries – appears to be no different than those associated with cortisone injections.

Dr. Michael Gross is the founder and director of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. He is the orthopedic director for Sports Medicine at Hackensack Meridian Medical Center and an assistant professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall. Dr. Gross has written numerous articles and book chapters on sports injuries. He has taken care of some of Bergen County’s finest athletes, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Dr. Gross can be reached by email at drgross@activeorthopedic.com.

ESCAPES

 e Inn a t M on tcha n in V illa g e & S p a

WBy Louise B. Hafesh

hether you are in a new or a long-term relationship, there’s nothing quite like getting away from the stresses of everyday life – just the two of you, for a healthy dose of escapism. Pampering each other with a romantic rendezvous at some dreamy destination can do wonders for body and soul, with the added bonus of spending quality time together. How long has it been since you’ve done just that?

To help you get started, consider a weekend jaunt to Delaware and the Brandywine Valley (Wyeth and DuPont country). Rich in art, history, manicured mansions, not to mention scores of fine eateries and that shopping mecca – QVC, there’s something here to suit every taste and pocketbook; please both you and your significant other.

It Takes A Village

First things first, you’ll want to choose a centrally located home base within striking distance of all those attractions, one that exudes comfort, charm, and modern-day amenities including an on-site spa. By all accounts, The Inn at Montchanin Village and Spa in Wilmington, Del. is that and more.

Once a part of the Winterthur estate, this quaint, sprawling village of carefully restored 19th century buildings, cobblestone paths, and landscaped courtyards, captures the spirit of another era, while providing all the comforts of home. Warm and welcoming cottages and two-story suites each with their own individual character, feature relaxed furnishings, cozy private porches, gas fireplaces, and kitchenettes with mini-fridge, complimentary teas, coffees, soda and water (Nice touch!). Other perks include free Internet, a common fireplace lounge with a fully stocked “honor bar” nightly at 5 p.m., plus a limitless stash of Hershey kisses – sweet!

Healthy Pleasures

On a recent breakaway, once my love and I were settled in our comfy lodgings, the promise of a soothing facial for me (including hands and feet) and a relaxing massage for hubby (Joe) was the perfect prescription for finding our balance. Of note, couples that prefer service pas deux can nourish that special bond side-byside via Signature Massages in a private treatment room. As for us, singly pummeled into serenity, once reconnected, we practically glided back to our quarters.

The royal treatment continued into the evening, as we treasured the joy of each other’s company while savoring a superb, four-course, candlelit supper at the on-premise, renowned Krazy Kat’s Restaurant. Housed in a renovated black-

smith’s shop, its whimsical décor is a real kick with tiger-print chairs and portraits of military-garbed cats and dogs. Service is impeccable. Executive Chef Joe Johnson’s menu is stellar. Standouts like Dijon-crusted Colorado lamb cowboy steak, accompanied by red beet soubise, chive potato latke and smoked honey and the prosciutto-wrapped chicken cutlets and tomato ragout, roasted eggplant and linguini are testament to his innovative approach. My personal favorite – a delicious scallop creation consisting of foie gras spaghetti squash, candied pancetta, brandied cherry jam and gooseberry mustard emulsion – was truly memorable.

Day Two. A hearty Krazy Kat breakfast, quick review of the day’s activities, a handful of those kisses for the road and we set off to explore a blooming fantasy at nearby Longwood Gardens (longwoodgardens.org).

With over 1,000 acres of gardens here, enchanting fountains dance at intervals and you can catch choral concerts, organ sing-a-longs or performances in the picturesque setting of a cascading waterfall. Colorful blooms

paint the landscape in vibrant hues, a perfect backdrop for a romantic lunch on the grounds at 1906 Restaurant. For a decadent floral finale, the Chocolate Flower Pot (entirely edible) is a chocoholic’s dream.

Next stop, The Brandywine River Museum of Art (www.thebrandywine.com), and masterful creations of a different kind. It’s no secret that three generations of Wyeths lived and painted the landscapes and people of Chadds Ford. The Brandywine houses an extensive collection of their work along with Howard Pyle, Maxfield Parrish, Rockwell Kent, and others. Budding or seasoned artists will surely want to include the museum’s tour of Andrew Wyeth’s home and studio. His library is astounding, but the studio trumps all with his original palette, paints and entire set up intact. Advanced tickets recommended. Shuttles depart from the museum.

Lights, Camera, Shop

Our next excursion had us in West Chester, Pa. for a behind the scenes look at QVC Studios (www.qvc.com), where we experienced a live broadcast in action. The tour ends in the QVC store. Need I say more?

Back at the Inn to refresh, we lounged by the fire enjoying complimentary tea and biscotti; relaxing before a big night on the town – dinner and a play at Farmhouse Bistro at Peoples Light (www.farmhousepeopleslight.com).

This is not your run of the mill, overcrowded dinner theatre. First off, in a tranquil country inn setting, The Bistro serves a delightful prix fixe menu that is creative, tasty and reasonable ($40). Afterward, you walk next door to where a beautifully restored 18th-century barn showcases local theatre at its best.

