New Jersey Family: July / Aug 2022 by New Jersey Family

GET TO KNOW NJ’S INNOVATORS IN HEALTH JULY / AUG 2022 | NJFAMILY.COM

MELISSA GORGA ON MOM LIFE, HER BOUTIQUE & RHONJ

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Contents 113 RHONJ’s

Melissa Gorga Gets Real Mother of three Melissa Gorga talks family, her boutique and life as a “housewife”

Cover Story

Stuff We Love GAME ON

8 Backyard finds that’ll take outside time to the next level

Raising Smarties

10 SUMMER LEARNING

How to keep their minds sharp while school’s out

COVER PHOTO BY LAUREN ANZEVINO

Feature

133 The Garden

State’s Best

Our readers’ choices for the best NJ has to offer!

Feature

THING 47 SHORE Our favorite Jersey Shore spots to hit this summer

Special Advertising Section IN HEALTH 25 INNOVATIONS Get to know New Jersey’s trailblazers in healthcare.

JULY 2022

INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH

Feature Healthy + Happy

SAFETY CHECK What you should know about sunblock, bug bites and more

FUN 54 FESTIVAL Head to these summertime staples to get your fix of rides and carnival fare.

Explore

BEST SUMMER FUN 56 NJ’S Where to celebrate the Fourth of July and more must-dos

20 EMERGING HEALTH

TRENDS Advances in everything from mental health to menopause

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Mom Crush

59 BRIGHT IDEA

Designer Kim Cignarella shares the story behind her luxury light-up bags.

Editor’s Letter

Heads Up RHONJ Fans ! We

met with M Gorga at her elissa bo in Ridgewood. utique Read our interview on page 13.

JULY / AUG 2022 | NJFAMILY.COM VOLUME 32, ISSUE 4

FOUNDER | CINDY MIRONOVICH EDITORIAL DIRECTOR | DINA EL NABLI EDITOR@NJFAMILY.COM ART DIRECTOR | LEEZA HERNANDEZ SENIOR EDITOR RONNIE KOENIG ASSISTANT DIGITAL EDITOR JENNIFER AMATO EDITORIAL INTERN SUNNY SEQUEIRA CONTRIBUTORS ANGEL MADISON ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE

J Your N ites Favore May

PRODUCTION DESIGNER ROSA M. JOSEPH

ap The C was named our use o h t h ark in Lig landm ll. e it r o po fav reader

PRODUCTION/BUSINESS MANAGER ERICA BARTON PROJECT & CIRCULATION MANAGER DIANE ERDENBERGER

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING MARCY HOLETON

Best of the Garden State

The acceptance of advertising by New Jersey Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information being advertised. We do not knowingly present any products or services that are fraudulent or misleading in nature. Editorial inquiries, calendar information, ad vertising rates and schedules, and subscrip tion requests may be addressed to Kids Monthly Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 669, New Providence, NJ 07974-0669. New Jersey Family can be reached by calling 908-9751800, emailing editor@njfamily.com, or by visiting our website, njfamily.com. New Jersey Family is a woman-owned business and has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by the Parenting Media Association.

LAUREN ANZEVINO / CAPE MAY MAC

Nothing says Jersey like a day at the Shore, eating at your favorite diner, heading to the mall or strolling through one of the Garden State’s charming downtowns. Of course we all have our favorite spots and that’s why we asked readers to share their picks for the best of everything from bagels and brunch to boutiques and spots for a fun day out with the kids. After tallying up votes from readers throughout New Jersey, we’re thrilled to share the results of our first-ever Garden State’s Best poll. Turn to page 33 to see who you picked for stand-out fun, food, drink, shopping, services and more in NJ! We hope this list shines a light on a few gems you may not have known about. Because it’s our Garden State’s Best issue, it’s fitting that one of NJ’s most well-known moms is on our cover! For more than a decade, Bravo fans have watched Melissa Gorga on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. The Franklin Lakes mother of three also has a boutique in downtown Ridgewood where we met up with her to talk motherhood, TV, fashion and her go-to places to eat, drink and have fun in our state. For us, a perfect summer day means spending time at the Shore. From our favorite fairs and festivals to beach spots we love, you’ll find lots of inspiration for trips close to home in this issue. We’re lucky to live in NJ for so many reasons, one of which is our exceptional healthcare. In this issue, we’re proud to highlight some of NJ’s most innovative healthcare leaders on page 25. We also take a look at emerging trends in health and how they’ll benefit you and your family. We hope your summer is filled with adventure, laughter and good health.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES ANN CUSACK CATHY GROTE DEBBIE LUBRANSKI BARBARA NASTRO PAMELA PETERSON ERIN SALMAN ANDREA THORNE

New Jersey Family is published by Kids Monthly Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 669, New Providence, NJ 07974-0669. Send address changes to us here. Reproduction of New Jersey Family in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022 by Kids Monthly Publications, Inc. Circulation audit by CVC, Circulation Verification Council.

/NEWJERSEYFAMILY @NJFAMILYMAG @NEWJERSEYFAMILY

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

From Our Advertising Partner

Summer Break – A Great Time to Catch Up with Children’s Health and Earn Rewards School is out for the summer and daily routines may have gotten a little more relaxed for children and families. This creates the perfect opportunity to catch up with children’s needed health exams and vaccinations. In many cases, a medical physical is required before a child goes to summer camp or participates in fall sports, so it is an ideal time to also get an annual well-child check and vaccines completed. Most parents are aware of the recommended schedule of health exams and vaccines for infants and toddlers, but some forget that children between the ages of 3 and 18 also need well-child visits and vaccinations. During annual exams, pediatricians can catch children up on what they need to stay healthy, check for obvious health concerns and assess things such as growth curves, weight, blood, heart, lungs, eyes, joints, muscles, medical history and subtle changes that may indicate an early-stage concern. Catching concerns early and being educated about a child’s health during the summer, not only allows time for action before lasting harm occurs, but it can give a family time to schedule follow-up appointments and make sure children are at their best health before the back-to-school rush begins and doctor’s offices get fully booked. • To find the schedule of well-child care visits that has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, visit: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/Pages/Well-Child-Care-A-Check-Up-for-Success.aspx. • To find a list of vaccines for children, which has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/vaccination-during-COVID-19.html. If keeping up with exams and vaccines schedule seems overwhelming, whether it’s during the back-to-school rush or during the more relaxed summer break, families can always ask their pediatrician for guidance. Families who are Amerigroup New Jersey members of Amerigroup can also get help with scheduling appointments or even with finding care. It is as simple as calling the Member Services at 1 877 600-4111 (TTY 711) or visiting https://www.myamerigroup.com/nj/home.html. Amerigroup New Jersey members also have an additional incentive to get children’s health exams and vaccinations completed. Amerigroup’s Healthy Rewards program pays members for taking control of their health, which means that members can earn rewards that can then be redeemed for a variety of retail gift cards. To learn more about these rewards, Amerigroup members should visit Amerigroup’s Benefit Reward Hub, and login or register to manage rewards and payments. Anyone with questions or needs help enrolling in Amerigroup’s Healthy Rewards program can also call 888-990-8681 (TTY 711).

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Stuff We Love

Backyard PLAY!

Amp up outside time with these fun finds

1. TOSS UP This four-sided, 360-degree toss game is challenging and entertaining for you and the kiddos. It’s like cornhole for the next generation. TowerBall Bundle, Caliber Games. $189.99, calibergames.com 2. IT’S POPPIN’ Make huge bubbles thanks to the two-handle design on this giant bubble wands kit. The bubbles are non-toxic, too. WOWMAZING, South Beach Bubbles. $14.95, amazon.com 3. HAPPY CAMPERS No need for a campfire to make your favorite summertime snack. This tool brings camping right to your backyard so it’s always time for s’mores. S’mores Roaster, Chef’n. $59.99, chefn.com 4. BACK AND FORTH An indoor/outdoor paddle game serves up fun and excitement anywhere you set it up. Since you hit the birdie through a rectangular hole, no court is needed to play. Jazzminton Sport, Fun Sparks. $249.99, funsparks.com 5. FOAM-TASTIC A foammaking machine takes any ordinary backyard playdate to the next level and this little machine has a huge output! Fömalanche, Föm Mania. $39.99, target.com

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

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Raising Smarties

Keep ’Em Learning This

SUMMER Fun ways to make sure their minds stay sharp

ummer is the time for rest, relaxation, popsicles by the pool and bike rides with friends. Kids need this downtime, but it also makes sense to keep them learning in a low-pressure and fun way. If you’re worried about summer learning loss, there are plenty of stellar options in the Garden State. From enriching camps to family field trips, these ideas will help them keep pace while school’s out.

