Bergen August 2022

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 8 | $3.95 | BERGENMAG.COM

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 8 | AUGUST 2022

HEALTH & LIFE | FOOD & FASHION | HOME & HAPPENINGS

THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL ISSUE

BACK TO CLASS

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WHAT ARE TEENS THINKING? 11 LOCALS FILL US IN

READY TO LEARN

in New Milford

SCHOOL STYLE FASHION FOR EVERY TASTE 6 DAY TRIPS WORTH LEARNING ABOUT

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A More Relaxing MRI Experience The First of Its Kind in Our Area At Valley, we take pride in ensuring that our patients are comfortable and at ease during all stages of care.

This includes MRI testing, which can be associated with anxiety, claustrophobia, and stress.

Our 3T Sentient Suite offers not only a wider bore MRI, but also soothing nature scenes, music, and sounds.

We are able to cater to the needs and comforts of all patients, while providing the highest-quality images.

Valley’s 3T MRI Sentient Suite exams are performed at the Robert & Audrey Luckow Pavilion in Paramus.

Learn more at ValleyHealth.com/3T, or call 201-447-8200 to schedule your MRI.

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Anti-Bummer End-Of Summer The world’s biggest selection and the world’s largest back-to-school vibes are here. American Dream has all your first day looks! Create your style at Primark, Cotton On, DSW, PacSun, Charlotte Russe, Journey’s, Old Navy and more!

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Join us for a cup of coffee... and a second opinion

When the markets turn as volatile and confusing as they have over the last several years, even the most patient investors may come to question the wisdom of the investment plan they’ve been following.

We’d like to help – starting with a cup of coffee and a second opinion.

By appointment, you’re welcome to come in and sit with us for a while. We’ll have a conversation and talk about your financial goals — what you’d like your investment portfolio to do for you. Then, we’ll review the portfolio and discuss our thoughts with you.

If we think your investments are well-suited to your long-term goals, we’ll gladly tell you so. If, on the other hand, we believe some of your investments may no longer fit with your goals, we’ll explain why, using plain English. We will also recommend some alternative strategies for your consideration.

Either way, the coffee is on us!

For a free consultation, please contact my office at 201-505-0472 and let us know if you like milk or cream. Or, if you prefer, we will bring the coffee to you.

ERIC L. KOHLMEIER Senior Financial Advisor Managing Director – Investments 100 Park Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Phone: 201-505-0472 Toll-Free: 888-213-1460 Fax: 908-598-3956 www.erickohlmeier.wfadv.com

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© 2019 Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. 0122-02963

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CONTENTS

{ AUGUST 2022 }

Features

Teens Speak Their Minds | 38 A chat with 11 high school seniors-to-be yields thoughts about vaping, cheating, learning online and having to compete for those precious slots at the college of one’s choice.

High-Five Style | 46

Jump to the head of the class with looks that showcase your tastes.

To Mask—Or Not to Mask? | 54

With most mandates now rescinded, Bergen residents must decide on their own whether to use face coverings—and where. Here’s some expert advice.

Wise Downsize | 58

The Mahwah condo is smaller than its owner’s previous ranch home, but—thanks to two savvy designers—no less glamorous.

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 32 76 80

7 WAYS TO GET YOUR KIDS SCHOOL-READY

Buying fresh notebooks and rulers isn’t enough. A pediatrician offers tips.

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Editor’s Note Health News Be There Where to Eat

ON THE COVER: Mickey Schwartzbard, a second grader from New Milford, is ready for another school year. Photo by Chris Marksbury.

AUGUST 2022

7/15/22 10:40 AM

Left to Right: EVAN BAIRD, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center; RAFAEL LEVIN, M.D., M.S.C., Chief of Spine, HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley; JONATHAN LESTER, M.D., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; NOMAAN ASHRAF, M.D., M.B.A., Assistant Clinical Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center

WHERE OUR TEAM BELIEVES IN CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT FIRST. BOARD CERTIFIED SPINE SURGEONS AND PHYSIATRY SERVICES

WESTWOOD | CLIFTON | BRIDGEWATER EAST BRUNSWICK 201.634.1811 | COMPSPINECARE.COM

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NJ TOP DOCS 2014-2022

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CONTENTS

Departments Bergen Buzz | 17 Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in the county.

Your Friends & Neighbors | 22 An Elmwood Park mom dreamed of opening a business, but never imagined that something she designed would be the key.

For Men Only | 24

Brave the heat while still looking cool.

Style Watch | 26

Bolder than sky blue and more exciting than navy, royal blue is the hue that’ll make your summer outfit pop.

Home Front | 27

Acrylic accessories, a modern trend that proves plastic can be fantastic, fit in with any décor.

Child’s Play | 30

End-of-summer fun can be a learning experience too with these educational play things.

Escapes | 52

Six family day-trip destinations offer real educational value, well camouflaged by fun. Let your kids lead the way.

Tastes | 62

Crisp, refreshing and good for you too, these salads are the perfect desk lunch or side dish.

Power Food | 68

62

The tasty little sunflower seed is good for your heart, your energy level and your immune system.

It’s worth the work of opening the hull.

22

Bar Tab | 69

The Late Summer Negroni combines the bittersweetness of Aperol with chamomile tea for a back porch cocktail to sip during a long summer.

Just Married | 78

This Old Tappan couple, engaged since April 2020, tied the knot on the grounds of their dream venue.

Gatherings | 86

Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.

A Bergen Moment | 88

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“Lots of fun, smiles and positive vibes” is how one mom sums up this sweet end-of-summer snap taken poolside in Montvale.

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North Jersey’s Premier Design Resource Experience the beauty of transformed light in our window fashions gallery, conveniently located just north of the Route 4 interchange along Route 17 North.

Karen Arakelian, President

Interactive displays and simulated light environments reveal how luxurious, intelligent shades can create the perfect ambiance. Stop by today to discover a world of design possibilities.

by White House Designs for Life 160 State Highway Route 17 North Paramus, NJ 07652 whdesignsforlife.com Ph 201 809 3012

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Ginger STORES Women, Children & Home

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APPAREL  ACCESSORIES  SHOES  GIFTS  HOME @gingerNcreamkids @gingerNcream f f 350-368 Center Avenue, Westwood NJ 201.664.2440

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Talk about feeling torn. Part of me yearns to wax poetic on this page about the delights of August—the lazy, hazy, beachy days of the year’s most laid-back month. This is our August issue, after all, and we’d be remiss if we missed this chance to celebrate the fun. So yes, enjoy! Experience a picnic in the park (page 18).

Hold a late-summer garage sale.

(We offer pointers on page 19.)