Beauty, History and the Crown

Day Three, and the Winterthur Museum Garden & Library (www.winterthur.org), a final must do before heading back north. The former elegantly furnished 175-room home of Henry Francis du Pont is considered one of America’s most beautiful historic mansions, along with its 60-acre world-renowned gardens. There’s so much to take in from tram tours and guarded walks to elegant, fabulous period rooms, fascinating historic objects. This is an afternoon – or a full day – well spent. Most notably, through Jan. 5, 2020, you can catch a major new exhibition, “Costuming The Crown,” which gets you up close and personal to 40 iconic costumes from the first two seasons of Netflix’s acclaimed series.

The Inn at Montchanin Village and Spa (www.montchanin.com) is a charming hamlet of 11 restored buildings dating from 1799 to 1910, including 28 luxe rooms and suites. Located minutes from downtown Wilmington, Del., it’s a short drive from Bergen County, but a world away.

For a free event guide, contact The Chester County Conference & Visitor’s Bureau via www.Brandywinevalley.com.

Louise B. Hafesh is an award–winning writer and contemporary realist artist. The president of AdVantage Publication Services, Inc., an editorial syndicate for regional and national publications, she can be reached at www.louisebhafesh.com.

e All-New Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Is there a substitute for the driver’s SUV?

By Richard Posluszny

Iremember the revolt as if it were yesterday. When Porsche announced it was going to produce its first-ever sport-utility vehicle, “Porschephiles” essentially lost their mind. They couldn’t believe that a manufacturer of sports cars would switch gears — pun intended.

But, there was a good reason for this move. Porsche needed rejuvenation and while its 911 sports car was considered an industry icon, it needed to sell vehicles that moved in greater volume. After seeing the success of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, which is now known as the GLEClass, the remedy was obvious.

Porsche released the Cayenne. While its exterior design didn’t impress, one thing was certain: Nothing else, at its size, drove like it on the road. It was a high performer yet the Cayenne could also find itself home on off-road trails.

Now in its third generation with more competition than ever before, the question remains: Is there a substitute for Porsche’s interpretation of the SUV? This neatly brings us to our subject, the all-new Cayenne Turbo.

Upon taking delivery, I inspected its exterior closely. Largely, it looks the same as the second-generation Cayenne except for some tweaks here and there. The most noticeable differences are slight modifications to its headlights and front clip where the air intakes are more pronounced. Around back the once separated taillights are unified via an LED light bar.

Overall, its exterior design has evolved with a series of nip/tucks and there’s no question this is the best iteration yet. This is, more or less, the Porsche way – incremental improvements over time versus drastic redesigns. It’s definitely come a long way from the first-generation Cayenne that was bul-

bous, off-putting and ungainly.

Where you will see a significant departure is in the all-new Cayenne’s cockpit. Getting more comfortable in the heavily bolstered sport seats, drivers are confronted with a three-spoke steering wheel and massive 12-inch infotainment screen located in the center stack. This is a welcome addition as screens, in general, get larger at home and in today’s latest automobiles.

Another neat party trick is the Cayenne Turbo’s center console, which is where previous generations had an array of buttons. This has been replaced with what’s best described as black panel technology. When the vehicle is off it looks similar to the darkened, glass screen of a mobile phone. When the Cayenne is turned on the “buttons” light up for use. Some of the ergonomics are peculiar, like the sometimes hard to reach volume control, which is placed in front of the gear selector. And sometimes you may accidentally toggle NAV instead of PHONE. It takes getting used to.

Most important, the seating position of the Cayenne is noteworthy because everything is easily within reach and you can see each of the vehicle’s four corners. Whether on the track or doing some off-roading, this is critical so drivers can “place” the vehicle.

My only major concern is the heavily bolstered sports seats. Although my test vehicle had less than 5,000 miles, there were already rather significant creases showing up on the driver’s seat. I can only imagine how this will look at 50,000 miles – not good.

I have to admit though, my furrowed brow disappeared once I turn over the big daddy Cayenne. Its twin-turbo V8 engine sparks to life and it emits a rumble through its quad-tipped exhaust. Producing just over 540 horsepower and over 565 lb.-ft. of torque, the Cayenne Turbo’s V8 is coupled with an eightspeed automatic transmission. While I am sure some will be critical that this isn’t a dual-clutch PDK transmission, I am pleased Porsche didn’t go this route. Shifts are more than snappy using this Tiptronic S gearbox.

Although it weighs nearly 4,800 pounds, that doesn’t hurt its ability to gain speed as zero to 60 comes in a staggering 3.9 seconds. Using launch control shaves a couple tenths of a second off but unless you’re at the drag strip you won’t be worrying about that much. During a week with the Turbo I achieved 16 mpg. Could it improve? Sure. But don’t forget this is a 500-plus horsepower machine.

Jutting out from the steering wheel is a rotary dial, which is how you control the Cayenne Turbo’s driving modes. There’s Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual if you are especially particular with the vehicle’s setup. Around town, I switched between Normal and Sport for a more comfortable driving experience and crisp shifts. For that extra bit of confidence while traveling at

highway speeds I turned the switch to Sport Plus to heighten the Turbo’s performance by lowering its suspension, activating its roof-mounted spoiler and sharpening up its throttle.

