BC the Mag Holiday '22

Holiday 2022

WE’RE READY TO GET KIDS BACK TO BEING KIDS.

Whether it’s a small scrape or something more serious, we have world-class pediatricians and over 200 specialists ready to get kids back to being kids at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersery Shore University Medical Center. The #1 children’s hospitals in New Jersey according to U.S. News & World Report.

To find a physician, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Kids.

temperature actual reports the at extreme before exer weather, exercise to two length Accli altitude rule and (prepubescent) Children tolerant thermoregu

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fall 2022

Holiday 2022

Publishers

Sharon & Steven GoldStein

Publishers

Sharon & Steven Goldstein

Associate Publisher

Brandon GoldStein

Associate Publisher

Brandon Goldstein

Editorial Director JeSSica humphrey cintineo

Editorial Director

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

Art Director

BmG marketinG

“She made me feel better about myself and made me realize that I was making my life better and eas ier. She surprised me when I picked up the walker. She had this pink, paisley fabric covering on it. She made me feel good about it. I had a need and anything she could find to improve my life she did. Insurance wouldn’t pay for my catheter and Jodi researched what she could do to help with that. She worked with me. It’s endless what she can give you.”

Art Director

BMG Marketing

Contributing Writers

dr. Jen altman emily r. condon kevin czerwinSki tara delorenzo Stacie roSe audrey zona

Fashion Director Candace Kristin

Contributing Writers

Kevin Czerwinski

Courtney Gilroy

While individual stories like Occi dentale’s are plentiful so are some of the bigger ones such as the Paramus Police Department and the Seton Hall University Physician’s Assistant Program, which Cornell has been working with for the better part of a decade.

Dr. Michael Gross Soneca Guadara Louise B. Hafesh

Megan Montemarano

Richard Posluszny

BC Health, Beauty & Fitness is published by BC The Mag.

Kimberly Redmond Stacie Rose Audrey Zona

Michelle McWeeney has been an assistant professor in SHU’s physi cian assistant program since 2012. She has worked closely with Adam Shiffman over that time to keep the program, which has roughly 180 stu dents, supplied. Shiffman makes sure deliveries go directly to the school, where he proceeds to instruct stu dents in the care and usage of the instruments.

Find us at www.BCtheMag.com

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

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

For advertising and information, please call (201) 6945197 or (201) 694-5196. For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.

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

Copyright 2022. All materials are the property of Ber gen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be cop ied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

“He makes it so easy,” McWeeney said. “The ease of ordering with them is down to science. And, if there are any issues, he comes back and fixes it or replaces the whatever needs to be replaced. We teach students how to draw blood and give injections and we need supplies, and he gets them on short notice.

Copyright 2022. All materials are the prop erty of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

Follow us at @bcthemag

Think back to the last time you surprised a loved one. Maybe you surprised your child with his favor ite candy bar at school pick-up. Maybe you surprised your husband his favorite glass-bottled soda the last time you went to the grocery store. Maybe you sur prised your girlfriend with a cup of coffee on you.

Odds are, you know these people so well that it is easy to choose something to please them, to make them feel special, loved and taken care of. As they receive the surprise, you take joy in their delight and feel the power of gifting – no matter how small or big the gesture.

Somewhere along the way, we took the easy out of gifting. We removed the heart.

Instead of gifting my children with one of the many toys they circled in the Amazon Toy Catalog Book that arrived in my mailbox, I’m gifting them with my presence and grace. OK, and maybe a toy or two from the catalog; they are kids after all.

Instead of stressing over gifting a physical object to my husband, who literally always wants “noth ing,” I’m going to abide by his wishes. Instead, I’ll gift him with my attention and praise.

Instead of hemming and hawing in the aisles looking for the perfect gift for my girlfriend, I’m going to gift her with my time and thankfulness.

This holiday season, I invite you to rejoice in the good things in your life. Invite them in and pon der whether those things are things at all.

You, readers, are one of the good things in my life. Thank you for reading our pages. Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you for supporting BC The Mag.

Sending you holiday cheer, Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

ENGLEWOOD HEALTH GALA

Englewood Health held their annual gala at NJPAC with a performance by Idina Menzel. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealth.org.

Donna and Dr. Stephen Brunnquell, Mary and John Capazzi

Michael, Harvey, Kim and Olivia Weber Emily and Michael Gutter, Alicia and Dr. Bernie Park Cara Zaback, Sarah, Warren, Kristin and Hannah Geller

Dr. David and Karen Abramson, Sabrina and Michael Epstein

Lynne and Marty Zaikov

Dr. Tracy Scheller, David Oaten

Brad Ruder, Amy and Mark Shirvan

Warren Gelller, Anne and Peter Muentener

Steven and Rina Rudnitsky, Kristin and Warren Geller

Dr. Nimesh and Benita Nagarsheth

Kevin Cusick, Rich Simone, Marg Frazier, Kelly Heinonen

Dr. Bernie and Alicia Park, Dr. Adam and Rebecca Aronofsky

Jacqueline Pappas, Dr. Molly Schultheis

Dr. Samarth and Anna Beri, Judy and Dr. Kevin Yao, Dr. Larry Davis

BERGEN NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER

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

Rosemary Klie, Donnalee Corrieri Sharon Goldstein, Michelle Conte Steve Mirante, Mike Dunleavy, Chris Clark, Mike Brown

Deb Visconi, Julia Orlando, John Elliott, Lou Weiss

Tony Pietrunti, Lisa Centeno

Rick Marquez, Remika Sharma, Anthony Adrignola, Rich Cintron

Rafael Castilla, Jeanne Patrican, Abylash George, Dawood Guirguis

Frances Bozzetti, Lisa Sweedman

Ron Ferrari, Mark Zurlini, Jon Rheinhardt, Paul Leale

Mark Contratti, Amit Mehta, Kyle Tafuri

Mitchell Greene, John Azzopardi, Samad Rahman, Sabyn Matley, Maryam Wala

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation

Dr. Gian Varbaro, Srikanth Reddy, Dr. Karine Airapetian, Deb Visconi, Dr. Hayman Rambaran, Dr. Anna Harutyunyan, Dr. Ariff Admani

Ruth Duggan, Jim Dugan, Layla Oftab, Rosemarie Klie, Marion Troise, John Cosgrove

Justin Sambol, Laura Siclari, Julia Orlando, Deb Visconi, Sandra Ann Robinson, David Freed, Ansar Batool

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL GOLF AND RACQUETS INVITATIONAL

Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation held their Golf and Racquets Invitational at Paramount Country Club. For more information, visit www.goodsamhosp.org.

Dr. Michael Schwartz, Dr. Jessica Mitchell Mona Montal, Dr. James Vela, Steve Schloss, Nick Spar, Dr. Mary Leahy

Dr. Mary Leahy, Dr. James Vela

Gayle Hirsch, Mary Grace and Joseph Lagana, Amy Stern

Chris Albanese, Andrew Pierpont, Matthew Bock

Dr. Mary Leahy, Dr. Michael Schwartz, Dr. Jessica Mitchell

John DeCicco, Nick DeSantis, Joe DeCicco

Ray Beninato, Eddie Gordon, Jeff Burton

Dr. Ken Austin, Dr. Lyle Gorenstein

Mark Gross, Dr. Cary Hirsch

Todd Stewart, Charles Wolff

Linda Greene, Susan Baxt, Vicki Fleischer, Sheryl Santi

Dr. Michael Schwartz, Dr. Cary and Gayle Hirsch, Dr. Mary Leahy

Andrew Pierpont, Chris and Steve Albanese, Matthew Bock

Dr. Dan and Heather Charen

When minutes matter, rest assured that the most advanced

heart

Advancing

Here.

HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Hackensack University Medical Center hosted a celebration for Dr. Howard Ross’ Formal Investiture as the M. Martin Ross Distinguished Chair in Surgery at Indian Trail Club. For more information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.

Dr. Howard and Stacy Ross Dr. Charles Cooper, Rohit Mahajan, Dr. Ryan Moore

Greg Stamer, Bari Kroll

Michael Spallone, Daniel Mansour

Nicole Ladas, Theresa Ebel, Donna White

Dr. Jeff Boscamp, Dr. Yuki Kimora, Drs. Carla and Greg Simonian

Morris Morin, Dr. Rick Winters

Dr. Jolie Murcko, Dr. Rishi Sharma

Dr. Stephen Pereira, George Mazpule, Steven Hernandez

Lisa Iachetti, Clare Socci Missy Clare, Megan Devlin, Rosario Ligresti

Chris Gazdick, Ciaran Geraghty

Fredda Siegel, Gayle Stamer, Gail and David Pester, Dan Siegel

Dr. Rick Winters, Joyce Hendricks, Dr. Lisa Tank, Dr. Howard Ross, Mark Sparta

Dr. Dante Implicito, Dr. Massimo Napolitano, Dr. Mark Schlesinger, Joan Banovic, Dr. Pat Roth, Rohit Mahajan

THRIVING WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES

Julia Ingrasselino Refuses To Let It Stop Her

By Kevin Czerwinski

Julia Ingrasselino believes there will come a time when she finds herself in a far-off ocean examining coral reefs, studying the mating habits of some exotic, rare sea creature or just simply enjoying a sunset out on the water.

The 13-year-old Mahwah resident hopes to become a marine biologist when she reaches adulthood. It won’t be an easy road – er, waterway – to travel. Yet, the impression you get after spending time with Ingrasselino is that there isn’t much this remarkable young woman can’t accom plish.

She has been living with Type 1 diabetes for six years and while dealing with her condition remains, in many ways, a full-time job, Ingrasselino has successfully rid herself of the shackles that often accompany this currently incurable autoimmune disease. Ingrasselino and her mother, Tracey, along with her 17-year-old sister, Vanessa, have formed quite the team, one whose vigilance has kept this dreaded condition in check, allowing the teenager to have dreams as big as the Earth’s oceans.

“My mom and sister think I am crazy that I want to be a marine biologist,” Julia Ingrasselino said. “I love going in the ocean; I love learning about sea animals. I’ve always been very intrigued by it. With my personality, I don’t think anything could ever hold me back or stop me from doing something that I want to do. If I am out in the mid dle of an ocean somewhere, I’ll have everything I need with me and there will always be someone there who can help.”

