Bergen October 2025

COZY & CHIC

COLONIAL REFRESH IN HO-HO-KUS

SADDLE RIVER’S PARTY CENTRAL

MAKE YOUR CEILING APPEALING

* LIVING LARGE IN HO-HO-KUS

+ NATURE’S TANTRUMS: ARE YOU PREPARED?

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Everything medicine can do. A few things medicine can’t.

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To schedule your over-the-phone evaluation with Valley’s Spine Center navigator, call 201-689-3800.

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After Breast Cancer 36

Medicine has scored remarkable gains in the battle against this scourge, but patients should understand the challenges that treatment brings.

You’ve Got Your Nerve 38

Tingling fingers? Aching wrists? These symptoms could result from pressure on the median nerve in your arm and wrist— carpal tunnel syndrome.

Party On! 40

A sentiment from the 1990s still fit the owners of a six-bedroom Saddle River colonial. A ’90s design? Not so much.

Make Your Ceiling Appealing 48

Three Bergen designers tell how to top off a room with a surface you can truly look up to.

A Wise Upsize 52

As a family adjusts to a larger living space in Ho-Ho-Kus, a traditional colonial gets a comfortable, captivating refresh.

Nature’s Tantrums 58

It’s only prudent to know which natural disasters are most likely here in Bergen—and to be prepared.

Contents

64

Departments

Bergen Buzz 19

Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Style Watch 26

Dive into autumn’s freshest takes on denim.

Home Front 28

Curator taste transforms cabin vibes with these accents and accessories.

Friends & Neighbors 30

As executive director of Bergen Court Appointed Special Advocates, Lucy Rosen strives to make sure every child in the foster system has a voice.

Escapes 62

For an October adventure, these bewitching towns are packed with fright, folklore and a touch of magic.

Tastes 64

These tasty recipes are as healthy as they are comforting.

Bar Tab 68

Bourbon meets seasonal spice in a cocktail that tastes like fall in every sip.

Restaurant Review 82

Loui Boil brings the catch of the day, seafood variety and plenty of flavor to Edgewater.

30

Gatherings 86

Bergen residents always show up to support one another.

A Bergen Moment 88

An out-of-town photographer seeks—and finds— nature’s beauty at Ramapo Valley Reservation in Mahwah.

26

Big Things Often Start Out Small

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen it. A couple hires a designer to help them with a single room or a specific task. When the collaboration clicks they go on to bigger things—maybe the whole house. For example, a Saddle River empty-nester couple found designer Patti Smith in 2018 and assigned her to transform two powder rooms. Happy with the result, they then gave Smith a far bigger mandate: updating the rest of their six-bedroom colonial with its dark woods, suede and leather.

“It was what everyone in the ’90s was doing, rich and warm and grand,” says the homeowner, explaining the old design. “But it was stale.”

On pages 40 through 47, you’ll see the modern, minimalist look Smith achieved. I think you’ll agree that it has escaped the ’90s. It is, as its owners wished, refined and entertainment-ready.

So is the home of Marissa and Peter Sala on pages 52 to 57. Their relationship with designer Marian Shulman of Wostbrock Home began not with powder rooms, but with pillows. The pair had recently upsized from a Hoboken condo to a Ho-Ho-Kus colonial (they seem to favor towns that begin with “Ho”), and Marissa had asked Shulman for help in choosing fabric for pillows and two chairs for the family room. They were so impressed by the designer’s taste and skill—and by her mantra that “lifestyle dictates design”—that they put the whole house in her hands. The happy result? “It’s so us!” exclaims Marissa. Lifestyle may dictate design, but for this month, design dictates the theme of our lifestyle magazine: It’s BERGEN’s Home Issue. That’s why we tap the expertise of three pro designers about a room’s “fifth wall”—the ceiling. You may have thought that this unsung, oft-neglected topmost surface lacked design possibilities; turn to page 48 for some surprises.

Home is indeed a sacred place, but don’t be scared to venture forth. Instead, venture forth to be scared! In the spirit of Halloween (which, let’s face it, has pretty much taken over October) Escapes on page 62 offers five destinations within easy driving distance that promise to spook the pants off you in an old-fashioned, charming way, with plenty of good eats along the way.

This magazine contains, as usual, more timely info than I can do justice to here. Five places to see a Halloween parade? Page 22. To take a hayride? Page 19. To hear classical music this fall? Page 20. Answers to the question “What happens after breast-cancer treatment?” Page 36. A “seafood boil” restaurant in Edgewater that will make you happier than you’ve ever been to get your hands messy? Page 82. And a Special Report on natural disasters that explains which possible catastrophes are possible enough to really worry about? That begins on page 58.

Let this BERGEN issue inspire you, whether it’s with activities for your October days or aesthetic ideas for your home—or both.

Enjoy!

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com

Bergen

Editor in Chief

RITA GUARNA

Creative Director

STEPHEN M. VITARBO

Senior Associate Editor

DARIUS AMOS

Assistant Editor

KIRSTEN MEEHAN

Contributing Editors

LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF

PAUL RANCE JR.

DONNA ROLANDO

NAYDA RONDON

Contributing Photographers

PHILLIP ENNIS

CHRISTINA RUTH GRIECO

PRODUCTION

Production Manager

FERN E. MESHULAM

Production Artist

CHRIS FERRANTE

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BERGEN Magazine (USPS 2535-1) is published monthly by Wainscot Media LLC, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage paid at Mahwah, NJ, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bergen Magazine, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Subscription price: $48 per year. Send subscription orders to: Subscription Department, Bergen Magazine, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Copyright © 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Vol. 24, Issue 10, October 2025. Printed in the USA.

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IN THE MARKET

Fall is in the air, but the fresh produce at area farmers’ markets will make you think it’s still summer. Time is running out to grab Jersey tomatoes, juicy apples and crisp cucumbers, as farmers’ market season winds down. For fresh fruits, veggies and more, visit these sites:

• Englewood Farmers’ Market, Veteran’s Park, Dean St. and Depot Sq., Englewood: Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Ramsey Farmers’ Market, 2 W. Main St., Ramsey: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Ridgewood Farmers’ Market, Ridgewood Train Station parking lot: Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Rutherford Farmers’ Market, 6 Highland Cross, Rutherford: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Teaneck Farmers’ Market, municipal parking lot, Cedar Lane, Teaneck: Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m. Read about these markets and more at bergenmag.com/9-farmers-markets.

FIND YOUR NEXT TREASURE

What’s old is new, so they say, and in no place is that more apparent than in the fashion of the moment. But before you head over to your favorite department store for a wardrobe refresh, consider shopping in that same look-tothe-past sensibility. Bergen has a wealth of thrift, secondhand and consignment shops you can browse, including:

• Fabulous Finds Consignment Boutique, 186 Center Ave., Westwood, 201.263.1766; fabulousfindsnj.com

• Mikayla’s Thriftique, 155 Park Ave., Rutherford, 201.499.1177; mikaylasthriftique.com

• Shop of Hope, 79 W. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201.937.2469; hopethriftshop.com

For more thrift shops in our county, visit bergenmag.com/thrift-shops.

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Back in your day, you appreciated the small things— sharing meals with good friends, daily neighborly chats, and the value of kindness and respect. Here at Longview, we still do.

Longview

A COMMUNITY OF

Bergen Buzz

HEY, HAYRIDES!

Nothing says fall family fun better than scenic hayrides and pumpkin patches, and Bergen County is filled with them. Here are some special stops you and your crew can make to celebrate the season:

• Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff, 201.891.0278; abmasfarm.com. Hayrides take riders through the farm and to the pumpkin patch, and include admission to the petting zoo.

• Demarest Farms, 244 Werimus Rd., Hillsdale, 201.666.0472; demarestfarms.com. There’s plenty to do at this popular spot, including hayrides, apple and pumpkin picking, a petting zoo and, for those ready for Halloween, a drive-through lights display.

• Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery, 100 Franklin Tpke., Allendale, 201.327.3156; rohslers.com. Admission for a hayride around this nursery includes a sugar pumpkin, a cup of apple cider and access to the children’s maze and carnival games.

• Secor Farms, 59 Airmont Ave., Mahwah, 201.529.2595; secorfarms.com. Kids can tour the farm’s property (including willow trees, a pond and decorations) in a fun hayride, then enjoy a corn maze and a pumpkin patch.

• Ward’s Farm Pumpkin Patch, 552 Route 17, Ridgewood, 201.523.0918; wardspumpkinpatch. wordpress.com. This roadside pumpkin patch has oversized wagons for gourds or to shuttle little ones around to activities such as face painting and pumpkin picking.

PUT

ON THE PINK

Every October, Bergenites join in a powerful display of hope, strength and solidarity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From charity walks and community fundraisers to wellness workshops and pink-lit landmarks, the events honor survivors, support those battling the disease and raise crucial funds for research and care. On this month’s agenda:

• Making Strides of the Meadowlands, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. This annual American Cancer Society event includes a noncompetitive walk, informational displays and booths and vendors. Info: secure.acsevents.org

• Pink Pathway Breast Cancer Walk, American Dream, East Rutherford, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. Head indoors for this Susan G. Komen fundraiser and listen to stories of hope and inspiration, then take part in a 1-mile walk through the mall. Info: komen.org

• The Fader Family Walk for Awareness, Overpeck Park, Ridgefield Park, Oct. 26, 1 p.m. Join the Englewood Health Foundation for a 3.1-mile walk around the park as well as a health program, vendors and information tables. Info: englewoodhealth foundation.donordrive.com

WITH CLASS

grooved during summer spectacles at MetLife Stadium, but may call for something more quietly powerful: classical music, perhaps. From intimate chamber ensembles to orchestral productions, local venues and arts organizations are bringing timeless works—and fresh interpretations—to life for lovers of all ages:

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra: Nov. 1, 8 p.m. at Community Hall, ParaThis program includes Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto Schubert’s “Rosamunde Overture” and Dvořák’s “Slavonic Dances, Op. 46.” bergenphilharmonic.org

Kansas and New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players: Nov. 2, 7 p.m. BergenPAC, Englewood. Classic rock band Kansas teams up with the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players to blend classic rock with symphony sounds. Info: bergenpac.org

• New Jersey Wind Symphony: Oct. 10, p.m. at West Side

Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood. This concert features musical thrills for all ages, including Berlioz, Mussorgsky and iconic movie scores. Info: njwindsymphony.org

• Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra: Oct. 24, 8 p.m. at West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood. The orchestra’s fall concert, “Orchestral Fantasies,” features compositions by Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade and Strauss. Info: ridgewoodsymphony.org

• Waldwick Community Band: Nov. 23, 2:30 p.m. at The Village School, Waldwick. Now in its 71st year, the band will perform a selection from its library of 2,100 titles. Info: waldwickband.org

KITTY LOVE

Cat : Buddy, 10-year-old tabby

Owner: Amanda and Chris Petersen, Rutherford

The Petersens had been searching for the “purrfect” furry friend when, in mid-pandemic, they found Buddy through the North Shore Animal League. Having been surrendered when his original owner passed, Buddy was initially shy and timid in his new home, Amanda says. “He would hide under the bed, the couch, the TV stand,” she recalls, “but we were patient with him.”

Treats, plenty of toys and constant interaction with his new family brought Buddy out of his shell. Today, Amanda’s happy to report that he’s a fun, rambunctious fellow. “Though he’s an older cat, he has plenty of energy and spirit,” she says. “He’s always jumping on the table and the couch as soon as we enter the room—he’s no longer hiding under the furniture.”

What doesn’t he like? “Whenever he sees the Amazon or FedEx driver coming up to the door, he quickly heads into the bedroom. But we just crinkle a toy or a bag of treats, and he’ll coming running out.”

Want to see your pet featured in an upcoming issue of BERGEN? Email your animal’s photo and a brief description to Editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

MOVIES FROM EVERYWHERE

Bergen is home to the county’s first “film city” (Fort Lee, where studios produced the first, pioneering black-and-white movies), so it’s fitting that we host an up-and-coming film festival. The Teaneck International Film Festival is just that, attracting movies from all around the world. It drew about 4,000 guests last year, and it’s growing thanks to its commitment to showing off new talent and never-before-heard voices.

This year’s festival takes place Nov. 6–13 and will include a gala, Q&As and a chance to meet and chat with filmmakers. Films to get excited about?

Festival Executive Director Jeremy Lentz spotlights opening night film

The Disappearance of Miss Scott , which brings attention to 20th century Hollywood star Hazel Scott, an early civil rights pioneer and the first Black American to host her own television show; centerpiece film A World Apart , an Italian comedy-drama about a teacher fighting to save a small rural school; and closing night film Lily , about an Alabama factory supervisor struggling to lift her family into the middle class.

suburban based

“We look forward teaneckfilmfestival.org.

in equal measure. Founded in 1998, the volunteer-run group is grounded in the belief that healing doesn’t happen only in hospitals—it also can happen on the court, one swing at a time. After all, the British Journal of Sports Medicine says tennis improves cardiovascular fitness and bone strength, key factors for women who have received cancer treatments. Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or getting your serve back after treatment, Tennis for Life creates a space to move, laugh and build strength, physically and emotionally. “It is motivating to meet with other survivors on the tennis court, a place synonymous with fitness and agility, and feel like you belong there after having spent time in a chemo chair,” says Tennis for Life member Megan Tuohy. If you don’t have a racket, the group will happily lend you one. Just bring sneakers and water, and be ready to celebrate every point. For more information, visit tennisforlife.org.

BOOKS BY BERGENITES

Want to add local flavor to your bookshelf? Check out these new publications from authors in the county:

• Daria Lavelle of Ridgewood has penned her first novel, Aftertaste (Simon & Schuster), a dark comedy about food, ghosts and the New York culinary scene. Follow Konstantin Duhovny as he uses his strange gift of tasting the favorite foods of the dead to reunite loved ones for a last meal to open a bustling restaurant— and the looming consequences of that choice.