ACADEMIC CAMPS

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM: KIRIN_PHOTO / KALI9 / PEOPLEIMAGES / ANDRESR / KALI9

The words “academic” and “camp” don’t necessarily go together in the minds of most children, but there are some truly innovative programs specifically designed to engage kids at their interest level. Here are a few great options: MORRISTOWN BEARD mbs.net/summerinstitute • Morristown At the Morristown Beard Summer Institute, students participate in project-based courses designed to encourage collaboration and brainstorming. There are in-person courses for middle schoolers and high schoolers. THE ELISABETH MORROW SCHOOL elisabethmorrow.org • Englewood Camp meets classroom at Summer Explorations (kids ages 2 through grade 9), which offers workshops that delve into woodworking, coding, sports, animation and more. THE WRITERS CIRCLE writerscircleworkshops.com • Madison Teen scribes hone their craft at one of three WC’s week-long Summer Creative Writing Intensives at Drew University. They’ll focus on poetry, playwriting or memoirs, enjoying support, feedback and literary fun along the way. INTERNATIONAL IVY iisummer.com • Multiple locations Hands-on, in-person STEAM (think engineering, math, programming) learning will keep your child age 5-15 in peak performance

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

mode (full and half days available). Virtual, small group camp is also an option. iD TECH idtech.com • Multiple locations Typically held at one of 150+ campuses nationwide, iD Tech’s camps focus on popular STEM obsessions like coding in Roblox and Minecraft. Online camps are also offered. NEWARK ACADEMY newarka.edu • Livingston Top-notch academics and enrichment for young scholars in grades K-12 meets terrific classes for thinkers like podcasting and financial literacy. NA-X Courses, Jump Start Courses and Mott-Leeney Baseball Camp are all offered.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Other ideas to keep learning going are to join a book club or your local library’s summer reading program. Most libraries make summer reading fun with contests and prizes so cracking a book becomes something kids look forward to doing. For older kids, enrichment classes or SAT prep classes may be a good bet during the summer months so they can head into the next school year feeling more confident and prepared. For younger kids, subscription boxes make learning fun (and will keep them checking the mail for their next adventure!). Eat2explore lets kids try food from around the world while getting a culinary education. Boxes can center on a single country such as Japan, Peru or Morocco, or by US regions. OwlCrate Jr boxes are curated for kids ages 8-12. Each box includes a brand-new novel, an exclusive letter from the author, plus activities and games related to the theme of the month.

FUN WITH FIELD TRIPS Opportunities for learning experiences are around every corner. Here are a few favorites: ADVENTURE AQUARIUM adventureaquarium.com • Camden

By Ronnie Koenig

Kids will marvel at the aquarium’s collection of 15,000+ aquatic animals which includes the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast. Walk through the Shark Tunnel and don’t forget to say hi to Button and Genny, their two massive hippos! FRANKLIN INSTITUTE fi.edu • Philadelphia, PA Do you remember walking your way through the gigantic human heart here? It’s still there—and as beloved as ever. There’s also a Harry Potter exhibit though September 18, a mirror maze, escape rooms, science shows, 3-D printing displays and more. HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM howellfarm.org • Hopewell Twp. Open since the 1730s, this farm is a prime location for learning about the seasonal activities of a working farm. Kids can explore the hen house, corn crib, ox barn and more. LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER lsc.org • Jersey City The kids will get hands-on experience with electricity, amphibians and more as they explore this interactive museum. Don’t miss a show in the biggest planetarium in the western hemisphere! OLD BARRACKS MUSEUM barracks.org • Trenton Head to the state’s capital city to see where soldiers lived during the Revolutionary War. This museum brings the world of colonial America to life with tours and exhibits. THOMAS EDISON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK nps.gov/edis • West Orange They may know Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb, but what about his other works? Here, kids can explore his chemistry lab and tour Black Maria, the world’s first movie studio.

On The Cover

Keeping It

REAL WITH MELISSA GORGA

LAUREN ANZEVINO

By Dina El Nabli

WE MET UP WITH THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY STAR AT HER BOUTIQUE IN RIDGEWOOD TO TALK FAMILY, FASHION AND TV. JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELISSA GORGA

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE GORGAS CELEBRATE THEIR DAUGHTER ANTONIA’S SWEET 16 AT FELINA IN RIDGEWOOD; MELISSA MODELS HER LINE OF FITNESS ACCESSORIES; THE GORGAS SMILE FOR A FAMILY PHOTO; MELISSA PROMOTES THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY AHEAD OF SEASON 12; MELISSA GETS READY TO RECORD AN EPISODE OF HER PODCAST, MELISSA GORGA ON DISPLAY.

On The Cover

“Nothing comes before our family and keeping it as regular as possible.”

ans of The Real Housewives of New Jersey know Melissa Gorga as the show’s sensible one amid all the drama. For more than a decade, Melissa and her husband Joe Gorga have been a popular fixture on the hit Bravo reality show. During that time, viewers have watched the couple’s children (Antonia, 16, Gino, 14, and Joey, 12) grow up on television. Melissa and Joe credit their focus on family with keeping the kids grounded. After the Gorgas recent move from Montville to Franklin Lakes, Melissa relocated her boutique, Envy, to Ridgewood. The day we visited the new shop, we saw Melissa on the floor helping a customer pick out a pair of athleisure pants. Melissa prides herself on being hands-on in her store, choosing all the looks herself and designing the shop’s gorgeous floral exterior with help from New York Backdrops. The space has a clean and modern look with an insta worthy wall boasting the message “Be your own kind of beautiful.” Besides starring on The Real Housewives of New Jersey and helping women dress their best, Melissa also loves talking relationships (including her own!) and offering advice on her podcast, Melissa Gorga on Display. We asked her about her projects, her family and what she loves to do in New Jersey.

have good sweat suits, so there’s just an array. I have a dress if you want to go to a wedding. We have cocktail dresses in here, too. I wanted to make sure I have something for everyone as well, but it’s a lot of my style. It’s something that I would wear. No one else buys for the store except me, so everything in the store is truly my taste.

New Jersey Family: You opened Envy five years ago in Montclair and recently relocated to Ridgewood. How has it evolved over the years? Melissa Gorga: When I originally wanted to open Envy, it was because I was on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. I have such a great platform to do something. I’ve always been a really hard worker. Before The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and before I had my kids, I was that girl who had three jobs through college. My father passed away when I was young so I had to work my way through college. Everybody always wanted to know what I was wearing, so that’s how I came up with Envy. I opened a small store in Montclair and it did great. My e-commerce (envybymg.com) was amazing.

NJF: You’ve been on The Real Housewives for more than a decade. There’s such high exposure on your family and all the grievances are laid bare as we see on TV. How do you keep your kids grounded? MG: I have to say they’ve always been really good. My daughter has been on TV since she was four. My son, my little one, was born on TV. We went to his christening at two months old, so they don’t know anything else. We eat dinner with our kids together every night. We have them in sports. We’re at football games with them. We go to their practices. The show and the fame and that aspect for us is secondary. Nothing comes before our family and keeping it as regular as possible.

NJF: And then you moved the shop to Ridgewood. MG: I had no idea that Ridgewood was going to be so welcoming—all of the other businesses and moms in town. I dressed the Ridgewood High School girls for their fashion show.

NJF: Do you have social media rules for your kids? MG: I always kept it where they had to be a certain age. I didn’t let them do it at a very young age, but I have to say, my kids don’t care about social media. My daughter Antonia’s the only one that has a real Instagram account that she’s verified on as a celebrity account. She has 100,000 followers and she barely wants to post. I would say she’s the most into social media with her TikToks and Instagram. She’s so great on it. I don’t have to give her any rules. She knows how to respect the family. She knows what would make her family look bad or what we wouldn’t like from her. She’s very good. I’m very

NJF: You’ve said you want women to come into Envy and feel like they’ve stepped into your closet. How do you curate the looks in the shop? MG: We have everything here from what you wear to work to date night. I have good jeans. I have good loungewear. I

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

NJF: What’s one thing every woman should have in her closet? MG: A really good jean jacket. You wear it in the summer when it gets chilly, you can wear it in the fall and you can wear it as the centerpiece of your outfit. NJF: As an entrepreneur, you’re not afraid to just go for it, whether it’s The Real Housewives, singing or opening up a shop. What advice do you have for women who want to make a change? MG: Really try to get out there and figure it out. It’s never going to be easy, but I did it and I never looked back. I really feel like if it’s on your brain and you really want to do it, you need to try. There’s something about finding what you love and what you want to do every day and feeling successful in your own right.