Whether around town or operating at highway speeds, what is remarkable about the Cayenne Turbo is its flexibility. With nearly 550 horsepower it’s easy to drive to the shops to run errands, or make a blistering drive in the middle of the night from Manhattan to Bergen County’s suburbs. While I wish its cabin was a bit more isolated from imperfect road surfaces, it strikes a healthy balance for such amazing performance. If you want a magic carpet ride, you’d be better served with something akin to the all-new BMW X7 but just know that vehicle can’t hold a candle to the Cayenne’s performance credentials. This is apparent when you push the Turbo on country roads.

Using Sport Plus while clicking the Cayenne Turbo’s paddles to shift gears, its booming V8 is making its presence known. Hugging Saddle River’s two-lane country roads, the Turbo is unfazed as we move from one corner to the next. The Porsche’s steering is perfectly weighted and precise. While I wish it were more communicative, that’s just not going to happen as the latest vehicles have ditched hydraulic steering racks for electrically assisted ones.

What left me truly astonished is how much more advanced this all-new Cayenne is when taken to its limit. It’s hard to believe it weighs nearly two and a half tons. That’s because the Cayenne Turbo’s body is so controlled for a vehicle of its size and heft. It inspires confidence and makes you feel good to give the “go” pedal some gusto.

Adding to that is the benefit of optional rear axle steering, which is being employed for the first time in a Cayenne. It’s no wonder my test Cayenne felt so much more nimble and sporting than its predecessors. Previous generation Cayennes felt far less nimble and more akin to a tank whereas this latest Cayenne feels more like it’s in touch with Porsche’s sports car roots. I just love the way it changes direction in the switchbacks.

For nearly $125,000, you can get a lot of different types of SUVs in today’s super competitive market. You can find something more comfortable, and there’s others that possess more space and seating for a growing family. There’s even SUVs that are faster.

But what sets the Porsche Cayenne Turbo apart from the others is its ability to balance all of the aforementioned in one package. All with an interior that sets an industry benchmark for stunning build quality.

Although the Cayenne may have been considered too heavy and ponderous in its earlier iterations, there’s no question in my mind that the all-new Cayenne has claimed a position as one of the top SUVs for buyers seeking a vehicle intended for drivers. It’s just a matter of whether you want to write that fat check.

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. held their annual tricky tray event at The Venetian in Garfield. For more information, visit www.rbari.org.

Town Title Golf Outing

Town Title held their 4th annual golf outing at the Essex County Country Club in West Orange. For more information, visit www.towntitle.us.

ROOTS CAFÉ

Offers an Oasis Away

WBy Natalie Zisa

hen most people talk about wanting to make the world a better place, rarely do they think they can do it through food. But the owners of Roots Café believe otherwise.

Nine years ago, Jodi Sardanis and Dean Orfas opened Roots Café adjacent to their gym, RAW Fitness, in Northvale. They saw that people were putting all this effort into working out, but then filling their body with unhealthy foods. Individually, they had already adopted an alternative diet and wanted to share that with others. It only made sense to create the space for it themselves.

When the café first opened, it was known as one of the few vegan options in Bergen County [Editor’s note: It was even featured as one in our Spring 2019 issue.]. But since then, they’ve adjusted their philosophy to accurately portray the food they serve. They now describe it as a whole foods, plant-based diet with absolutely zero processed ingredients. They felt this distinction was necessary because vegan doesn’t necessarily mean healthy, and health is their primary focus.

“We obviously support vegan,” said Kira, the head chef at Roots and Jodi’s daughter. “We’re vegan for the animals and the environment. But health wise, I think the key is whole food, plant-based. Because you can go vegan and be just as unhealthy, eat all these processed soy everything, but once you adopt a whole food plant-based diet, that’s the game changer.”

Due to their decision not to use any processed ingredients, menu items like the Beyond Good Burrito and Avocado Toastie with the Mostie require a lot more time, effort and money to make.The wraps are made from plantain and flaxseed by hand, not opened from a package. Their cinnamon bread is made from juice pulp. Their sprouted chickpea and flax tostada comes from their very own sprouting mechanism.

This extra attention to detail may mean they don’t sell as much, but at the end of the day they count the people that they’ve educated and influenced and often use that as their metric of success, especially when they attend food truck festivals that don’t necessarily already have a health-conscious audience.

“When we first took the truck out, we would sit back and think, ‘Ah, we didn’t make as much. But wait, we gained a lot of customers and we educated a lot of people and opened up a lot of minds and that’s really cool,’ ” expressed Kira.

Since alternative ways of eating have become increasingly more mainstream, they’re aware that many people have hesitations about what they consume. Therefore, they continue to educate themselves and are constantly reading articles on the latest research. They also encourage their customers to be just as curious and read labels on food packages.

“When things start to become very trendy and popular, red flags go up. We start looking into it because you know something is going to change,” said Jodi.

It might not always be easy to convince people that their philosophy works - even their staff expresses hesitation at times. So, when they’re faced with confrontation and questioning, Dean looks to the past for his answer.

“How did we do it 30,000 years ago?” he asked out loud. “There are no nutrition labels on apples and cucumbers. In order to eat, we had to climb a tree, run after something, we had to dig.”

“Food is naturally made the way you’re supposed to eat it,” added Kira.

They believe that this way of thinking can help you navigate through the maze of information and opinions even though, ultimately, no one can grant you the universal stamp of approval.

Regardless, positive reviews certainly help. Dean remembers a particular moment in which a woman walked in and actually started crying.