Commemorate the good times with a family picture, using a distinctive Bergen scene as your backdrop (page 20). You still have time to lie back in that beach chair, properly lotioned up, and to read one of the classics—or this issue.

But what’s this? Pages also brimming with talk of school and getting ready for fall? That other part of me, the dutiful look-ahead editor, knows that a “good living” magazine must acknowledge a reality: Summer’s date-stamp is approaching, and readers must prepare for the annual return of the autumnal routine.

That’s why it’s this issue that includes our High School Forum (page 38). For this project we gathered students from secondary schools all over Bergen County and invited them to sound off. It’s your chance to catch kids’ candid thoughts on school, friends, stress, online learning, social media, vaping, politics, school security and the stuff that even the best-intentioned parents, teachers, coaches and counselors don’t quite get.

We also offer welcoming (and reassuring) words from teachers (page 17), an elementary-school supply shopping list (page 17), a doctor’s back-to-school health checklist (page 36) and a Special Report (page 54) on a question vital to schools and other gathering places: Now that the pandemic is less of a crisis but new variants keep coming, do we wear a mask—or not?

Summer fun is also alive and well in our Escapes travel piece (page 52), which focuses on family-friendly attractions that are within an easy drive. But even here, I confess, we’ve sneaked in an educational agenda.

These destinations combine fun with a chance for your kids to learn— about turtles, for instance, and sharks and limestone caves and what it feels like to climb all over an honest-to-goodness battleship.

So can this issue be accused of having a split personality? Guilty, I guess. But keep this in mind: The knowledge that fall’s hurried pace is coming can only enrich our sense of the preciousness of these endof-summer days. That’s what is, and has always been, so special about August. It’s when we most cherish the summer—because of the goodbye to it that looms just ahead.

Good health and good times to you all!

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Also available at GingerNCream.com

{ EDITOR’S NOTE }

Rita Guarna Editor in Chief editor@wainscotmedia.com

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Certified for DOT physical exams Se habla español

englewoodhealth.org/urgent

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Editor in Chief RITA GUARNA Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS Lifestyle Editor HALEY LONGMAN

FDU prepares students for the

Contributing Editors LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF DONNA ROLANDO

real world.

At Fairleigh Dickinson University, we’re committed to helping students go from classroom to career with personal support and experience-based learning.

ART

Contributing Photographers CHRIS MARKSBURY, WING WONG PRODUCTION

Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE CIRCULATION

Circulation Manager KATHLEEN WENZLER

Visit our Open House and find out why 95% of our newly

enrolled students say they made the right choice in coming to FDU*!

FLORHAM CAMPUS Saturday, October 22 Saturday, December 10

SEND YOUR FEEDBACK AND IDEAS TO: Editor, BERGEN, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; fax 201.746.8650; email editor@wainscotmedia.com.

BERGEN assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.

METROPOLITAN CAMPUS Sunday, October 23 Sunday, December 11

BERGEN is published 12 times a year

by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. This is Volume 21, Issue 8. © 2022 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Bergen County: $14 for one year.

Single copies: $3.95. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

You’ll be able to: • Take

BE SOCIAL Join our online community!

LIKE us on Facebook: BergenMag FOLLOW us on Twitter: @BergenMag SEE our photos on Instagram: @BergenMagNJ VIEW our boards on Pinterest: HealthandLife

a campus tour

• Learn about our generous financial aid • Learn about our 100+ majors and over

40 add-on master’s degree options

Visit fdu.edu/openhouse to register.

*Kennedy & Company Education Strategies LLC. Fairleigh Dickinson University Survey of Admitted Students – Freshmen Results, September 2021.

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ARE YOU A BERGEN COUNTY RESIDENT?

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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Please contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to BERGEN, Circulation Department, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541; email kathy.wenzler@wainscotmedia.com.

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{ BERGEN BUZZ } OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

TAKE SCHOOL IN STRIDE

The new academic year isn’t quite here yet, but you can see it coming—and so can your kids. Doubtless they’re excited about the prospect of getting to hang out with their friends at lunch again, and seeing their favorite teachers. But are they a little stressed too? Maybe.

That’s why BERGEN has assembled a special faculty of five, quoted below, to assuage student anxieties.

These folks know what school is about, and while it’s not a constant party, it also shouldn’t be a cause of suffering. Here are words of reassurance—with only the tiniest bit of teachery propaganda thrown in: n “Mistakes are a part of learning. Most skills and concepts are not learned instantaneously and without error. Give yourself time to ask questions and practice what you were taught.”

—Denise Doyle, Oradell, high school math teacher n “I wish students understood how much their teachers care about them. I also wish they knew how useless TikTok is!”

—Julia Franz, Maywood, sixth grade language arts teacher n “High school is a time to learn to be independent, and it’s a great time to self-advocate. If you’re struggling in a class, talk to a teacher to set up a time for extra help. If you have a scheduling issue, reach out to your counselor—in person or via email. If you forget to do an assignment, or leave it at home, don’t expect your parents to do it or drop it off. If it affects your grade this time, it will teach you to be more responsible in the future.”

—Brenda Lyons, Westwood, high school guidance counselor n “One thing I would want students to know for the upcoming school year is that we value them not just as learners, but as individuals. Some of the best moments of my school day are when I get to chat with them about what’s going on in their lives. Whether they talked about how stressed they were for an upcoming test, reminisced about winning a championship soccer game or shared memories from big events, these chats always end with big laughs and a strong feeling of community, all while allowing them to further develop their speaking skills in Spanish.”

—Elena Spathis, Hillsdale, high school Spanish teacher n “When it comes to learning, remember the power of ‘yet.’ Tell yourselves, ‘I don’t understand it YET.’ We all struggle with something at some point, but this one word can help us stay positive and motivated.”

—Jennifer Lynn Golden, Westwood, 5–8 special education teacher

YOUR ELEMENTARY SHOPPING LIST

Did little Kyle and Miranda accidentally misplace their teachers’ school-supply shopping list? That doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. We’ve put together a checklist of must-haves for you and your elementary school student to follow as you navigate the aisles at Staples or Target. Remember, school supplies— from paper notebooks to notebook computers—will be tax-free in New Jersey from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5, but keep in mind that stock sells out quickly.

Backpack Lunchbox Water bottle Wide-lined notebook paper or spiral notebooks n Pocket folders n 12-inch ruler n Pencils n n n n

Pencil bag Erasers Colored pencils Crayons Washable markers n Glue sticks n Safety scissors n n n n n

n Tape n Construction paper n Tissues n Hand sanitizer n Cleaning wipes

DID YOU YOUKNOW? KNOW?More The than total141 number ofcards students enrolled in Bergen public schoolstoduring theat2020–21 academic year was DID million are sent for Mother’s DayCounty in the U.S., according the folks Hallmark.