Tracey Ingrasselino has been the main person there to help since she first realized what was happening to her daughter, who began experiencing mood swings, was wet ting the bed and was always thirsty, all telltale symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. Tracey Ingrasselino, who works for Johnson & Johnson in the fields of immunology and bio logics, was all too aware of the signs.

Her worst fears were confirmed when she pricked her daughter’s finger to test her glucose levels. The results flashed that the number was unreadable, that’s how high her levels were. That was on Sept. 29, 2016, the day both their lives changed.

“It was devastating,” Tracey Ingrasselino said. “I took a picture of her on the way to the hospital. She had no idea. She was smiling and happy. To be honest, in my head, I

was thinking at that point just let her have one last weekend because because I knew what was ahead of her.

“From day one, though, we became very involved with pretty much anyone who could help us. Our lives changed forever.”

Julia Ingrasselino reacted as any 6-year-old would – she thought what whatever was wrong with her would go away in a month, not understanding that what was going on inside her would impact the rest of her life. Slowly, though, as she and her family learned more about her condition, Julia Ingrasselino began to come to the realization that this wasn’t going away.

With that realization came the process of learning how to eat, recognize the signs of an issue and gener ally take care of herself in a way that would help keep the disease in check. Teachers, nurses and school administrators were looped in to make sure that Julia Ingrasselino would receive the immediate required attention should she have an episode in school. Emer gency boxes were created for classrooms in case of a lockdown while sharps containers and other essen tials were added to the Ingrasselino home.

“She was also the first one at the Lenape Meadows [Elementary School in Mahwah] to have Type 1 dia betes, so there was a learning curve for principal, the nurse, even the school system,” Tracey Ingrasselino said.

Supply bags have become a staple in the family’s life. They never travel without the necessary equipment, whether that be snacks, drinks or an extra glucose monitor or two, all of which is required to keep Julia Ingrasselino safe whether it’s a trip for work, a day of shopping or a family vacation.

Along the way there have been constant visits to the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Colum bia University Medical Center, a great many sleepless nights as well as the adjustments that come accompany having Type 1 dia betes. Tracey Ingrasselino joined support groups and has become so knowledgeable about Type 1 diabetes that many parents who have just found out about their child’s condi tion reach out to her for help and support.

Julia Ingrasselino, meanwhile, refuses to live anything other than would be considered a normal teenage life. She plays sports, goes to the shore with her family and friends and has even done so acting.

“I have done some acting in one big production; I’ve done acting for church and had some pretty cool opportunities,” she said. “It has changed my life. I’ve met some really close friends from acting and having diabetes hasn’t held me back from doing a show or anything like that.”

Julia Ingrasselino has gone to Diabetes Camp sev eral times as well. It’s run by the doctors and nurses at Columbia and the children can engage in regular camp activities, such as ziplining, sports, etc. There have been countless fundraisers and Diabetes Aware ness Walks and she even participated in a diabetes documentary produced by Becton Dickinson, one the world’s largest medical technology companies, which is headquartered in Franklin Lakes.

“The lows are scarier, more so, than the highs,” Tracey Ingrasselino said. “I have literally not slept in seven years because there is something called dead in bed syndrome [when a person with insulin-dependent diabetes goes to bed fine but is later found dead]. She slept with me the first few years, that’s how scary it was at night. She didn’t have a CGM at that point [she got her first one five years ago] so we had to prick her fin ger every night.”

Continued on page 22

Now, however, Julia Ingrasselino is what her mom calls a professional sleep juice box drinker. She can wake up when she feels the need or when the CGM monitor beeps and drink the juice. Many times, she doesn’t even remember doing it.

“No two days [or nights] are the same,” Tracey Ingrasselino said. “We just had a bunch of lows in the middle of night, she had four juice boxes one night, so you can’t predict what’s going to happen. Originally, we set an alarm clock but there came a day when we didn’t need one because the body just wakes up. The CGM gives you piece of mind and I’m glad she got to a point that she decided that she wanted to be in her room again. You have to encourage independence.”

Julia Ingrasselino is ready for that independence. She will be in high school before long and then college and then, she hopes, somewhere out in the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean doing what she loves best. So, being able to take care of herself properly remains part of her daily routine.

The required vigilance and selfcare is also import ant if Julia Ingrasselino is to have what is con sidered a normal life expectancy. According to Diabetes Daily, the average life expectancy of a type 1 diabetic can be as much as 12 years shorter than the average. She said she is aware of what could be ahead but isn’t worried.

“Life expectancy has come up,” said Julia Ingras selino, who is also a Youth Ambassador helping to spread the word about Type 1 diabetes, offering support and help for anyone in need. “As long as I take care of myself, I know I will be good. As long as I am okay and know that I will be okay I think I’ll be fine. My friends support me, my mom and my sister support me, they’ve all been a big part of my life. As long as I [continue to] have them, I’ll be fine.

“In 10 years, I see myself as someone people can look up to and say she is pretty amazing. She has lived with diabetes for a long time. When I am older, I want it to be a big part of my life. I want to be able to make people more aware.”

ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH FOUNDATION GOLF

OUTING

The Show Me Your Heart Foundation held an “Art Within” benefit at a beautiful home in Mahwah. For more information, visit www.smyhfoundation.com.

John Cioletti, Jeff Moore, Vince Colligan, Joe Levine

Chris Trotz, Charles Haughton

Albert Young, Ryan D’Imperio

Tom DaCostalovo, Michael Curry, Adam Apidopoulos

Luigi Bassani, Richard Anderson, David Konigsberg

Kristjan Sokoli, Dr. Adel Zauk, Dr. Jai Parekh, Frank Gregory

Tricia Paolucci, John Cioletti, Dr. Anthony Losardo, Robert Budelman

Roman Oben, Ron Garner, Robert Budelman, Philip Bogle

Michael Curry, Robert Paz, Matthew Paz, Adam Apidopoulos

Suzanne Kiall, Brian Lynch

Dean Emmolo, Jorge Barraque

Mike Dalgakiran, Michael Peskosky, Steve Vanderwerf

Dr. Anthony Festa, Matthew Hartwick

Alex Borroto, Robert Budelman, Chris Ortiz, Tebucky Jones, Daniel Delgado

Robert Budelman, Willie Colon

ENGLEWOOD HEALTH BREAKFAST CLUB

The Englewood Health Foundation held their Breakfast Club program at Montammy Golf Club. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

Dr. Tracy Scheller, Michael Gutter, Dr. Ulrike Berth

Robin Epstein, Tamara Dominguez, Trisch McEvoy, Haley Beard

Dr. Nina Mattana, Beth Nadel, Rhoda Freeman

Laura Rubin, Lindsay Skulnik, Brittany Rome

Natalie B. McKenzie, Natasha Jadrijev, Caroline Tauber

Soyoung Lee, Melody Finkelstein

Jennifer Damashek, Samantha Endick, Gabrielle Marcus

Staci Koch, Stephanie Rosen

Robin Rogers, Tina Lieberman

Irina Blancato, Olga Wanna, Heidi Chung

Warren Geller, Richard Kurtz

Sally Song, Carrie Kakkanatt, Bridgette Grano, Lyndsley Capuano

Maria Surovetz, Julia Weksler

Jamie Corsair, Sabrina Epatein, Laurie Kaiden, Jeanine Kasty, Jennifer Zeccardi, Robyn Ophir, Jennifer Zuckerman, Heather Kushman

Warren, Sarah, Hannah and Kristin Geller

Beyond the Paintbrush

Artist Cortney Wall Uses Sports Equipment To Bring Depth To Her Work

By Megan Montemarano

Cortney Wall knew she wanted to be an artist at the age of 15. What she didn’t know was that this lifelong passion would lead her to become one of the few female sports artists in the country, with one of the most unique styles and approaches by a long shot (no pun intended). From baseball bats and footballs to hockey sticks and tennis balls, Cortney uses sports equipment to bring a new layer of authenticity and depth to her work, which has been commissioned by some of the top athletes and organizations in the world.

Growing up as a dedicated athlete in a sports-loving household in Upper Saddle River, Cortney began experimenting with sports as her main artistic subject in high school, going on to attend Parsons School of Design in New York City. While educators, family and friends supported her along the way, she considers herself mostly self-taught and is always learning.

“Each painting I create teaches me a new lesson and makes me a better art ist,” comments Cortney. “That is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”

One of her original major projects began with the New York Yankees Score boards Department while in college.

“When I first got the call to come into the stadium for an interview, I was on the train commuting to college and thought I was being pranked,” recalls Cortney. “It wasn’t until a few minutes into the conversation –and pinching myself – that I realized it was a real opportunity.”

Her job was to paint the starting lineup. The paintings would then be dis played on the jumbotron screen in the stadium when each Yankee stepped to the plate.

“Growing up a Yankee fan, it was incredible to see my work displayed in the final season of the old stadium,” comments Cortney.

Soon after, the N.Y. Yankees also commissioned her to paint during a video interview for batting practice and deliver that painting to CC Sabathia on the field of Yankee Stadium as his welcome gift for joining the club.

“This experience inspired my live painting business,” Cortney explains. “I learned how much I enjoyed painting for specific events and live audiences.”

Live painting is just that – painting an event as it happens, enhancing mem orable moments during golf outings, galas, corporate functions and other sporting events. Some of her most notable live painting events include The Turn 2 Foundation’s Private Party; celebrating Derek Jeter’s Induction

into the Baseball Hall of Fame; Super Bowl LIV and LV’s Culinary Kickoff; David Cone’s Perfect Game 20th Anniversary Party; David Wells’ Perfect Game 20th Anniversary Party; The Players Alliance Conference; Bernie Williams and the All Star Band Annual Soft ball Game and Concert in Ridgefield, Conn.; and Joe Namath’s Jupiter Golf Outing. She has also appeared three times on the MLB Network to showcase her art work.

Cortney’s own athletic background, specifically as a pitcher, has greatly impacted this exceptionally demanding and time-oriented aspect of her business.