• Anuj Agarwal of Upper Saddle River, a senior at Northern Highlands High School in Allendale, has written and published a children’s book called I Will Remember You, which tells the story of a young boy coming to terms with his grandfather’s dementia. A varsity tennis player, Agarwal founded a program at his school where students play ping-pong with seniors at a local senior center. The activity has been shown in some cases to help ease age-related cognitive decline.

CULINARY CORNER

Fall’s a perfect time to yield to taste temptations, and three new restaurants are calling to you;

ALL THE RIGHT VIBES

Watching the game with friends? A drink after a long commute? Date night with a special someone? Whatever the occasion, The Union Bar & Provisions, recently opened in East Rutherford, has a modern tavern feel that fits the mood. Try a handcrafted cocktail at the bar or grab a table for a sit-down dinner featuring filet mignon or seared salmon.

• The Union Bar & Provisions, 170 Union Ave., East Rutherford, 201.561.5229; theunionbarnj.com

CRAVING ASIAN?

After a fire forced it to close last year, Tojo’s Restaurant has reopened with an updated and upgraded space. A new counter is a great casual spot to try many of the Ho-Ho-Kus eatery’s distinctive onigiri creations (Spam musubi or tuna rice ball, anyone?) or a filling ramen bowl. And there are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans alike.

• Tojo’s Restaurant, 5 N. Franklin Tpke., Ho-Ho-Kus, 551.210.3584; tojorestaurant.com

NEW NAME, SAME HIGH QUALITY

Diners who loved the now-closed Café Amici will rejoice when they visit its replacement, Wyckoff Tavern. The new eatery specializes in farm-to-table dining and tavern-style cuisine, including Berkshire pork chop, grilled wild salmon and a range of pastas and pizzas.

• Wyckoff Tavern, 315 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, 201.848.0198; wyckofftavern.com

SCARES ON PARADE

It’s time for ghosts, ghouls and skeletons to take to the streets. Halloween night will bring trick-or-treaters, of course, but you needn’t wait until Oct. 31 (though it does conveniently fall on a Friday this year). Stop by one of these local Halloween parades for great costumes, great pictures and lots of family-friendly fun:

• Westwood, Children’s Halloween Parade. Oct. 25, Veteran’s Park, 9:45 a.m.

• Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, Halloween in the Park. Oct. 25, Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, 11 a.m.

• Borough of River Edge, Halloween in the Park. Oct. 26, Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1 p.m.

• Mahwah, Halloween Spooktacular. Oct. 26, Commodore Perry Field, 4 p.m.

• Ridgewood YMCA, Kids’ Community Halloween Party. Oct. 31, 112 Oak St., Ridgewood, 10:30 a.m.

KUDOS TO…

…Aarti Mallya of Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, who has been named the 2025-26 New Jersey Teacher of the Year for Bergen County by the New Jersey Department of Education. An educator for more than 25 years, Mallya teaches AP biology, freshman biology and honors research in molecular genetics. She collaborates with the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University and mentors students as they conduct research and submit findings to the North Jersey International Science and Engineering Qualifying Fair. Mallya also organizes field trips and leads conservation trips to Costa Rica.

…Shakeelah Z. Asghar of Hackensack, Iman Kamal and Sanum Khan of Bergenfield, Shakil Kha n of Teaneck and Farrena Suri of Mahwah, who were all presented the 2025 Pakistan Outstanding Community Service Contribution Award at Bergen County’s annual Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration and flag-raising ceremony. This honor was presented to community members who exhibited outstanding commitment to Bergen County’s Pakistani community through service, volunteer work and activism.

HIGH-END HEALTH

Everyone knows East Rutherford’s American Dream is a destination for high-end fashion, standout eats and next-level entertainment. But did you know it’s now a health-and-wellness hub too? Hackensack Meridian Health has opened its Vitality Suites, the latest addition to the mall’s growing lineup of offerings—including the on-site urgent care center that opened last summer. Find solutions to wellness concerns right at your fingertips, conveniently located to fit into your shopping day. The Vitality Suites feature Spear Physical Therapy, with programs ranging from injury recovery to fall prevention, and The Charging Station, where red-light therapy meets relaxation through “infrared rejuvenation.” Meanwhile, the urgent care clinic provides routine medical services such as sick visits, minor stitches, on-site X-rays and lab work for strep, COVID and more. It’s a full-body refresh—no appointment (or outfit change) necessary.

Grand in Lifestyle Intimate in Scale

Only a limited number of people can call The Vista home. Nestled within Christian Health’s 78-acre campus, The Vista’s intimate size provides many advantages. Your individuality is respected and encouraged. Personalized service is a given. And the spirit of community is upbeat and uplifting. Intimate scale aside, The Vista’s amenities rival those found in many country clubs. Why wait? Explore the rewards of Bergen County’s premier life plan community today.

To arrange a tour and receive event invitations, visit

, or call (201)

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FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

She’s Here To Help Kids

As executive director of Bergen Court Appointed Special Advocates, Lucy Rosen strives to make sure every child in the foster system has a voice.

Life has taken 67-year-old Lucy Rosen in unexpected directions. Originally from London, she worked as a chef after training at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, then earned a psychology degree from the University of Bristol and was employed in advertising. She met her husband Mark, a lawyer and New York State native, while he spent a year in an English law firm. In 1986 they moved to Harrington Park, where they raised three children and where she still lives. She is a grandmother to a 2½-year-old, with a second grandchild on the way.

Rosen is also executive director of Bergen Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the local branch of a national nonprofit that trains and assigns one-on-one advocates for children in the foster system. An advocate acts as an extra set of eyes and ears for the judge and makes sure that, in a courtroom filled with lawyers, foster parents and family, the focus stays where it should: on the child’s wellbeing. The advocate also acts as a stable and dependable adult in the foster system. Having begun as a volunteer advocate in 2011, Rosen became executive director in 2021.

How did you come to Bergen CASA?

How so?

I was a stay-at-home mum for years, and I turned parenting into a full-time job. I would get up at four in the morning to drive my son to swim practices. In retrospect, I kind of submerged my ego in my children’s success. But then they started to need me less, and my elder daughter looked at me and said, “Mum, you need a job.” That’s hard, with a 15-year gap in my résumé. I was encouraged to do volunteer work. I found CASA, and it just clicked. It plugged a huge hole in my life.

As a traveling Cordon Bleu chef, I was passionate about cooking. I cooked on yachts in the south of France, and once I worked for the nephew of the Shah of Iran. But then I went to university, met my husband, moved here and focused on parenting. My passion for cooking completely dissipated, even for making evening meals, and I was looking for something else that resonated. CASA gave me the community I was missing since I moved to this country. What was the hardest part about that?

My whole family is in England, and I miss them—I still call my mum every day. I thought I would be able to visit more when I moved here, because plane tickets were $100 and I imagined travel would only get faster, easier and cheaper [laughs]. I really love American

people, though. I find them very open, caring and willing to try new things.

A memory from your days as an advocate?

I worked with a young girl and did a lot behind the scenes, but wasn’t sure if she really understood that I was trying to help her. Then she called me out of the blue—I actually pulled over in my car to answer because I was so surprised. She told me there was a boy on the bus who sat behind her and pulled her hair and called her ugly and stupid—could I help? It was like fireworks going off. First, because she was actually speaking up for herself. And second, because she was calling me. She understood I was there to help her. And I did—she and that boy were separated.

A CASA success story?

One of our advocates worked with a young mother struggling with addiction. She’d had a hard life, but was a smart woman. Her child was removed at birth because he was born with drugs in his system. The advocate realized how hard she was working to do the right thing and get her child back. We encouraged her. We helped her get a stroller and other necessities. Eventually, she and the child were reunited, and today she’s a lawyer. She’s married. She has her whole family intact and is doing really well.

Something you’re proud of?

My advocates. It’s humbling to see the work these people do. Some of them have full-time jobs and still take this on.

Once a youth needed to get to practices in the summer for his school’s football team, but his foster home was far from the school and the foster parent couldn’t drive him. His advocate found someone who worked in the school building and lived close to the home who agreed to drive him. The youth stayed on the team.

What’s your philosophy?

We’re here to help. You read some of these cases and your heart aches, because these children have had very hard lives. But CASA is here to listen to them and represent their interests. Whatever we can get for a child in both the short and long terms, we’re going to do it.

—Kirsten Meehan

HEALTH NEWS

LOWERING DIVERTICULITIS RISK

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle— specifically, a diet rich in fiber but light on red and processed meats, regular exercise, not smoking and sticking to a recommended weight— is linked to a significantly lower risk of diverticulitis, finds a large, long-term study. What’s more, these five components seem to offset the effects of inherited genes, the findings indicate. Diverticulitis occurs when “pouches” develop along the gut and become inflamed or infected in the wall of the large intestine.

—Gut

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES LINKED TO DEPRESSION

WEIGHT ALONE NOT A MEASURE OF HEALTH

Focusing solely on achieving weight loss for people with a high body mass index (BMI) may do more harm than good, say researchers. They stress that weight alone might not give an adequate picture of someone’s health. In addition, they say doctors should provide high quality, evidence-based care reflecting individual needs, regardless of weight.

—The BMJ

Living with an autoimmune disease— rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease (thyroid hormone disorder), inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis—is linked to a near doubling of the risk of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, with these risks higher in women than in men. Researchers theorize that chronic exposure to the inflammation caused by the autoimmune disease is responsible because a growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation is linked to mental illness.

—BMJ Mental Health

PAIN MED LINKED TO DEMENTIA RISK

Receiving six or more prescriptions of the drug gabapentin for low back pain is associated with significantly increased risks of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment—29 percent and 85 percent, respectively—finds a recent study. What’s more, these risks were more than twice as high in those normally considered too young to develop either condition—18- to 64-year-olds—the findings indicate.

—Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine

WHICH EXERCISES HELP YOU SLEEP?

Yoga, Tai Chi, walking and jogging may be the best forms of exercise to improve sleep quality and ease insomnia, suggest the findings of a recently published data analysis. The findings back the use of exercise as a primary treatment for poor sleep.

—BMJ Evidence Based Medicine

CERVICAL CANCER IN WOMEN 65+

Women aged 65 and older are still at heightened risk of cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), suggest the findings of a recent study. Most guidelines currently recommend discontinuing screening for the disease in women aged 65+ if they have had previously normal smear tests. Yet global cases of cervical cancer have been rising among women in this age group, prompting the researchers to call for a policy rethink.

—Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine

SPEECH AFTER STROKE

Combining neck surgery with intensive speech therapy is associated with greater improvements in a person’s ability to communicate after a stroke than intensive speech therapy alone, finds a clinical trial. The results show improvements immediately after surgery without any long-term severe adverse events or lasting discomfort, as well as reported improvements in quality of life and post-stroke depression over six months.

—The BMJ

—Compiled by Paul Rance Jr.

After Breast Cancer

MEDICINE HAS SCORED REMARKABLE GAINS IN THE BATTLE AGAINST THIS SCOURGE, BUT PATIENTS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES TREATMENT BRINGS.

Here’s the good news: Breast cancer has never been more survivable. According to the American Cancer Society, when diagnosed in the “localized” stage (early, when the malignancy hasn’t left the breast tissue), it has a nearly 99 percent survival rate. According to data collected by the National Cancer Institute, breast-cancer mortality in the U.S. dropped 44 percent from 1989 to 2024.

Says Christy Morrissey, M.D., an oncologist at Valley Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care in Paramus who specializes in breast and gynecological cancers: “I think the main reason is screening mammogram technology. We can catch breast cancer much earlier than we have in the past. I see a lot of patients coming in with early, stage-one breast cancer or stage-zero breast cancer, when the cancer is present only in the milk duct and is not yet invasive. When it’s caught that early, the survival rate is significantly higher.”

Adds Deena Graham, M.D., an oncologist who specializes in breast and gynecological cancers at Hackensack University Medical Center: “In addition to better early detection and awareness, we have better, more tailored therapies and better supportive care. For example, we can do genomic testing on early-stage breast cancers and determine if patients would benefit from chemotherapy. We’re also using immunotherapy in addition to chemotherapy in the curative setting for triple-negative breast cancer [which tests negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and the HER2 protein, and is considered more aggressive than other types of breast cancer]. All of it adds up.”

But that success begs the question: What should you expect after breast cancer treatment? What happens as you move through the remission and recovery stages?

EFFECTS OF ANTIHORMONE THERAPY

“The most common form of breast cancer is what we call ‘hormone-sensitive,’” explains Dr. Graham. This means that the cancer cells have receptors for hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which cause them to grow and spread. “One of the main treatments for this is antihormone or antiestrogen therapies, which block those hormone receptors,” says the doctor. These treatments, taken orally, are often used in conjunction with surgery or as a preventive measure to help stop cancer from returning after treatment. They are usually taken for five to 10 years. “They cause menopausal symptoms,” says Dr. Graham. “Hot flashes,

thinning of hair, vaginal dryness, stiffness, things like that. Particularly in younger women, they can affect quality of life.”

How to manage these effects? “It’s not exciting, but exercise and weight management help,” says Dr. Graham. Dr. Morrissey agrees, adding that “many of my patients are particularly worried about the joint pain. Many experience stiffness in small joints—hands, ankles, toes and fingers. I tell people they must move. If you sit still, it’s likely to get worse.” She also says that estrogen inhibitors can sometimes worsen osteoporosis. “If you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, exercise is even more important. Anything that puts weight on joints helps build new bone. In addition, we recommend vitamin D and calcium to promote bone growth.”

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY

Consisting of drugs that inhibit cell division and kill fast-growing cells, chemotherapy treatment has immediate side effects that are well known— including nausea, hair loss and fatigue. It also can have long-term effects. “There is risk of cardiac damage associated with some chemotherapy drugs, and very rarely with radiation therapy,” Dr. Graham says. “Since we can’t take away that risk, we try to focus on optimizing other risk factors, particularly because breast-cancer survivors are living so much longer now. Follow up with a primary care provider about blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Optimize everything else and lower risk that way.”