But the holiday only ranks 131,386.

That was down overChristmas the previous to the followed state Department of Education. third on the listnumber of top greeting card2,831 holidays. topsschool the listyear, withaccording 1.6 billion cards,

by Valentine’s Day (151 million).

BERGENMAG.COM

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{ BERGEN BUZZ }

NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW LUNCH?

It can be hard to get kids to try a food they’re not used to.

But in a season of new—new classes, new teachers, new notebooks—can a new dish be slipped into the mix? Debbie Bessen and Tracee Yablon Brenner think so. They’re registered dietitians at Holy Name Medical Center’s Holy Name Nutrition Center in Teaneck, and BERGEN asked them for a lunch that hits the trifecta—healthy, easy to make and good-tasting too. Thus the recipe below.

“Hummus is a nourishing and delicious spread to introduce to your kids with some veggies in a wrap,” says Brenner. “You can add some fruit and pumpkin seeds to complete the meal.”

Mediterranean Veggie Wrap with Hummus Ingredients: n 1 large wrap or 2 slices whole grain or sourdough bread n ¹/ ³ cup hummus, store-bought n ¼ cup seedless cucumber, grated n ¼ cup carrot, grated n 1 piece roasted red pepper, drained Directions: Grate cucumbers and carrots, then mix into hummus.

Spread hummus on tortilla or bread.

Add roasted red peppers, roll up the wrap or, if using two slices of bread, add another slice of bread on top and cut in half.

IF YOU SPOT SPOTTED LANTERNFLIES… A spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a pretty sight if you haven’t seen one before. Go ahead and admire its colors for a second—then squish it, state environment officials say.

While harmless to us and our pets, the invasive species feeds on and can cause damage to native trees and crops. The state’s Department of Agriculture offers tips to anyone who sees these creatures: • Identify them. At this stage in late summer, SLF appear red with black splotches and white spots.

By early fall, they’ll grow white wings with black spots.

• Crush them. The easiest way to deal with an SLF is to step on or swat it. “Squish them wherever you find them,” says Don Torino, a local environmentalist and president of the Bergen County Audubon Society. “Squish what you can!” Kayakers, use those paddles to slap them out of the air, and hikers can do the same with

A PICNIC IN THE PARK

trekking poles. Be alert, though, as SLF move quickly.

• Trap them. These bugs favor the tree-of-heaven, a species commonly found in New Jersey.

If you have one on your property, consider wrapping it with a glue or sticky trap. Be sure to use wire or a mesh cage over the trap so that other animals like birds and squirrels won’t get caught.

• Exterminate them. Exterminator companies such as Viking Pest Control in Paramus offer several options to protect against SLF infestation, primarily through tree treatment. Spray treatment, for instance, acts like flea and tick protection for dogs.

• Report them. After killing the bugs, anyone who sees SLF is encouraged to report the sighting at nj.gov/agriculture.

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Maybe you and your crew have been eating alfresco all summer, as our county’s restaurants are stocked with great outdoor seating areas. But Aug. 31 is officially National Eat Outside Day, so that day’s meal(s) should be special—a picnic, perhaps?

Bergen is home to 21 county parks, many of which have picnic areas where you can sit and enjoy your sandwiches with a small group of pals, no questions asked. However, all the pavilions require permits no matter your party size, and most picnic spots— including Van Saun Park in Paramus, Veterans Memorial Park in Ridgefield Park and Carpenter’s Grove, just south of Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee—require permits for parties of 10 or more.

You can easily reserve a spot and pay your security deposit at bergencounty.service-now.com/parks. You just need to register through the portal once before logging in with your account.

Alternatively, you can print and fill out an application for a permit at co.bergen.nj.us and mail it to the county office in Hackensack.

Applications can take up to three weeks to process during summer, so keep that in mind before you mail out those party invitations or send those Evites. Questions? Call the county for details and fees at 201.336.7275.

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YOUR END-OFSUMMER SALE?

CULINARY CORNER You say tomato…

Trendy Palisades Park pizzeria Urban Tomato has expanded to Edgewater, bringing its menu of inventive pies, pastas, sides (mmm…truffle fries) and, of course, trendy teas and coffees to Bergen’s Gold Coast. Diners at the Edgewater location should expect the same quality ingredients used at the original joint, as well as specialty pizzas, including gluten-free cauliflower pies.

• Urban Tomato, 276 Old River Rd., Edgewater, 201.941.5001; urbantomatopizza.com

Craving Seoul food?

If you have a taste for Korean cuisine, head over to Mahwah and grab a seat at Prime No. 7. This traditional barbecue restaurant offers delicious cuts of short ribs, brisket, pork belly and chicken—all cooked in front of you on an induction grill. There are also dishes prepped in the kitchen: assorted apps, noodle and rice dishes. (Who wants some Galbi bibimbap?)

• Prime No. 7, 115 Franklin Tpke., Mahwah, 201.831.0040; primeno7.com

Terrace in Teaneck It’s baaack! The former Terrace Street Café in Haworth, which closed during the pandemic, has reopened as Terrace Café in Teaneck. And these folks haven’t missed a beat: The latest iteration of the eatery boasts similar offerings such as breakfast sandwiches, heroes, paninis (try the prosciutto di Parma!) and vegetarian options. It’s kid-friendly too: A full menu for little ones is available.

• Terrace Café, 1350 Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck, 201.338.4720

Saturday, August 13th is National Garage Sale Day. But whether you hawk your unwanted items in an end-of-summer sale or wait until fall, here are some pointers: • Pick the right date. Select days when family and friends are available to help, because holding a garage sale is a lot of work. Also think about scheduling it on the first weekend of the month—most people get paid at the end of the month, so they’ll have money to spend. But remember to check with your town first: Several municipalities—Garfield, Lodi and River Edge, for instance—require homeowners to obtain yard-sale permits.

• Stock up on supplies. Visit an officesupplies store (or even a dollar store) for pricing stickers and blank labels—or get creative with masking tape and a Sharpie.

Display your merchandise on folding tables, blankets, boxes and storage bins, and consider a separate table or area to cash people out.

• Prepare for payments. Speaking of cash, remember to have some small bills on hand to give customers change. And consider accepting digital payments. It’s easy for you (or your tech-savvy kid) to set up an app such as Venmo, Paypal or Square to collect

IS YOUR HOME FALL-READY? Autumn is coming—alas, it’s more than a rumor. To make sure your property is prepared, here are five things you should think about now before it gets nippy: • Your chimney: If you plan on lighting fires this season, have a pro come and inspect your chimney and fireplace to make sure they’re free of damage and thus safe for use.