“There’s a lot of pressure that comes with pitching. There’s nothing like having the bases loaded with a 1 and 2 count. It’s no different than the clock counting down at an event that I’m painting live. Moments like these are when I’m at my best.”

In fact, it was during one of these live painting events that Cortney realized her true artistic trademark —

adding an unmatched level of depth and texture to the scene she is capturing using sports equipment instead of your standard paintbrush. The idea came to her while painting live in Madison Square Garden during the USTA Foundation’s World Tennis Day in 2015. Cortney was hired to paint courtside during the exhibition match featuring Roger Federer, Grigor Dimitrov, Monica Seles and Gabriella Sabatini. The objective was to complete a painting from start to fin ish that captured the match along with various logos.

“I love working under pressure and was a little pressed for time to finish the painting. With cameras on me and the clock counting down, I grabbed tennis balls out of my bag, dipped them in paint, and got to work! I instantly fell in love with what was happening before my eyes on the canvas between the mark making and the new painting tool I had discovered. Following this event, I was eager to get back to my studio and explore working with sports equipment to bring a new element of interest to my art.”

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Between the live painting and this clever sty listic approach, her artwork has since added an unforgettable angle to numerous events and fundraisers, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities across the country. One of her proudest projects are the murals that adorn the walls of Hackensack University Medical Center, where Cortney was born. These five brilliant paintings were created to uplift the patients and inspire the staff who pass through the halls.

She also considers her two painted chairs, titled “The Same Game,” to be one of her best and most meaningful works. These chairs are part of a permanent collection of the Negro Leagues and have been traveling the country for over 20 years in an exhibit called “Shades of Greatness.”

Cortney’s flourishing fine art business now has numerous acclaimed partnerships includ ing Fanatics. She is also a proud philanthropic partner with the Women’s Sports Museum, of which she is a board member, The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, The Joe Namath Charitable Foundation, The Players Alliance and The Baltimore Orioles Foundation, along with several others.

“Having an art career means playing the long game,” comments Cortney. “Always experi ment and have fun in the process. The most beautiful – and sometimes career-making –discoveries come from trying new things and creating art for the sake of exploration and enjoyment.”

Cortney’s work takes, on average, one to three weeks to complete and she is open to all requests – no subject matter is off limits. While her specialty remains in sports art, she takes pride in bringing each and every one of her client’s ideas to life with authenticity and meticulous attention to detail.

“When I was 17, I met the great American art

ist Leroy Neiman at a gala event. I asked him what his one piece of advice would be for an emerging artist. He said, ‘Do it your way.’”

This advice most certainly stuck with Cortney throughout her career. It led her to discover her love and style of painting with sports equipment, resulting in works unlike anything else in the sports and art industry.

Be sure to explore her most recent limited-edition series, featuring Aaron Judge with her partners at Fanatics Authen tic. For more information, visit her website at www.cortney wall.com. You can also connect with Cortney via Instagram @artist.cortney.wall or Facebook, facebook.com/cortneywallfineart.

Q: Looking

TAPESTRIE’S CASHMERE PATCHWORK SCARF, BY BRODIE CASHMERE

This unique cashmere scarf is one-of-a-kind. Each piece is unique and made from assorted cashmere sweater fabrics. Warm and cozy, these custom cashmere scarfs are only available at Tapestrie in Westwood and Englewood.

Wellness Gifts That Keep on Giving

By Stacie Rose

As the season of giving gets underway, many of us will likely ask ourselves the same burning questions we ponder year after year. What do we want? What do we need? And, what in the world can we give to our friends and loved ones? These are straightforward questions, albeit with complex undertones. They can conjure a multitude of thoughts and emotions like excitement, joy, anxiety, fear and even existential contemplating. Why must this time of year create so much overwhelm for so many? And, how can we avoid the pitfalls of pre-holiday pandemonium and approach gift-giving more gracefully?

we are by the gifts we receive. Sometimes we are too selfless, to be honest about our wishes. Other times we throw creativity or thoughtfulness out the window because we simply cannot deal with crowds or handle being swept up in all the sardonic aspects of commer cialism.

Adam and Howard Shiffman, Jodi Silverman

It’s a lot to manage and muster because most of us care. We care about what people think of our gift-giv ing skills and other superficial things like how much we spend. We want to be thoughtful and sentimental yet sometimes lack time to shop or the funds we think we need. We get disenchanted, settle for something less than ideal, or give up and feel bad. On the other hand, we often harbor expectations of what we think we deserve, measuring our worth or how appreciated

But what if we approached this holiday season a lit tle differently? What if we gave the notion of gift-giv ing a bit of a spiritual makeover? Perhaps it would be easier to embrace the beauty of this time of year with a game plan that is joy-inducing or even beneficial for both the gift-giver and the giftee. If we thought about gifts that go on and about the sentiment over the stuff, maybe we could turn this folly into jolly!

Something vital to everyone, regardless of interests or materialistic ideations, is wellness and nourish ment for the mind, body and spirit. We could all use something to feed our souls, and help us feel bal anced, boosted and bathed in love, especially during the holidays. Let’s be mindful of the fact that a season

their day-to-day lives. For historians, it’s a treasure trove.”

Providing comfort and being available to its customers and its community has been a Cornell Surgical hall mark since the company’s inception. John J. Shiffman began the business out of Union City in 1945 and moved to West New York in 1948. Howard Shiffman, who became the company president and CEO in the early 1960s following the death of his father, moved his operation to Bergenfield in 1995 following a 1993 fire that had destroyed much of his West New York showroom.

of festivities and fanfare has many frenzied over family drama, funds, social obligations, avoiding burnout and staying healthy.

That treasure trove includes stories of the Marquis de Lafayette and James Madison spending time there after the Battle of Monmouth, which was one of the first successful campaigns enjoyed by the colonial army. Washington and his men “partied” according to Sullivan, before moving on.

Something often overlooked is that finances need not be a factor. Some gifts are so uplifting and sweet that you simply cannot put a price tag on them. Gifting a painting, piece of pottery, poem, or framed photo is a perfect way to “Shower the people you love with love,” as the great American songwriter James Taylor put it so eloquently.

pops into the office several days a week to lend a hand, offer advice and interact with customers.

Altogether it took Heidi, who works as a retail merchandise buyer for Burling ton Stores, about a year to complete the book.

concert tickets are spiritually uplifting. They can help someone who may be struggling with isolation. Tick ets to an activity that can be enjoyed together can help someone feel appreciated, loved and more connected.

Spencer, who is now in remission, is a graduate of the University of Maryland and works as an associate buyer for a clothing store, was fully supportive of her mother’s effort to share her story, Heidi said.

“I hope other families find comfort in this book,” said Heidi. “It’s what’s inside that really matters.”

Sun Valley Farm, meanwhile, is on Rochambeau’s Route, which is essentially Route 202. Count de Rochambeau led a pair of brigades from Suffern, N.Y. to Pompton in New Jersey as part of the jour ney that would ultimately allow them to join Wash ington’s troops at the Battle of Yorktown. The farm remains the largest privately preserved farm in Ber gen County.

While Howard Shiffman worked with his father, he wasn’t necessarily anticipating taking over the family business when he headed off to Long Island University in Brooklyn. He was studying to be a pharmacist – he received his license but never practiced – and played baseball for a bit. Once he began running the business, though, working in a pharmacy and playing ball – he said he could never hit a curveball anyway – were no longer an option.

Gifts that help us relax recharge and feel pampered are always appreciated. A gift card for a massage, mani/ pedi, or service at a favorite salon can be a sweet treat for the right person on your list, especially a busy mom, overworked friend or anyone in need of self-care.

Pictured below: Courtesy of A Life In Print

“My father died when I was 19,” he said. “My mother was there as the eyes and ears of the company and it was a good, quality company. I commuted to school, but I was around every day. Municipalities, nursing homes, the public in general came to our aide and I just gave back to the people who helped and passed it forward.”

Since its release, Heidi has donated copies to several non-profits that work to help children facing hair loss while battling cancer, including Coming Up Rosies, Sunrise Day Camp and Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center.

It has also received the endorsement of several medical professionals for its uplifting message.

“Cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and radiation, has a profound effect on each patient’s body image and no side effect has a more noticeable effect on how a patient looks than hair loss,” said Dr. David Loeb, Chief of the Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.

The Hermitage and Sun Valley are part of a rich history about which few people in Bergen County know. So, the next time you’re on Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus…

It wasn’t easy maintaining the business as a teenager, but Howard Shiffman survived and ultimately thrived though it took some time. He is retired now but still

You might consider making a charitable donation on behalf of a friend or family member with a particular interest in a specific cause or organization. This shows that you care about things they care about.

That approach of passing it forward is one that Cor nell Surgical continues to employ and not just a large scale. The individual means as much as the munic ipality, the hospital or institution. Consider Diane Occidentale, a Bergenfield resident with Multiple Sclerosis. The 58-year-old has relied on Cornell to aid in her care, thanks in large part to Jodi Silverman, who is Adam Shiffman’s sister.

Gifts that have a medicinal or immune-boosting spin can be quite welcome during a season of bat tling colds, COVID-19, Influenza and other nasty viral interlopers. Think along the lines of high-quality herbal teas, essential oils with a lovely diffuser, and books about sustainable wellness, self-care, abun dance, healthy cooking, fitness, and manifesting joy. A handwritten note inside the book’s cover is also a nice touch. You can spring for healthy meal service for someone who may be battling an illness and needs nourishment. Gorgeous journals filled with daily affirmations and books on finding gratitude make for loving gifts. Once again, you need not spend a lot to say a lot about what someone means to you.

He also said, “This inspiring book addresses this issue head-on and it provides the powerful and supportive message that you can be awesome and beautiful and full of love, even without hair.”

“Our job is to spread the word for The Hermitage,”

Gifts that create experiences are a beautiful way to stay

“When I first went there, I was very hesitant,” Occi dentale said. “I didn’t know what to get but I wanted it to be pretty. Why do these things [walker, rollators etc.] have to look like they should be in a hospital

Other crowd-pleasers that fall into the wellness realm are gift cards to healthy restaurants, magazine sub scriptions, wellness apps, meditation programs or a Master class. A soft, warm, wintery throw blanket,

Copies of “I Have No Hair and I Don’t Care” are available for $15.95 each at ALifeIn

athleisure or an updated version of a mixed tape in the form of a personal playlist on iTunes or Spotify could be just the thing. Or, why not gift wrap some vinyl for your favorite music lover? Music feeds the body and soul. Its positive effects are research-based.