“We get an echocardiogram [a specialized ultrasound] of your heart before we start treatment,” says Dr. Morrissey, “and then we get another one three months in. There are specialists with you every step of the way. We’ll know if something is going to be cardiotoxic and if it isn’t safe to proceed with that type of chemo.”

Another possible side effect is neuropathy, or nerve damage that can cause numbness and tingling, particularly in the fingers and toes. “In mild cases, it usually resolves within a year,” says Dr. Morrissey, “but for some it can be permanent. In that case, we sometimes recommend acupuncture.” “For about 5 percent of patients,” adds Dr. Graham, this nerve damage “can affect balance and sleep. There are some medications that we can use to help mitigate those side effects.” As for the “brain fog” associated with recovering from chemo, she says that “keeping people engaged in their regular lives has become important for this reason. The more patients can participate in normal activities, the better they tend to do mentally.”

THE IMPACTS OF SURGERY

The aftermath of breast-cancer surgery, no matter how big or small, often includes either pain or a loss of sensation at the incision site. “You might feel swelling, tenderness or nerve pain,” says Dr. Morrissey. “To manage that, massage the area as you would a knot in your shoulder. You need to break up that fibrous band or everything is going to get stiffer and tighter.”

Women who opt for full reconstruction after a mastectomy often report that the new lack of sensation takes time to adjust to.

Also a risk after surgery is lymphedema, or a swelling (often in the arms) caused by damaged lymph nodes. Breast-cancer surgery that also removes lymph nodes under the arms increases the likelihood of this condition, as does radiation that targets the area. “We are really focusing on doing less surgery to those axillary areas, which lowers the risk,” Dr. Graham says. “If that surgery is necessary, then early detection of lymphedema is key. There are also new procedures, such as a lymph transfer, that can help with it.” Adds Dr. Morrissey: “If a patient develops it, we recommend occupational and physical therapy. Among other things, she’ll get fitted with a compression sleeve, and that compression will help with lymph drainage.”

THE MENTAL TOLL

“No matter how much someone wants to go back to ‘normal’ after breast cancer,” says Dr. Graham, “her life is probably never going to be identical to what it was before. That’s hard for people. Most patients I see are also caretakers themselves—mothers, sisters, daughters. I encourage them to give themselves a little bit of grace, because they need it. You have to take time to heal and take care of yourself.”

Adds Dr. Morrissey: “Once someone gets to ‘survivorship,’ meaning she’s cancer-free and done with treatment, a lot of women have a fear of recurrence. I tell them that they’ve done everything they can to stop the cancer from coming back, but it’s a hard thing to deal with. Going to survivorship and support groups and talking to other people are important. If you need to see a mental health professional, we can refer you to the right person.”

The doctor offers reassurance with a caution. “I tell my patients they’re going to be able to do everything they used to do, within limitations,” she says. “Don’t feel guilty if you can’t run 10 miles right now. It doesn’t mean you won’t get there in a few months or years.”

You’ve Got Your Nerve

TINGLING FINGERS? ACHING WRISTS? THESE SYMPTOMS COULD RESULT FROM PRESSURE ON THE MEDIAN NERVE IN YOUR ARM AND WRIST— CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.

Daniel A. Seigerman, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, Hackensack University Medical Center

Raise your hand if you’ve been guilty of playing too much Candy Crush Saga or scrolling TikTok for hours before bed. Now, how many of you are feeling numbness or tingling in that hand?

In our increasingly digital world, hand and wrist discomfort has become a familiar issue. If this problem affects you, you may be one of up to 10 million U.S. residents who, according to the American Medical Association, suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The condition is brought on by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand. This nerve passes through a narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When the tunnel narrows or nearby tissues swell—often from overuse or inflammation—the nerve becomes compressed, resulting in pain, tingling or numbness in the hand and fingers.

Long considered a condition that affected mostly office workers, CTS actually can plague just about anyone who plays sports, works with power tools, drives a car—or does just about any protracted or repetitive daily activity involving arms, wrists or hands.

Design flaw?

“Everyone is at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome because the median nerve runs through the palm of the hand, which we all use,” says Daniel A. Seigerman, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center. “The human hand shouldn’t have been made that way—we put so much pressure on our hands and wrists. But here we are.”

Repetitive hand movements are one of the most common triggers of CTS. Long hours spent typing, texting or using a computer mouse can gradually strain the wrist, especially when posture and ergonomics are poor. But jobs and activities involving assembly lines, handheld tools and machinery with constant vibrations can have a similar

effect. Even pregnancy can lead to temporary CTS, as fluid retention can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel.

“The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often appear gradually,” Dr. Seigerman says. “Many people first notice tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle and sometimes ring fingers, particularly at night. Try using your thumb to touch your pinky: If there’s any pain or discomfort, that’s a sign that you may have it. As the condition progresses, weakness can develop, making it difficult to grip objects or perform everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt or opening a jar.”

Nighttime pain is common, he adds, as many people sleep with their wrists either bent upward or downward, positions that cause increased force on the nerve. “Patients often have difficulty sleeping because of the pain.”

Don’t wait too long

To diagnose CTS, a doctor will usually begin with a physical examination and nerve tests, checking for signs such as weakness in the hand or a delayed response in sensation. Specific tests, such as the Tinel’s sign (in which the doctor taps on the nerve) or Phalen’s maneuver (which involves bending the wrists to see if it reproduces symptoms), are commonly used to determine the source of pain or discomfort.

“Many people will try to power through the numbness and live with the pain,” Dr. Seigerman says. “I see many cases where someone who’s suffering comes in only after a family member or someone else urged them to get checked. Often these patients have late-stage carpal tunnel, and I tell them that I wish they’d come in sooner.” If CTS isn’t diagnosed and treated, he says, it can cause irreparable nerve damage.

Whether or not you experience symptoms, our expert urges preventive measures. “Take frequent breaks from work or repetitive tasks and shake out your hands, which can relieve

any pressure from the nerve,” he says. “If you sit at a desk, use a wrist rest with the keyboard and mouse—try your best to keep the wrist in a neutral position. A wrist brace can provide support and reduce undue force on the wrist.” Those who feel discomfort can take anti-inflammatory medications, both over-the-counter or prescribed, which are recommended to reduce swelling.

If symptoms persist, many patients can benefit from corticosteroid injections that target inflammation more directly. Physical therapy also may be introduced, focusing on nerve-gliding exercises and stretches to improve mobility and decrease discomfort. Holistic approaches too can be considered to treat minor CTS symptoms. “Patients can think about doing acupuncture and hand therapy to relieve pressure for mild cases,” says Dr. Seigerman. “You also can increase your intake of vitamins like B12 and B6. [Both vitamins are essential for nerve health.] I’ve found holistic treatments are best for treating carpal tunnel in its earliest form.”

More aggressive treatment may be required for severe cases. When nonsurgical options aren’t effective, carpal-tunnel release surgery may be considered. “It’s usually a 10-minute procedure that opens one of the ligaments to relieve pressure on the nerve,” Dr. Seigerman says. “People think it’s major surgery, but that’s a myth. Really it’s a safe, outpatient treatment in which most patients experience significant improvement.”

The course of treatment depends on the individual, as CTS can affect people in different ways. While CTS-related pain or discomfort originates at the wrist, it can radiate up the arm or even into the shoulder, mimicking tennis elbow or rotator-cuff issues. “Not every patient is a textbook case,” Dr. Seigerman says. “That’s why it’s important not to wait to see a doctor when you feel symptoms, so we can diagnose and understand the problem.”

PARTY ON!

A sentiment from the 1990s still fit the owners of a six-bedroom Saddle River colonial. A ’90s design? Not so much.

Design by P. Smith Design

Photography by Phillip Ennis

Text by Donna Rolando

Two Saddle River empty nesters love entertaining so much they were determined to keep the good times rolling throughout an extensive renovation of their home and yard. That was a challenge for designer Patti Smith (no, not the famous singersongwriter-poet-photographer) and her team from Ridgewood’s P. Smith Design. They had to get things ready for special occasions that arose during the multi-year project.

The eventual result? Today’s sleek, modern design matches the evolved style of both husband and wife, breaking free of their once traditional Ralph Lauren dark

No longer stuck in the ’90s, this Saddle River home’s living room is modern and minimalist, reflecting its longtime residents’ refined design ethos and making it even more pleasurable for the parties they love to host. Both the quartz chandelier and the bow-tie mirrors stand out for style.

woods, suede and leather walls and copious collections. “It was what everyone in the ’90s was doing, rich and warm and grand—but it was stale,” says the lady of the house, whose tastes had since swung to modern and minimalist.

“I called her Martha Stewart,” recalls Smith. “But Martha Stewart elevated, based on her ability to entertain so exquisitely and seamlessly and always be calm.”

Somehow it was really no surprise that, when Smith came onboard simply to renovate two powder rooms in fall of 2018, she was also tasked with a major redesign of the six-bedroom brick colonial, the couple’s home for more than 20 years. As they had last renovated decades ago, the powder-room update only underscored other needs and opened the door to more work, the homeowner explains. When the entire project was completed in early 2021, it included a master suite for all three of their adult children and a nursery for a 2-year-old granddaughter. “We really use our home,” she says. A neutral palette is central to the minimalist look Smith was striving for. No longer bursting with color, the living room keeps it light and airy with a creamvelvet sofa by Interlude Home, eggshell chenille chairs by Christopher Guy and a tonal rug by Prestige Mills. Yet there’s no danger of monotony with a pop from twin John Richards abstracts, which a row of mirrors reflects

This page: Arteriors’s stacking tables are as practical as they are stylish, with hammered brass and bronze. Opposite page: John Richards artwork delivers a powerful punch of color that contributes to the living room’s modernity.

This page: “Glamorous and fun” is how designer Patti Smith describes the Trowbridge Gallery artwork that elevates the cabana hallway.

Opposite page: With their jewelry effect, hanging pendant lights by Fine Art help the master bedroom achieve a look of elegance.

and amplifies. From their bow-tie shape alone, it’s easy to see why Smith says the mirrors too are art.

For the John Richards chandelier, another showstopper, she chose quartz petals for natural elegance and further illuminated the space with alabaster lamps. “I wanted to keep the off-white theme, and my client is not a crystal type of person,” she explains. Smith also welcomed mixed metals for interest in the stacking tables from Arteriors, featuring hammered-brass tops and bronze legs, as well as the satin brass accompanying tone-on-tone drapes by JAD Fabrics.

The master bedroom similarly starts out neutral with the silvery gray of faux reptile skin by Osborne & Little on the walls, but makes a statement with oversized pendants by Fine Art. Creating a jewelry effect, they hang on both sides of the modern sleigh bed and the twotone night tables by Baker Furniture. Smith says that at the time the

homeowners “both worked a lot and traveled a lot, so the goal was to come home from a trip and have the room be very elegant and simple, not a lot of furniture or busyness.”

Shaking up neutral is the bold blue of another John Richards abstract, and Smith continues this color statement in the carpeted bedroom’s sitting room, which overlooks their new backyard terrace.

“It’s just a cozy space with two oversized swivel chairs in a blue velvet and a fireplace, a place to end the day with a glass of wine—or start the day with a newspaper,” she says.

This fun-living couple further tasked Smith with an extensive outdoor redesign that included the pool cabana. There, sleek, black laundry appliances preserve the hallway’s elegance, as does the feminine artwork from Trowbridge Gallery in London on walls clad in taupe-toned, faux crocodile by Phillip Jeffries. Of the artwork,

This page: Ready to accommodate family and friends, this dining area offers an extended season due to the heat-equipped pergola. Opposite page: Extra seating at this Caesarstone counter area lets the chef socialize with guests.

Smith says, “We just liked it. Because it had water, it had an outdoor effect, but it was glamorous and fun at the same time.”

In the cabana’s bathroom, a “spa-like vibe” emanates from the sandy-toned tile by Porcelanosa stretched floor to ceiling. With its smoky brown cabinets, the kitchen also demonstrates a clean, modern ambience courtesy of Porcelanosa. “We tried to make it all monochromatic with sand tones that give it a natural effect,” says Smith of the luxury vinyl flooring that grounds the space.

As per the couple’s extensive wish list, a pergola equipped with infrared heat extends the outdoor dining experience into late fall. There’s always room for one more at the ceramic quartz top table by Manutti, which cleans up in a snap. Styled with Caesarstone, the counter space maximizes seating with rope-backed stools, complementing the dining chairs. And the outdoor kitchen’s

L shape connects the chef to his guests. In keeping with the sandy tones, she refreshed the pavers around the pool with 36-inchsquare porcelain and curated Brown Jordan chaise-longue chairs for style and comfort.

The homeowner calls the outdoor transformation a “modern miracle.” She chose Smith after perusing the designer’s website and realizing that she could live happily in any of the rooms featured. She chalks that up to Smith’s contacts, knowledge and “exquisite taste,” as well as her ability to work collaboratively with clients in harmony with their tastes.

“I thought it was phenomenally done, and it has turned this into an absolutely beautiful entertainment home, where we entertain every week,” says the homeowner. “Honestly, every room was so beautifully created—I love every room.”

MAKE YOUR CEILING APPEALING

Three Bergen designers tell how to top off a room with a surface you can truly look up to.

For years, while we said “if these walls could talk,” ceilings have been keeping mum. They’ve been left out of the design conversation, but that’s changing. Designers now recognize that matte white isn’t the only game in town—that a space’s upper surface has many aesthetic possibilities as a kind of “fifth wall.”

“Ceilings are definitely a fun place to add dimension and interest in a room,” says Jessica Marinelli, an interior designer at White Oak Design House in Englewood. “They can play a pivotal role in a space. Some spaces are definitely worth the investment. The sky is the limit.”

To help you up your game for upward glances, BERGEN tapped the wisdom of Marinelli and two other pro designers in our county.