NJF: As a mom, a celebrity and an entrepreneur and business owner, you wear so many hats. What has it taught you over the years, and what do you think it’s teaching your kids? MG: Sometimes I have to remember at the end of the night that I have to put the phone down and stop checking emails and that I can’t just keep going, because there’s a piece of me that’s always going to have something to do. But I’ve learned to stop and put it down to spend time with my family on a Sunday or after dinner, when we’re talking for that hour, when everyone’s home after dinner, before homework and bed. I’ve learned how to juggle a little bit of everything and just give a little bit of me to everything that I do all day long. There can be one minute when I’m filming the reality show, the next minute I’m running over to the shop to pick stuff up and the next minute, my daughter needs something for her cheer, so we’re running to the store to get that. Then, I’m at a lacrosse game later on that day. I really wear a lot of hats. I just learned to juggle my time. NJF: Speaking of your daughter and cheerleading, it was so inspiring to see how you worked through her injury and the struggle with whether she was going to stick with it. What advice do you have for parents who go through similar struggles with their kids?

NJF: You travel so much with the show. What was your favorite trip? MG: My favorite trip I went on with the show would be Milan, Italy. It was amazing. I couldn’t believe I went there for the first time. I’d never been to Italy before. Nobody can believe that because we’re so Italian. NJF: Do you have a favorite memory from the show? MG: It’s definitely some of the success with business moments for me because that’s where I truly feel like I can be inspiring and that I can be the proudest is when I’m a hard working mom in business. That’s where I think I shine the most because I love to inspire. I love when people write #goals on my pictures because that inspires me. I feel like if anything good came out of this it’s breaking free and showing women that we can have a family, we can be great wives and great moms and we can still run a store. We can still go to work and do it all. NJF: What do you feel has been the biggest gift for you and your family from being on the show? MG: The biggest gift is just the platform of what it brings to you. The platform of Bravo has been pretty amazing.

LAUREN ANZEVINO

lucky. I have three really respectful kids.

MG: She had some struggles where I had to push her through when she tore her ACL and when I was changing her high school. Just also typical teenage feelings that I think girls go through. It’s not easy being a mom and trying to figure out, ‘Am I being too rough on her? Am I pushing her too hard?’ I prefer to push her. I prefer to push my kids to work harder to reach their potential. To go for it instead of quit. We don’t quit in our household. That’s a big thing for us. Even if you decide you no longer want to do wrestling, you’re going to finish the season. We’re not going to quit midway.

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

On The Cover

(OPPOSITE PAGE FROM LEFT) MELISSA SHOWS OFF SOME DENIM LOOKS IN HER STORE; MELISSA POSES WITH ANTONIA FOR A MOTHER DAUGHTER SHOT. (THIS PAGE FROM LEFT) JOE CLOWNS AROUND WITH SONS JOEY AND GINO; MELISSA STANDS OUTSIDE ENVY IN DOWNTOWN RIDGEWOOD.

NJF: You’ve been on TV for so long. What’s it like having a camera crew in your house all the time, especially on the days when you’re just not feeling it? MG: There’s definitely days when I wake up and I don’t feel like seeing all these people in my house and I don’t know how I’m going to turn it on because I really don’t want to talk to all these strangers. There’s a whole crew that comes in your house. There’s a minimum of 10 to 12 people who are going to walk in every day to film you and whatever you do. There are definitely times where I get irritated and I feel like I’m over it. They usually don’t last long. I can pull through. It’s the same thing if you’re going into work that day and you’re just like ‘Oh, I don’t want to go to work today. I’m not in the mood,’ but you do it anyway. You can’t quit your job. It’s a job for me. As far as the kids go, if they say to me, ‘I don’t want to film today,’ they don’t have to. If they’re in the room and they want to talk for a second, they do. If they leave the room, they leave. They don’t get followed. I make that a very strict rule with our cameraman. If my children don’t want to film, don’t film them. NJF: How’s your podcast going? MG: I had no idea the podcast was going to be so successful. It’s a really fun way to talk unfiltered without Bravo editing me. We do fun relationship advice, Joe and I. People love to talk to us about relationships and they love advice from us on that. I have some of my celebrity friends come on and just talk to me about pop culture and what’s going on in the world. I can’t believe how much fun we have on the podcast. NJF: What does your fitness routine look like? MG: I work out four to five times a week for an hour a day. I focus on lifting weights and toning. I don’t do a lot of cardio because I am always running around. I consistently eat healthy and drink plenty of water. NJF: What’s your favorite place to shop? MG: Neiman Marcus

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

NJF: Where do you love to go out to dinner in NJ? MG: I love Felina in Ridgewood and Dimora in Norwood. They’re so good. I just tried Concourse Club in Wood-Ridge. It feels like you’re in LA. I love Elia in East Rutherford, too. It’s another one of my favorites. NJF: Do you have any favorites at the Shore? MG: I love Charlie’s of Bay Head. I like Theresa’s South in Bay Head, too. NJF: What are your date night spots with Joe? MG: Definitely Concourse Club. Rails Steakhouse in Towaco is a great one. I really like Sofia in Englewood, too. NJF: Tell us about a small business you love. MG: The Table at Latona’s across the street here in Ridgewood. They are the nicest guys and have such beautiful decor for your table. I also love Beauty Bar by Camila Mello in Livingston. She’s amazing for eyebrows. NJF: What’s next for you in business and life over the next few years? MG: My kids are getting older now. My daughter is about to start driving. We’re at that point where we’re looking for cars and I literally cannot believe she was a baby when I started this and I have a child who’s about to get behind the wheel. For me, I want to continue to grow. I feel like this is just the beginning. I would like to go into a little bit of hosting and maybe a talk show or something like that. I feel like there’s a lot more out there for me and I’m just not done yet.

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Healthy + Happy

Summer Health Check Once school lets out, it’s time for fun at camp, the

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beach or a local park. But no matter what’s on your family’s todo list this summer, follow these health and safety tips from the American Academy of Dermatology, Safe Kids Worldwide and the American Academy of Pediatrics: S lather up. You’ve heard it before, but sunscreen is the best way to prevent skin cancer. For days outdoors—even if it’s not super-sunny—make sure everyone’s wearing sunscreen (including you!). Look for SPF 30 or higher, and don’t miss the tops of feet, back of neck and ears. Experts say to use 1 ounce on your whole body or enough to fill a shot glass. Sun-protective clothing is another option. Don’t forget hats and sunglasses for eye protection, too. M ake helmets mandatory. Whether skating, biking or riding a scooter, your kid should be wearing a helmet. Make sure it fits snugly, flat on top of the head, not tilted forward or back. Wearing a helmet reduces head injury risk by 45 percent, so it needs to be non-negotiable. Also,

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

By Arricca Elin SanSone

make sure the bike fits your child. His feet should touch the ground when he’s seated. K eep bugs at bay. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, bug repellent is okay for kids older than 2 months. Always do a tick check after kids come in from outdoor activities; look in areas where ticks like to hide, such as underarms, behind knees and in belly buttons. Some kids also get extra-itchy from mosquito bites; apply an ice pack to the site or dab on an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. If your child develops a rash or a bite looks like it’s infected (possibly from kids picking at it), call your pediatrician. B e water smart. Designate an adult to watch the kids at the pool—they should not be texting or otherwise distracted. When boating, canoeing or kayaking, everyone should be wearing a personal flotation device (PFD); more than 80 percent of drownings occur when people are not wearing PFDs. Also, protect feet with water shoes at the lake or beach; sharp rocks and trash can cause painful cuts and punctures.