If you really wanna brighten someone’s holiday and give a gift that just keeps on giving, it’s as simple as one, two, three…plant! Put a plant in a pot, add some nutri ent-rich soil, and tie a bow around it! If you’ve never had a green thumb in your life, pop over to Lowes, Trader Joe’s, your local market or florist for a perfectly potted, living thing that will clean the air, remove tox ins, and constantly oxygenate any living space. Easy, economical, beautiful, thoughtful, medicinal and mood-enhancing. And, the recipient will think of you whenever they enjoy the gorgeous, leafy greenery.

Safe, clean, sample-size, non-toxic perfumes like vari eties from Henry Rose make great stocking stuffers. Stylish reusable water bottles, free of BPA and other harmful chemicals, promote hydration. A sound machine, silk pillowcase or soft scarf can encourage

sleep, warmth and relaxation. Gift cards to local juice bars, salad shops or dark, luxurious fair trade choc olate bars with less than five ingredients loaded with antioxidants are all excellent options.

But the biggest takeaway here is that the greatest gift in wellness is the gift of love, time and presence. The most wonderful time of the year can be dizzying and downright difficult for many people. You may not know what people are going through physically or emotionally or what they need. But as Barbra Strei sand sang so melodiously in “Funny Girl” – and brought these very words to life, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”

Remember that a handwritten note of appreciation can mean a lot to a teacher, crossing guard, or the people in your neighborhood who make a difference. Writing a positive review for a doctor, restaurant, house cleaner, dog groomer or any local business that goes the extra mile could help them generate more business – a gift that keeps giving.

This is the time to be with your people. Be with your pets. Be with the ones who make you feel good inside. Love them up, and nourish them with your time, a warm meal, a game of chess, a glass of wine, a movie, or a night of binge-watching something fun. Vol unteer to help a friend or give your time to a local organization that needs a hand. The greatest gifts in wellness make you feel good inside and out. These gifts keep you going and make a difference by enriching someone else’s life. Less is often more. It’s always the thought that counts and effort that matters. The greatest gifts… that truly keep on giving are the ones that come with pure intention straight from the heart.

Stacie Rose is a mother, writer, pro ducer, songwriter, wellness speaker and health advocate. She’s a certified inte grative nutrition health coach, holistic lifestyle enthusiast and free spirit.

She’s passionate about making music, writin, and helping others create sustainable wellness. Having navi gated some tough terrain, she took a deep dive into wellness to help others reclaim their health. Stacie has dealt with severe food allergies, intolerances, IBS and acid reflux. She found that all these conditions can be vastly improved by making diet and lifestyle modifica tions. She works daily to create balance and cultivate a beautiful, active, nour ished life for herself and her family.

A firm believer in the power of mind fully, intentional living, her philosophy is that transformation is about possi bility, positivity and persistence and that small adjustments can make a big difference.

HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING

For

The Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation held their annual Hackensack University Medical Center Founda tion and Palisades Medical Center Foundation golf outing at Ridgewood Country Club.

more information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.

Tom Neumann, Robert Garrett, Steve and Kevin Boswell, Eric Bergstol

Robert Garrett, Joe Sanzari

Robert Garrett, Sam Wright, Joe Sanzari

Joe Ciambrone, Zack Levison

John Salemme, Jerry Iannone, Trae Minicucci, Chris Rotio

John Gyon, Rich Chamberlain, Dave Wolf, Jeff Riggitano

Mike Luci, Dr. Taya Glotzer, Dr. Sanjeev Patel

Carl Carfello, Joe Gandolfo

John Leighton, Sean Featherstone, Tyler Botta, Chris Kourgelis, Carl Carfello Jr.

Ralph Corrado, Steven Salemme Dr. Michael Kelly, Mike McBride Dr. Rick Winters, Dr. Howard Ross

Claire Ward, Rachel Simoneau

Gail Gordon, Ulysse Diaz, Rob Menendez, Yogi Virk, Arvinder Bains

Eli Manning, Mark Sparta, Joe Sanzari, Robert Garrett, Frank Fekete, Ulysse Diaz

Twelve Days of Holiday Hacks

by Audrey Zona

‘Tis the season when we’re making that list, checking it twice, giving, receiving, celebrating, indulging and shopping, shopping, shopping. ‘Tis also the season when it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. When that happens, it’s easy for us to lose sight of our routine and let the good habits we’ve cultivated all year fall by the wayside. So, since you’re already in a gift giving frame of mind, why not take some time away from the hustle and bustle and prioritize the gift of time and attention just for you? Even a few minutes a day is enough to remind yourself that although you have so much gratitude for the other people in your life, you are the person for whom you are the most grateful.

The first gift you can give yourself over this holiday season is sleep. It’s hard to keep a regular bedtime and sleep rou tine when you’re juggling parties, late night gift wrapping and holiday baking prep, but sleep really is the foundation for your health and wellness during this most wonderful time of the year. Too little sleep affects your hunger hor mones, makes you less likely to work out and makes it more likely that your sleep will be disrupted again. Set your self up for sleep success by watching what you eat before bed, using CBD or other calming, essential oils, darkening your room and investing in noise can celling headphones.

When you wake in the morning, resist the urge to jump out of bed. Instead give yourself a few minutes to stretch and greet the day. Then take five min utes to meditate and, most importantly, set your intention for the day. This will be a touchstone for you to return to whenever you feel overwhelmed by your naughty and nice list.

Give yourself some grace when it comes to your workouts. If you can stick with your routine, great. If not, just make sure you move your body every day. A short walk, a sun salu tation or a dance party in the kitchen before dinner can all get your heart rate up and your blood flowing.

Speaking of things that bring you great joy, make sure to build one or two of those into your day as well. Indulge yourself by pairing something you don’t love with something you enjoy. Visit with a friend during a trip to the mall to get those last-minute teacher gifts, or spoil yourself with a guilty pleasure like a sappy holiday rom-com while you wrap that endless pile of gifts.

Did someone say “mall”? If it’s going to be one of those marathon days, avoid the food court by bringing a lunch from home. Find a bench in a corner or take a break in your car and give yourself good fuel to power yourself through the rest of the day.

For shorter mall trips or other outings, a high-quality snack like a protein bar, a cheese stick or a handful of nuts will keep you away from the pretzel and cookie kiosks.

Finally, even though the weather outside might be frightful, don’t forget to hydrate. Drink at least 60 ounces of water each day to help flush toxins and keep your metabolism ticking.

Another gift we can give ourselves during the holi days is the practice of saying “no.” Of course, there are events and parties we must attend, but remem- ber that when you don’t say “no,” occasionally you’re say ing “yes” to everyone but you. Prioritize the things you want to do and then politely decline all the rest.

Maybe for you, saying “no” looks like outsourcing meal prep, decorating or holiday cards. This is the best time of year to call in reinforcements. Take a tip from Santa. He has a whole staff of elves giving him a hand during his busy season.

If you choose to say yes to that party, make sure to eat a small, high protein meal (preferably with some leafy greens included) before you go. And remember, if you’re drinking alcohol, alternate your cocktails with water or plain seltzer.

Is it morning already? Nothing is harder than wak ing up for that workout the day after a late night out. Make sure you get out the door by recruiting a friend for a post-party workout. You’ll be much more likely to show up if you know you have someone waiting for you.

But here’s the most important thing. The holidays are fun! They’re a time to enjoy the company of good friends, to savor the taste of delicious food, and to cel ebrate the magic of the season. So, if you overindulge, or don’t sleep or exercise enough, give yourself the gift of forgiveness. Don’t regret yesterday, just get back into your routine today. This is a time of rebirth and spreading light, so remember to start with yourself.

Hot for the Holidays

Boutique 811 gave us the rundown of this season’s sexiest looks for all the upcoming season’s celebrations. Look good, Feel Good, Be Merry.

All looks available at Boutique 811, Franklin Lakes. Make a statement before you even take off your coat with this fully feathered, short-bodied jacket.

Sophisticated trouser pants and a tucked blazer will elevate your look.

Sleek double-breasted blazer with a structured silhouette and elaborate ribboning of fluid pleating.

Plentiful pleats of our dramatic new gown pour down in a warm sunset print. The chiffon hand-draped dress elegantly twists in at the waist creating a plunge neckline on this flowing gown.

Retro, biker-inspired full length jacket constructed in faux-sueded leather with plush, faux-sherpa trimmings.

Love this slightly oversized sweater. The details are everything!

Love both of these holiday looks. A silvery floral sequin design is embroidered throughout this stunning mini dress and skirt.

Bright, bold colors always steal the show.

Keep it chic in this new tea-length dress with a halter neckline, an open back and a hemline that flairs above the ankle.

Cut outs are a huge trend this season; elevate your black dress into a statement piece with the cut out and rhinestone details.

CAREONE BERGEN COUNTY BOARDWALK BASH

CareOne held a Boardwalk Bash at The Cupola Courtyard. For more information, visit www.care-one.com.

Gelina Lipari, Laura Huisking

Joanne Stith, Risa Kory

Kim Forsa, Grace Johnson

Jen Cintron, Irish Robles, Jose Rojas, Ginny Pabin

Carmen Dalton, Elina Polyakov

Trish Ingman, Luanne Quarato

Lisa Rhoads, Risa Kory

Dr. Chengc Ye, Michel Marceca

Jennifern Van Dam, Michelle MacDonald Michelle Vernuccio, Michelle Marceca

Lynn Syslo, Rosann Montgomery Arlin Matos-Booker, Brian Hartlaub, Charlotte Sodora

Eric Stobezki, Simeon Radner, Billy Davison

Amy Masucci, Gina Lippman, Beth Stysyshn, Charlotte Sodora, Arlin Matos-Booker

Anne-Marie Gauntlett, Jose Rojas

SEASON OF LOVE

How to Look Stylish at a Winter Wedding

By Soneca Guadara

As temperatures drop, you’ve got more of an excuse to indulge in plush fabrics, rich color palettes and lashings of spar kly jewelry. Basically, you can be even more extra when it comes to winter wedding outfits. The biggest challenge when deciding what to wear to a winter wedding as a guest is the weather. Guests of winter weddings should consider fabric types, outerwear and footwear carefully to protect from the elements. I rec ommend choosing an outfit with thicker fab ric made from natural fibers, such as wool. Consider avoiding outfit ideas that have short sleeves or are sleeveless, like a slip dress, unless you’re planning to add a jacket or sweater.