OUR EXPERTS

:

BRIGHT COLOR

Our experts agree that the simplest way to create a statement ceiling is to add a coat of paint. “It’s a versatile option,” says Marina V. Umali. “Even a subtle shift in color can transform the mood of the room, while bold hues create drama.” Color drenching, notes Jessica Marinelli, can be an interesting way to go. “This is when you create an immersive environment in the space by applying the same paint color to the wall, ceiling and trims,” she says. “It makes a space feel larger to the eye, yet also cozy due to lack of contrast. You also can go out of the box by choosing different finishes for the ceiling, such as a high-gloss sheen to have a mirror effect.” But Umali says use caution and consider the height of the ceiling and overall size of the room when selecting colors.

“Drawing attention upward can make a room feel smaller, especially when you’re considering darker paint or bold finish,” she says. “In those cases, keep the ceiling lighter. On the other hand, in larger rooms with high ceilings, adding color is a fantastic way to create warmth.”

TERRIFIC TILE

One thing all of our designers agree on: Tile is a design choice best left to bathrooms, where its moisture resistance can take center stage. There’s an appeal to the idea of a beautiful tile mosaic on a bathroom ceiling, perhaps nodding toward a Moroccan design sensibility. Kitchens are also an option. “Tile on the ceiling, especially in a bathroom, provides a finished look, temperature control and a barrier for moisture, and it can absorb sound as well,” says Pough. Umali also says tile in kitchens and modern living or dining rooms adds a “sense of luxury” while being a durable material that stands up to moisture. This feature, however, often requires professional installation: The tile must adhere to the ceiling structure properly to avoid costly repairs down the road.

BOLD PATTERNS

If you’re looking for something more immediately eyecatching, adding wallpaper to a ceiling may be for you. Do you want to see birds when you look up? Perhaps there are non-structural cracks you’d like to see disappear. “Wallpaper provides visual interest and can hide imperfections on the ceiling,” says Denise Pough. “A hand-painted or textured wallpaper adds dimension and, as the light hits it, the details of the wallpaper elevate the ceiling. You can have a lot of fun in laundry and small bathrooms.” Solid colors and neutrals are good options, but wallpaper with patterns or textures can introduce playfulness or sophistication. “I did my laundry room during the One Room Challenge in fall 2024 and used a black, hand-painted wallpaper for the ceiling,” adds Pough. “I wanted a much different look that made the room more fun.” Marinelli agrees. “If you’re looking for an eclectic space with many elements of surprise to show your personality,” says Marinelli, “you can be daring with style. You can really add a lot of depth to a space with wallpaper.” Professional installation is often recommended, adds Umali, to ensure proper adhesion overhead, especially in rooms where moisture is an issue, and to avoid seams and uneven patterns.

AMAZING MURALS

Here’s a chance to really create that coveted “wow” factor—but be sure you really love the idea before moving forward. “A mural, similar to wallpaper, is a decorative focal point for the room that adds unique artistic interest,” Pough says. “The space becomes more inviting and cozy and gives the room a story to tell.” Try this feature in a formal dining room or perhaps a basement or a child’s bedroom, suggests Umali, whichever room you wish to give an artful focal point and imaginative dimension. “Maybe it’s a jungle or a graffiti wall right out of New York City,” adds Marinelli. “Try adding a cloud mural to your nursery ceiling to create a calm atmosphere for your baby. There are many interesting ways to execute a mural.” In short, make sure you love it—a commissioned drawing or painting won’t be easy to change once it’s up.

DEEP COFFERS

Another unanimous opinion among our designers: Millwork, such as decorative crown and cove molding and coffered ceilings, is elegant and timeless and can be a personal favorite. “Millwork adds depth, structure and architectural appeal—it’s an elegant way to define the ceiling as part of the design story,” Umali says. Pough adds that millwork can make the transition between the walls and ceiling flow more easily. “It can be done as a coffered ceiling for dimension, wood beams that provide a farmhouse style or crown molding to give the ceiling some decorative details connecting the walls to the ceiling,” she says. “It’s great for large rooms with high ceilings such as great rooms, kitchens and living rooms.” The cost of professional installation makes millwork one of the most expensive options. But it’s an investment that’s “timeless and elegant,” says Marinelli. “It surely will be noticed.”

A WISE UPSIZE

As a family adjusts to a larger living space in Ho-Ho-Kus, a traditional colonial gets a comfortable, captivating refresh.

Design by Marian Shulman, Wostbrock Home

Photography by Christina Ruth Grieco

Text by Nayda Rondon

When Marissa and Peter Sala traded in their Hoboken condo for a 5,000-square-foot colonial in Ho-Ho-Kus, the move wasn’t just a change of address. It was a complete lifestyle reboot. It also posed a design challenge for the busy professionals (she’s a BERGEN Magazine Top Dentist; he’s a Manhattan finance exec) with two young kids and three dogs.

“The shift to a larger home, with little furniture to fill it, felt overwhelming,” Marissa recalls of their October 2021 move. Additionally, its outdated finishes and décor didn’t reflect their style. “We wanted something traditional, but fresh and livable,” she explains. “We needed help.”

That assist materialized during a visit to Wostbrock Home, a furniture store and interior design center in nearby Ridgewood. “I’d started choosing a few things on my own, but quickly realized I was in over my head,” Marissa admits. Enter Marian Shulman, one of Wostbrock’s interior designers. “She saw what I’d chosen, made some tweaks, and I fell in love!”

Like the rest of this gracious Ho-Ho-Kus colonial, the family room reflects an inviting classic-meets-contemporary vibe. The homeowner praises designer Marian Shulman’s flexible approach, noting: “She’s accepting of existing pieces, mindful of budget and respectful of our pace, letting us live in the spaces before adding more.” (The congenial collaborators are currently on the hunt for a martini table for the home office.)

What started as a small request—help choosing fabric for pillows and two chairs for the family room—soon expanded into a plea for guidance in creating a total home facelift.

With Shulman guiding the décor/design and Wostbrock’s owner, Steve Wostbrock, overseeing flooring and finishes, the Salas realized they’d lucked onto a go-to goldmine. The store provided everything from furniture and custom design to flooring and runners, not to mention a network of contractors that the family quickly grew to value.

“Their son even wanted to invite one of our painters to dinner,” Shulman recalls. “That’s just the kind of wonderful family they are.”

The team’s transformation began in the entryway with fresh paint, updated lighting, new furniture and a staircase runner. From there, Shulman refreshed the downstairs guest room and kitchen. But the biggest challenge, and ultimately the most rewarding, was creating a family room that set the tone for the whole house and clinched the homeowners’ trust.

“Marissa had never worked with a designer before and was hesitant at first,” says Shulman. “But once she saw the results, it was smooth sailing.”

The designer’s approach—combining traditional elegance with youthful practicality—paired perfectly with Marissa’s aesthetics. “Lifestyle dictates design. No matter how beautiful the design, if it doesn’t fit your life, you won’t love or enjoy it,” says Shulman. “I wanted the home to convey a mix of classic and contemporary, yet feel comfortable and welcoming.”

Accordingly, Shulman’s choices were equal parts practical and pleasing: performance fabrics, wool rugs and stylish furnishings built to withstand everyday wear. The family room’s classic blueand-cream palette is enlivened by playful modern art. CR Laine Bradstreet chairs frame the newly refinished, wood-burning fireplace. Above it, art by Benson-Cobb and Visual Comfort sconces add subtle decorative touches. A cream sofa and tufted Wesley Hall leather ottoman sit atop an Antrim rug, anchoring the space with understated charm. A blue CR Laine Marcoux swivel chair, in Blair Steel fabric, contributes color and comfort. Benjamin Moore Collingwood perks up the built-in shelves, while walls in Balboa Mist offer a soft glow.

In the dining room, Marissa’s vintage, estate-sale find—table, side chairs and server—got a second life with fresh finishes and upholstery. Dressed

The dining room combines vintage charm with a modern sensibility. From the sculptural Visual Comfort chandelier to the Bradburn Gallery ceramic bowl atop the server, every detail contributes to the welcoming whole.

in Serene Chalk fabric, two Lee Industries head chairs complete the set, seamlessly blending old and new. Shulman added custom drapes in Fabricut’s Ventura Heather, loving the “color and scale of its geometric pattern.” Phillip Jeffries Silver Steam wallpaper, Kalaty rug and Trowbridge Gallery artwork perfect the setting.

Cloaked in Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green, Peter’s home office is saturated in sophistication, its ambiance further accentuated by the fireplace’s black mantel and the sleek Vanguard Make It Yours Berkeley writing desk.

Custom drapes in Unique Fine Fabrics echo the walls, creating an enveloping, unified aesthetic. “The way the room’s darkness feels in different settings—bluer or greener depending on the natural light and time of day—is unique; it’s moody in the best way,” Peter says.

Visual Comfort’s contemporary chandelier and Home Goods’ Sinead mirror bring unexpected elements to the traditional space—“and that’s precisely what makes them so perfect here,” Shulman says.

From Peter’s tailored office to the family room’s easy-living feel, each room has its own voice, yet all speak the same design language. The designer expertly blended notes of old and new, polished and practical to cultivate spaces that are functional, intentional and expressive of the vibrant, young family that calls it home.

“We’re so happy with and proud of the results,” Marissa exclaims.

This page: The aviation-inspired art over the Hickory Chair Continental Demi-Lune bar cabinet references the husband’s piloting tradition. “My father was an airline pilot and taught me to fly in a small, propeller-driven aircraft,” he explains. “Our son has similarly caught the aviation bug, and now it’s also something we share.”Opposite: Adding a personal layer, the leather armchair and ottoman, once in the husband’s childhood home, now grace his modernday home office.

Special Report

NATURE’S TANTRUMS

It’s only prudent to know which natural disasters are most likely here in Bergen— and to be prepared.

BY LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF

Back in July, Raquel Bruno was live-streaming when it happened. The Bergen County resident, who DJs twice a week on the video streaming service Twitch, was in the middle of her Saturday night show when she heard a loud bang from somewhere in the house. Her first thought was that her 7-year-old son had fallen out of bed. But a few seconds later she felt a rumbling under her feet and, she recalls, “I felt like I was going to go through the floor.” Her husband confirmed her suspicion that the bang and rumble were both the results of an earthquake, whose epicenter in Hasbrouck Heights happened to be six miles from Bruno’s home in southern Bergen County. (Because she performs live from her home, she chooses not to reveal her town.) Many of her followers live in California, and they made light of the 3.0-magnitude quake and Bruno’s anxious response to it. “But I told them, ‘Hey, you’re all prepared for earthquakes,’” she says. “’When you’re not prepared for one, it terrifies you.’”

Terrifying or not, earthquakes don’t pose a major threat to Bergen residents. Still, those recent quakes suggest a question: What natural disasters represent a serious threat here—and, conversely, which ones do we not need to worry much about? BERGEN posed those questions to two experts: Alexander Gates, Ph.D., a professor of earth and environmental science at Rutgers who studies geological faults and writes about natural disasters, and David Robinson, Ph.D., New Jersey’s

state climatologist, who is also another earth science professor at Rutgers.

DON’T WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT . . .

• Earthquakes. Unlike California or earthquake-prone countries China and Indonesia, New Jersey doesn’t straddle any major fault lines—fractures in the earth’s surface between two rock masses, also known as tectonic plates, where earthquakes tend to occur. The largest earthquake to rattle Bergen and its environs was in 1884; it had a magnitude of 5.2 and knocked a few houses off their foundations and felled a steeple in Rahway.

(Compare that with the devastating, 7.2-magnitude quake in China in 2008, responsible for 87,000 deaths.)

“There are probably more important things to worry about here,” says Gates.

If you do experience an earthquake that lasts more than a few seconds, stay away from large structures or trees, which can be shaken loose during a quake, and if you’re inside, resist the urge to run outside, unless you have quick access to an open field. Instead, advises Gates, stay inside, drop onto your hands and knees and find cover, if possible, under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a desk. Hold on and don’t move until the shaking subsides.

• Tornadoes. We’re not in Kansas, and that’s a good thing when it comes to tornadoes. Though they do occur here, they’re rare in North Jersey and usually

relatively minor. “There’s been one tornadic death in New Jersey in the past 75 years,” says Robinson. If a tornado threatens, find shelter indoors, preferably in a basement or an interior room with no windows. If possible, bring your phone or a portable radio with you so that you can determine when the threat has passed.

BUT BE PREPARED FOR . . .

• Flooding. Bergen residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021 can attest to the real danger of flooding here. We’re vulnerable to flooding from major storms (including tropical storms and offshore hurricanes), long periods of rain and relatively short but extremely heavy downpours that can cause flash floods. If flooding is imminent and authorities issue an evacuation warning, follow instructions, even if you think you can survive it in place. “You don’t want to be there when the flood comes,” says Gates. “Go to higher ground as soon as you can.” Don’t wait to see if it’s really going to be as serious as they say. Floodwaters rise fast. Only if you have the time, move valuables to the highest level of your home.

When flash flooding occurs, don’t drive into standing water, even if the car in front of you got through it unscathed; floodwaters, as noted, can rise dramatically in a very short time. “During Ida,” says Robinson, “there were 32 drowning deaths in New Jersey, and all but a couple were of people in vehicles.”

• High-wind events. Though hurricanes and tornadoes are rare in Bergen, high winds aren’t, and data suggest that, in a warming world, we could see an increasing number of high-wind events. (Like flooding, some of these events are caused by tropical storms and offshore hurricanes.) “Every year,” says Robinson, “there are multiple people killed in New Jersey from straight-line winds”—strong, non-rotating winds often exceeding 50 miles per hour, a speed at which trees can tumble and roofs can be ripped away.

If wind gusts of more than 50 miles per hour are predicted, stay away from trees and power lines and don’t drive. As a preventive, Robinson advises, if you have time you can help protect your house from potential wind damage by clearing your property of dead, dying or damaged trees.