“This is what I was looking for! I thought I could only find it in California,” he recalled her saying.

There are other elements to the business and the lifestyle that Dean, Jodi and Kira preach – because in reality, the two go hand-in-hand. They have goals for the café to be completely waste-free, which is why cinnamon raisin bread made from juice pulp felt groundbreaking. It’s the same reason they have a residency at Bell-Ans Farm in Orangeburg, N.Y., where not only can they grow fresh fruits and vegetables, but also feed their compost to the animals. They host natural net-

working events, open mic nights and meditation and sound baths, and they spend time outside every day, regardless of the weather.

“I think convenience is the killer. Every time you take something out of comfort, something that’s the easier way to go, you’re jeopardizing your health in some way,” expressed Jodi.

And as expected, Dean’s philosophy from 30,000 years ago applies here as well.

“In order to clothe ourselves, in order to eat, in order to protect ourselves, we had to be physically active. Now, that’s gone,” he said. “We have escalators, elevators, Uber, food being delivered to us. We’re programmed to relax any way we can because of all the work that we used to have to do. We’re still programmed to relax, but we don’t have anything to do, so what do we do? We grow, we get sick…”

“…we get depressed,” added Jodi.

“We get depressed, we stay inside, we don’t want to be uncomfortable. But life is uncomfortable,” declared Dean. “And now we’ve made it so comfortable that we’re diseased.”

Their mission is to educate people enough that they eventually adopt these diet and lifestyle changes in their everyday lives. That people eat healthy, stay active, and spend time in nature before their health is jeopardized, rather than wait until they’re forced to make a change.

That’s why Jodi, who is also a third and fourth grade special education teacher in Northvale, is implementing this kind of health and nutrition information in her classes. Her students have already begun telling their parents they should have apples instead of PopTarts as snacks.

“My students were interviewing me the other day and they said, “But Ms. Sardanis, why are you doing all this stuff?” Jodi shared. “So I said, ‘Guys, to make it simple, my goal is to just make the world a better place. The way I look at it, if somebody is feeling heathy, they will be happy and happy people can’t hurt people.’ ”

She continued, “If we can get people to exercise, if we can get people to eat right, feel better about themselves, that equals a happier person, equals less harm in the world. Isn’t that what everybody wants? As cheesy at that is, you can’t be mean if you’re happy.”

Earlier, it was mentioned that they were more focused on the amount of people they impact than the money that they make, but that’s not entirely true. Dean acknowledged that without making a profit, you can’t expand and continue to help more people. So, what does

expansion look like for Roots Café?

They want to continue to incorporate other lifestyle habits with the café, such as tai chi.They’re very passionate about their residency with Bell-Ans Farm where you can indulge in art, yoga, acupuncture, and more in the same space. And they want to inspire the next generation to take care of themselves and in turn, others. Having already implemented a sustainable garden in her school, Jodi envisions kids programs at the farm.

There are a lot of moving parts to the mission of Roots Café. But Dean sums it up best: “When you see somebody eating right and being physically active, they have a presence.They have an energy that you can pick out like that. You know it when they walk in the room. And everybody should have that.”

To learn more about Roots Café, visit their website, rawrootscafe.com, and their Instagram, @rawrootscafe.

HackensackUMC Donor Event

Hackensack University Medical Center held a donor event at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus. For more information, visit www.hackensackumcfoundation.org.

Mike Weber Sr. Memorial Golf Outing

The third annual Mike Weber Sr. Memorial Golf Outing was held at White Beeches Golf and Country Club in Haworth. For more information, visit www.goteamweber.com.

Frank Gashi and Patriot Gjonbalaj have spent their lives in every facet of the restaurant business which brings them here as owners of The River Palm Terrace in Mahwah. They have both worked in Il Mulino in NYC, and in Scalinatella Restaurant in Manhattan. Their dedication to all phases of the restaurant industry brings them to Mahwah to create the best Steakhouse in the area.

Come say hello!

AMERICAN (Contemporary & Traditional)

The Abbey Ramsey Golf and Country Club 105 Lakeside Dr., Ramsey 201-818-9298

Allendale Bar & Grill

67 W. Allendale Ave. Allendale 201-327-3197

Alt Eats Cafe

622 North Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus 2 01-251-2222

Bacari Grill

800 Ridgewood Rd., Washington Township 201-358-6330

The Barn 359 Sicomac Ave., Wyckoff 201-848-0108

Brady’s at the Station

5 W. Main St., Ramsey 201-327-9748

The Brick House 179 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff 201-848-1211

Café Angelique 1 Piermont Rd., Tenafly 201-541-1010

Café Matisse (BYOB) 167 Park Ave., Rutherford 201-935-2995

City Perch Kitchen and Bar 2023 Hudson St., Fort Lee 201-582-7101

Coach House Restaurant 55 NJ-4, Hackensack 201-488-4999

Coffee & Cornbread Co. 1350B Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck 201-862-0600

The Cornerstone 84 Broadway, Hillsdale 201-666-8688

Esty Street

86 Spring Valley Rd., Park Ridge 201-307-1515

Glenn Rock Inn 222 Rock Rd., Glen Rock 201-445-2362

Gross’s La Strada 231 Godwin Ave., Midland Park 201-670-9233

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern 1 East Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus 201-445-4115