Healthy + Happy

5 Wellness Trends You Should Know About WHAT’S NEW AND NOTEWORTHY WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY

e’re always looking for ways to keep our families healthy, and this year, there’s plenty of promising news. With more research in once-overlooked fields such as mental health and gut health, we’re discovering new ideas to help families stay well and happy. Here are five health trends unfolding this year:

THE ROLE OF GUT HEALTH

You’ve probably heard about the microbiome, the trillions of microbes that live in the body, especially in the gut. “We’re learning that this community of microbes is lower in diversity when people have certain illnesses,” says Lea Ann Chen, MD, assistant professor of medicine and pharmacology, and director of inflammatory bowel disease translational research at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “We aren’t sure why yet, but it’s a consistent finding in many different studies. There’s also a greater push to understand their beneficial functions, rather than just what kinds of microbes are present.” What it means for your family: Although research is ongoing,

multiple studies have shown that people who have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber have a more diverse microbiome, so skip the fatty and processed foods and focus on whole foods, says Chen. You can also eat foods that contain probiotics, which some research shows may help balance the good and bad bugs in your gut; these include fermented and cultured foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, miso and fermented vegetables. As for the probiotic drinks and supplements you see everywhere, there’s not enough evidence to recommend them, though there’s no harm in trying them if you’re healthy.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

With all the time we’ve spent indoors at home during the pandemic, it’s no wonder there’s more interest in indoor air quality. “People often are surprised that there are so many indoor air pollutants,” says Catherine Monteleone, MD, professor of medicine, division of allergy and immunology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “Almost anything can contribute to the level of indoor pollutants, including a fireplace, pet dander, chemicals from

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By Arricca Elin SanSone

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paint and furniture, and cleaning products, which can irritate your lungs and nose even if you don’t have allergies or asthma.” What it means for your family: If you don’t have a family member with seasonal allergies, open the windows and bring in some fresh air occasionally. Avoid using air fresheners, don’t let anyone smoke in your house, and use cleaning products that have lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs), says Monteleone. When redecorating, look for paints and carpeting with low VOCs. If bringing home a new mattress or upholstered furniture, let it air out in a spare room for a few days with the window cracked. An air purifier which runs continuously can also help; look for ones with

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

HEPA filters, suggests Monteleone.

EMPOWERING WOMEN DURING MENOPAUSE

Menopause (when your period has stopped for one year) is something most women will experience sooner or later, but the conversation is beginning to focus more on the positive aspects. “We have to stop looking at menopause as a negative,” says Gloria Bachmann, MD, co-director of Women’s Health Institute at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “In many cultures, it’s a step toward freedom and leadership. We still have a long way to go with how we approach menopause, but it’s simply part of the life cycle,

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Pediatric Dentists: Michael Lateiner, DMD Peter Paradiso, DMD and Associates

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and we’re getting better about treating it that way.” What it means for your family: Most women experience menopause around age 51, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, perimenopause, which can last from four to eight years, can be a time of erratic periods, hot flashes and night sweats that for some women can diminish their ability to function. “The transition isn’t always seamless. If your symptoms are distressing, you need to talk to your doctor, and your concerns should never be dismissed,” says Bachmann. There are many options for relief, including overthe-counter and prescription medications. If you don’t feel you’re communicating well with one GYN, find another doctor.

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THE RISE OF TELEHEALTH

Born of necessity during the pandemic, telehealth is here to stay. “Telehealth can be helpful,” says Bachmann of these video or telephone consultations. “It cuts down on the need to travel, and the expense of parking and gas, as well as the need to juggle caregiving responsibilities. It really makes sense for so many reasons.” What it means for your family: While many visits have to be done in person, some appointments, such as a checkup on medications, can be done by telehealth. If you have difficulty getting days off, have childcare needs or it’s something that doesn’t require a physical exam, ask your doctor about scheduling a telehealth appointment.

ENCOURAGING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

It’s no secret that the stressors of the last two years have impacted mental health, but there’s good news, too. “Although we’re noticing a higher incidence of depression and anxiety in both adult and pediatric settings, the positive part is that people are more comfortable talking about it,” says Kelly L. Gilrain, PhD, director of behavioral medicine and psychological services, assistant professor of medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

University. “There’s less stigma about seeking support. Medical professionals also are more attuned to mental health issues and have mandatory screenings in place so they can get help for patients.” What it means for your family: If you’re having trouble functioning on a daily basis or a family member needs mental health support, speak up. While some facilities report long wait times for care, there are many options. Some employers have employee assistance programs, which typically offer free therapy sessions. Your primary care doctor or pediatrician also may have a relationship with local therapists. And tele-therapy is a good choice for many people. National chains like CVS are now offering counseling services, too. “The goal of therapy is to learn to manage your own wellbeing and teach yourself good habits for coping so that you can build resilience and manage negative emotions,” says Gilrain. For daily stress management, check out free apps such as Simple Habit and Insight Timer for wellbeing exercises because sometimes even a one-minute break can be helpful. —Arricca Elin SanSone is a New York-based health and lifestyle writer.

INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH

Celebrating excellence in healthcare in the Garden State

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A Comprehensive Approach to Pediatric Care Hersh Children’s Center, Overlook Medical Center Children’s Health

arents will likely need to take their children to the hospital at least once in their lives. Thankfully, there is now a place that provides comprehensive hospital care in a setting designed to put children and families at ease. In January 2022, Overlook Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, opened the Hersh Children’s Center, a newly built facility that centralizes the hospital’s pediatric emergency and inpatient services in one convenient, family-friendly space. “We are honored to at last be able to provide our young patients and their families with the highest quality of care in a space designed specifically for them,” said Stephanie Schwartz, president of Overlook Medical Center. “This state-of-the-art facility gives us a home for the future of pediatric care at Overlook–one that truly compliments the experienced care team and advanced technology that serve our patients.” The 12,000 square-foot center brings together the Meri and Sol Barer Inpatient Pediatric Center (formerly housed on Overlook’s sixth floor) and the Michael Gordon Reeves Pediatric Emergency Department, for better coordinated care of patients, ages 0-21.

Innovative Pediatric Care

“This combined and innovative approach to pediatric care is one of only a few of its kind in the northern NJ region,” said Walter Rosenfeld, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at Overlook Medical Center and Medical Director of Children’s Health for Atlantic Health System. “By bringing emergency and inpatient pediatric services together we can 26

dramatically reduce the time between an emergency department visit to an inpatient room for children requiring hospitalization. It will also improve continuity of care by having clinical teams caring for patients from the moment they enter, through every stage of their experience.” The new pediatric emergency department is equipped to handle the full range of pediatric conditions, with streamlined care to ease stress on the family. The new inpatient unit offers comforting special touches like sleep accommodations for parents, family lounges and a play area with skylights and plentiful windows. The new center also includes: • Nine inpatient private rooms, including two isolation rooms and Liam’s Room for patients with serious chronic conditions or life-limiting illnesses • Eight private emergency department rooms staffed by pediatric emergency physicians, pediatric subspecialists and pediatric nurses • One flexible room for emergency department patients or inpatients • In-room accommodations for parents to stay the night with their children • Numerous structural and design elements to enhance safety, comfort and security for patients and families The Hersh Children’s Center is seamlessly connected to 100 pediatric specialists who provide advanced expertise, both at Overlook and throughout Atlantic Health System. Care at the Hersh Children’s Center is also connected to Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown. In the midst of the pandemic, hospital

construction officials re-engineered ventilation systems, giving the facility the ability to utilize outdoor air for full circulation throughout the Hersh Children’s Center.

Experienced and Compassionate Clinicians

Pamela F. Love, MD, MHS, FAAP, board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics, will lead care at the Michael Gordon Reeves Pediatric Emergency Department. “The serene yet cheerful and kid-friendly Hersh Children’s Center offers state-of-theart care in a state-of-the-art facility and is staffed by dedicated pediatric providers and specialists,” said Dr. Love. Eberechi Nwaobasi-Iwuh, MD, FAAP, chief of the pediatric hospitalist medicine service at Overlook and Goryeb Children’s Hospital, is board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases by the American Board of Pediatrics and will lead the team providing care at the Hersh Center’s Meri and Sol Barer Inpatient Pediatric Center. “The biggest and best change with the Hersh Children’s Center is that now both the emergency department and inpatient unit are functioning in a more cohesive manner, which will provide a seamless transition of care for a child who comes into the pediatric emergency room and must be admitted,” Dr. Nwaobasi-Iwuh said.

Visit atlantichealth.org/overlookkids for more information. NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

JULY / AUG 2022 | NJFAMILY.COM

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Specialized Pediatric Care For Complex Health Issues Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Children’s Health

he Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital is a state-designated acute care children’s hospital offering a full-range of pediatric specialized healthcare services with over 250 pediatricians who practice across two dozen pediatric specialties. Services include a nationally recognized Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, ranked among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals for Neonatology (2021-2022) by U.S. News and World Report; a dedicated pediatric intensive care unit which earned a Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses; and a pediatric emergency department. “Children are not little adults; they have a different physiology and require physicians who are specially trained to provide comprehensive care,” said Bipin Patel, MD, FAAP, chairman, Department of Pediatrics, and physician-in-chief at Saint Peter’s Children’s Hospital.