• Extreme heat. For most of us, heat waves can feel like nothing more than a nuisance, which is why we sometimes discount the potential dangers of extreme heat. Daisy Morris certainly did. In July of 2010, when the mercury rose to 105 in parts of Bergen County, the Midland Park resident decided not to forgo her daily walk. “I thought, ‘Yes, I’m in my late 50s, but I’m also very healthy,’ so I figured I’d just hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and I’d be fine,” she recalls. After a mile, she started to feel lightheaded, and by the time she was nearing home, she was experiencing heart palpitations. Her husband drove her to an urgent care center, and by then she was feeling better. “But the doctor read me the riot act,” she says. “He told me that working out in extreme heat could potentially cause a heart attack. That got my attention.”

The Meadowlands are also wildfire-prone. “The United States had wildfires pretty much under control back in the 1970s,” says Gates. “And then things started to get out of hand in about 1980, and every year, because the earth’s surface temperature is going up, we’re drying things out much worse than they were before, which makes wildfires an increasing problem.”

If a wildfire evacuation alert is issued in your area, heed it and evacuate as quickly as possible. Only if you have time, shut off the gas supply (if you don’t know how, contact your gas and electric company for instructions—don’t wait for an emergency to do this) and turn off the AC and any fans, move propane tanks 100 feet or more away from the house, set a sprinkler on the roof to wet it down and fill sinks and tubs with cold water. And don’t discount air-quality alerts; even if you can’t smell smoke, the particulates from a wildfire, both near and far, can pose a significant danger, especially to those with preexisting breathing difficulties. If you’re in a wooded area where your house may be vulnerable

downgraded below hurricane strength before crossing the state, doesn’t mean we can’t suffer notable impacts.” If a hurricane does threaten the area, follow the directions of state, county and/or local authorities, especially if an evacuation order has been issued. Take that order seriously. Just because you’ve ridden out a major storm in the past doesn’t mean you’re magically immune to the next one. And be prepared: Have a “go bag” at hand (see “What To Keep in Your ‘Go Bag’— Just in Case,” below ), and find your evacuation route before an emergency occurs at nj.gov/njoem/plan/pdf/ maps/bergen_evac.pdf.

GETTING THE NEWS

“Because the earth’s surface temperature is going up, we’re drying things out much worse than they were before, which makes wildfires an increasing problem.”

—Alexander Gates, Ph.D., earth and environmental science professor, Rutgers

to wildfire damage, take preventive measures before wildfire season: “Be cognizant of debris and flammables around the house,” says Robinson. Clear your property of brush and dead or dying vegetation, and make sure that your roof, gutters and all vents are clear of debris—a move that can mitigate flood damage as well.

For detailed information on what to do before and during all types of natural disasters in Bergen County, go to bergencountynj.gov and search “Emergency Preparedness Information.” Because you don’t want to be the last person in the county to get news of an impending natural disaster, make sure you’re up on current events, whether through the internet, broadcast news or print media. The warning chain begins with meteorologists and other scientists, who convey information about potential disasters to the governor, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and state, county and local authorities. That information is then passed along to the media. New Jersey has an excellent public warning system, but, says Robinson, “you have to have the public listening for it to work.”

“Daytimes aren’t getting that much hotter,” explains Robinson, “but what’s notable about the summer temperatures is how persistent they are.” He also notes that increasingly high humidity is keeping our nights warmer than usual, since moisture in the air doesn’t allow daytime heat to escape into the upper atmosphere.

Protection is relatively simple: Stay in the AC, either at home or in a cooling center, stay hydrated and avoid exertion outdoors as much as possible. The same goes for your pets. Before walking them on a paved surface, test it with your hand. If it hurts you, it will hurt your pets too.

DON’T PANIC, BUT DON’T DISCOUNT . . .

• Wildfires. As the past several summers have dramatically shown, wildfires are becoming more severe and more common around the world—and increasing periods of heat-fueled drought are intensifying the danger of wildfires. In November of 2024, for instance, a long, dry fall and high winds contributed to the wildfire that broke out in Bergen along a section of the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

• Hurricanes. Given our proximity to the Atlantic, it may be surprising to learn how few hurricanes hit us directly. “Hurricanes typically run from southwest to northeast, so they glance the state at best,” says Gates. And the relatively cool temperatures in the nearby Atlantic tend to protect us as well. “Seventy-nine degrees is the magic number for hurricanes,” Gates explains. “If the water temperature is 79 or above, hurricanes strengthen; below 79, they get weaker.” In fact, the last hurricane to make landfall (that is, to move over land after being over water) in New Jersey was an unnamed storm that roared into Atlantic City in 1903. In 2011, Irene made a direct hit on the state after being downgraded to a tropical storm, and Sandy, which followed a year later, did the same. (Its designation as a “super storm” derived from the fact that the decaying hurricane ran into a strengthening nor’easter, boosting its destructive potential.)

As ocean temperatures continue to rise, we could be more vulnerable to hurricanes, whether or not they hit us directly. Warns Robinson: “Just because a hurricane doesn’t make landfall in New Jersey, or the storm is

WHAT TO KEEP IN YOUR ‘GO BAG’— JUST IN CASE

When you get the warning to evacuate, you may have very little time to gather your belongings. That’s why it’s important to have an already prepared “go bag”—a backpack filled with enough essentials for a 72-hour emergency—stashed in an easy-to-reach spot. Make sure to include:

• bottled water

• nonperishable food such as protein bars or trail mix

• a first-aid kit

• a three-day supply of prescription medications

• photocopies of important documents like passports, driver’s licenses, birth and marriage certificates, health insurance cards, wills and living wills, etc.

• a hand-crank radio

• a change of clothing

• cash

• if you have a pet, a three-day supply of pet meds and dry pet food

5 JAUNTS WITH

For an October adventure, these bewitching towns are packed with fright, folklore and a touch of magic.

As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, October sets the stage for a little everyday magic. Whether you’re a full-on Halloween enthusiast or simply someone drawn to the mystical side of fall, there’s no shortage of alluring destinations to explore. Take, for example, five historic towns with haunted reputations, cozy cafés offering tarot readings and shops brimming with crystals, herbs and spell books. They happen to be in five different states, but they’re all a not-too-distant drive away:

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y.

This Westchester County village about 30 minutes from Bergen famously comes alive in October, embracing its fabled status as the home of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving. Here, autumn beauty blends with spooky charm, with haunted hayrides, ghost tours and encounters with the Headless Horseman himself. The town’s 17th century Old Dutch Church and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery set a perfectly eerie backdrop, and the latter (the final resting place of Irving, financier William Rockefeller—younger brother of more famous tycoon John D.—and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie) is open to daylight and lantern lit tours. There’s also the famed Headless Horseman Bridge, a must visit landmark and photo op. Tour Sunnyside, Irving’s riverside cottage, and see what inspired the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane, Rip Van Winkle and more of Irving’s literary characters. And for not so spooky things like produce, meats and flowers, visit the TaSH (for Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow) Farmers’ Market on Saturdays for some of the Hudson Valley’s best. Where to eat: Beekman Avenue has a variety of eateries catering to all tastes, from Bridge View Tavern’s pub grub to Croqueteria’s Cuban sandwiches and savory croquetas to Hudson Farmer & the Fish’s raw bar and seafood classics. For more options (and great waterside views), a five minute drive to Tarrytown will lead you to upscale restaurants such as the Michelin starred Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Bistro12 as well as more relaxed eateries Sweet Grass Grill and Horsefeathers. More info: visitsleepyhollow.com

HISTORIC VILLAGE AT ALLAIRE, WALL, N.J.

Tucked inside Allaire State Park in Monmouth County’s Wall Township, Allaire Village is a 19th‑century iron‑making town that feels especially captivating in October. With its historic buildings, costumed interpreters and old world charm, the village (about an hour and 15 minutes from Bergen) offers a step back in time. Seasonal highlights include “Night of Frights,” held every weekend this month, and evening ghost tours for ages 12 and older. And don’t miss the All Hallows’ Eve celebration on Oct. 26— complete with trick or treating, pumpkin carving, scavenger hunts and 19th century trade demos (blacksmithing and hearth cooking, anyone?). The village general store and bakery are open on weekends for merchandise and fresh baked goods. Where to eat: There are several dining options near Historic Village at Allaire, ranging from casual to upscale. Allenwood General Store in Allenwood and Mulligan’s Bar and Grill in Farmingdale are great for breakfast sandwiches and burgers, respectively. If you’re craving something specific, Shogun Legends in Wall is known for its sushi and Japanese dishes, while La Mondina in nearby Brielle has fine Italian cuisine. For a farm to table experience, Harvest in Farmingdale serves locally sourced fare in an intimate space. More info: allairevillage.org

HAUNTS

NEW HOPE, PA.

About 90 minutes from Bergen is this charming riverside town known for its artsy spirit, eclectic shops and historic ambiance. In October, New Hope—which is full of indie boutiques, antiques shops and galleries—elegantly blends autumn charm with eerie excitement. Begin your day at Peddler’s Village’s OctoberFeast (Oct. 11–12), where food trucks, craft brews, seasonal treats and live performances light up the fall weekend. As dusk falls, join the Ghost Tours of New Hope (available Fridays and Saturdays), a lantern-lit walking experience that dives into the town’s haunted past. For thrill seekers, the No Hope After Dark train excursion will draw you into a spooky, 90-minute haunted maze aboard the heritage railroad. As night sets in, sip whiskey on the Specters & Spirits tour—an atmospheric, ghost-walking tour paired with tastings at haunted local spots. Not terrified enough yet? The Bucks County Playhouse, right in town, is staging its October tradition, The Rocky Horror Show, about a young couple who “seek shelter at a mysterious old castle on a dark and stormy night.” And then….

Where to eat: Picturesque, walkable New Hope boasts several restaurants—try oysters or seafood linguini at The Salt House on Ferry Street, housed in a 1751 building, or stroll across the bridge to Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn in Lambertville, N.J., to dine overlooking the Delaware River. Up the hill at Peddler’s Village, try the burgers at familyfriendly Buttonwood Grill or the cheesesteaks at Hart’s Tavern, or opt for an elevated experience at Earl’s New American or Cock ’n Bull Restaurant. After dinner, stop by Red Fox Lounge or Free Will Brewing Taproom for a brew or cocktail.

More info: visitbuckscounty.com, peddlersvillage.com, newhoperailroad.com

NEWPORT, R.I.

Enjoy a scenic, three-and-a-half-hour drive to this New England city, which dials up autumn allure in October with coastal charm and spirited seasonal events. Explore the dramatic Cliff Walk amidst rising fall foliage, or wander through Gilded Age mansions turned into captivating backdrops for Halloween-themed tours. Private guided ghost tours, suitable for all ages, uncover the secrets of Newport’s haunted past. Speaking of tours, be sure to stop by Washington Square and the Newport Colony House, iconic locations from the spooky/funny flick Hocus Pocus 2 If you’d rather spend time shopping than being scared, Newport’s cobblestone streets and bustling wharves are filled with eclectic gift shops, clothing boutiques, home goods and décor stores and more.

Where to eat: If you’re planning a visit Oct. 18–19, be sure to check out the 34th annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, named one of the 10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast by Coastal Living magazine. More seafood options (lobster rolls are a must in this town) include Midtown Oyster Bar and Clarke Cooke House. Not a seafoodie? These restaurants also offer great steaks, burgers and chicken. For drinks and apps, try Forty 1 North, a waterfront spot overlooking the harbor and home to some of the area’s swankiest boats. More info: discovernewport.org

SALEM, MASS.

Infamous for its 1692 witch trials, this town about four and a half hours away is equal parts history, mystery and haunted happenings. Throughout October, visitors can explore the Festival of the Dead, a series of eerie rituals and events across town. These events include the Salem Psychic Fair at Witch City Mall, a lantern-lit marketplace, Salem Night Faire at Pioneer Village on Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25 and the Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball at the Hawthorne Hotel on Oct. 31— complete with drumming, psychic readings and costume prizes. Beyond the events, you can tour centuries-old cemeteries, browse shops filled with spell books and crystals and soak up spooky stories on every corner. Costumed visitors stroll the cobblestone streets all month long, giving the entire town a festive, otherworldly feel. Where to eat: Don’t worry—you won’t be eating from a witch’s cauldron in this town. Sit-down dining is offered at eateries like Finz Seafood & Grill, Mainstay Social and Koto Asian Fusion. For quick bites, you’ll find delicious slices at Flying Saucer Pizza Company or Essex’s NY Pizza & Deli. Just looking for a brew and vibes? Try Notch Brewing or Far from the Tree cider house. More info: salem.org

—Darius Amos

TASTES

Great Gourds

These tasty recipes are as healthy as they are comforting.

HEALTHY PUMPKIN OATMEAL PANCAKES

Yields 3 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 3/4 cup pumpkin puree

n 2 large eggs

n ²/³ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

n 2 tsp. vanilla extract

n 1 Tbs. pure maple syrup

n 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired

n 2 tsp. baking powder

n 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

n ½ tsp. allspice

n ½ tsp. nutmeg

n ½ tsp. ground ginger

n 1/4 tsp. salt

n olive oil, for cooking

DIRECTIONS

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Lightly coat a griddle with coconut oil, vegan butter or olive oil and place over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add about ¹/³ cup of the batter to the griddle for each pancake; the batter may be thick so you’ll need to use a spoon to spread out the batter a bit. It will get thicker as it sits so be sure to cook these pancakes immediately after blending. Cook for 2-4 minutes until pancakes slightly puff up and you see a few bubbles along the edges.

Flip cakes and cook until golden brown on underside. (If you find that pancakes are browning too quickly, then you need to lower the heat. Start on medium heat, then reduce to medium low later so pancakes don’t burn. If at any point your griddle starts smoking, it means your pan is too hot.)

Wipe skillet clean and repeat with additional oil and remaining batter.