Here are five chic styling ideas for a coldweather ceremony to be the best-dressed guest.

MODERN FLORALS

Florals may typically be associated with garden soirées in the sunshine. Choose a dress with structure or a silhouette with regency flair, such as this collared maxi, so it doesn’t feel too whimsical. As for what to wear it with, invest in sandals with year-round appeal. Strappy heels will com plete almost any wedding guest look, whatever the season.

STATEMENT METALLICS

Winter weddings often tend to have a fancier dress code, as the moody weather really complements black-tie attire and old-school glamour. Of course, New Year’s Eve nup tials always require extra sparkle, so choose something metallic or sequined. Then double up on the glitz with some knockout earrings. For an effortless final touch, shrug on a black oversized coat – et voilà.

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Not wearing black is another wedding-guest “rule” that fashion insiders are all for breaking. Over the past year, the little black dress has featured prominently in runway collections, with directional details, texture play and fash ion-forward silhouettes modernizing this classic ward robe staple.

IMPACTFUL TAILORING

Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to go against tradition and opt for something a little more dramatic. The key is to choose strong tailoring and accentuate boxy shoulders to ensure this silhouette creates even more impact. It’s best to keep everything else simple if you go with a suit or jumpsuit. However, go for classic accessories, such as black or nude heels and a gold-chain necklace.

‘SEX IN THE CITY’ VIBES

This look plays with texture and proportions so cleverly that it looks like it’s been styled by Carrie Bradshaw her self. Skirts often get overlooked when it comes to event dressing. Add a satin maxi style skirt, which is the epit ome of glamour. If it has a leg slit, it will accentuate a high waist. Pair it with a black fitted tube top and a feathered bag for the kind of party look even Ms. Bradshaw would approve of.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who helps women feel beautiful and confident. Son eca works with clients to unlock their true self through style.

For more tips then go to www.stylebysoneca.com to download her “Must Have Wardrobe Check list” or follow her on Instagram @styledbysoneca.

When Strength Meets Beauty

Personal Trainer Spotlight: Jess ‘Snoot’ Nasuti

By Courtney Gilroy

American novelist Louisa May Alcott, who is best known as the author of “Little Women,” said, “Strength and beauty must go hand in hand.” The more I think about that, the more I realize Alcott was onto something.

Although the beauty industry is often thought of as skin deep – makeup, eyelashes, blow outs and the like, beauty is about working on your base. That base includes both mental and physical beauty. For a while I was trying to work out on my own, but I’d get distracted by work or just didn’t know

what workouts to do, which made me unmotivated to want to get to a gym. With working long hours and constantly making excuses as to why I couldn’t get to a gym, I decided it was time to start training with Jess Nasuti, @Snoot_Strength. Jess is a trainer at Fast Twitch in Saddle Brook.

While I’ve gotten to know Jess over the years, I took the plunge into dedicated personal training sessions 6 months ago. While many people are apprehen sive about the cost of a personal trainer, my biggest roadblock was committing to the time. Ultimately, it comes down to realizing all the ways getting stronger makes you a better person. Then making exercise a priority is a no-brainer.

What To Expect With Jess

During our first train ing session, we talked about my lifestyle, chal lenges and specific areas I wanted to work on. What I enjoy most about Jess is that she looks to educate you along the way about how your body works and how the things you do – or don’t do – impact your overall well-being.

For example, my career as a hairdresser brought upon thoracic outlet syn drome. TOS is a group of disorders that occur when certain blood vessels or nerves are compressed together. This syndrome has caused me to get numb ness and tingling in my hands. Jess knew that focus ing on posture and core strength would be critical to help me feel better. She created programs that looked to build up the muscles to support my neck, back and shoulders. Over the past 6 months my symptoms have gotten tremendously better.

A Typical Session

Personal training sessions are 60 minutes, and it is rec ommended that you participate two times per week. While no two sessions are alike, for those of you who are gym newbs, here’s what you can expect:

• 10 minutes of stretching and mobility work. • Jess’ philosophy has always been an emphasis on cli ent education. She wants every client to be able to learn and do things on their own with confidence. Each per son is individualized; there’s no generic workout plan that’s utilized for all clients. Depending on fitness level, body mechanics, coaching ability, past/present injuries and, of course, goals, a workout program is designed.

Jess has a degree in ath letic training and other specialty certifications; because of her qualifi cations she’s conscious of designing programs that will bring a per son to their goals while keeping them safe and healthy. She trains a wide array of people, including athletes; peo ple who are looking to lose body mass; people looking to gain weight; people who want to gain muscle in order to “tone;” and people who come off of injuries who want to continue getting stronger without reinsuring themselves. The list goes on. Everyone is approached is different and their programs are tailored to their goals.

Beauty + (Snoot) Strength

Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with a personal trainer knows that you have some deep con versations as you dig down into the depths of your soul to make it through the last 30 seconds of a wall sit.

It was a bonus that during these dis traction chats, Jess and I realized that both of our careers focused on the same goal – making others look and feel their best. We began to motivate one another out of our comfort zones – me, doing sled pushes and pull ups in a performance and recovery gym, and Jess, learning that “contouring” was not a French curse word, but a girl’s very best friend. I also learned that DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) wasn’t just a person.

Something To Squat About

Jess’ training specialties and certifica tions include: bachelor’s degree of sci ence in athletic training from SUNY Brockport; athletic training certified (ATC); licensed athletic trainer (LAT) in New York and New Jersey; ACE cer tified personal trainer; pain free per formance specialist (PPSC); former D3 collegiate field hockey player; var sity high school field hockey coach at North Rockland Highschool; and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Check her out and sign up for a train ing consultation at Fast Twitch in Sad dle Brook today! Tell them Curly sent you.

Courtney Gilroy is the owner of Glow Commando, a mobile beauty service that specializes in airbrush tanning, makeup and hairstyling. She’s a licensed cosmetologist. To learn more about Glow Commando or book an appoint ment, visit www.glowcommando.co.  Stay connected by following these Insta gram handles: @Talkcurlytome_ and @Glowcommando.

We’re Here for Them When Nobody Else Is

Xena

Share the Spirit of Giving

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

CENTER FOR FOOD ACTION OF NEW

JERSEY

192 West Demarest Ave., Englewood www.cfanj.org

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

NEW CONCEPTS FOR LIVING

68A West Passaic St., Rochelle Park www.ncfl.net

Mission: New Concepts For Living is a com munity non-profit organization committed to people with disabilities and their families. Inspired by the vision of families and con sumers, New Concepts enables people to real ize their dreams and achieve their individual potential through quality community program supports and services.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CARE CENTER

Holy Name Hospital 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck www.holyname.org/mscenter

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

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERGEN COUNTY

121 Carver Ave., Westwood www.habitatbergen.org

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

CASA COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES

One Bergen County Plaza, Suite 440 Hackensack

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

—Author Unknown

“Generosity consists not in the sum given, but the manner in which it is bestowed.”

HOPE FOR CHILDREN RESEARCH FOUNDATION

700D Lake St., Ramsey www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org

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

PET RESQ, INC.

24 West Railroad Ave., Suite 172, Tenafly www.petresqinc.org

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

SHARSHERET

1086 Teaneck Road, Suite 2G, Teaneck www.sharsheret.org

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

CHILDREN’S

FOUNDATION

CARDIOMYOPATHY

P.O. Box 547, Tenafly www.childrenscardiomyopathy.org

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

200 CLUB OF BERGEN COUNTY

560 Hudson St., Hackensack www.200club.org

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

—Anthony Robbins

PONY POWER THERAPIES

1170 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah www.ponypowernj.org

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

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and the responsibility to give something back by becoming more.”

CENTER FOR HOPE AND SAFETY

12 Overlook Ave., Suite A, Rochelle Park www.hopeandsafetynj.org

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

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

300 Forest Ave., Paramus www.gsnnj.org

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

JDRF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY AND ROCKLAND COUNTY CHAPTER (JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FUND)

1480 U.S. Highway 9 North, Suite 306, Woodbridge www.jdrf.org/newjerseymetro

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

JULIA’S BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION

637 Wyckoff Ave., Suite 285, Wyckoff www.juliasbutterflyfoundation.org

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

TOMORROWS CHILDREN’S FUND

30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack www.tcfkid.org

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

ADVANCE HOUSING

100 Hollister Road, Teterboro www.advancehousing.org

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

RAMAPO-BERGEN ANIMAL REFUGE, INC

2 Shelter Lane, Oakland www.rbari.org

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

WEST BERGEN MENTAL HEALTH

120 Chestnut St., Ridgewood

www.westbergen.org

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

THE VOLUNTEER CENTER OF BERGEN COUNTY

64 Passaic St., Hackensack www.bergenvolunteers.org

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

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (NNJCF)

1 Grand Ave. Suite 3, Englewood www.nnjcf.org

Mission: NNJCF focuses on civic engagement, edu cation, public health and the arts by working with local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profits and citizen groups to improve commu nity life. Foundation partners identify and resolve regional problems and opportunities by sharing ideas, services and resources. The Arts-Bergen ini tiative supports and encourages creativity and the integration of arts and culture to build community and boost the local economy.

THE COMMUNITY CHEST

122 S. Van Brunt St., Englewood www.communitychestofenglewood.org

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

YCS FOUNDATION

(YOUTH CONSULTATION SERVICES)

235 Main St., Third Floor, Hackensack www.ycs.org

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

FAMILY PROMISE OF BERGEN COUNTY

100 Dayton St., Ridgewood www.bergenfamilypromise.org

Mission: To provide hospitality to the home less and to keep families together in times of crisis, guiding them through temporary peri ods of homelessness by helping them create an achievable vision and develop a strong founda tion for self-sufficiency.