The Craniofacial and Neurosurgical Center

A multidisciplinary team practices at The Craniofacial and Neurosurgical Center at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s, one of only a few centers in the country that comprehensively treats craniofacial abnormalities and is recognized as a regional center by the American Cleft PalateCraniofacial Association (ACPA). Kianoush Sheykholeslami, MD, PhD, FACS, chief of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgery at Saint Peter’s, specializes in skull-based tumors, cosmetic and 28

reconstructive facial deformities, thyroid, parathyroid and sinus diseases.

Family-Centered Cancer Care

Saint Peter’s internationally renowned Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Program provides cutting edge cancer care while helping parents navigate the emotional journey. The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s is the only children’s hospital in central New Jersey that partners with the ProCure Proton Therapy Center, which offers a new form of radiation therapy only available in a few states. Benefits include decreased damage to developing organs while reducing other side effects of radiation.

A Pioneer in Gene Therapy

As a state-designated regional center, Saint Peter’s Department of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine provides services to patients with genetic disorders. Last year, Saint Peter’s dosed the first patient in a global clinical trial program developed by Passage Bio, Inc., for the treatment of infantile GM1 gangliosidosis (GM1), a fatal genetic condition. Saint Peter’s was chosen for the study because of its internationally recognized geneticist, Debra-Lynn DaySalvatore, MD, PhD, FAAP, FACMG. Saint Peter’s is home to one of the country’s largest comprehensive Lysosomal Disease Therapy Centers.

Pediatric Neurology

Pediatric neurologists combine expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system with an understanding of

the special needs of children. They work with other pediatric specialists to care for children with complex medical issues, such as autism or epilepsy, providing ongoing care. The Division of Pediatric Neurology can evaluate a child with migraines, sleep disorders and other neurological complaints.

Keeping Our Children Strong

Saint Peter’s pediatric orthopedic surgeons address issues such as limb and spine deformities, gait abnormalities, broken bones, bone or joint infections and tumors, and scoliosis. The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s is the state’s only hospital offering the low-dose, full body EOS® Imaging System to evaluate the spine and lower extremities. Saint Peter’s has become a destination for scoliosis surgery due to a muscle-sparing treatment, Anterior Scoliosis Correction (ASC) surgery, performed by C. Darryl Antonacci, MD, who pioneered the procedure, and his associate, Laury A. Cuddihy, MD. Other pediatric services include allergy and immunology; cardiology; developmental and behavioral pediatrics, including autism; diabetes; gastroenterology; infectious diseases; nephrology; nutrition; physical rehabilitation, including audiology and occupational, physical and speech-language therapy; pulmonary and sleep medicine, including asthma; and rheumatology.

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System saintpetershcs.com (732) 745-8600 NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

JULY / AUG 2022 | NJFAMILY.COM

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North Jersey Dental Group, P.A. Ali N. Weiselberg, DDS, FICOI What sets North Jersey Dental Group apart from other practices? Our primary concerns are patient comfort and convenience. We offer evening and Saturday hours in order to accommodate as many patient schedules as possible. We aim to make each appointment efficient and painless. By using modern technology and giving each patient the appropriate amount of time for each procedure, we are able to keep patients comfortable throughout their visit. We also make it a point to not have patients waiting. What are the group’s areas of expertise? We are a cosmetic and family dental practice which means we see children as young as 1 years old as well as adults of all ages. The convenience of bringing the family to one provider is something our

patients love. We have been successful in treating mild and moderate sleep apnea via an intra-oral device that’s easy to wear. We also straighten teeth using clear aligners. What technologies do you use to make the patient experience more comfortable? Our digital scanner helps replace gooey impression material and allows for faster lab time. Digital X-rays are quicker and more accurate while using much less radiation. Our soft tissue laser controls bleeding easily.

North Jersey Dental Group, P.A. northjerseydentalgroup.com (201) 461-4800

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NEW JERSEY DIVISION OFTRAVEL & TOURISM (INSETS FROM LEFT) CONSTELLATION CULINARY GROUP / DEPASQUALE THE SPA

We asked readers for their favorite fun spots, food and drink, places to shop, stroll and more. Read on for the results of our survey of the best of the Garden State! Best Vacation Spot WINNER Cape May capemay.com

FINALIST Long Beach Island welcometolbi.com

Best Al Fresco Dining Spot

WINNER Rat’s Restaurant, Hamilton Twp. ratsrestaurant.com FINALIST Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar, Edgewater havenedgewater.com

Favorite Salon

WINNER Depasquale The Spa, Morris Plains depasqualethespa.com FINALIST Hair Salon Body & Soul New Providence hairsalonbodyandsoul.com

APRIL 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Fun in New Jersey Best Nature Center

Favorite Boardwalk

FINALIST New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood njbg.org

FINALIST Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park apboardwalk.com

Favorite Lake WINNER Lake Hopatcong FINALIST Lake Lenape

WINNER Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Point Pleasant Beach jenkinsons.com

Favorite Kids Party Venue

Favorite Tri-State Snowtubing/Skiing Spot

WINNER Urban Air, multiple locations urbanair.com

WINNER Mountain Creek, Vernon Twp. mountaincreek.com

FINALIST Medieval Times, Lyndhurst medievaltimes.com

FINALIST Shawnee Mountain East Stroudsburg, PA • shawneemt.com

Favorite Hotel WINNER Hotel LBI Ship Bottom hotellbi.com

FINALIST Wave Resort Long Branch waveresort.com 34

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WINNER Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly tenaflynaturecenter.org

Prettiest Garden

WINNER Greenwood Gardens, Millburn greenwoodgardens.org

ABOVE: VICKI JOHNSON / RIGHT: ALL PICTURES COURTESY OF NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF TRAVEL & TOURISM

FINALIST Duke Farms Hillsborough Twp. dukefarms.org

Best National Park

WINNER Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park, Paterson nps.gov FINALIST Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook nps.gov

Best Rock Gym/Ninja Warrior Gym WINNER Gravity Vault, multiple locations gravityvault.com

FINALIST High Exposure Rock Climbing, Ninja Warrior & Parkour, Northvale highexposureclimbing.com JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Favorite Hiking Spot WINNER Stokes State Forest, Sandyston Twp. nj.gov

FINALIST Stairway to Heaven Trail, Vernon njhiking.com

Favorite NJ Landmark

WINNER Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May capemaymac.org FINALIST The Hermitage, Ho-Ho-Kus thehermitage.org

Most Fun Night Out

Favorite Beach

WINNER Bury The Hatchet, multiple locations burythehatchet.com

FINALIST Wildwood wildwoodsnj.com

FINALIST Top Golf Edison + Mt. Laurel topgolf.com

WINNER Ocean City, ocnj.us

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Explore

Favorite Aquarium WINNER Adventure Aquarium Camden adventureaquarium.com FINALIST Jenkinson’s Aquarium Point Pleasant Beach jenkinsons.com

Favorite Museum WINNER Liberty Science Center Jersey City lsc.org

FINALIST The Newark Museum of Art Newark newarkmuseumart.org

Best Kid-Free Getaway WINNER Crystal Springs, Hamburg crystalgolfresort.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ADVENTURE AQUARIUM / NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF TRAVEL & TOURISM / CRYSTAL SPRINGS

FINALIST Atlantic City atlanticcitynj.com

Best Zoo

WINNER Turtle Back Zoo West Orange turtlebackzoo.com FINALIST Cape May County Park & Zoo Cape May Court House capemaycountynj.gov

JUL / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Best Amusement Park WINNER Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson Twp. sixflags.com/greatadventure FINALIST Nickelodeon Universe East Rutherford americandream.com

Best Indoor Play Place WINNER iPlay America Freehold iplayamerica.com

FINALIST Sky Zone Multiple locations skyzone.com

Best Kept Secret for a Family Afternoon Out WINNER The Gardens of Wyckoff, Wyckoff wyckoff-nj.com

FINALIST New York Society of Model Engineers Model Train Museum, Carlstadt modelengineers.org

Shopping + Services Best Women’s Boutique WINNER Envy by Melissa Gorga Ridgewood envybymg.com FINALIST South Moon Under Woodcliff Lake southmoonunder.com

Best Men’s Clothing Store

Best Children’s Book Shop

WINNER The Little Boho Bookshop, Bayonne thelittlebohobookshop.com FINALIST The Curious Reader, Glen Rock thecuriousreaderbooks.com