“Add 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to batter of these pancakes to increase your protein intake by 10-12 grams. In addition, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for additional fiber and omega fats. Finally, consider topping them with fresh berries instead of syrup.”

—Janet Brancato, registered dietitian nutritionist, Nutopia, Glen Rock

TASTES

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BACON SPINACH QUICHE

Yields 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

n 8 slices bacon (or turkey bacon)

n 3 cups butternut squash, roasted and cubed

n 1/2 Tbs. olive oil

n 1 (5 oz.) bag spinach

n 6 large eggs

n ¹/³ cup unsweetened almond

milk (or sub regular milk)

n salt and pepper, freshly ground, to taste

n 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

Add bacon to a large skillet or pan and place over medium heat, cooking until both sides are crispy and golden brown. If the pan starts to smoke at any point, simply lower the heat. Once bacon is done, blot with a paper towel to absorb excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch pie pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. Add the roasted butternut squash cubes. Set aside.

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in spinach and cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Add spinach to the prepared pan with the butternut squash, then top with chopped bacon.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over the top of the spinach and butternut squash. Sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese, along with an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the egg sets up. Remove from heat and wait a few minutes before cutting into 6 slices.

“This

is one of those recipes that looks great on a plate and feels indulgent, and delivers on nutrition. You’re getting beta-carotene from the squash, iron from the spinach and quality protein from the eggs. I love how the roasted squash adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor in contrast to the salty bacon. A small amount of bacon can go a long way toward delivering the flavor you crave.”

—Ali Senatore, registered dietitian nutritionist, Reimagined Nutrition, Edgewater

A Toast To Autumn

Bourbon meets seasonal spice in a cocktail that tastes like fall in every sip.

CINNAMON APPLE BOURBON SMASH

Makes: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

Spicy Cinnamon Syrup

n 1/2 cup maple syrup

n 2 cinnamon sticks

n 1 inch fresh ginger sliced

n 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

Apple Smash

n 2 Tbs. spicy cinnamon syrup

n 3 Tbs. bourbon

n 2 Tbs. lemon or grapefruit juice

n 1 Tbs. apple butter

n 1-2 dashes orange bitters n ginger beer, for topping

DIRECTIONS

Make the spicy cinnamon syrup:

In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, maple syrup, cinnamon and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the cayenne. Let cool, then strain the syrup into a glass jar. This syrup makes enough for about six drinks.

In a cocktail shaker, combine 1-2 tablespoons of the cinnamon syrup, bourbon, lemon/grapefruit juice, apple butter and orange bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with apple slices, pomegranate arils and cinnamon sticks. If desired, light the cinnamon stick on fire for a smoky effect.

“Apple

cider is sweet and refreshing, and it can be used as a substitute for apple butter in this recipe to reduce the thickness of the drink. Also, if this sip is too spicy, use half the amount of cayenne pepper or eliminate it completely.”

—Cassidy Brinkman, bartender, Garfield

OPEN HOUSE

GET READY TO LEAD, GENTLEMEN.

IN THE CLASSROOM, ON THE FIELD, AND IN SERVICE TO OTHERS

Bergen Catholic is an independent, four-year college preparatory school where young boys, guided by the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education, become Christian gentlemen and leaders who discover a devotion for helping others. The curriculum is rigorous. Students enjoy rewarding clubs, enriching programs in art, music, theater, championship athletics, and an unmatched brotherhood, where Brothers-Help-Brothers. The Crusader College Counseling Experience begins freshman year, providing support and results as evidenced by the fact that the Class of 2025 achieved acceptances to many top tier schools, including Boston College, Brown, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Georgetown University, Notre Dame, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale. Enrollment is selective. For more information, call the Admissions Department at (201) 261.1844 extension163.

Academy of the Holy Angels

An independent all-girls Catholic college-prep school on a beautiful 25-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities, offering unique programs like Oxford Study Abroad, Mini MBA, Internships, Cultural Immersion & Service Trips, 32+ AP/ College Credit Courses, an Olympic Gold Medal-Winning Dance Team, Championship Athletics, an award-winning theater program, and more.

315 Hillside Avenue Demarest, NJ | 201.768.7822 admissions@holyangels.org

Albertus Magnus High School

Looking for a great high school experience? At Albertus Magnus every student is known and valued for their unique gifts and talents. Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, Albertus Magnus is distinguished by academic excellence, championship athletics, dynamic performing arts, and faith formation. A dedicated faculty, family atmosphere, and distinctive programs in college counseling, technology and the sciences create a safe and supportive learning environment. Visit us today at www.albertusmagnus.net to learn more about the AM Advantage, our signature programs and fAMily atmosphere and how our students Lead, Serve and Inspire.

Bardonia, New York www.albertusmagnus.net

13,000

CATHOLIC. GENTLEMEN. LEADERS.

Enrollment is selective. For more information, please email admissions@bergencatholic.org

Bergen Catholic High School

Bergen Catholic is an independent four-year college preparatory school founded by Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, where boys become Christian gentlemen. BC provides rigorous academics, rewarding clubs, and championship athletics. In addition, The Brotherhood provides an unmatched network of support. BC is proud of our four-year, resultsdriven college counseling program. 91% of the Class of 2025 received a college scholarship and total scholarship amounted to $34.5 mm. Enrollment is selective. For more information visit us at www.bergencatholic.org.

1040 Oradell Ave., Oradell, NJ 07649 201.261.1844 | www.bergencatholic.org

Immaculate Heart Academy prides itself on being an excellent choice for young women seeking an academic program that challenges the mind and nourishes the spirit. By cultivating traditional Christian values and upholding exceptional college preparatory standards, IHA offers a unique and unmatched private educational experience. Our high-achieving young women learn in an atmosphere that encourages academic excellence, artistic immersion, athletic competition, sisterhood, and Christian Service. Do you belong @theheart? Find out why our innovative programs, superior facilities, and accomplishments of our impressive students are second to none.

A leader in early childhood education since 1930, The Elisabeth Morrow School personalizes learning for each student, cultivating their unique spark and innate creativity with intention. Through a transformative, rigorous, project-based curriculum, students engage in interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving while embracing the joy and wonder of discovery. Contact us to discover how — through experiential learning and human-centered design thinking — we prepare children to think critically, work creatively, and lead with confidence, ready to make a difference in our rapidly changing world.

Purchase

Where To Eat

Getting three squares a day has never been easier—Bergen County is home to a selection of restaurants diverse enough to satisfy all of your cravings.

ALLENDALE

Allendale Bar & Grill

67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com

Allendale Steakhouse 95 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhouse.com

Mezza Luna

96 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.6556 mezzalunabistro.com

Nirvana Indian Kitchen

29 W. Allendale Ave. 201.818.2300 nirvanaindiankitchen.com

Savini

168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com

ALPINE

Kiku

385 Rte. 9 W. 201.767.6322 kikurestaurantsnj.com

BERGENFIELD

Bamboo Grill

54 S. Washington Ave.

201.384.5951 bamboo-grill.com

Chapala Grill

52 S. Washington Ave. 201.387.2107 chapalamexican grill.com

The Cuban Around The Corner 260 S. Washington Ave. 201.574.8600

Nihon Kai 41 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.3000 nihonkaijapanesenj.com

Tommy Fox’s Public House 32 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com

BOGOTA

Luka’s Italian Cuisine 10 River Rd. 201.440.2996 lukasitaliancuisine.co

Sedona Taphouse

679 Anderson Ave. 201.943.2300 sedonataphouse.com

Villa Amalfi 793 Palisade Ave. 201.886.8626 villaamalfi.com

CLOSTER

Brasserie Mémère 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com

The Hill

252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com

Lucio’s

208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 luciosnj.com

Sear House

411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhousenj.com

Stern & Bow

171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbow restaurant.com

CARLSTADT

Biggie’s

430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com

Hunkar Restaurant

319 Hackensack Ave. 201.507.0606 hunkarrestaurant.com

Il Villaggio

651 Rte. 17 N. 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com

CLIFFSIDE PARK

354 Steakhouse

354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499 354steakhouse.com

Avos Grill

720 Anderson Ave. 201.945.9038 avosgrill.com

Rudy’s

591 Anderson Ave. 201.943.9252

DUMONT

Foschini’s Brick

Oven Kitchen

21 E. Madison Ave. 201.387.9998 foschinisbrickoven kitchen.com

Grant Street Café 25 Grant Ave. 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com

La Taberna 31 W. Madison Ave. 201.374.1661 latabernanj.com

Mexico Mi Amor 132 Veterans Plz. 201.244.5555 mexicomiamor.com

EAST RUTHERFORD

Al Di La 1 Hoboken Rd. 201.939.1128 aldilaitalianbistro.com

Annabella’s House of Mozzarella 900 Paterson Plank Rd. 201.804.0303 annabellasmozz.com

CRESSKILL

Chef Mediterranean

38 Union Ave. 201.367.9565 chef-mediterranean. res-menu.com

Hanami 41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com

Mami 15 E. Madison Ave. 201.266.8931 mami-hospitality.com

Samdan 178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurant.net

DEMAREST

Yasou Mykonos 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasougreekfood.com

Blarney Station Pub 258 Park Ave. 201.531.0001 blarneystation.com

Elia Mediterranean 240 Hackensack St. 201.939.9292 elianj.com

The Roosevelt 356 Paterson Ave. 201.713.3145 theroosevelt.us

EDGEWATER

Brownstone Pancake Factory 860 River Rd. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com

De Novo European Pub 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropean pub.com

Fleming’s Steakhouse 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com

Greek Taverna 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com

Haven Riverfront Restaurant and Bar 2 Main St., Suite G 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com

Original Pancake House 15 The Promenade 201.366.4065 ophedgewater.com

Rebecca’s 236 Old River Rd. 201.943.8808 rebeccasedgewater.com

River Palm Terrace 1416 River Rd. 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com

Roberto’s II 936 River Rd. 201.224.2524 robertosii.com

Seak 725 River Rd., #30 201.402.3400 seaknj.com

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap 11 The Promenade 201.386.1700 tommytavernandtap.com

ELMWOOD PARK Taverna Mykonos 238 Broadway 201.703.9200 tavernamykonos.com

EMERSON Pimaan Thai 79 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.com

ENGLEWOOD

Akai Lounge 23 E. Palisade Ave. 201.541.0086 akailounge.com

Cassie’s 18 S. Dean St. 201.541.6760 cassiespizzeria.com

CZEN Restaurant 36 N. Van Brunt St. 201.431.9199 czenrestaurant.com

Hummus Elite

39 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.5600 hummuselite.com

Khao Thai Cuisine

4 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.0344 khaothainj.com

La Fonda Paisa

95 W. Palisade Ave. 201.871.3544 lafondapaisausa.com

Lulu Mediterranean Grill

63 Nathaniel Pl. 201.569.2662 lululoungejersey.com

Noches de Colombia

90 W. Palisade Ave.

201.567.4950 nochesdecolombia.com

Pintxo y Tapas

47 N. Dean St. 201.569.9999 englewoodtapas.com

Rose’s of Englewood

126 Engle St. 201.541.0020 rosesplacenj.com

Sofia 36 Engle St.

201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com

ENGLEWOOD

CLIFFS

Brownstone Pancake Factory

717 E. Palisade Ave.

201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com

Café Italiano 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net

Cliffs Steakhouse 18 Sylvan Ave. 201.944.0233 cliffssteakhouse.com

Lefkes Estiatorio 495 Sylvan Ave. 201.408.4444 lefkesnj.com

Grissini 484 Sylvan Ave. 201.568.3535 grissinirestaurant.com

FAIR LAWN

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza 2101 Promenade Blvd. 201.796.2625 acfp.com

The Craftsman 1609 Maple Ave. 201.773.8985 thecraftmannj.com

Fair Lawn Diner 13-48 River Rd. 201.791.2895 fairlawndiner.com

Jerry’s Hot Chicken 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.402.9300 jerryshotchicken.com

Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com

Rose’s Place 32-01 Broadway 201.475.8800 rosesplacenj.com

RP Prime Steakhouse 41-11 Rte. 4 W. 201.267.0702 rpprime.com

Sage Restaurant 17-15 Broadway 201.797.0500 sagefairlawn.com

Saigon Bistro 24-08 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.398.1883 saigonbistro.com

FAIRVIEW

Patsy’s 344 Bergen Blvd. 201.943.0627 patsysbistro.com

FORT LEE

Aquarius 230-234 Main St. 201.592.8338 aquariusrestaurant nj.com

Baggios 212 Main St. 201.585.7979 baggiospizza restaurant.com

Big Red Tomato 1205 Anderson Ave. 201.224.6500 brtnj.com

Cap’t Loui

210 Main St. 201.461.7080 captloui.com

Chillers Grill

2191 Fletcher Ave. 201.461.0075 chillersgrill.com

In Napoli 116 Main St. 201.947.2500 inapoli.com

Kuba Restaurant

2139 Hudson Ter. 201.585.1601 kubarestaurant.com

Pho Today

2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.585.8818

Pomodoro 795 Abbott Blvd. 201.224.0800 pomodoro1.com

Prime & Beyond

501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com

Punta Cana

2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.849.5556 puntacanarestaurante.com

Ventana’s

200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthe modern.com

FRANKLIN LAKES

Harmony Mediterranean Grill

842 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8707 harmony-nj.com

Sushi Cocoro 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com

GARFIELD

The Firehouse 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 firehousefamily restaurantnj.com

Goodfellas 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000 goodfellasrestaurant nj.org

La Fortaleza 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezagarfield.com

GLEN ROCK

Glen Rock Inn 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com

Stone & Rail 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com

Tani Sushi & Asian Grill 206 Rock Rd. 201.612.1188 taniofglenrock.com

HACKENSACK

Casual Habana Café 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com

The Cheesecake Factory 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.488.0330 thecheesecake factory.com

Hot Fish 450 Hackensack Ave., #6 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com