THE COMEDY CURES FOUNDATION

122 East Clinton Ave., Tenafly www.comedycures.org

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

NORTH JERSEY FRIENDSHIP HOUSE

125 Atlantic St., Hackensack www.njfriendshiphouse.org

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

“Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.”

—Kahlil Gibran

NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF VERISMO OPERA (VERISMO OPERA)

P.O. Box 3024, Fort Lee www.verismoopera.org

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

JEWISH HOME FOUNDATION OF NORTH JERSEY

10 Link Drive, Rockleigh www.jewishhomefamily.org

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

THE DANIEL JORDAN FIDDLE FOUNDATION

1701 Tower Drive, Edgewater www.djfiddlefoundation.org

Mission: The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, the first not-for-profit and only all-volunteer-run organization in the United States to focus on adult autism has been blazing trails since 2002. It cre ates paths leading to fulfilling and potential driven lives. The endowed programs at America’s leading universities, resources, and public policy/aware ness initiatives are person-centered and derive from the needs and hopes of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

ALZHEIMER’S NEW JERSEY

4690 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 300, Oradell www.alznj.org

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

ADLER APHASIA CENTER

60 West Hunter Ave., Maywood www.adleraphasiacenter.org

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

THE OFFICE OF CONCERN FOOD PANTRY

55 West Demarest Ave., Englewood www.officeofconcern.com

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

THE FRIENDS OF THE HERMITAGE, INC.

335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus www.thehermitage.org

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

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

—John Bunyon

Exercising

When

the

Weather Gets ‘Frightful’

By Dr. Michael Gross

The days are growing shorter and the mercury is dropping, and that can only mean one thing: winter. Unless you’re ready to move your workouts indoors, you better start thinking about exercising in the cold weather and how to do it safely.

Injuries due to overexposure in cold temperature have risen in recent years due to increased participation in out door winter activities, such as ice skating, skiing, snowboarding and in all-season walking, jogging and cycling. Short of investing in a treadmill, or taking up mall walking, knowledge of potential hazards and prevention during cold weather is the key to keeping us safe during our outdoor fitness activities.

Unfortunately, the cold weather also robs many people of their motivation to exercise. And, when you’re not motivated, it’s easy to just stop exercising for the winter and hibernate like a big black bear. You don’t have to let cold weather spell the end of your exercise. With these tips for exercising during cold weather, you can stay fit, motivated and warm when the weather turns chilly.

The American Council on Exercise offers these sug gestions for exercising safely in the cold: wear lay ers of clothing that you can peel away as you warm up; keep your head, hands and feet warm with a hat, gloves and socks; and always check the weather before heading out/don’t exercise outdoors in dan gerous conditions.

DRESS IN LAYERS

Heat conservation is the major goal when exercising in cold weather. Prevent heat loss by wearing appro priate clothing. The key to protection is to wear clothing that is layered, lightweight and waterproof or water-resistant.

The air trapped between clothing fibers and the skin, which becomes warm and provides a barrier to heat loss, provides insulation. The more layers between the skin and the air, the more insulation. Several lay ers of lighter provide better protection than a single bulky layer.

For the innermost layer against the skin, choose a lightweight synthetic, such as polypropylene. This wicks moisture away from the body’s surface and dries quickly. Cotton or natural fibers tend to become saturated and stay wet. Clothing that becomes wet through sweating or external moisture loses almost 90 percent of its insulating properties. Since water conducts heat 25 times faster than air, wearing wet clothing will quickly facilitate heat loss.

Lighter sweaters and long-sleeve shirts made with natural materials work best as inner layers, provid ing insulation without restricting movement.

Cover these layers with a zipped or easy to open jacket. Choose one that is both waterproof and light weight, since it will be your protection from snow, rain and wind, and will be the layer you shed if you heat up too quickly.

PROTECT YOUR HANDS, FEET AND EARS

At least 30 to 40 percent, and at times up to 50 per cent, of body heat, dissipates through our heads, top off your ensemble with a hat or helmet, depending

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on your sport. Make sure to cover your ears. Since hands/fingers are highly susceptible to frostbite, wear mittens or gloves.

the cooling effect of the wind on bare skin for differ ent temperatures and wind velocities. Higher winds increase the cooling effect of cold temperatures, further emphasizing the need to cover skin in cold weather.

Summer goes by fast, and many people forget to take time for themselves and book a vacation. Between running to and from camp for your kids and work, it can turn into a stressful time. Jet Set Getaways is a one-of-a-kind luxury travel agency that will help you specialize in custom travel arrangements and VIP treatments. They have valuable direct relationships with the fin est hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines and tour operations in the world as well as an expanded resource of insider destination knowledge.

When it’s cold, blood flow is concentrated on your body’s core, leaving your hands and feet vulnerable to frostbite. Try wearing a thin pair of gloves under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens lined with wool or fleece. Don the mittens or gloves before your hands become cold and then remove them if your hands begin to sweat.

“They get it and drive it over to us for the day that we are doing that specific activity. He is so easy to work with and so knowledgeable. We are really in a routine every year, so I don’t have to think twice about it. And their equipment is top notch. You get stuff online that is terrible, but this stuff is real quality and has a lifetime guaran tee. It couldn’t be any easier with them; they make my life very sim ple.”

Considering buying exercise shoes a half-size or one size larger than usual to allow for thick thermal socks or an extra pair of regular socks. And don’t forget a hat or headband to protect your ears, which also are vulnerable to frostbite.

Data from the National Safety Council suggest little dan ger to individuals with properly clothed skin exposed at 20 degrees Fahrenheit, even with a 30 mph wind. A danger does exist for individuals with exposed skin when the wind chill factor (combined effect of tempera ture and wind) falls below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Exercising when it’s cold and raining can make you

Set fun goals for yourself. Summer is full of distractions between driving your kids to camp, working, and gatherings every other weekend. Setting summer goals will help you stay productive and not feel as if you wasted the summer away. Challenge your self to see how many books you can read or how many times you can get to the beach. Write them down, set a date, and put them on display so you don’t forget to accomplish them. Make it fun!

While Cornell Surgical has only recently stepped out of the shad ows, it has been making the lives of many people in North Jersey simple for three quarters of a cen tury.

ALWAYS CHECK THE WEATHER

Always check the air temperature and wind chill fac tor before exercising in the cold. Used by the National Weather Service since 1973 as a public health tool to reduce cold injuries, the wind-chill index represents

Michelle DeSantis is a Bergen County girl who lives, breathes, eats and sleeps Bergen County. Founder of the blog, The Bergen Skinny, Michelle is determined to find the best food, fitness, fashion and entrepreneurs in the area. Check her out at www.thebergenskinny.com.

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS

Just because it’s cold, it doesn’t mean you can forget all you know about proper hydration. You need to stay well hydrated when exercising in cold weather just as you do when exercising in warm weather. Drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your workout, even if you’re not really thirsty. You can become just as dehydrated in the cold as in the heat from sweating, breathing and increased urine production, but it may be harder to notice during cold weather.

Because of the dry environment usually present in cold weather, attention to hydration becomes even more important. Significant body fluid can be lost and since sweat may evaporate more quickly than in a hot envi ronment, you may not have a clear indication of how much fluid you are actually losing. Always begin your workout properly hydrated and continue drinking 15 to 20 ounces of water per hour.

Dehydration affects your body’s ability to regulate body heat and increases the risk of frostbite. Fluids, especially water, are as important in cold weather as in the heat. Avoid consuming alcohol or beverages containing caf feine, because these items are dehydrating.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Exercising in cold weather may not be ideal if you have any of the following health conditions. If you do, check with your doctor before starting to exercise in cold weather: asthma; exercise-induced bronchitis; a heart condition; and/or Raynaud’s disease (a condition that limits blood circulation to certain areas of your body, causing them to numb in response to cold temperatures or stress. This may not only make it difficult to deter mine whether you’re getting hypothermic, the reduced blood flow may also increase your risk).

These tips can help you safely – and enjoyably – exercise when the weather starts to get chilly. Remember that as you exercise in cold weather, you must always monitor how your body feels. It may be necessary to shorten your outdoor workout or even cancel it altogether during extreme weather. Always know when to head home and warm up. Finally, be sure to let someone know your exercise route and your expected return time, in case something does go wrong.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

An American Icon Returns

By Richard Posluszny

One thing that most people like is a great come back story. It’s probably because everyone is susceptible to nostalgia and we all like to root for the underdog. Every now and then an automaker delivers one. The latest vehicle to get a resurrected nameplate is the Wagoneer, which was a full-size, lux ury sport-utility vehicle built by Jeep.

While Jeep is not a manufacturer that’s top of mind for producing three-row vehicles, that’s changing as in recent years the company’s been making a conscious effort to deliver what people want. And, it’s safe to say that Jeep’s decided to go “all in” with its latest effort. So much so that the vehicle in question is not techni cally considered a Jeep product. Stellantis’ take is that

it decided to do a “premium extension” and Wagoneer is an entirely separate marque. This is why you won’t find any Jeep badges on the all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models — well, aside from one tiny spot under the sideview mirrors.

So, how did they do? Let’s dive in.

Upon taking delivery of my “murdered out,” Grand Wagoneer Obsidian, I quickly realized it is a truly mas sive SUV. It’s essentially the size of a full-size pick-up truck, which means it is long, wide and tall. To say it has a presence would be an understatement. The allblack ensemble my test vehicle was equipped with did its best to make it seem stealthy but, frankly, you can’t

really hide anything this vast. Even though you can lower the Grand Wagoneer for an easier entrance/exit, I was happy to see the power-deployed sidestep pop out as I approached the truck — and I am 6’8.

Following Jeep’s latest design language, it’s evident straight away that the Wagoneer is part of the family. Where it takes an all-new approach, however, is with the Grand Wagoneer’s greenhouse. There’s a lot of glass and, overall, the shape is boxy and squared off. It exudes a more retro vibe, which is actually “in” right now.