Houston’s

The Shop’s at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack 201-488-5667

Ivy Inn

268 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights 201-393-7699

Jackson Hole 362 Grande Ave., Englewood 201-871-7444

The Kosher Nosh Deli 894 Prospect St., Glen Rock 201-445-1186

Lakeside Grille & Bar 105 Lakeside Dr., Ramsey 201-327-0009

Mitchell’s Seafood Market 541 River Rd., Edgewater 201-840-9311

MK Valencia 228 Main St., Ridgefield Park 201-373-0228

Mob Burger 525 Moonachie Ave, Wood-Ridge 201-728-4891

Nostramana Café 51 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale 551-264-9200

Nellie’s Place 9 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick 201-652-8626

Noah’s Ark (Kosher) 493 Cedar Lane, Teaneck 201-692-1200

Oceanos 2-27 Saddle River Rd., Fair Lawn 201-796-0546

Palmer’s Crossing 145 Dean Dr., (Clinton Ave.), Clinton Inn Hotel, Tenafly 201-567-4800

Park Wood Delicatessen

342 Erie Ave., Midland Park 201-689-0855

Pizzaiolo By Brothers 85 Godwin Ave., Midland Park 201-444-4944

P.J. Finnegan’s 274 Fairview Ave., Westwood 201-664-7576

Plank Pizza Company 383 Market St. Bldg. D, Saddle Brooke, 201-843-2426

The Plum and The Pear (BYOB) 393 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff 201-485-8793

Reilly’s Rib Cage (BYOB)

49 W. Church St., Bergenfield 201-771-7200

Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood 201-444-1922

Rosario’s Trattoria (BYOB)

29 Central Ave., Midland Park 201-445-3335

Rotunda Garden State Plaza (Rtes. 17 & 4), Paramus 201-843-7693

Sal’s Good Eats 80 Green St., Teterboro 201-288-1170

Section 201 704 River Rd., New Milford 201-262-5600

Steel Wheel Tavern 51 N. Broad St., Ridgewood, 201-882-1800

Stony Hill Inn

231 Polify Rd. (Rt. 80), Hackensack 201-342-4085

ASIAN/ASIAN FUSION

I Fish (BYOB) 114 Country Rd., Tenafly 201-569-1111

Wok Bar

200 Main St., Fort Lee 858-999-5555

CHINESE/ KOREAN/ KOREAN

BBQ

Dong Chun Hong 144 Main St., Fort Lee 201-592-0450

Golden Dynasty 825 Franklin Lakes Rd., Franklin Lakes 201-891-7866 295 Kinderkamack Rd., Hillsdale 201-358-8685

Kimchi Mama 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn 201-703-2905

Kimchi Smoke BBQ 301 Center Ave., Westwood 201-497-6333

Mr. Wok & Sushi (BYOB) 1 Highwood Ave. 2nd Floor, Tenafly 201-569-3969

Myung Ga Won 72 Piermont Road, Tenafly 201-500-1111

Petite Soo Chow 607 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park 201-313-1666

P.F. Chang’s The Shops at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack 201-646-1565

T.S. Ma Wyckoff 637 Wyckoff Ave.,Wyckoff 201-891-8870

CONTINENTAL CUISINE

Al Di La 1 Hoboken Rd., East Rutherford 201-939-1128

Fountainview

Restaurant Sheraton Crossroads, 1 International Blvd. (Rt. 17N.), Mahwah 201-529-1313

WEDDINGS

CORPORATE EVENTS BAR/BAT MITZVAHS BIRTHDAYS SHOWERS COMMUNIONS

Rudy’s 107 Anderson Ave., Hackensack 201-489-4831

CONTINENTAL /AMERICAN

W’s Grill 20 Elm St., Oakland 201-651-0005

CONTINENTAL /FRENCH

Café Panache (BYOB) 130 E. Main St. (Lake St.), Ramsey 201-934-0030

Latour (BYOB) 6 East Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood 201-445-5056

Le Jardin 1257 River Rd., Edgewater 201-224-9898

Madeleine’s Petite Paris 416 Tappan Rd., Northvale 201-767-0063

Saddle River Inn (BYOB) 2 Barnstable Ct., Saddle River 201-825-4016

CONTINENTAL /ITALIAN

Davia 6-09 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn 201-797-6767

Sage (BYOB) 17-15 Broadway, Fair Lawn 201-797-0500 Savini 168 West Crescent Ave., Allendale 201-760-3700 Villa Amalfi 793 Palisades Ave., Cliffside Park 201-886-8626

CUBAN

Azúcar Cuban Cuisine 171 Schraalenburgh Rd., Closter 201-660-7977

Casual Habana Cafe (BYOB) 125 Main St., Hackensack, 201-880-9844

Rumba Cubana 1807 45th St., North Bergen 201-553-9100

ECLECTIC CONTEMPORARY

Bibi’z Restaurant and Lounge 284 Center Ave., Westwood 201-722-8600

Café Matisse (BYOB) 167 Park Ave., Rutherford 201-935-2995

The Dog and Cask 55 NJ-17 S., Rochelle Park 201-845-5101

Port of Call (POC) (BYOB) 450 Hackensack Ave. ,Hackensack 201-488-0888

The Rail Yard Tavern 14-26 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn 201-773-3372