Best Indie Book Shop WINNER Bookends, Ridgewood book-ends.com

FINALIST Town Book Store, Westfield townbookstore.com

Best Party Planner

WINNER Creative Twist, Metuchen creativetwistevents.com

WINNER Tessuto Somerville tessutomenswear.com FINALIST Sal Lauretta for Men Midland Park sallauretta.com

Best Paint/Craft Place WINNER Board & Brush multiple locations boardandbrush.com FINALIST Tipsy Tie Dye Hoboken tipsytiedye.com

Best Children’s Clothing Store

WINNER The Red Balloon, Summit theredballoonsummit.com FINALIST Small Wonders, Wyckoff smallwondersnj.com CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: THE LITTLE BOHO BOOKSHOP / THE RED BALLOON / DREAM & LIGHT

FINALIST An Affair to Remember Weddings & Events anaffairtorememberweddings.com

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JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Best Wedding Venue WINNER The Manor West Orange themanorrestaurant.com FINALIST The Park Savoy Estate Florham Park theparksavoy.com

NJ Charity We Need to Know About

WINNER Parents of Autistic Children POAC Brick • poac.net FINALIST Moms Helping Moms Foundation momshelpingmomsfoundation.org

Warren

WINNER Ort Farms, Long Valley ortfarms.com FINALIST Terhune Orchards, Princeton terhuneorchards.com

Home Decor Store

WINNER Made Anew Home Remodeling, Hamilton madeanewhomeremodeling.com

FINALIST Homestead Princeton, Princeton homesteadprinceton.com

FINALIST Torbilt Construction, New Providence torbilt.com

Best Florist

Best Senior Living Community

FINALIST Sunnywoods Florist, Chatham sunnywoods.com

FINALIST Christian Health, Wyckoff christianhealthnj.org

WINNER Family Florist & Gifts Budd Lake familyfloristonline.net

Best Vet Hospital

WINNER Sunrise Senior Living multiple locations sunriseseniorliving.com

Best Downtown

Best Equestrian Center

FINALISTS Ridgewood ridgewoodnj.net (tie) Somerville somervillenj.org

WINNER Saddle Ridge Riding Center Franklin Lakes saddleridgeridingcenter.com

WINNER Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Red Bank redbankvet.com

WINNER Faux Paws Wholesome Pet Shop Summit fauxpawspetshop.com

FINALIST Essex Equestrian Center West Orange essexequestrian.com

FINALIST Black River Veterinary Hospital Chester brvh-nj.com

FINALIST Concord Pet Foods multiple locations concordpetfoods.com

WINNER Red Bank redbanknj.org

Best Home Remodeler

WINNER The Farmhouse Store, Westfield thefarmhousestore.com

Best Pet Store

NJFAMILY.COM | JUL / AUG 2022

THIS PAGE FROM TOP: KEITH SLY, THE MANOR / SARAH ORT/ OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SOJO SPA CLUB / GARDEN STATE PLAZA / LURE LASH

Best Farm

Best Spa

WINNER SoJo Spa Club, Edgewater sojospaclub.com FINALIST Fountain Spa Hackensack + Ramsey thefountainspa.com

Best Lash Studio WINNER Lure Lash multiple locations lurelash.com

FINALIST Deka Lash, Franklin Lakes dekalash.com

Best Plastic Surgeon

WINNER The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery Florham Park • peergroupnj.com FINALIST Beverly Friedlander, MD Short Hills doctorbev.com

Best Blowout

WINNER DryBar multiple locations drybar.com FINALIST Blo Blow Dry Bar Franklin Lakes blomedry.com

Favorite Gym WINNER Life Time Multiple locations lifetime.life FINALIST The Bar Method Multiple locations barmethod.com

Best Outlet Mall

WINNER Bergen Town Center Paramus bergentowncenter.com FINALIST Jersey Shore Premium Outlets Tinton Falls premiumoutlets.com/outlet/ jersey-shore

Best Mall

WINNER Westfield Garden State Plaza Paramus westfield.com/gardenstateplaza FINALIST Bridgewater Commons Bridgewater Twp. bridgewatercommons.com JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Best Bakery

Food + Drink

WINNER Sook Pastry Ridgewood sookpastry.com

Best Pizza

WINNER Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza Elizabeth santillopizza.com FINALIST Kinchley’s Tavern Ramsey kinchleyspizza.com

Best Burger

Most Delish Deli WINNER Vito’s Deli, Hoboken vitosdeli.com

Best Hot Dog

WINNER Rutt’s Hut, Clifton ruttshut.com

Best Sub Sandwich

FINALIST The Committed Pig, multiple locations thecommittedpig.com

FINALIST Lakeside Deli Verona eighthillscatering.com

FINALIST WindMill multiple locations windmillhotdogs.com

FINALIST Cosmo’s Italian Salumeria Hackensack

WINNER Maggie’s Town Tavern Wayne + Little Falls maggiestowntavern.com

WINNER Tastee Sub Shop Edison tasteesubshop.com

Favorite Diner

WINNER Tops Diner, East Newark thetopsdiner.com FINALIST Westfield Diner, Westfield

Best Brewery

WINNER Iron Hill Maple Shade ironhillbrewery.com FINALIST Triumph Brewing Company multiple locations triumphbrewing.com

Best Winery

WINNER Beneduce Vineyards Pittstown beneducevineyards.com FINALIST Laurita Winery New Egypt lauritawinery.com

NJFAMILY.COM | JUL / AUG 2022

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: KINCHLEY’S TAVERN / KAREN BRENCOVICH / BENEDUCE VINEYARDS

FINALIST Bovella’s Springfield + Mountainside bovellas.com

Raising Smarties

Best Date Night

Tastiest Cookies

WINNER The Cookie Connect, multiple locations thecookieconnect.com FINALIST Crumbl Cookies, multiple locations crumblcookies.com

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Best Farm to Table

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ANTHONY CARRINO / CATHY MILLER / NINETY ACRES AT NATIRAR

WINNER Ninety Acres at Natirar Peapack-Gladstone natirar.com/ninety_acres FINALIST D’floret, Lambertville dfloretrestaurant.com

WINNER Chimney Rock Inn, multiple locations chimneyrockinn.com FINALISTS The Pop Shop, Collingswood + Medford thepopshopusa.com (tie) Rainforest Cafe, Edison rainforestcafe.com

Best Ice Cream

WINNER Van Dyk’s Homemade Ice Cream Ridgewood vandyksicecream.com FINALISTS Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionary Bloomfield holstens.com (tie) Hoffman’s Ice Cream Spring Lake + Point Pleasant hoffmansicecream.net JUL / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

WINNER Battello Jersey City battelojc.com

FINALISTS Elysian Cafe Hoboken elysiancafe.com

Best Doughnuts

WINNER Broad Street Dough Co. Oakhurst + Freehold broadstreetdoughco.com FINALISTS Duck Donuts multiple locations duckdonuts.com (tie) Top That! Donuts Point Pleasant Beach + Rutherford topthatdonuts.com

Best Place to Get a Pork Roll / Taylor Ham

WINNER Johnny’s Pork Roll and Coffee Too, Red Bank johnnyporkroll.com FINALIST Big Al’s Hometown Deli Linden

Best Brunch

WINNER Willow & Whisk, Wyckoff willowandwhisk.com FINALISTS Le Peep, Edison • lepeepnj.com Raymond’s Montclair + Ridgewood raymondsnj.com

Best Bagels

WINNER Bagel Chateau, Westfield bagelchateau.com FINALISTS Bagel Nosh, Franklin Lakes (tie) The Bagel Nook Freehold + Princeton thebagelnook.com

FROM TOP: OLIVIA KUNZ / RUSSELL LEWIS

Best Place to Have a Cocktail

WINNER Watermark, Asbury Park watermarkap.com FINALIST Charlie’s of Bay Head Bay Head charliesofbayhead.com

NJFAMILY.COM | JUL / AUG 2022

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Feature

Shore Thing

IT’S A

FROM BEACHES AND BOARDWALKS TO TAFFY AND SKEE-BALL, THE JERSEY SHORE HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. By Angel Madison

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

SKEE-BALL’S FROM NJ

The staple game of the Shore where you roll a heavy ball up a slope to get it into targeted buckets for points was invented by Joseph Fourestier Simpson, a Vineland resident at the time, in 1907 (patented in 1908). First seen in South Jersey, the game got its name for its resemblance to ski hills and jumps. You’ll find SkeeBall at nearly every arcade, but we highly recommend the newly redone 12,000-square-foot arcade at Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven.