The recommendation is to have it inspected after each 50 burns or so.

• Your gutters: The leaves will start coming down hard and fast in about a month; make sure your gutters are clear beforehand to avoid their getting clogged up by debris.

This also ensures they’ll drain water properly both inside and outside your home—that will ultimately prevent water damage in your foundation and in the basement.

• Your lawn: Before your fall cleanups, which ideally are weekly or so starting in mid-September, maintain your lawn by mowing weekly, whether or not it looks like it needs it. “This prevents the turf from growing abnormally and going to

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funds safely. You don’t want to lose out on a sale because someone isn’t carrying big bills.

• Price attractively. It’s OK to sell highpriced items, but don’t expect folks to pay retail prices. Buyers go to sales looking for deals, and you’re hoping to make a buck while clearing inventory. Don’t overprice.

• Showcase your stuff. Categorize your items appropriately. If possible, place items at different heights and display them in a way that makes sense. Hang better-quality clothing, place decorative pillows on a chair and use tables to display kitchen items.

Doing so makes buyers feel as though you care about and have taken good care of your things.

19

seed, which essentially means it wastes its strength growing tall instead of pushing out new roots and spreading horizontally,” says Michael M. Kukol, president of Horizon Landscape Company in Wyckoff. Kukol also recommends prepping grass at this time of year with a good-quality fertilizer, as well as spot treatments to control weed growth.

• Your outdoor furniture: Right around Labor Day or shortly thereafter, make sure your outdoor furniture is either shielded with a waterproof cover or taken inside completely.

Just because its outdoor furniture doesn’t mean it’s meant to withstand fall hurricanes and winter storms. You’ll also want to store all your kids’ outdoor toys inside a garage or shed, including water tables, inflatables, balls and motorized vehicles.

• Your roof: Inspect your roof for missing or loose shingles. Any kind of roof damage will be exacerbated by heavy rain, ice or snow.

Basically, if your roof functions properly, there’s a lower likelihood that your home will suffer water damage during the chilly season.

AUGUST 2022

7/14/22 11:36 AM

{ BERGEN BUZZ }

KUDOS

Read all about it Thousands of sports fans keep their eyes on the jumbotron in arenas like Prudential Center in Newark not just to watch the action, but to read about it too. Thanks in part to the ongoing efforts of Wood-Ridge resident and deaf sports junkie Gary Noll (top), live closed captions are becoming the norm on stadium scoreboards, giving hearingimpaired fans a chance to follow the action closely.

The Pru Center, home to the Devils and Seton Hall basketball, has four CC boards, while Rutgers’ Jersey Mike Arena and pro soccer facility Red Bull Arena in Harrison have two CC boards each. In New York, Madison Square Garden, UBS Arena, Belmont Park and others also have two CC boards each because of Noll’s advocacy.

“The more technology becomes available, the more I advocate,” says Noll, noting that he approaches guest services and fan experience departments to get started. “They are so nice to introduce me to others and give me the names of the right people to contact. The key is to stay patient and keep campaigning, stressing how important it is to have CC and live captions.”

Thank you for being a friend Recent Leonia High School grad Richard Cho (bottom) was a good student and standout athlete, but simply being a pal also helped him earn him a scholarship. The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation’s Class of 1964 Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded Cho a $1,000 prize for his academic achievement and his “ability to relate to everyone, be a true friend and be humorous.” Cho will attend The College of New Jersey this fall.

GET THE PICTURE

Why wait until fall to have your annual family photos taken?

August can be a great month for this—you’re nice and tan, everyone’s in a good mood (ideally) and photographers aren’t as booked up as they will be come September and October.

“In August, scheduling can be much more flexible, with kids home from school, and the summer blooms can be just as gorgeous as fall foliage,” says Alyson Barrow, owner of Alyson Barrow Photography in Oradell. “Also, the beach happens to be one of my favorite places to shoot.”

With that in mind, here are five Bergen backdrops:

PUPPY LOVE

• Davis Johnson Gardens (Engle Street and Westervelt Avenue, Tenafly) gives you options—pose in front of the gazebo or the greenhouse, on one of its many walking trails or near the famous sunken rose garden, which has become quite the tourist attraction.

Barrow notes that there’s also plenty of shade here for when you need a break from the blazing sun.

• Fort Lee Historic Park (Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee) is the place to be if you want the background of your photos to include views of the Hudson River, Upper Manhattan and the George Washington Bridge. Also check out the Englewood Boat Basin located within this park, which presents itself for even more on-the-water photos.

• Historic New Bridge Landing (1201 Main St., River Edge) was a key site in the Revolutionary War. Now, it’s a landmark that doubles as a hot spot for photo ops. Settle down for snaps near its rustic red barn, a wooded porch or the walking bridge overlooking the Hackensack River. Adds Barrow: “Golden hour, the hour before sunset, is absolutely gorgeous at this location.” (And at that time it’s not quite as hot.)

• Ramapo Valley County Reservation (608 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah) is the biggest county park—most residents go here to hike or camp out, in part because it’s quite picturesque. Choose a cozy spot on the grass, in the woods or by the water for your family’s shoot overlooking the Ramapo Mountains.

• Zabriskie Pond Park (417 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff) is primarily bordered by residential homes, but that’s part of what makes this fishing pond charming. It’s small, but there are plenty of spots to choose from, including a gazebo, a covered bridge and park benches.

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Dog: Brandi, 8-month-old Bernedoodle Owners: The Hartensvelds of Wyckoff More than a year after their beloved shih-tzu Shelby passed, Lisa and Brian Hartensveld decided it was time to enjoy doggy love again. The empty nesters knew a Bernedoodle was in their future because the breed is known for being great family dogs. And Lisa knew she found “the one” when she located Brandi in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, a place her grandmother used to take the family for vacation. “I knew when we drove up to the house and I saw the horse and buggy in the driveway, I was in the right place to find my pup,” says Lisa.

Brandi has been perfect ever since, becoming a loyal lap dog and friend to all who visit. “She wants to be as close to you as she can possibly get and will follow you from room to room,” Mom says. “She loves to meet people, and she will stand on her hind legs and jump slowly toward the person, almost like a pogo stick, because she is so excited to meet someone.” When Brandi isn’t sitting on her family’s laps and greeting others, she’s off on adventures at Russell Farms Community Park in Wyckoff and on nearby lakes. “She’s the first mate on our pontoon boat!”

Lisa says.

Want to see your puppy or kitten in an upcoming issue? Email a brief description and photo of your pet to editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@ wainscotmedia.com.

20

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{ YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS }

Mother Of Invention

An Elmwood Park mom dreamed of opening a business, but never imagined that something she designed would be the key.