200 Tice (Inside The Woodcliff Lake Hilton) 200 Tice Blvd., Woodcliff Lake 201-391-3600

FONDUE

The Melting Pot 250 Center Ave., Westwood 201-664-8877

FRENCH

Latour (BYOB)

6 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood 201-445-5056

The Chef’s Table (BYOB) 754 Franklin Ave., Franklin Lakes 201-891-6644

GERMAN

Kirker’s Inn 237 Diamond Bridge Ave., Hawthorne 973-427-7700

GREEK

A Taste of Greece (BYOB) 935 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge 201-967-0029

Daily Treat

177 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood 201-652-9113

Eons 17 NJ-17,Paramus 212-696-1234

Greek Corner Grill (BYOB)

99 Park Ave., Park Ridge 201-476-1400

GRK Grill (BYOB) 39 Union Ave., Cresskill 201-399-7670

The Greek Village 254 Livingston St., Northvale, 201-750-8570

INDIAN

Art of Spice (BYOB) 159 Main St., Hackensack 201-342-3444

BHOJ (BYOB)

430 Market St., Elmwood Park 201-797-6800

Kailash (BYOB) 22 Oak St., Ridgewood 201-251-9693

Nirvana Indian Kitchen (BYOB) 29 W. Allendale Ave., Allendale 201-818-2300

IRISH

Biddy O’Malley’s Irish Bistro and Bar 36 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-608-5545 191 Paris Ave., Northvale 201-564-7893

Poitin Still 774 Main St., Hackensack 201-487-0660

ITALIAN

Aldo & Gianni Ristorante 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale 201-391-6866

Aldo’s (BYOB) 640 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff 201-891-2618

A Mano 24 Franklin Ave. (at Chestnut St.) Ridgewood 201-493-2000

Amarone 63 Cedar Ln., Teaneck 201-833-1897

Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave., Haworth 201-384-1551

Angelo’s Restaurant 263 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst 201-939-1922

Arturo’s 41 Central Ave., Midland Park 201-444-2466

Baci Italian Grill 36 Jefferson Ave., Westwood 201-722-1900

Barcelona’s 38 Harrison Ave., Garfield 973-778-4930

Bistro 107 107 Moonachie Rd., Moonachie 201-440-3339

Bottagra Restaurant 80 Wagaraw Rd., Hawthorne 973-423-4433

Buon Gusto (BYOB) 534 Durie Ave., Closter 201-784-9036

Buongiorno’s (BYOB) 86 Washington Ave., Dumont 201-501-8000

Café Amici (BYOB) 4 Sycamore Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus 201-389-6377

Café Italiano Ristorante 14 Sylvan Ave.,Englewood Cliffs 201-461-5041

Café L’Amore (BYOB) 455 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland 201-337-5558

Café Tivoli 533 Shaler Blvd., Ridgefield 201-941-5561

Cassie’s 18 S. Dean St., Englewood, 201-541-6760

Cenzino Ristorante 589 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, 201-337-6693

Cliff’s Steakhouse 18 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs 201-944-0233

Dimora 100 Piermont Rd., Norwood 201-750-5000

Dino’s 12 Tappan Rd., Harrington Park, 201-767-4245

Due (BYOB) 16-18 S. Broad St., Ridgewood 201-857-3231

Fiona’s Restaurant (BYOB) 118 Godwin Ave., Midland Park 201-857-5800

Fontana Di Trevi (BYOB) 248 Fort Lee Road, Leonia 201-242-9040

Fratelli’s Coal-Burning Pizza 206 Route 46, Elmwood Park 201-797-7552

Gianna’s 843 Washington Ave., Carlstadt 201-460-7997

Giovanna’s Café 19 E. Main St., Ramsey 201-825-5835

La Lanterna (BYOB) 29 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood 201-444-5520

Locale Café 208 Piermont Rd., Closter 201-750-3233

Luka’s (BYOB) 10 River Road, Bogota 201-440-2996

Lu Nello 182 Stevens Ave., Cedar Grove 973-837-1660

Maggiano’s Little Italy The Shops at Riverside, Rt. 4W, Hackensack 201-221-2030

Martini Grill 187 Hackensack St., Wood-Ridge 201-939-2000

Nanni Ristorante 53 W. Passaic St. (behind Garden State Plaza), Rochelle Park 201-843-1250

Puzo’s Family Restaurant 4 Garfield Ave., Hawthorne 973-423-2288

Rugova Restaurant & Bar 259 Johnson Ave., River Edge 201-880-8488

Solari’s 61 S. River St., Hackensack 201-487-1969

Sorrento (BYOB) 132 Park Ave., East Rutherford 201-507-0093

Trattoria Giotto (BYOB) 15 Park Ave., Rutherford 201-528-7142

Trovato’s Due 4 Barbara Ln., Oakland 201-337-0813

Vicolo Ristorante

216 Old Tappan Road, Old Tappan 201-497-8777

Zozo’s Restaurant 625 River Vale Rd., River Vale 201-391-3195

JAPANESE

Matsuya 490 Market St., Saddle Brook 201-843-5811

Mei Sushi Japanese Restaurant 14-20 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn 201-398-9882