Ocean City

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

Feature Atlantic City

f your family’s idea of a fun day trip or vacay involves funnel cake, a Ferris wheel and a water park, there are a bunch of NJ Shore towns that check all the boxes. The Wildwoods (wildwoodsnj.com) are home to five miles of free beaches, plus Morey’s Piers amusement park. The park covers three separate piers with more than 100 rides (from kiddie to downright terrifying) as well as two beachfront water parks (Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters). Level up your vacation with Breakfast in the Sky on the 156-foot tall Ferris wheel, or head to the beach for Monster Truck rides, parasailing, mini golf or go-karts. In Point Pleasant, you’ll need a beach badge to get onto the sand. This bustling area has public parking and lifeguards as well as surfing spots and swimming. The kids will love exploring Jenkinson’s Boardwalk (jenkinsons.com), with dozens of fun rides,

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

including some that cater to your youngest family members. If it’s rainy, or too hot in the sun, take a break inside the aquarium where you can book a special up-close animal encounter with penguins or Wally the sloth. There’s tons of boardwalk food, mini golf, arcades and even a ropes course to tackle. Seaside Heights, Keansburg and Atlantic City also have boardwalks with rides, but if you’re looking for something a little more low-key try Ocean City (oceancityvacation.com). The town is dry, so there’s no alcohol sold anywhere, which keeps the partying crowds away for a more family-friendly vibe. Explore Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Playland’s Castaway Cove for rides, OC Waterpark for a spot to cool off, or try mini golf, parasailing or tiki boats. Have pizza at the famed Manco & Manco, seafood at Ike’s Famous Crabcakes and make sure to try the next-level fries at JiLLy’s French Fry Factory.

Feature

Cape May

ew Jersey has no shortage of beautiful state and national parks that line the shore. And the best part? Entry is free to all state parks for the 2022 season! Ocean County’s Island Beach State Park (nj.gov) is known for its pristine mile-long beach, where swimmers, surfers and windsurfers can enjoy the brisk Atlantic waters. The narrow barrier island has 10 miles of area to explore. With wetlands, tidal marshes and dunes, it’s home to the state’s largest osprey colony. Cape May Point State Park (nj.gov) has more than 240 acres of meadows, ponds, forests, dunes and beaches and is known for its stellar bird watching. It’s also home to the famous Cape May Lighthouse, a 157-foot structure that has panoramic views from the top

(only 199 steps up!). Visitors can tackle one of three short trails with viewing platforms for some prime wildlife observation. While in Cape May, stroll its historic downtown for a wide variety of cuisine, charming shops, trolley tours and access to whale and dolphin cruises. Don’t forget to stop at the always free Cape May Zoo. The massive Gateway National Recreation Area (nps.gov) is run by the National Park System and spans both New York and New Jersey. The New Jersey portion is known to most residents as Sandy Hook in Highlands, and the six-mile stretch of park known as a barrier spit, has beaches, a gorgeous multi-use pathway perfect for smooth bike riding, and historic spots like Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse. It’s $20 per carload for parking from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

State and National Parks

TaLUla’s

Free Beaches

Most NJ beaches charge for admission (and often have parking fees) or require beach badges to enter the sandy shores but these spots are free to access. ATLANTIC CITY Atlantic City

Parker’s Garage

Mud City Crab House

More Chill Spots

here are so many beautiful Shore communities that have it all—amazing dining, shopping and events. Hit the beach in Long Branch (kids under 13 are free), and make time to wander charming Pier Village. It’s filled with upscale oceanside restaurants like Avenue Le Club or McLoone’s Pier House, and cute spots like Coney Waffle for sweet treats or Beach Bee Meadery, where you can have a drink just a short walk from the village. There’s a traditional carousel and an upscale arcade, and plenty of unique boutiques. Book a stay at Wave Resort for some R&R with pampering treatments at its spa, epic views from the swim-up bar and terraces, a playroom for the kids and fire pits for nighttime relaxing. If you want to eat and drink your way through a Shore town, we highly recommend Asbury Park. Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten has a German-themed menu (think schnitzel and wursts) and a rooftop garden, The Bonney Read has seafood and a raw bar and Langosta Lounge is perfect for a casual meal on the beach. For pizza, you can’t go wrong with Talula’s or Porta. For a classic experience, get a drink at the Wonder Bar or go upscale and book a room at Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, with free champagne, a pool terrace and private balconies. Don’t leave before taking in the art scene, strolling the boardwalk or catching a concert at The Stone Pony, one of the Shore’s most legendary spots. If you’re vacationing on Long Beach Island, you won’t run short on things to do or see. The 18-mile barrier island is made up of a series of towns like the quiet Surf City and Loveladies to the hopping Beach Haven and Ship Bottom. You’ll want a car (or a bike) to navigate your way around. Head to Parker’s Garage, Mud City Crab House or Black Whale Bar & Fish House for seafood, Raimondo’s for Italian and grab breakfast at The Chicken or the Egg. Head off island to Tuckerton Seaport for more food and shopping, and stop at the north end of the island’s Barnegat Lighthouse State Park to see the historic Old Barney lighthouse.

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Wave Resort

CAPE MAY POINT STATE PARK Cape May Point IDEAL BEACH Middletown KEANSBURG BEACH Keansburg OCEAN COUNTY PARK Lakewood THE WILDWOODS Wildwood WILLIAM MORROW BEACH Somers Point

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

155 Tomahawk Trail Sparta, New Jersey

Outdoor adventures in your backyard.

Old Fashioned Picnic Place

Dam Release Whitewater

Family-Style Whitewater

Skirmish Paintball

Rail Trail Biking

Open 88 Days Daily: June 17 - Sept. 5 Mountain of Wild Waterslides Swimming in Crystal Clear Lake NJ’s Largest White Sand Beach Boating, Mini Golf, Beer Garden, Snack Bar and more... *Admission: $17 Weekends, $15 Weekdays (Special prices on certain days)

Celebrating its

70th

ANNIVERSARY

: Plus*Pay One Price: 5-6 Hours of Class III whitewater Check out our website for dates!

3-4 Hours of Class I & II whitewater FREE riverside BBQ

750 Acres Open Year-Round

Bike Rentals and Shuttles available!

We can handle ANY size group!

Hourly & Full Day Rentals

Minimum age 10

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(Memorial day thru Labor day)

Mininum age 8

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JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

• Unlimited Rides $17 Weekends • $15 Weekdays Group Catered & Non-Catered • Picnic & Birthday Packages Available

*For Rates & Information visit www.tomahawklake.com Lake Office: 973-398-7777 • Groups Sales Office: 973-478-7490

Fair Game July and August are all about amusement park rides, carnival food and live music at New Jersey’s fairs and festivals. By Angel Madison

August 5-13 NEW JERSEY STATE FAIR

Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta sussexcountyfairgrounds.org This beloved, traditional state fair features the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show, so you’ll be able to see dressage, some amazing livestock and still get your carnival ride fix. Visit the barns to see some works by local 4-H artisans, and then head outdoors for a lumberjack competition, a demolition derby, a sports bike stunt show and a monster truck show (some events require separate admission).

MAPLEWOODSTOCK Memorial Park, Maplewood maplewoodstock.com This two-day free music and arts festival features more than 20 bands, 50+ art vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and a kid zone. Musical acts include Autumn Jones, Alexander Kariotis, Funk Yeah!, Friends of the Brothers, Galactic and more.

July 13-17 OCEAN COUNTY FAIR Robert J. Miller Air Park, Berkeley Township oceancountyfair.com Snag unlimited ride wristbands so the kids can do carnival rides like the Ferris wheel and

tilt-a-whirl to their hearts’ content. There will be 4-H displays, musical acts, animal shows and of course, delicious carnival food.

July 29 -31 NEW JERSEY LOTTERY FESTIVAL OF BALLOONING Solberg Airport, Readington balloonfestival.com The state’s biggest balloon festival has two ascensions daily with more than 100 balloons of every color and shape lifting up into the sky. Book a ride or watch from the ground, and then enjoy rides, a 5K run, eat from some amazing food vendors, see the fireworks show and be amazed at human cannonball David “The Bullet” Smith, Jr. Add tickets to see concerts by Todd

Rundgren, Kansas, Collective Soul and Laurie Berkner.

July 30 - August 6 WARREN COUNTY FARMERS’ FAIR Warren Country Fairgrounds, Harmony warrencountyfarmersfair.org This big fair combines the fun of a county fair with the beauty and brilliance of hot air balloons. There’s rides for the kids, a rodeo, tractor pull, demolition derby, a car and truck show and even a baby crawling contest. There’s loads of food and nightly balloon liftoffs. This fall, there’s also the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival from September 23-25 with more colorful fun.