Making empanadas for a party sounds like fun—until it’s time to seal them, and then it’s a struggle. Elmwood Park resident Hipatia Lopez, a 45-year-old mother of three, is not the cook in the family; it’s husband Henry who makes empanadas for their many get-togethers. That’s why the tedious task of sealing the treats fell to her. And that’s how she devised a better way: the Empanada Fork, a pastry press that makes fork-like impressions on dough.

This award-winning owner of the company H. L. Unico LLC has two design patents for the Empanada Fork and another for Pastry Filling Stampers, which mark what’s inside: beef, pork, cheese or veggie. As an inventor, Lopez encroached upon a male-dominated world, and now she’s on a mission to encourage other gals, particularly Latinas, to do the same. If something’s a hassle in the kitchen, look for Lopez to turn necessity into another invention.

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Did you ever imagine yourself as an inventor and business owner?

I did always want to be a business owner of some kind when I graduated William Paterson University in 1999 with an accounting degree. But inventor was not on my list because I didn’t realize I could be.

What experience led to the creation of the Empanada Fork?

Definitely frustration in the kitchen. I was hosting parties, and empanadas were always on the menu because my husband Henry cooks really well. So, I thought there had to be a way the process of closing them could go faster.

We were making 100 [for holidays], and I had a kid on each side of the table with a fork trying to close them. Normally you use a regular fork and when you do, depending on the size of the pastry, it takes a good 10 stamps. It’s time-consuming, and your thumbs hurt from pressing down so much.

What did you decide to do?

I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. I thought it [the Empanada Fork] existed. [On the internet] I couldn’t find anything remotely helpful. I kept thinking “What if…?”

When it hit you that you had an invention, what was your first challenge?

I did my best to put something on paper. The patent attorney had an architect who helped me design it. I had to give him measurements and make sure it would fit the regular-size empanada.

What hurdles did you encounter going from invention to ready-to-sell product?

It was the manufacturing part of it. I originally wanted it made in the U.S., but it was way too expensive. So my products come from China.

What was your first big break in marketing?

When I decided to go after online stores as opposed to physical stores, I got in. It’s all about education as well. I called it the Empanada Fork, which is good, but also confusing. They thought I was a restaurant trying to sell empanadas. I’m strictly a utensil.

How has your company grown?

It’s small, just me and my son Marcos, who helps me through the computer and advertising. I have stores that are linked to my website, empanadafork. com. I was shipping to individual customers in the first two years, but once I was able to get into the first store, Chef Central, then I would encourage customers to go strictly to the store.

Tell us what sparked your second invention.

It was maybe four years later, after I did the Empanada Fork. My oldest son happened to be lactose-intolerant and couldn’t have cheese. You couldn’t tell what the filling was. That’s how I had my idea for the second product. Years later I said, “What if there was a stamp so you could stamp what it is [inside]?”

As an award-winning female entrepreneur, what makes you successful?

The first thing, I would say, after I became an entrepreneur was going to events surrounding myself with other entrepreneurs who would mentor me and inspire me that it’s possible. I met the owners of Goya, who gave me a lot of good advice, and UPS, who helped me understand how to ship. I was a little overwhelmed in the beginning.

How have you expanded your mission?

Through the journey I’ve discovered that women inventors are not that many, so now I’m on a mission to inspire other women. Women in general have been 7 percent [of inventors] for a long time, and Latinas not even 1 percent.

Why are the numbers so low?

I’m thinking, honestly, fear. But I’m a regular mom—anyone can invent. You just need a good product and to follow through.

—Donna Rolando

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GARDENING LOWERS STRESS

People who gardened for at least 30 minutes weekly had lower body mass indexes (BMIs) than nongreen thumbs. In addition, they had lower levels of stress and more self-esteem.

{ HEALTH NEWS } METABOLISM UPDATE Metabolic rates stay the same in our 40s and 50s as they did in our 20s, according to a study published last year. It’s not until age 60 that the rate begins to drop at .07 percent yearly, contributing to weight gain in older adults.

—Journal of Public Health

VIRUS AFFECTS MALE FERTILITY

Initial research has found that COVID-19 can impair fertility because it can change the levels of protein in semen, affecting sperm count and motility. While study authors note that larger studies are needed, participants in the study were also found to have fewer normally shaped sperm compared with men who hadn’t had the virus.

—ACS Omega

120

The number of minutes spent outdoors weekly it takes to improve your health.

—Science

RED WINE REDUCES COVID RATES

—Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

A study of close to 3,000 adults found that those who repeatedly tried to lose weight were most likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) than those without prior attempts.

—University of Eastern Finland

CANCER AND FERTILITY

Research has found that male testicular tissue that’s cryopreserved can be reimplanted after more than 20 years and will go on to make viable sperm. That’s good news for young men facing cancer treatment.

—PLOS Biology

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A brisk 15-minute walk can reduce anxiety, especially if it’s in nature. Research shows walking among trees lowered subjects’ anger and anxiety and increased their sense of well-being more than those people who enjoyed a city stroll.

BMI AND WEIGHT LOSS ATTEMPTS

A recent study of 480,000 adults ages 49 years and older found that subjects who drank one to two glasses of red wine daily had a 10 to 17 percent lower risk of contracting the coronavirus than nondrinkers. Adults who drank white wine had a 7 to 8 percent lower risk. Infection rates were higher in both beer and spirits drinkers: 28 percent in beer drinkers and 9 percent in those who drink hard alcohol. There was no difference, however, in mortality rates among the subjects.

—Frontiers in Nutrition

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WALK OFF ANXIETY

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7WAYS

TO GET YOUR KIDS SCHOOLREADY

Buying fresh notebooks and rulers isn’t enough. A pediatrician offers tips.

By Haley Longman

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{ YOUR HEALTH }

The camp trunks are unpacked and back in the attic, the school in enclosed spaces really increases.” Keep in mind, however, that supplies are purchased, the classrooms have been located. But are your though these vaccines will lessen the degree of symptoms and the children really ready to get back to the books? When BERGEN sought risk of hospitalization and death from coronavirus, “infections do still out Irene Shevelev, M.D., a pediatrician at Valley Pediatrics in Ho-Hooccur, and appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid infection, Kus and Ramsey, she shared the end-of-summer checklist she uses particularly when there is a risk of exposing someone who is immunoto help parents be sure their kids are in tip-top shape physically and compromised.” She adds: “That said, once they’re protected, let your emotionally for the return to classrooms. kids be kids!”