Houston’s 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com

Lido Restaurant 701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com

Maggiano’s Little Italy

70 Riverside Sq. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com

P.F. Chang’s 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com

Rosa Mexicano 60 Riverside Sq. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com

HARRINGTON PARK

Donatella Ristorante 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

Bensi

459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.com

The Heights Bar & Grill 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338 heightsbarandgrill.com

Himalaya on Heights 313 Boulevard 201.257.8744 himalayaonheights0257. s4shops.com

Ivy Inn

268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com

Sofia’s

220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com

Tom Yum Koong 305 Boulevard 201.288.3840 tomyumkoonghh.com

Zaffron Bloom 194 Boulevard 201.571.0029 zaffronbloom.com

HAWORTH

Alessandro’s 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com

Andiamo 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net

HILLSDALE

The Cornerstone 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com

Domani

387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com

Fig & Tomato

100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 figandtomatoeatery.com

Koon Thai Eatery 126 Broadway 551.246.3646 koonthaieatery.com

Matsu Sushi & Grill 140 Broadway 201.930.1896 matsusushibest.com

Osso Buco 343 Broadway 201.664.1600 ossobucogrill.com

HO-HO-KUS

Alt Eats 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com

Catchy Café 614 N. Maple Ave. 201.445.6400 thecatchycaterer.com

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn

1 E. Franklin Tpke. 201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com

Ho-Ho-Kus Sushi Café 29 Sheridan Ave. 201.670.7677 hohokussushicafe.com

St. Eve’s

611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com

LEONIA

Dante’s Place 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com

Shumi Japanese Cuisine 354 Broad Ave. 201.272.6577 shumiomakase.com

LITTLE FERRY

Segovia Steakhouse 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com

LODI

Kaya

334 N. Main St. 973.779.1128 kayalodi.com

ReBar & Kitchen

132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com

Sergio’s Missione 2 Mercer St. 973.778.4545 sergiosmissionelodi.com

LYNDHURST

Angelo’s

263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922

Foschini’s Brick Oven Kitchen 298 Ridge Rd. 201.460.7600 foschinisbrickoven kitchen.com

Michael’s Riverside 528 Riverside Ave. 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com

MAHWAH

Mahwah Bar & Grill 2 Island Rd.

201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com

Nagoya

1007 MacArthur Blvd. 201.818.9933 nagoyamahwah.com

ON THE TOWN

Nonna’s 11 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com

Novino Restaurant 64 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.529.1900 novinonj.com

Roxanne’s 150 Franklin Tpke. 201.529.0007 roxannes restaurant.com

RP Prime Steakhouse 209 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.529.1111 rpprime.com

Sangria 1033 MacArthur Blvd. 201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com

State Line Diner

375 Rte. 17 N. 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com

MAYWOOD

Angelo’s Greek Taverna

245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektaverna.com

Maywood Inn’s

Twin Door Tavern

122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com

Maywood Pancake House

92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com

The Seafood Gourmet

103 W. Pleasant Ave.

201.843.8558 seafood-gourmet.com

MIDLAND PARK

Arturo’s

41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co

Fiona’s Ristorante 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com

Rosario’s Trattoria 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335

MONTVALE

Delpino Restaurant 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.391.6866 delpinorestaurant.com

Bellissimo

12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com

Fire & Oak

100 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.307.1100 fireandoak.com

Gen Sushi & Hibachi 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.930.9188 gensushimontvale.com

Hearth & Tap Co. 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com

Yuki 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.9877 yukimontvale.com

MOONACHIE

Bazzarelli 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazzarellirestaurant.com

Bistro 107 107 Moonachie Rd. 201.440.3339 bistro107nj.com

Segovia 150 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4266 segoviarestaurant.com

NEW MILFORD

Barrel & Brew 872 River Rd. 201.483.3329 barrelandbrews.com

Casual Habana Café 200 Main St. 201.576.0400 casualhabanacafe.com

Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn 105 Old New Bridge Rd. 201.692.7700 sanzaris.com

NORTHVALE

Biddy O’Malley’s 191 Paris Ave. 201.564.7893 biddyomalleys.com

The Greek Village 254 Livingston St. 201.750.8570 greekvillagenj.com

Olar Noso 493 Tappan Rd. 201.402.9355 olarnoso.com

OAKLAND

Cenzino

589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com

Trovato’s Due 4 Barbara Ln. 201.337.0813 trovatosduenj.com

Yuki

350 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8889 yuki-oakland.com

ORADELL

Oak House 2 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.277.4892 oakhousenj.com

Ora

304 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.267.4304 orainthedell.com

OLD TAPPAN

Bosfa Italian Restaurant 183 Old Tappan Rd. 201.649.8730 bosfaitalian restaurant.com

Ramen Factory 216 Old Tappan Rd. 201.383.0510 ramenfactorynj.com

PALISADES PARK

So Moon Nan Jip 238 Broad Ave. 201.944.3998 so-moon-nan-jip.com

PARAMUS

Biagio’s Ristorante 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com

The Capital Grille 1 Garden State Plz. 201.845.7040 thecapitalgrille.com

Grand Lux Café 1 Garden State Plz. 201.909.0399 grandluxcafe.com

Kiku

365 Rte. 17 S. 201.265.7200 kikurestaurantsnj.com

Mantra 275 Rte. 4 W. 201.342.8868 mantranj.com

Suburban Diner 172 Rte. 17 N. 201.261.2605 suburbandiner17.com

PARK RIDGE

103 Prime At Valentino’s 103 Spring Valley Rd. 201.391.2220 103prime.com

The Park Steakhouse 151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com

Peppercorns 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercorns176.com

Ridge Diner 125 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.4242 ridgediner.com

RAMSEY

Anthony Franco’s 128 E. Main St. 201.236.8000 afpizza.com

Brady’s at the Station 5-7 W. Main St. 201.327.9748 bradysramsey.com

Café Panache 130 E. Main St. 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com

Kinchley’s Tavern 586 N. Franklin Tpke. 201.934.7777 kinchleyspizza.com

The Shannon Rose 1200 Rte. 17 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com

Smyrna 21 E. Main St. 201.934.7990 smyrnacaferamsey.com

Tawara 53 W. Main St. 201.825.8712 tawarajapanese restaurant.com

Varka Estiatorio

30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

RIDGEFIELD

Café Tivoli 533 Shaler Blvd. 201.941.5561 cafetivoli.com

Karden 630 Broad Ave. 201.699.0988 karden630.com

RIDGEFIELD PARK

MK Valencia

228 Main St. 201.373.0228 mkvalencia restaurant.com

Sparta Taverna 206 Main St. 201.296.0095 spartataverna.com

RIDGEWOOD

Bukhara Grill

37 Chestnut St. 201.444.4910 bukharagrillnj.com

Cafe 37

37 S. Broad St. 201.857.0437 cafe-37.com

Cravings Tapas Bistro 8 Wilsey Sq. 201.857.8533 cravingstapas.com

Felina 18 Prospect St. 551.276.5454 felinarestaurant.com

Kimchi Smoke

BBQ Shack 2 Godwin Ave. 201.447.6653 kimchismoke.com

La Lanterna 29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaof ridgewood.com

Latour

6 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com

Meltemi Greek Restaurant 21 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.632.0022 meltemirestaurant.com

Pardis Persian Grill 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.652.8000 pardispersiangrill.com

Park West Tavern 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com

Raymond’s 101 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5125 raymondsnj.com

Roots Steakhouse 17 Chestnut St. 201.444.1922 rootssteakhouse.com

S. Egidio 17 N. Broad St. 201.389.3525 segidiopizza.com

Steel Wheel Tavern 51 N. Broad St. 201.882.1800 steelwheeltavern.com

Village Green 36 Prospect St. 201.445.2914 villagegreen restaurant.com

White Maple Café 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.345.9538 whitemaplecafe.com

RIVER EDGE

Mado Restaurant 570 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.265.3629 madorestaurant. business.site

Sanducci’s 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

RIVER VALE

Ammata Thai Kitchen 184 Rivervale Rd., Suite 2 201.664.2299 ammata.com

Armando’s Grill

688 Westwood Ave. 201.722.5820 armandostuscangrill.com

ROCHELLE PARK

Nanni 53 W. Passaic St. 201.843.1250 nanni.com

RUTHERFORD

Finch’s 801 Rutherford Ave. 201.231.3141 finchsdining.com

Fiorentini 98 Park Ave. 973.721.3404 fiorentinirest.com

Matisse 167 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com

Paisano’s 132 Park Ave. 201.935.5755 paisanos.com

Volare’s 7 Station Sq. 201.935.6606 volaresrestaurant.com

SADDLE BROOK

Midland Brew House

374 N. Midland Ave. 201.797.0070 midlandbrewhouse.com

Que Pasta

326 Market St. 201.712.1900 qpitalian.com

The Plank Pizza Co. Beer Parlor 383 Market St. 201.843.2426 ppcbp.com

SADDLE RIVER

The Saddle River Inn 2 Barnstable Ct. 201.825.4016 saddleriverinn.com

TEANECK

Amarone

63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net

B V Tuscany

368 Cedar Ln. 201.287.0404 bvtuscany.com

Etc. Steakhouse 1409 Palisade Ave. 201.357.5677 etcsteakhouse.com

Noah’s Ark 493 Cedar Ln. 201.692.1200 noahsark.net

Regina’s 827 Teaneck Rd. 201.862.1996 reginassteakhouse andgrill.com

Sweet T’s

166 W. Englewood Ave. 201.942.3030 sweettseatery.com

TENAFLY

Axia Taverna 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com

Brasserie 4 Washington St. 201.266.6400 tenaflybrasserie.com

Sayola

50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurantnj.com

TPR Restaurant

38 W. Railroad Ave. 201.871.0444 tprrestaurant.com

WALDWICK

Andrea’s Ristorante 20 E. Prospect St. 201.670.0275 andreasrestaurantnj.com

Limoncello

32 Franklin Tpke. 201.652.5577 limoncellonj.com

WASHINGTON

TOWNSHIP

Bacari Grill 800 Ridgewood Rd. 201.358.6330 bacarigrill.com

WESTWOOD

Bon 487 Broadway 201.238.2371 bonwestwood.com

Downtown Dhaba 266 Center Ave. 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com

Farmhouse Café & Eatery 301 Center Ave. 201.664.8424 farmhousecafenj.com

Granita Grille 467 Broadway 201.664.9846 granitagrille restaurant.com

Kimchi Smoke Barbecue 57 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.321.7996 kimchismoke.com

Melt Toba 250 Center Ave. 201.359.8497 tobarestaurant.com

Mezza 22 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.8822 mezzawestwood.com

Osteria Crescendo 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com

The Tavern @ Iron Horse 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 thetavernwestwood.com

WOOD-RIDGE

Al Chile 187 Hackensack St. 862.334.3616 alchilenj.com

Concourse Club

379 Rte. 17 S. 201.710.6459 concourseclubnj.com

WYCKOFF

Aldo’s 640 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.2618 aldosofwyckoff.com

Benares

327 Franklin Ave., Suite 4 201.904.2222 benaresnj.com

Blue Moon Café

327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexican cafe.com

T.S. Ma

637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com

Wyckoff Thai 314 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8855 wyckoffthai.com

HOME SHOWCASE

AIR GROUP

An Air Group Home Gold Maintenance Plan is the perfect solution to ensure your comfort systems run safely and efficiently. As a plan member, you’ll receive priority attention and discounts on other home services to save money while maintaining your comfort. You also enjoy “front-of-the-line” service that places you first to receive help in an emergency. Air Group’s expertise covers all aspects of cooling, heating, plumbing, air quality, and generator systems. Call 973.929.2080 or visit AirGroupLLC.com to learn more about their Home Protection Plans and ensure peace of mind for your home.

973.929.2080 | WWW.AIRGROUPLLC.COM

BALITANO

At Balitano, we’re focused on bringing extraordinary outdoor spaces to life. With our expertise in full outdoor living solutions, including the design and install of pools, outdoor kitchens, firepits, patios, pergolas, and more, we can’t wait to make your vision a reality. Proudly serving customers and communities for 20 years, Balitano has become a trusted leader in outdoor living, and we look forward to partnering with you!

201.944.5425 | WWW.BALITANO.COM @BALITANOXPERIENCE

DIANE DUROCHER INTERIORS

Diane Durocher Interiors is an awardwinning interior design firm that specializes in creating timeless interiors that encompass a wide spectrum of design aesthetics.

Diane Durocher, ASID, IIDA, CAPS, CID believes that the foundation of a successful design project is built on trust and confidence. She achieves this by listening to her clients’ needs while employing a keen eye for color and outstanding space planning skills, resulting in a finished project that exceeds her clients’ expectations.

RAMSEY, NJ | 201.825.3832

WWW.DIANEDUROCHERINTERIORS.COM

ETHAN ALLEN

Now celebrating our one-year anniversary in Woodcliff Lake at Tice’s Corner, Ethan Allen is proud to be Northern New Jersey’s interior design destination. We’re your locally owned and operated home for exceptionally crafted furniture and complimentary design service, including 3D previews of your new space. Visit us in Woodcliff Lake or in Paramus/River Edge for exceptional fall savings and discover why Newsweek has named us America’s #1 Premium Furniture Retailer three years in a row.

RIVER EDGE/PARAMUS | 201.488.5757

RIVEREDGE@ETHANALLEN.COM

WOODCLIFF LAKE | 201.301.7491

WOODCLIFFLAKE@ETHANALLEN.COM

GPS SHOWROOMS

You’ll find plenty of “advice” when you embark on a home remodel, but there’s no substitute for real expertise. Since 1910, GPS design, supply, and remodel specialists have guided homeowners and contractors through countless unique and challenging projects. Whether you’re looking for the perfect faucet to garnish your kitchen masterpiece or looking to bathe in inspiration for your dream bathroom, stop by your local GPS Showroom for an exceptional experience, top brands, and unmatched service.