That said, walking around the Wagoneer, I wouldn’t call it a good-looking SUV. The side profile is a bit odd

with U-shaped windows and its hind quarters look off considering its design is a bit top heavy. Long story short, there’s something not quite right about the Wagoneer’s design. It simply doesn’t inspire lust ful feelings like, say, a Ford Bronco or Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Here’s the good news though: The Grand Wagoneer delivers where it counts. Once situated inside, you’re confronted with an onslaught of technology and an extremely well-appointed cabin. This is, undoubtedly, the most impressive interior that any brand under the Chrysler umbrella (e.g., Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM) has ever shipped.

That’s because there is smooth, supple leather covering the seats, dash and doors. My tester featured a stag gering seven screens in the cockpit, which increases to eight if you include the digital rearview mirror. I loved the various displays’ software, which has a wonderful user experience (UX) and is highly responsive. This is a departure from previous generations of software that was easy to use but was burdened with lag. Last, but not least, there’s the optional 23-speaker McIn tosh Laboratory sound system that puts out 1,375 watts. This marks a return to the automotive world for McIntosh, which is considered a world-renowned brand by audiophiles.

My favorite feature are the 24-way power front seats. This is because these chairs are not only heated, cooled and adjustable in every conceivable way, they also have a massage function that boasts five types of treatment. Even better, the quality of the massage is on par with Mercedes-Benz’s — in my opinion, the best in the business.

Also, there’s an honorable mention: The rear seat monitoring camera system is splendid. Although there is a conventional, convex mirror that pops out from the overhead console, Chrysler’s engineers did something one step beyond this traditional fix. If you click “FamCam” on the 12-inch infotainment

screen, it will display a helicopter view of the second and third-row seats. Click on a particular seat and the camera will zoom in on that area. If you’re purchas ing a full-size, three-row SUV you probably will have kiddos back there. This is an excellent way to keep tabs, and make sure they’re not getting themselves into trouble, while you’re navigating them to music lessons or the ballfields.

All that said, all that glitters is not gold. Demerits are issued for the finicky controls that flank the center stack’s main display. Oddly, the heated/ventilated seat and heated steering wheel controls tend to take several taps to turn on rather than simply activate on the first touch.

Moving along. The main reason why you purchase an SUV of this ilk is space. Unsurprisingly, there’s a lot of it. In all directions. Whether you’re in the first, second or third row, there’s plenty of room for adults. That said, the best seats in the house are the two in front for the aforementioned reasons.

Need the third row and even more capacity for cargo? Great news! For the 2023 model year, Jeep is rolling out the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L. This means the already huge standard variants gain 12 inches in length and seven inches to its wheelbase. These increases directly impact the cargo area, which gets more space to stow your stuff.

Before I continue, one small detail. Make sure to equip the Grand Wagoneer with the American Walnut trim. It is incredibly beautiful and, frankly, the metal interior on the Obsidian variant was dull, in com parison. Do the right thing, folks.

Now, let’s get to the part you’re all waiting for: How the Grand Wagoneer actually drives.

Powering my tester was a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces a significant 471 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated with an eight-speed automatic, this is a combination used across other Chrysler products with great success. That said, you must keep in mind that the Grand Wag oneer weighs a staggering 6,400 pounds. Given all of this, zero to 60 happens in a respectable six seconds.

And whether you’re driving it around town or in strip mall parking lots, it’s surpris ingly agile. Think of it like a linemen for the New York Giants that’s got great foot work — Don’t let their size fool you. This is a great accomplishment because after driving the competition, this isn’t always the case. When vehicles get this large, they can have cumbersome low-speed maneu verability.

At highway speeds, the Grand Wagoneer makes for an excellent cruiser. For a road trip, this would be a wonderful selection as the body remains composed in Sport mode and the V8 provides plenty of grunt for passing.

Don’t get me wrong, gang. The Grand Wagoneer is certainly not a sports car. But, all things considered, it is lithe and shock ingly easy to drive, relative to the market. Jeep’s engineers have done good work here.

Where I was disappointed, however, is with the ride quality. Although the Grand

Wagoneer benefits from the use of an air sus pension, bumps and imperfections aren’t as isolated as I would hope. It doesn’t help that the vehicle is outfitted with Goliath, 22-inch wheels.

To me, an SUV of this size should be able to handle Manhattan’s pockmarked roads with a bit more grace.

When all’s said and done, though, I think Jeep deserves credit for its first über SUV of the

modern age. While I don’t think it’s a “no brainer” against the competition — which ranges from the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition to more upscale options in form of the BMW X7, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLSClass — it has earned a spot among the ranks.

As buyers of all stripes have different needs, wants and budgets, I would advise shoppers to give the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer a shot if they’re seeking a spacious, tech-forward vehicle. Of course, this is assuming they don’t have an issue with its exterior design.

RENO’S APPLIANCE

Reno’s Appliance held an industry-wide networking event at their showroom in Paterson. For more information, visit www.renosapliance.com.

Fred Frank, Rebecca Witte, Grace Martinez, John Cioletti

Jim Shertz, Theresa Murphy, Mike Korinko

John Quaregna, David Morehouse

Anthony Mazzeo, Kimberly Little

Reuben Gross, Stu Berger, Arnold DeMasi

Bill and Toni Corrigan

Joyce Raspa, Joel Ives, Simone Tsigounis

Denise Pough, Melissa Garra

Keishla Alamo, Warren Castellani, Kerry Irving

Taylor Sassaman, Robert Elfers Kelsey Hessman, Annie Hook, Dani Verdugo

Kyle Legemaat, Olivia Margolin, MJ Drago

David Villanueva, Ralph Ceballo

Cat Garruto, Donna Infantolino

Tom Bovino, John Cioletti, Jeff Kolakowski

London Sparkles with Holiday Shine

By Louise B. Hafesh

The countdown begins. Christmas 2022 will soon be here – that most wonderful time of the year. And while typically a joyous occa sion, getting into the spirit can often take its toll as the frenzied pace quickens, shopping lists get longer, social commitments escalate and the trappings of en tertaining at home become increasingly taxing. Add the long period of lockdowns, heart-breaking losses and pandemic isolation we’ve just come through, and this may just be the year to take a break from it all.

Why not treat yourself to a memorable holiday pres ent, a much-overdue sanity fix? Pack your bags, grab that special someone and set course to someplace rich in history, romance and fun, where homespun pleasures will lift your spirits, tickle your fancies and make your Yuletide once again merry and bright.

London is calling.

Christmas arrives early in London, which makes it an ideal pre-holiday destination. Around Nov. 5, when evenings get darker and nights longer, colorful fireworks light up the skies for Guy Forks Night, the unofficial kickoff. Bonfires, music, fun events and festive cheer take over the capital as it gets set to ush er in other memorable English traditions.

For your great escape, you’ll want to choose a hol iday home away from home, complete with all the creature comforts and centrally situated near iconic sights, unmissable attractions and events. This past

summer, while on a trip to London, my husband and I chanced upon just such a find. The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences (www.athenaeumhotel.com) is that and more. A calming sanctuary in the heart of the bustling city, newly refurbished, spacious rooms and suites overlook lush Green Park or lively Mayfair. Ei ther choice boasts the most modern in-room technol ogy while retaining warm, traditional Brit charm. Su per comfy Hypnos mattresses (the Queen’s favorite) and downy comforters guarantee a luxurious night’s sleep, and a welcoming full English breakfast (includ ed in most packages) helps you leisurely and lavishly ease into the day.

Once out and about, Knightsbridge and iconic Har rods, Shepherds Market’s quaint pubs and boutiques and Buckingham Palace are all within striking dis tance. So too, The Hop on Hop off Big Bus (www.big bustours.com). A great way to get around and see the city at your own pace, each ticket to ride includes a relaxing bonus cruise along the Thames River.

No place does the holidays quite like London. Streets, shops and Christmas trees sparkle with dazzling light displays at every turn. A must-see in the bling de partment, Christmas Lights London By Night led by an expert guide, includes key sites like the London Eye, Tower of London and Tower Bridge. A magical wonderland also reigns supreme. Ice-skating rinks, Christmas carol concerts and Westminster Abbey’s midnight mass celebration top the list, not to men tion the wizarding world of Hogwarts In The Snow

– The Making of Harry Potter. Through Jan. 15, 2023, this Warner Bros. tour transforms iconic film sets like Diagon Alley and the Great Hall into shimmer ing winter enchantment. For an extensive list of other seasonal offerings that cater to every taste and pock etbook, including Christmas markets and fairs, visit www.visitlondon.com.

Feasting in merry old England is a passion at any time, but never more so than during the holidays. At least once during your stay, secure a table at Le Gavroche, the legendary eatery. Prepare yourself for a gastro nomic experience encompassing tasteful decor, classic works of art, impeccable table settings and a uniquely modern take on superb French cooking. If you are

wise, reserve from the states as we did. One of London’s most respected restaurants, Le Gav roche books out well in advance.

It stands to reason that any trip to the UK with out partaking in at least one grand afternoon tea is out of the question. No need to go further than your home base at 116 at the Athenaeum, though. After a full day of shopping and sight seeing, it’s the perfect place to unwind, delight in each other’s company and treat yourselves to a quintessentially British experience. I can’t say enough about the service. Suffice to add it is stellar; the setting comfortable and laid back. For £45, you can feast on a picture-perfect array of sweet and savory treats with flavors of spiced gingerbread and clementine and chocolate (nat urally) – vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free op tions, too. There’s even a Bottomless upgrade of 90 minutes of free-flowing Prosecco. That’s what I call getting into the holiday spirit at its best – cheers!

Boxing Day (British Black Friday) falls the day after Christmas. If you are still in town, it’s a prime opportunity to snare some shopping finds. Time permitting, you might also consid er toasting the New Year in the country where it officially begins – England (Meridian Line, Greenwich) at Trafalgar Square. All dressed up for the holidays, it’s one hot destination where thousands gather for the countdown. Another, the London Eye, one of the world’s tallest obser vation wheels, puts on a spectacular laser show. As with other world-renowned destinations, the city’s skyline will be ablaze with an unbelievable firework extravaganza – hip, hip, hooray!