“It’s important to have a child who is well-rested and ready to tackle • Serve healthy food. It wouldn’t be summer without hot dogs and the school year,” says the doctor. Here are the seven ways she suggests ice cream, but hopefully these haven’t been a steady diet for your to help ensure that your pre-schooler, teen or in-between is well tribe. In any case, it’s time to establish or confirm a healthy food prepared for academic year 2022–2023: routine. Dr. Shevelev advises balancing such special treats with nu• Schedule physicals. Children should get a physical exam by their tritious, home-cooked meals to ensure children are getting a wellpediatrician every year. Some parents time the annual physical to their balanced diet. Water consumption is important too; kids 4-8 should children’s birthdays, while others schedule them before school consume 5 cups of liquid (water and/or milk) a day, and starts to make sure they’re up-to-date on all required tests. children 9+ should aim for 7-8 cups daily. For tweens and “Physicals are our opportunity to take time to examine teens who are active in sports or really exerting themeach child holistically,” says Dr. Shevelev. “We check selves outside in the summer, replenish electrolytes physical, mental and emotional development, discuss with Gatorade as well. “Have your kids spend as concerns with children and their parents and have a much time as they can outside, soaking up the sun, chance to catch issues before they become problems.” running around and keeping active,” says the doctor, Annual physicals routinely include vision screening “and the balance will in most cases work itself out.” and hearing screening as well; these start at 6 months • Ease fears. It’s normal for kids of all ages to have some of age and 3 years, respectively. apprehension about starting a new academic year. It • Stay up-to-date on vaccinations. Many of the helps to ease that anxiety if parents cast the school year vaccines required by schools in the State of New in a positive light, focusing on aspects of school that your Jersey starting in kindergarten—including DTaP, child enjoys most, whether that’s a particular academic Irene Shevelev, M.D. polio, MMR and hepatitis B—are given in a subject, sports, the arts or being with friends. However, multi-part series over the course of many visits (and several says Dr. Shevelev, “if you find your child is really dreading school, it may years). As long as you stay up-to-date with your pediatribe time to get your pediatrician and/or school involved” to make sure cian’s immunization schedule, Dr. Shevelev notes, you there isn’t an underlying medical, social or academic issue that needs to won’t run into any surprises before the school year be addressed before September. officially begins. As kids get older, you may want to • Get back into a sleep schedule. Waking up early for school is immunize your child with additional vaccines that are tough—even tougher after having a not-as-rigid schedule all summer. important but aren’t necessarily mandated, such as That’s why it’s best to start kids on their “normal” routines about meningitis B. “I advise almost any teenager heading two weeks before school begins, if possible, which is usually that off to college to consider meningitis B vaccination,” in-between time in late August after camp and before school. “Opsays our doc. “There have been too many avoidtimally, this means timing meals and sleep every day as if it were a able outbreaks over the years in dorms, and this school day,” says our expert, “targeting real bedtimes that allow kids vaccination is a really simple way to avoid needuntil about age 5 10 to 12 hours of sleep and older children nine to 10 less tragedy.” Talk to your practitioner about what hours before they need to wake up in time to catch the bus.” Expect other shots your child may benefit from. pushback, she says, but remember that starting this transition early • Stay informed about the COVID-19 vaccine. In makes the eventual start of school less of a shock to the system. It June, the Food and Drug Administration approved also lowers the likelihood of exhaustion; distracted, overly tired kids the COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to children are more prone to getting sick the very first week back, the doc says. ages 6 months to 5 years. Do your research on the topic before book• Savor the moment. Think about it this way—you only have ing your appointment at your pediatrician’s office, a local hospital or 18 summers with your kids before they’re (hopefully) off on their a local pharmacy. For example, note the differences between Pfizer’s own, so try to find time to kick back, take it all in and enjoy. “You and Moderna’s vaccines when it comes to the timing of full immunity certainly need to prepare your kids and yourself for school, but don’t and the limitations of each vaccine. Additionally, Moderna is given in forget to get outside and enjoy the fresh air—throw a ball, go for a two doses over four weeks, while Pfizer is given three times, accordswim, host a barbecue,” Dr. Shevelev says. (And P.S.: Don’t forget ing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, Dr. Shevthe sunscreen!) It’s also important to keep reading to and with your elev adds, “Make sure you start the series early enough so that your kids, which she says is “one of the best ways to help them learn and kids are fully immune before school, when their time around people develop while strengthening your bond with them.”

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{ SCHOOL DAZE }

TEENS SPEAK THEIR MINDS A chat with 11 high school seniors-to-be yields thoughts about vaping, cheating, learning online and having to compete for those precious slots at the college of one’s choice. By Rita Guarna

People who look back on their high school years as uncomplicated bliss are telling themselves a giant whopper.

But even they, if they trod those hallways some decades ago, didn’t have to contend with today’s confusing mix of social media, a worldwide pandemic, online learning, school shootings in the news and unprecedented polarization.

How are today’s students coping? It’s become an annual BERGEN tradition (though it took a pandemic pause last

year) to find out. So, in anticipation of the new school year, our editors gathered 11 kids from 11 different high schools, public and parochial, and more or less pleaded that they politely sound off. Most were rising seniors, and we asked them about the issues they face in their lives. For once there were no wrong answers. (There were, however, long ones— and we confess to having edited for length.) We figure it’s a chance for adults, in turn, to “listen”—and learn.

OUR FORUM MEMBERS

MODERATOR: Rita Guarna Editor in Chief, BERGEN

Christina Vitale Park Ridge High School

Isabella Galan Immaculate Heart Academy BERGENMAG.COM

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Benjamin Leynse Leonia High School

Hayden Bratspies Glen Rock High School

Amy Kimel Pascack Hills High School

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David Polli Bergen Catholic High School

Lauren Zawadzki Pascack Valley High School

Naomi Roth River Dell High School BERGENMAG.COM

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Frederick Vasquez Bergenfield High School

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Shivani Sahu Academy of the Holy Angels

Sarah Walsh Emerson High School

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{ SCHOOL DAZE } Rita: What stresses you guys out?

Isabella: Being a teenager in general, especially during this time, can be very, very stressful. There’s a lot of pressures on everyone to just perform really well. I’m pretty sure everyone here are very high achievers and want to do the best that we possibly can. One thing my school did that helped us was, during finals week and midterms week, they brought in therapy dogs and we got to pet them and relax during our lunch period. For me, I also created a podcast called “Be Well” where I talk about mindfulness and mental health.

Christina: I definitely agree with Isabella. I’ve always had high expectations for myself. I’ve always taken honors level AP classes, and I feel it’s very important to find that balance between taking care of yourself and succeeding. Mental health is something I dealt with a lot in high school. I learned to finally manage it and really take care of myself. One thing that definitely helped me a lot is that I’m very bold with my faith. I’m a Christian, and I am the leader of this group called Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Park Ridge High School. It’s a great group where you can talk about how God has been working in your lives. It brings a lot of solace to me.