Minado

1 Valley Rd., Little Ferry 201-931-1522

Sakura-Bana (BYOB) 43 Franklin Ave., Ridgewood 201-447-6525

Sendai Japanese Restaurant & Grill

178 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson 201-225-0995

Sushi Cruise (BYOB)

725 River Road #51, Edgewater 201-313-3611

Sushi Village (BYOB) 700-90 Broadway, Westwood 201-666-8800

Sushi X (BYOB) 23 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, 201-689-7878

Umeya

156 Piermont Rd., Cresskill 201-816-0511

Tawara Japanese Restaurant (BYOB) 53 W. Main St., Ramsey 201-825-8712

Wasabi 848 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, 201-493-7575

Yuki

2 S. Kinderkamack Rd., Montvale 201-391-9877

Yuki Hana (BYOB) 131 Kinderkamack Rd., Park Ridge 201-391-3230

LATIN

Mambo Empanadas (BYOB)

313 Union Ave., Rutherford 201-933-3888

MEXICAN

A Taco Affair 81 Main St., Little Falls 973-812-8226

Azteca (BYOB) 47 Park Ave., Rutherford 201-438-2111

Jalepenos 930 Prospect St., Glen Rock 201-445-5566

Leon 16 Chestnut St., Ridgewood 201-857-0297

Mariachi Grill (BYOB) 262 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst 201-528-7493

Riviera Maya (BYOB) 252 E. Fort Lee Rd., Bogota 201-996-1380

Viva Margarita 364 Lawton Ave., Cliffside Park 551-313-0760

SPANISH

El Cid 205 Paramus Rd., Paramus 201-843-0123

Meson Madrid Restaurant 343 Bergen Blvd., Palisades Park 201-947-1038

Sangria 1033 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah 201-962-3310

Sayola 50 Prospect Ter., Tenafly, 201-871-2182

Tapas De España

7909 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen 201-453-1690

Taste of Spain

493 Tappan Rd., Northvale, 201-767-8904

THAI

Bangkok Garden 261 Main St., Hackensack, 201-487-2620

Clifton Thai 239 Parker Ave., Clifton 973-253-1400

Chok Dee Thai Kitchen 561 Livingston St., Norwood 201-750-8880

Gao Thai Kitchen (BYOB) 63 Main St., Ramsey 201-962-2691

Malee Fine Thai Cuisine (BYOB) 2 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood 201-612-7797

Massaman Thai Cuisine

312 Hackensack St., Carlstadt 201-559-1424

Pimaan Thai Restaurant (BYOB)

79 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson 201-967-0440

Ridge Thai (BYOB) 50 Chestnut St., Ridgewood 201-493-9929

Thai West (BYOB) 22 Jefferson Ave., Westwood 201-497-6981

Wyckoff Thai Cuisine 314 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff 201-485-8855

PERSIAN

Kabab on the Cliff 23 Godwin Ave., Ridgewood 201-444-5100

Rose (BYOB) 1150 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck 201-569-3600

TURKISH

Cinar

214 Kinderkamack Rd., Emerson, 201-523-9284

Hakki Babba (BYOB) 555 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park 201-840-8444

Hunkar (BYOB) 319 Hackensack St., Carlstadt 201-507-0606

Istanblue Restaurant (BYOB) 645 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge 201-262-4400

Istanbul Café & Grill (BYOB) 14-25 Plaza Rd., Fair Lawn 201-791-2222

Kebab Istanbul

5819 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen 201-861-4400

Marmaris Cafe (BYOB) 820 River Rd., Edgewater, 201-943-9090

Samdan

178 Piermont Rd., Cresskill 201-816-7343

Turkish Kitchen 297 Palisade Ave., Cliffside Park 201-943-7733

Turkuaz (BYOB) 1550 Lemoine Ave., Fort Lee 201-944-1115

VIETNAMESE

Bistro Du Saigon 168 Main St., Fort Lee 201-592-0100

BOTTAGRA RESTAURANT

Morgan Hoffmann Foundation

The Morgan Hoffmann Foundation held their Celebrity Pro-Am golf outing at Arcola Country Club in Paramus. For more information, visit www.morganhoffmann.org.

Palisades Medical Center

Palisades Medical Center named their main building in honor of John C. Meditz and held a celebration to commemorate the event. For more information, visit www.palisadesmedical.org.

EVENTS

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

• The 12th Annual Pre-Holiday Brunch and Boutique will take place on Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Indian Trail Club, 830 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes. This is a fundraiser for the Franklin Lakes Branch of The Valley Hospital Auxiliary to support the Auxiliary’s new $3 million pledge for the Pediatric Section of the Emergency Department in The “New” Valley Hospital and $100,000 for Valley Home Care’s endowment for an in-home palliative and hospice care program for seriously ill children. Cost: $48 for brunch and shopping.

• Visit Crafts In Ridgewood on Nov. 22 from 7-9:30 p.m. or Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood. The two-day event is a fundraiser with free admission benefitting the Youth Development Program C.A.M.P. in Paterson.

• Come support the Parents Association and do your holiday shopping at the Bergenfield High School Holiday Flea Market and Gift Fair on Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The flea market and gift fair will take place at Bergenfield High School, located at 80 South Prospect Ave.