Louise B. Hafesh is an award-winning artist and freelance writer who lives with her husband in Bergen County. She can be reached at www. louisebhafesh.com.

Ben Pipe Photography

Chic Sugars Knows The Recipe For Sweet Success

By Kimberly Redmond

For Erika Oldham, life keeps getting sweeter.

After more than a decade in business, the Teaneck native’s boutique bakery and café, Chic Sug ars, expanded to add a second location in Bergen County at Westfield Garden State Plaza.

The new spot at one of the busiest malls in New Jer sey, if not the entire country, follows a period of tre

mendous growth for the Englewood-based bakery, from a “one-woman show” run by a self-taught pastry chef to a full-fledged operation with a team of nearly two dozen employees.

Located in Center Court on Level 2 between Macy’s and Neiman Marcus, the kiosk offers awe-inspiring treats, such as muffins, pop tarts, cupcakes, cake jars, cookies, macarons and boutique coffee drinks.

Originally, the plan was to install a vending machine to dispense Chic Sugars’ popular cake jars but the bakery wound up leasing a kiosk in what Oldham described as “prime space” in the mall.

“We’re not going to come into Garden State Plaza half stepping,” she laughed. “So far, there’s been great reach and exposure here.”

“When I looked for a second Bergen County location, I choose Garden State Plaza for its amazing retail and entertainment offerings,” she said. “The mall has some thing for everyone and now guests and staff at Garden State Plaza can find fantastic coffee, cold drinks and the sweetest treats all in one place.”

Oldham never imagined she’d be the founder and “chief caketress” of one of the most popular bakeries in North Jersey. That’s not bad for someone who began baking “by accident” 13 years ago, when she tried — and failed — to make a cake for her oldest daugh ter’s first birthday. Nonetheless, she continued trying to learn, by watching YouTube tutorials and stayed focused on mastering the perfect cake.

“I’m like a dog with a bone,” she said. “When I decide I am going to do something, I work and work at it.” At the time, Oldham worked as an office manager at a

hedge fund in New York City, but the single mother knew she needed to earn more to support her family. After launching Chic Sugars, Oldham continued her day job and spent each night dedicated to her “side hustle,” regularly staying up until 2 a.m. baking cakes for customers.

By 2014, she felt confident enough to quit her posi tion at the hedge fund, so she could focus entirely on Chic Sugars. Oldham was about to lease a bakery in Manhattan, but two weeks before the deal finalized, she fell in love with an empty space in Fort Lee that she just happened to drive by.

Over the next few years, Oldham threw herself into perfecting Chic Sugars’ custom cakes and expanded her offerings to include a wide selection of cupcakes, brownies, cake jars and other delectable treats.

Oldham’s decadent and tasty creations have also gained a celebrity clientele that includes Jay-Z, Missy Elliott and Nicki Minaji, as well as earned her an appearance on Food Network’s “Winner Cakes All” in 2019.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

With much of New Jersey on pause, that meant large scale celebrations, like wed dings, baby showers and corporate events, weren’t happening. So, like most small busi nesses, Chic Sugars tweaked its business model in response to the changing needs of customers and pivoted to make smaller “quarantine-size cakes.”

Billed as a “scaled-back version of our edible works of art,” the tinier cakes gave people a way to still mark milestones during a rather bleak time. Chic Sugars also provided both curbside pick-up and delivery for customers.

“Quarantine cakes solved multiple problems. It helped people celebrate from afar,” Old ham explained. “We could drop cakes off when people were doing ‘drive by’ birthday parties, for example.”

“It also introduced people to a lower price point. Before COVID, you couldn’t get a cake under $300. Quarantine cakes were a whole new line of cakes at a whole new price point,” Oldham said.

Coupled with a revamped website that enabled customers to submit customized orders and have them shipped nationwide, Chic Sugars did not see a slowdown in busi ness over the past two years.

Following growth in orders, Oldham was able to bring on a team of bakers and decora tors for the first-time ever and help take Chic Sugars to the next level.

“Being in Bergen, the personnel I ended up with are Jersey based and I wouldn’t have found these set of ladies if I was in New York City,” Oldham said. “Everything happened the way it was supposed to happen.”

As normalcy starts to return, Oldham and her team are excited for what’s ahead.

In May 2021, the bakery relocated from Fort Lee to a bigger space on South Dean Street in Englewood.

“Things are picking back up,” Oldham said. “We’re start ing to do 120-person weddings again, graduation cakes and baptism cakes. Our consultation numbers are get ting bigger and bigger.”

Despite the successes during the pandemic, Oldham said she feels “a little guilty” over “having lucked up, ballooned and blossomed in that time frame” because “COVID ravaged lives and businesses.”

It’s made her even more appreciative of Chic Sugar, a venture she loves and spent years struggling to figure out how best to grow. She also remains humbled by her experiences, crediting it to some luck, a touch of fate and a whole lot of determination.

“For a long time, it was very much a chicken or the egg situation of where to spend money – marketing or pay roll,” she said.

And while Oldham is very much considered a success ful entrepreneur, she admits there are times she doubts

herself and wonders “when the other shoe will drop and my luck will run out.”

“I’m not classically trained. I’ve taken some busi ness classes when I went to Babson, but I didn’t go to Wharton or get a business degree,” Oldham said.

If Oldham wasn’t in the bakery business, the wife and mother of two daughters and one stepson believes she would likely be involved in some type of advo cacy work or “somehow be in some political sphere.”

After finishing her undergraduate degree at Charles ton State University, Oldham decided to become a social worker to champion for social justice and improve lives of the underprivileged. She went on to follow in her mother’s footsteps to attend New York Law School, with the goal of becoming an advocate for the disadvantaged.

But, she found that the law school experience didn’t satisfy her and wanted to follow her entrepreneurial-

spirit rather than a traditional 9-5 schedule.

summer 2022

Publishers

“While we are a bakery, we try to do our part with social change. We are a minority owned, woman owned, mostly run by women, business,” she said.

Sharon & Steven GoldStein Associate Publisher Brandon GoldStein

Editorial Director JeSSica humphrey cintineo

Art Director

And though she believes the odds may be against women and minorities in the business world, hopefully Chic Sugars can be an inspiration. In the past, Oldham has served as mentor for budding entrepreneurs and wouldn’t rule out teaching a business course at a local college one day.

BmG marketinG

Contributing Writers

In the meantime, Oldham is doing what she can to give back to others.

Sarah elSpeth marilyn katzman merilee kern, mBa meGan montemarano richelle payne Stacie roSe audrey zona St. JoSeph’S health

In addition to working with a chari table organization that provides cus tomized birthday cakes for children in homeless shelters, Chic Sugars partici pates in reading clubs and fundraising initiatives with local libraries, schools and nature centers.

“There are many community and social issues I feel like truly matter,” said Oldham, who has a portrait of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg hanging up in her Englewood bakery.

BC Health, Beauty & Fitness is published by BC The Mag. Find us at www.BCtheMag.com

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“I want to contribute to various orga nizations to help move the needle,” she said. “As a mom of two girls, I want to make sure we are in a positive to make decisions about our bodies and our own businesses.”

Copyright 2022. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

For more information, visit ChicSugars.com or follow Chic Sugars on Facebook and Instagram.

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ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET FOR KIDS FIGHTING CANCER

Flourish Salon and Spa, Liam’s Warriors and 2 Girls Giving Hope hosted the Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Kids Fighting Cancer event at Bottagra Restaurant.

Patti and Isabella Lauretta

Angela Conte, Gina Pignataro

Leonely Francisco, Megan Gulardo, Aimee Kamper, Gina Corradino

Agnes, Frank and Giuseppe Barbagallo

Patti, Lucia and Ralph Lauretta

Gina Yannuzzi, Christina Kindler, Paula Corrieri

Alex Vizzone, Tyler DiPaolo

Kristen Fernandez, Kim Marquez

Mike, Fred and Gabriella Sesso, Debbie Silvestri

Kim Ten Hoeve, Maria Chomenko

Anthony Imbruglia, Maria Petruska, Kristen Kaetzel

Jessica Curran, Stacy Bush

Dina Digiacomo, Lauren Medici

Jessica Myers, Tina Milligan

Jessica Dorrity, Michael Chiappetta

SHOW ME YOUR HEART FOUNDATION

The Show Me Your Heart Foundation held an “Art Within” benefit at a beautiful home in Mahwah. For more information, visit www.smyhfoundation.com.

Anna Zaia, Tetyana Mir Eric and Natasha Livits, Maya and Amatol Bekkerman

Jacob Shochat, Heather Choi

Annie Kim, Rachel Lee

Angelina Kuhn, Holly Hawkins

Heather Choi, Ashley Yook

Heather Choi, Dave Bryson, Maribel Lieberman

Drew Arnold, Dr. Minghi Choi

Joshua and Julie Song

Abigail Lavalle, Marc Robinson, Diana Grana, Ashley Fylstra

Lina and Jeff Foster

Rachel and Bill Simoneau

Olga and Michael Blavnik

Josh and Liza Baty

Jean Kim, Jacob Schocat

YCS CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC

YCS held their annual golf outing at Edgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.ycs.org.

Bruce Egert, Cathy Tamburello, Tara Augustine, John Fatigati

Deborah Mider, Tara Augustine, Ruthie Harper

Dayna Zatina Egan, Lidrina Mejia, Sun-jung Chi, Tatum Stein

Andrew Beckford, Deanna Destefano

Mike and Jaime Fox, Steve Kessler, Erin and Mathew McCloskey

Sonquea Walker, Korey Clark, Tameka McMillan

John McGrath, Edmund Burke, Mike Fisher

Tiffany Miller, Caitlyn Yerves, Laura Siclari

Bianca Dumas, Chawnte Lewis

Jack, Kevin and Brian Foley Tami Mahar, Ruthie Harper, John McGrath

Tiffany Miller, Scott Marloni

Gary Gensheimer, Joe Coccaro, Joe Galayda, Brian McCourt, Marc Schutzbank

Michael Gambatese, Michael Lam, Gerry Cooney, Richard Bigs, John Lisa

Hannah and Thomas Phalen, Joe and Tara Augustine

The finest minds in cardiac care.

And the kindest hearts.

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