Shivani: We’re expected to act like adults, but not treated like adults. We’re given a taste of independence, not fully independent, and you really have to find your way to navigate this. I know many of us probably have jobs outside of school. I am an actor and model. I’m with the SAG AFTRA union, so I go on auditions.

Pre-pandemic I would go into the city a lot, and I also have my own nonprofit that I work on, and then all my extracurriculars in school and outside of school plus staying on top of school.

You really have to balance so much and this can come at a cost. For me, it’s been sleep. We do have a 55-minute, built-in time called Community Time. There would be, like, a study hall or we have Wellness Wednesdays, where we would do wellness activities like bracelet making or show a movie. That really helps us also come together as a community, especially given the pandemic. We’ve been online for so long, it’s great to be back in person.

Rita: Is there competition for coveted positions within the school?

Sarah: Competition is a really big part of high school in both positive and negative ways. It can motivate you to be a better version of yourself; at the same time it does sometimes add onto the pile of stress. It’s really easy to compare yourself to other people, even on a Zoom call. I’m surrounded by all these really successful people.

I think one of the most stressful or unanticipated aspects of high school for me has just been accepting that sometimes I will be stressed.

Maybe a class or test is going to be harder than others. Maybe someone is going to do better than me at something. And knowing to reach out to the people around me—my teachers, my coaches, my classmates—because they’re all ultimately there to help.

David: Going to an all-boys school at Bergen, boys have a very competitive nature, and so we have a lot of competition, whether on the athletic field or in the classroom. You know, all trying to get into really good colleges and have the best high school experience we can. I wouldn’t say that it’s a negative or positive at Bergen. I would say it’s just a driving force of the culture. We just had our student elections. I ran for president, and I came in second. I think the winners are awesome people and that either way, or even if, you know, the third or fourth or whatever were elected, it would have been a

“There always has

to be a ‘winner,’ but I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. I mean, some of the greatest innovations have been born out of competition. The big thing is about balancing.”

—Ben Leynse

great opportunity for the entire school. But it’s just, you know. You want to win; you want to do the best you can.

Ben: There always has to be a “winner,” but I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. I mean, some of the greatest innovations have been born out of competition. The big thing is about balancing.

Amy: I do understand what Benjamin is saying. Competition is healthy, but sometimes it becomes very overwhelming. If you’re trying to get into this college and everyone else is fighting for your spot in that one college and that one field you want to major in, it becomes very overwhelming to you personally.

Hayden: Part of the reason that as high schoolers our nature is so competitive relates to the college admissions process. There are a specific number of spots, and we’re all looking for the factor that’s going to make us stand out. But one of the things at Glen Rock that I’m appreciative of is that I found such a good friend group and teachers that are so supportive. We’re so celebratory of each other’s accomplishments.

Naomi: At our school a lot of the competition circulates around grades. There’s a lot of gossip around how well you do on different exams in comparison to everyone else. But last year, what I really appreciated was my World Civ teacher.

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He allowed us to take quizzes and other tests through group work. He would split us up into breakout rooms and we would actually take these assessments together. It was really great because it felt—I think for a lot of students there was a lot of issues at our school with, like, cheating—or there wasn’t a lot of issues, but I think in order to kind of lift that guilt or lift that sense of uncomfortableness off students, our teacher allowed us to do that, which was great because it put everybody in the same boat and allowed us to want to do well for each other and ourselves as well.

Rita: Are you so set on specific colleges that if you don’t get there, you’re going to be heartbroken?

Shivani: For me personally, one of the hard truths that I had to grapple with is you can have a dream college but you shouldn’t, for lack of better words, put all your eggs in one basket.

Like we said, the college admissions process, the student is one part of it, but then there’s also other students. There’s a college itself. There’s their pool. If they had too many applicants the previous year, if they need people to go international, it all really depends. My older brother was a senior in high school last year, so I had a firsthand glance at the college experience.

College is a variable process, so I won’t have my heart set. Wherever you end up, it’s what you make of it.

Lauren: I’m the oldest in my family, so I’m the first one going through this process. It’s just hard because, uhm—it’s like a big business for colleges, just like advertising and things.

But you don’t really know what the college is about, so it’s just hard to get that sense until you visit. And scheduling tours is really stressful, especially with me. I’m really busy, like I do spring sports and I have work on the weekend so it’s just not a lot of time to do these things.

Rita: One of you mentioned cheating. How prevalent would you say cheating is?

Sarah: From my experience in classrooms, I would say, unfortunately, cheating is a really big aspect of high school. For me it comes down to integrity. I don’t feel comfortable ever, like, cheating on anything, but I have friends or I’ve heard people talking about—even last year with AP exams, they’re taken at home virtually on the computer. Everyone is talking about, like, “Oh, it’s so easy to cheat.”

Ben: Two points. The scope of it has really been exacerbated by COVID and being at home. However, I still think that in looking at the whole thing about cheating, you have to ask yourself the question, “Why are people doing this?” And if you do, you really find that it’s most likely the reason why you would cheat.

The reason why you would put your academic integrity on the line is because in the minds of those students, grades really do weigh that much. I think that kind of speaks to the overemphasis that we put on grades and your class rank and all that.

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Rita: If you’ve made the decision not to cheat, and you have this moral compass that says “I’m not going to do it” but you’re surrounded by it, it’s putting you at a disadvantage and you have to make your peace with that, right?

Fred: Eventually you’re going to need to actually know how to do something—like if you’re taking a bio class and you want to become a doctor. So, like, when I’m taking a test and I get tempted, I just think, “When am I going to learn how to do it?”

Hayden: I one hundred percent agree with what Fred is saying, and I don’t think cheating is that prevalent of an issue currently at Glen Rock. Definitely during COVID [it was] a big issue, but we are all back in person. I mean it is high school and there is always going to be cheating. But for me, I’m going to have a bigger payoff from studying than they would from cheating.

Lauren: I’m in a lot of honors and AP; these people take it seriously, but for a lot of the assignments I know people who help each other out and kind of share answers. But I feel like you don’t really understand or process the information when someone’s just feeding you the answers. Especially with math—math is something I struggle with.

Christina: I know it’s a cliche, but you’re really only cheating yourself. I mean, I want to pursue a career in accounting, and if I were to cheat off all of my, like, accounting exams, how am I going to know how to handle the books of a company or tell them how accurate their financials are? I know I’ve definitely been in situations where people have cheated and done better than me on an exam when I didn’t cheat.

And yeah, that

might sting a little and might cut a little deep, but I know that I have more of a moral compass and more integrity than those people ever will.