WWW.SHOPGPS.COM | WWW.KOHLERBYGPS.COM

MAGNOLIA HOME REMODELING GROUP

Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is a family owned and operated NJ Home Remodeling Contractor offering kitchen, bathroom and basement remodeling as well as siding, roofing and window installation. We also offer porch remodeling, decks, masonry, patios and more, with a variety of affordable product choices to fit any budget. Magnolia Home Remodeling Group is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and is fully Insured with over 30 years of industry experience. We are an Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner and encourage everyone to check our reviews on Google, Houzz, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, Yelp and BBB!

855.624.6655

WWW.MAGNOLIAHOMEREMODELING.COM

OBERG & LINDQUIST APPLIANCES

Oberg & Lindquist Appliances is a destination store for homeowners seeking the best quality products for their living space. We are the oldest independent GE dealer in the US and have received numerous awards. We are also proud to offer products from Sub-Zero Wolf, Weber, Miele, Bosch, Broan, Dacor, Electrolux, Frigidaire, Jenn-Air, Maytag, Whirlpool and more. As a member of the billion-dollar buying group ADC, we are positioned to save you money every day.

671 BROADWAY, WESTWOOD, NJ | 201.664.1300 WWW.OBERGANDLINDQUIST.COM

RENO’S APPLIANCE

Shopping for an appliance can be an overwhelming experience, given the enormous amount of online information. The “family” team at Reno’s Appliance helps each customer through this process with knowledgeable sales professionals familiar with all brands and manufacturers.

Reno’s Appliance even has as an on-site Corporate Chef who provides tasty treats to sample while shopping and is available to demonstrate a variety of appliances. Founded over 70 years ago by Reno Cioletti, Reno’s has grown to a 16,000 square foot designer showroom, serving the tri-state area, and offering a full range of appliances.

973.247.1860 | WWW.RENOSAPPLIANCE.COM

THOMAS FLINT LANDSCAPE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Development is an awardwinning full-service landscape design and construction firm specializing in state-of-theart, custom gunite swimming pools, masonry and complete outdoor living spaces. We are focused on the big picture and how every element and detail fits, flows and works together. Our completed projects represent the essence of our clients’ characters, style and passions synthesized into a final creation that embodies timeless comfort and style.

36 INDUSTRIAL PARK, WALDWICK, NJ 201.327.5162 | WWW.THOMASFLINT.COM

ULRICH, INC.

Ulrich, Inc. offers comprehensive design/build services specializing in kitchens, baths and custom home remodeling. With a staff of over 20, our employee-owned company has served homeowners in the Northern New Jersey / New York metro area for over 75 years with an exceptional reputation for our commitment to personalized service, high quality products and fine craftsmanship. Ulrich professionals work with you every step of the way to make your remodeling experience as delightful as the outcome!

100 CHESTNUT ST., RIDGEWOOD, NJ 201.445.1260 | WWW.ULRICHINC.COM

YABOO FENCE CO.

Since 1965, Yaboo Fence Co., Inc. has proudly served the tri-state area with quality fencing, sheds, and outdoor accessories. Familyowned and operated for four generations, we take pride in our craftsmanship and the relationships we’ve built. As longtime supporters of our community, we’re dedicated to enhancing outdoor spaces while staying true to our family values.

95 WEST NYACK WAY, WEST NYACK NY 845.358.0118 | WWW.YABOOFENCE.COM

RESTAURANT REVIEW

What’s In The Bag?

Loui Boil brings the catch of the day, stunning seafood variety and plenty of flavor to Edgewater.

Summer went by in a flash, so fast that I forgot to plan an end-of-season seafood boil, something that had been on my to-do list. That was a disappointment for the seafood lover in me—but that feeling didn’t last long. Shortly after Labor Day, I heard that a new eatery, Loui Boil Seafood House, had just opened in Edgewater. It was an immediate turn-the-frown-upside-down moment. Here was a place where I might find a summer’s worth of seafood in one sitting. I told my girlfriend about it, and off we went.

The restaurant shares a large lot with several other businesses, a fact that alleviated my concern about parking along busy River Road. There was a festive atmosphere outside the storefront, as a constant stream of boisterous patrons shuffled in and out of an adjacent karaoke bar. The party continued inside Loui Boil, where wall-mounted televisions showed a variety of sports and two other groups of diners were feasting. So far, so good.

Our server warmly greeted us and flashed a smile when presenting the menu; however, he didn’t explain the ordering process. Instructions, of course, appear on the menu, but often they’re spoken as well. Thankfully, we’ve been to seafood shacks before, so we knew the steps—select the “catch” from a variety of seafood options, choose a spice level, then add an assortment of sides to the boil. Loui Boil (not to be confused with chain eatery Cap’t Loui) has a list of shareable starters, including fries, onion rings and wings, but we passed on these and opted to load up our “boil bags.”

My order: snow crab legs, mussels and calamari with medium Cajun spice, two pieces of kielbasa sausage, two potatoes and two pieces of corn. Her order: headoff shrimp and mussels with mild Cajun spice, two pieces of kielbasa, broccoli and garlic bread. The other seafood options we regretfully passed on were king crab, crawfish, Dungeness crab, clam, lobster tail and baby octopus.

Each boil arrives in a plastic bag, and diners are encouraged to wear the provided

bibs and gloves while unwrapping their food packages. The aroma of fresh seafood along with Cajun and Old Bay seasonings immediately hit when I opened my bag, and no doubt it made my mouth instantly water. After snapping shots for Instagram, I scooped up a mussel and chowed down. Though cooked well, the meat of the mussels, calamari and crab seemingly absorbed every ounce of Cajun and Old Bay seasoning. Heaven for other diners, this caught my taste buds off guard—it was almost too salty for my taste. I eventually grew accustomed to the strong flavor and devoured everything, including the kielbasa, which had a pleasant snap with each bite. While eating, I noticed that I had double potatoes and double corn in my bag, and we later determined that those veggies are included with every boil—meaning that the ones I’d ordered were extra.

My girlfriend reacted similarly. Even at the mild spice level, the contents in her bag were too briny for her, and she was unable to finish everything. Naturally, I tried to help and sneaked a few shrimp, which were slightly overcooked, from her side of the table to mine. I also snatched a piece of her garlic bread, which I used to sop up some of the seafood juices in my bag. (They were salty, but I couldn’t resist!) I searched her portion for more kielbasa, but to no avail—she’d eaten the two pieces without issue. Darn it!

A pleasant surprise at Loui is its Korean side dishes, which are served separate from a boil. We had the kimchi fried rice, a starchy food that almost neutralized the intense flavor of the seafood. Though we came for crabs and shrimp, we couldn’t resist the pungent taste of kimchi. My regret is that we didn’t order two plates of rice—and perhaps more of the Korean-inspired sides—because it was that good and an ideal complement to Loui’s full-of-zest seafood. Perhaps we’ll order that and another boil bag again soon, or at least when I forget to plan my own seafood fest next year.

—Darius Amos

KEREN ABRAHAM, Broker Associate

With a reputation for being sharp, practical and driven, Keren Abraham has mastered the art of real estate. Her incredible intuition combined with a deep understanding of the market allows her to effortlessly navigate competitive landscapes to help buyers find their dream homes and sellers to maximize the sales price of their home – turning what can be a stressful process into an exciting seamless journey. Committed to the best interests of her clients, Keren works with an entourage of trusted vendors and contractors who help her provide exceptional service and ensure the highest quality of work. Whether sealing the deal or creatively solving challenges, Keren embodies her motto, “Keren makes it happen,” with unmatched precision and passion.

Beyond her success in the industry, Keren is a valued member of her community – exemplifying the importance of family values and committed to giving back. Her blend of expertise, intuition and her wide network of contacts makes her not just a trusted broker, but a go-to resource for anyone looking to buy or sell with confidence.

WOMEN TO WATCH

ON THE TOWN

Be There

Light shows, live music and theater productions—there’s better place to celebrate autumn

THROUGH OCT. 31

Demarest Farms in Hillsdale transforms into a seasonal spooktacular with its annual HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW

Guests can drive through 32 acres of themed displays—all synchronized to music and narration your car’s radio. After the show, stop by the farm store treats (apple cider donuts are must) and fresh local produce. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes, with multiple Ramapo for afternoon

THE Pilkey’s bestselling children’s the Cat energetic their children at ramapo.edu.

OCT. 18, 19, 24, 26

Experience the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus as never seen it before when the museum and historical site hosts its LEGENDS AND LORE TOURS Visitors will walk the grounds with a guide and learn all the secrets of this 200+-year-old building. Find out about the property’s hidden tunnel, midnight visits from Aaron Burr and more. Multiple tours are available. For more, check out thehermitage.org.

audience participation bingo game to heights. Two showtimes and 10 p.m. For more, head over to williamscenter.co. your sneakers your cape for the TAPPAN EMERGENCY SUPERHERO 5K At this family-friendly event, you dressed as your favorite just be a hero by as all proceeds Tappan’s fire department, and other first run and the walk registration and runsignup.com.

glittering grandeur the Hackensack Performing Arts Center with DAVID MAIOCCO’S TRIBUTE TO LIBERACE

With dazzling costumes, piano virtuosity and magnetic stage presence, Maiocco channels the legendary showman in a performance that’s equal parts spectacle and musical brilliance. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, check out hacpac.org.

OCT. 25–NOV. 15

happens when a cast performing a Holmes play finds itself caught in murder mystery? Find out with County Players’ production of GAME’S AFOOT in Oradell. Equal parts comedy and theatrical spectacle, is both a love letter to the world’s greatest detective and an entertaining at the theater. Multiple showtimes available, including matinees. tickets, showtimes and more information, see bcplayers.org.

magical show filled puppets and whimsy during THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR INTERACTIVE SHOW at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. See stories and colorful characters artist Eric Carle come to life experience is perfect for little children alike. Two performances are offered: 1 and 4 p.m. For tickets and more details, head over to bergenpac.org.

OCT. 26

Take the family to a scary— but not too scary!—celebration of the season at the TENAFLY NATURE CENTER’S HAUNTED FOREST Explore the forest after dark (or choose the daytime and meet some of the fascinating creatures that call it home, and gather around a campfire for treats, crafts and family-friendly Multiple times are available, registration is required. For more, tenaflynaturecenter.org.

NOV. 1

For a day of community connection and remembrance, stop by the Paramus Public Library for a DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FAMILY FIESTA Enjoy stories, crafts and refreshments as celebrate the Day of the a memorial festival family and friends have died. This event begins at a.m., and registration is required. For more info, check out paramuslibrary.org.

Jeana cowie has consistently been one of Bergen County’s Top Agents for 32 years! Jeana specializes in her hometown of Paramus, but handles all of Bergen County. She always gives back to the community & continues to think of charitable ways to thank people, especially first responders & those in healthcare. The biggest reward of her success is helping others. Jeana is in the elite RE/MAX Platinum Club, Hall of Fame, achieved Circle of Excellence Platinum Level for 2024 & is in the top 1% of all RE/MAX agents in NJ. Call Jeana today for all your real estate needs.

Looking to buy or sell?

Call Jeana Cowie Cell 201-982-2200

Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell, NJ 07649

As a young adult, Merna Testino became enamored by real estate. Purchasing and investing in properties at an early age has helped in her knowledge and firsthand experience that she passes down to her clients. Whether it is about renovations and making it your own, new construction, or investing in income-producing properties, she has insightful knowledge working with them about that come tent Top Producer of Excellence recipient, long tory of client in trust, confidence

Gatherings

1. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERGEN COUNTY

Members of Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County’s board of directors traded in their reports for hardhats during the recent Leadership Build Day. During the event, Habitat executives rolled up their sleeves and pitched in at an Oradell build site.

2-3. FAMILY PROMISE OF BERGEN COUNTY

Ridgewood-based Family Promise of Bergen County held its 26th annual golf outing fundraiser at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale. Proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit’s programs for working families facing homelessness, as well as residents battling food insecurity.

4-5. TOMORROWS CHILDREN’S FUND

The Guma Foundation held its 20th annual Casino Night to support children with brain tumors in New Jersey. Nearly 200 guests attended, including many from Optum Medical Care NY/NJ, to support the Tomorrows Children’s Fund at Hackensack University Medical Center.

6. BERGEN VOLUNTEER MEDICAL INITIATIVE

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine students recently visited BVMI in Hackensack, continuing the partnership between the two groups. The students learned how BVMI volunteers serve the community.

7-8. HOBOKEN LIBRARY

In nearby Hudson County, the Hoboken Public Library this summer welcomed members of the Hoboken Fire Department for an interactive story-time event. The free, familyfriendly gathering celebrated literacy, connection and the entire community.

9. VALLEY HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

At its annual luncheon at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes, The Valley Hospital Auxiliary completed its $3.1 million pledge with a donation of $182,688 to The Valley Hospital Foundation. The pledge helped establish and support the Pediatric Section of the Emergency Department.

A BERGEN MOMENT

“I was looking for waterfalls to visit in New Jersey and heard about the one at Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah, so I took the drive up. It was an amazing hike, and one of the best waterfalls I’ve seen in the state. While there, I took this picture of two people fishing. I love it because it captures the mood of the day—warm, beautiful weather and the perfect day for a hike.”

—Mu Razzaq, Camden County

Send us your Bergen Moment! Email your photo and a short description to rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

Heart care is a team effort. At Valley Health System, your heart health is our priority, and you are the focus of every decision we make. Our specialists take the time to understand your unique diagnosis and needs. Using precise cardiac imaging as a guide, we develop personalized treatment plans that combine advanced therapies, leading-edge technology, and surgical expertise with human-centered care. Because high-quality outcomes don’t just come from skill – they come from a team that truly listens, supports, and puts you at the center of your care.

To make an appointment with our heart care team, visit ValleyHealth.com/Heart or call 1- 800-VALLEY 1. And it begins with you at the center.