• Paramus High School Holiday Craft Show will take place on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paramus High School is located at 99 East Century Road. Admission is $3

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

• Unleash your inner artist as you sip and paint a holiday gift event. Hosted by @ParisandaLatte Karen Leano, enjoy sips and light bites from Carousel featured brands while painting a winter landscape. Listen as Karen shares her latest holiday must-haves gifts from

Bloomingdale’s “Gift Hub” Carousel shop, powered by Google. Visit paint_berg_nov21.eventbrite.com to reserve your seat with a $10 registration fee. Limited seating available. The event will take place on Nov. 21 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Bloomingdale’s, 400 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack.

FESTIVE PERFORMANCE

• The New Jersey Foundation for Dance and Theatre Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been presenting “The Nutcracker” in the North Jersey area for over two decades. This year they are extremely proud to celebrate the 25th Silver Anniversary performance. This exciting production is considered one of New Jersey’s finest theatrical presentations. Critics have called it a “superb production of ‘The Nutcracker’ with a twist.” Performances will be held on Nov. 23 at Bergen County Academies at 200 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, with showtimes at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. All seats are reserved with ticketing as follows: $25 for orchestra seating and $20 for all other seats. To purchase tickets, visit www.shovation.com. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the venue the day of the performances

CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS

• River Edge Recreation Commission welcomes residents of all ages to its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, to take place on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. at the River Edge Borough Hall, 705 Kinderkamack Road.

• Woodcliff Lake Parks and Recreation will host its Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m., rain or shine at the corner of Woodcliff Avenue and Old Mill Road. Immediately following, meet with Santa at the Tice Center Center. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Light refreshments will be available

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

• The Ramsey Fire Department’s 14th Annual Home for the Holidays event will take place on Dec. 7. The theme is Polar Express. Enjoy food trucks, a walking mall, music shows, a parade and more, beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Main Street in Ramsey. From 6-9 p.m., children are invited to meet Santa at Terrie O’Connor Realtors, 45 East Main St. The parade begins at 7 p.m.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS

• The Leonia Public presents The Leonia Chamber Musicians Society for a third annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at the library, located at 227 Fort Lee Road. This special concert is free and open to the community, and parking is available in a lot behind the building and on side streets.

• Get in the spirit of the season when The Irish Tenors: Christmas/ Holiday Tour 2019 with members of the New Jersey Symphony comes to bergenPAC on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. for a festive night of traditional and secular holiday songs. From “O! Holy Night” to “White Christmas” to “Jingle Bell Rock,” The Irish Tenors keep audiences of all ages enchanted from the first note to the final ovation. Tickets: $39-$99. Purchase tickets at www.bergenpac.org.

• The Bergen Sinfonia Holiday Concert will take place on Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre, Bergen Community College, Paramus. Tickets: $45 or $35 for senior citizens. Purchase tickets online at www.tickets.bergen.edu.

Have an event you’d like featured in BC The Mag? Send the necessary information to info@bcthemag.com for a chance to be included.

TFor Real Connecting…

By Brandon Goldstein

he holidays must be near, as evidenced by the brief bouts of resentment and tension that can only be found in the most loving of homes. Does anyone know why it happens every year? We go through life for the most part loving each other. Then, all of a sudden, they are selling Santa hats at CVS and everyone becomes slightly more pissed off – even more so than their usual levels of impatience and general hostility for well, everything, so much for the “Season of Love.”

Oddly, though, I think this year is going to be different. Why, you ask? Well, because my resolution last year was to get along better with my family this year! Or at least as I’m writing this, that sounds like it would’ve been a good one.

The holidays are supposed to be a time when we are reminded why the world is great, why we are thankful for living on it and why ugly sweater manufacturers are still in business. They should not be a time for general contempt for the ones you’d tell others you love the most.

We often lose sight of this. As an old man trapped in a young man’s body, I blame technology. We are too invested in what everyone else is doing. That might have always been the case, but before we couldn’t see what everyone else was doing, and that kept life golden.

On Instagram the other day I saw “friends” posting from a N.Y. Giants game. The Giants? I’d go to their games anytime. But the person whose post I was looking at had the best seats in the stadium – and that’s once they sat down from their mingling ON THE FIELD.

“How’d he get those? He can’t afford ’em! Does he even have a job? Who is he sleeping with?”

Despite how terrible a person I may have come off as just now, I was really thinking those things – and I know I wasn’t alone. It sort of felt like, if I work hard and then go to a Giants game and don’t sit at those amazing seats, I’m an embarrassment. Even worse: how can I show my Instagram followers that I was sitting in the 400 section? What a loser.

The point is this: I used to go to a football game and love them and not care where I sat. I didn’t take a picture. Or, maybe I did, and then it got developed a month and a half later and then who knows what would happen to it. I literally posted it to my wall – with tacks – and only a very select few ever got to see it. Life was good.

So, maybe this holiday season, while we are with the people we choose to be with, we should just focus on them. Turn off the phone for just a few hours, listen to their stories and actually pay attention to them. Learn what they are frustrated about, and maybe you can offer a way to fix it. Even if not, it will be a much more complete moment in your life than looking to see what your friend’s friend is wearing today, or who took a picture with Kim Kardashian.

Life is great, and we have it much better than most people in the world. Let’s just enjoy it, even if that means we have to stop caring about what people we chose not to celebrate with are doing. Maybe even tell the ones you are with you love them. Who knows what’ll happen.