VRW PHOTOGRAPHY

July 9-10

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

Explore

July 23 CRAFT BEER & CRAB FESTIVAL Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May capemaymac.org Admission is free to this outdoor festival that has family-friendly games, crafters and vendors and live music on the outdoor stage. Bring a blanket or chair to spend the day, and try local delicacies like hard shell crabs and locally brewed beers.

June 17-19, June 23-26 and June 29July 4 NORTH BRUNSWICK YOUTH SPORTS FESTIVAL

North Brunswick northbrunswickyouthsportsfestival.com It’s the 25th anniversary of this fun festival which has live entertainment, rides, shows and more. All proceeds go to the youth sports groups of North Brunswick.

June 23- July 10 STATE FAIR MEADOWLANDS East Rutherford njfair.com

This mega fair is back for 18 full days this year, with all the decadent fair foods you can imagine (this is your chance to get your fried Oreo fix). The fest has more than 100 rides and fireworks on July 3 and 4. Tickets include access to shows like the Cycle Circus Live and the Pirates of the Columbian Caribbean high wire act and a chance to see Big Bee Robot, a moving car that transforms into a 15-foot action robot.

August 6 WATERSHED BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL

TOP: CAPE MAY MAC / RIGHT: PHIL HOOPS

The Watershed Institute, Pennington thewatershed.org

Kids can don their wings for a tour of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House and join the Butterfly and Bug Parade led by Lady Monarch. There will be music and live entertainment, food trucks and kids’ games and crafts.

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

JULY / AUGUST

From Fourth of July fireworks to summer festivals, it’s time to mark your calendar for some serious fun!

August 5 & 19

Explore Lehigh Gorge State Park with friends and family in an inflatable kayak. Guides will show you how to navigate the river—jumping out of the kayak to swim is a must! Go to poconowhitewater.com to make a reservation. July 2

Deck-to-Deck Tour Battleship New Jersey Explore 100 years of naval history through guided tours of three remarkable ships, the Battleship New Jersey, Submarine Becuna and Cruiser Olympia. Light bites will be provided as visitors explore these examples of naval ingenuity in Camden. Head to battleshipnewjersey.org for tickets.

July 8

Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival

This amateur and semipro sand sculpting contest in Wildwood is free to all participants. Come for music, beach games and some of the most amazing sand creations you’ve ever seen. Get more info at wildwoodsnj.com.

July 7

Night Hike & Campfire

Come to Echo Hill Park in Flemington to see what happens in nature after dark. Learn about nocturnal animals, followed by a campfire with stories and songs. Visit co.hunterdon.nj.us for info.

July 13

NMOA Summer Series: Winds in the Garden

Head to Newark Museum of Art for a Mozart masterpiece and wind music by the NJ Symphony. Go to newarkmuseumofart.org for tickets.

The Expedition: Kayak

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

Don’t forge t! For more events near you or to add your own, go to

njfamily.com/calendar All events are subject to cancellation, so call ahead before heading out.

July 23

Sourland Mountain Festival Come to Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes for music, food, drinks, activities and crafts. This festival is celebrating its 17th year and children under 12 are free. Visit sourlandmountainfest.com to learn more. Aug 5

Kidz Bop Live

Aug 13

5th Annual Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival

This family-friendly event is perfect for foodies and beer lovers. Check out the expansive microbrewery beer garden and stay for live music and delicious fare from local restaurants. Visit loveflemington.com for more info.

Take the whole crew to PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel as the Kidz Bop kids perform today’s biggest hits including “Good 4 U” and “Dance Monkey.” Go to kidzbop.com for more info. Aug 6-7

PuchiCon

The popular anime convention heads to Teaneck for two days of cosplay, gaming and fun for kids and grownups alike. With screenings, performances and panels, it’s a great way to be part of the Puchi family. Learn more at puchicon.com.

Aug 27

History Hike and Graze

Learn the history of Morristown while enjoying unique food tastings at local eateries. This 2.5mile urban hike through Historic Morristown is perfect for teens and active adults. Book online at savorandstrollculinarytours.com.

The Beach Boys in Concert

Head to Wildwood Convention Center and feel some good vibrations at this show from one of the most critically acclaimed bands of all time. It’s guaranteed to be fun, fun, fun! Go to ticketmaster.com for tickets.

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

Gabbing Together Speech and Language Services Evaluation and Treatment for Speech, Language and Feeding Disorders Michele Dickson M.S., CCC-SLP, CBC

JULY / AUG Planner

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RATINER SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY SERVICES Building Bridges to Success

Serving the community over 20 years

Assessment & Treatment for Speech, Language and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in Children and Adults

Sharon Ratiner

MA CCC-SLP, COM NJ License # 41YS00057000

344 Main Street, Suite A, Metuchen sprspeech@yahoo.com

ratinerspeechtherapy.com • 848-200-7276

It’s time for fireworks and fun to celebrate Independence Day! Head to Historic Smithville on July 4 for the largest Fourth of July parade in the state. An expected 10,000 people will line the parade route. Get the details at historicsmithville.com. The Patriotic Pooch Parade on July 4 in North Wildwood is doggone fun! Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated bikes, strollers, scooters, golf carts and more. Pooches can be registered the day of the parade. More info can be found at northwildwood.com. On July 4, Ridgewood will host its 112th Fourth of July celebration including a flag raising ceremony, parade and fireworks. Go to ridgewoodjuly4.net for details. The Green Planet will play a free concert on July 4 at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton. Expect lots of classic rock from the ’60s and beyond. Head to morven.org for more info. Don’t miss the Fourth of July Fireworks Food Festival on July 4 in Jersey City. Taking place at the Exchange PATH station, it’s a free celebration for everyone. The food ends at 9:30 pm when the show in the sky begins. Register for free at eventbrite.com.

Fourth of July Fun

NJFAMILY.COM | JULY / AUG 2022

Mom Crush

Look!

Go to njfamily.com/kimcig to read the full interview.

FROM LEFT: KIM SHOWS OFF HER LIGHT-UP TOTES; A CLOSE-UP SHOT OF HER CLASSIC TOTE IN NEON PINK/GOLD; KIM WITH HER HUSBAND ANDREW AND SONS ASHTON (LEFT) AND HUDSON.

Glow Up!

By Dina El Nabli

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIMBERLY CIGNARELLA

East Hanover mom Kimberly Cignarella was a designer for more than a decade for high-end brands like Laundry and Nicole Miller when she was furloughed during the pandemic. Pregnant with her second son at the time, and with encouragement from her husband, she launched KIM CIG, the first ever light-up, luxury acrylic handbag. We asked her about her new line and how she juggles entrepreneurship with raising sons Hudson, 4 and Ashton, 2. New Jersey Family: How did KIM CIG come to be? Kimberly Cignarella: I had a little acrylic clutch from being a bridesmaid in a wedding, and it was sitting there on the table while we were having dinner. I just said, ‘Wow, this would be so cool if it lit up. I’ve never seen that before.’ Me and my husband just looked at each other and were like, boom, that’s the product. It’s something that’s brand new and it would definitely spark joy and happiness. A year later, I launched kimcig.com and started selling the product. NJF: Besides being cute, the bag has a built-in charger for your phone. How did you go about developing it? KC: I knew how to bring a sketch to real life. I had a really amazing connection and she got me connected to a few factories. For the technical part, we used several different vendors and factories. The battery comes from one supplier, the metal comes from another supplier, the acrylic comes from another. We spent almost a year just finding the best quality products and materials to use to construct it.

JULY / AUG 2022 | NEW JERSEY FAMILY

NJF: Tell us more about the bag and styles available. KC: The tote comes in either the diamond or the classic, which is flat acrylic. Every handbag comes in a fabulous display box and every box comes with the adapter and a cable for charging your handbag. A blue light blinks while it’s charging and stops blinking when it’s fully charged. You also get a user guide, manual and authenticity card. NJF: When you’re not working, what do you like to do with your family in New Jersey? KC: My boys love the Environmental Center in Roseland. It’s a really cute place, especially now that the weather’s nice. They have little trails and frog ponds. We also love Exceptional Explorers in Livingston. It’s an indoor place but they have classes and my older son’s really into science and the STEM classes. They even have a LEGO class. My family has a beach house in Lavallette, so we spend our summers at the Jersey Shore. That’s definitely the highlight of the year.

™

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