David: I have, like, super-hard classes and sometimes people need to cheat to get by because you know they didn’t really put the effort in. But honestly, I do take a little bit of pride in scoring relatively well on a super-hard test when other people cheat. If someone else gets a 96 and cheats and I got an 89 but, like, I was the only one in the class who didn’t cheat, that really gives me a lot of self-confidence.

Amy: I love what everyone is saying, and I know we’re talking a lot about this year, but I wanted to see if we could revisit last year online. Cheating was rampant; it was everywhere. It seemed like the easy, shortterm solution. But everyone who cheated

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last year is having a difficult time returning to in-person school. Especially things like chemistry and algebra. You’re having a very hard time this year because you don’t have the foundation of last year.

Rita: You mention online learning. Talk a little bit about what you missed. I have to imagine that the social aspect was really, really challenging.

Christina: I’m a person that benefits having a good relationship with my teachers and being able to ask for help. It is much easier to go up to, let’s say, a math teacher and say, “I don’t know how to do this problem. Could you explain to me?” than having to show it over, like, a Google Meet—or “Here, let me share my screen.” That could also like translate into the college process. So I’d like to have a smaller university where I can be more in touch with my professors. I did my whole sophomore year virtually. I didn’t go in person at all, and it got very difficult to, you know, be in my room for hours upon hours on end. Going back into school made me realize how much I took it for granted. Every time I said, “Man, I don’t want to get up and go to school today.”

Every single day during the pandemic I was saying, “Man, I wish I could get up and go into school!” So it taught me to take advantage of what I have.

And now I’m very appreciative to be in school with my friends and my teachers.

Isabella: My sophomore year, we did our cohort schedule, and then by the end of the year we were able to go back full time.

But we were only going in for, like,

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{ SCHOOL DAZE } half a day, so we got to leave at like 12:45 and we didn’t have lunch at all. So we never got to have that experience throughout my whole sophomore year of getting to sit with your friends at lunch and just talk about how your day was going. It would be during those quick breaks in between classes where you would have to FaceTime them. Zoom, like she was saying it was very draining. Your eyes are staring at a screen for hours on end in the same spot. And it was so easy to just pull over your phone for a second just to answer a quick text message. You didn’t get that rigor like I was used to my freshman year. And it seemed like fun at first when we didn’t have to go in to school. But then, as it just kept going on and on and the day never changed, it felt just like you were stuck in like this time loop. It just became so mentally and physically draining. And now that we have been able to go back full-time, it was kind of like a wake-up call at first, and it took some adjusting. But the teachers were very, very aware of that.

Rita: What about drugs? Is that an issue at your schools?

Naomi: Vaping is very, very prevalent. We actually had an assembly last week with the guest speaker who presented us with different facts about the harms of vaping.

Rita: Would you say it’s a coping thing, a coolness thing, relaxation? What is it?

Naomi: I see it happen a lot in the bathroom and I’m not really sure if that’s them trying to express their coolness or it’s a coping mechanism. I don’t know, ’cause I personally I don’t do that.

Fred: In my school at Bergenfield, drugs are not really like that big of a problem, but vaping is definitely a really big problem, not just in the bathrooms but, like, outside the school.

I always see kids during lunch go into their car and start vaping.

Ben: It definitely, like, ruins the bathroom. It smells bad and it’s terrible for the students. The schools are kind of paralyzed in what they can do to combat it besides a detector. At least for our school, the security guards couldn’t go into the bathrooms, so it’s an interesting dynamic because it’s harder for the school to properly react. I think that’s why part of the problem still exists—because it’s just so easy.

Rita: Have there been changes in your school regarding diversity, in light of everything that’s been going on in the country? Do you feel your student population is accept-

Rita: That’s really good to hear. So would you guys say that you can’t identify certain students who are made to feel like pariahs?

Hayden: Pretty much what Sarah was saying. Glen Rock offers an Alliance Club, we have a Black Student Union, a Jewish Student Union.

There’s all these resources for kids to join. If they identify that way, or if they just want to know more or are an ally, we have a day of silence in support of the LGBTQ community. I can’t speak for everybody, but I would say for the majority we’re all very accepting and just try to make sure everybody feels comfortable.

Rita: What about bullying?

We still hear about instances where a young person felt the need to take his or her life as a result of not being able to deal with certain pressures from their peers.

David: Yeah, I think bullying is a high school thing because teenagers—Amy made a really great point earlier about everybody always comparing themselves and competing with the person next to them, even though that’s not really what you have to do. Bullying is about not feeling great about yourself, so you take it out on somebody else. At Bergen we are so lucky compared to public high schools.

It’s all guys who already genuinely

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ing of different backgrounds, whether they be religious preferences, political preferences, sexual orientation?

Sarah: At least in my school, we’re a very welcoming environment. And just from what I’ve seen, a lot of people feel really comfortable expressing who they are, whether through their clothing, their makeup, anything of that sort.

We have what’s called Unity Club, which brings attention to different backgrounds, cultures, religions, sexual orientations. And that’s really helped to give a voice to some people who maybe in past generations, maybe five to ten years ago, wouldn’t have been as comfortable expressing themselves as they are today.

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have personal relationships with each other, so I can’t say there’s any real bullying.

Isabella: Yeah. So, like David, but on the other end, I go to an all-girls school, so there are always going to be those social cliques—even at a coed school—where everyone will just find their group and stay with each other. And that’s normal, and that’s O.K. So, like, the people I surround myself with are maybe different than the person next to me in my English class, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have an overall respect for one another.

Lauren: Although bullying seems to calm down a little bit—like, the intensity of it—I feel like sometimes people throw shade. Or throw certain comments that are kind of hurtful. It can really hurt someone. People will be like, “Oh, it was a joke!” But sometimes it’s not really a joke. Sometimes people take it seriously.

Rita: How comfortable do you feel saying, “Gee, that really wasn’t cool?”

Christina: It’s really hard to speak up and say that’s not really cool. It’s really hard to stick up for yourself and say, “Oh, that really made me upset” or “I’m not very thrilled that you said that.” And I think this creates a culture of then going to somebody else and saying, “You know what? I feel this way, but I didn’t actually say it.” And then it turns into “So-and-so said this, so-and-so said this-and-so.” Being in a small school, word spreads quickly. And although I go to a high school that builds itself on the values of respect and kindness, you know here’s always going to be those people who are going to intentionally try to tear others down.

But back to like your question about, like, how you respond to that. It’s very difficult, and some people are fortunate enough to be able to do that, to be able to go up to somebody and say, “Hey, I don’t think that’s really cool.” I give them a lot of credit, and we should strive to be those people, because you’re taking a big risk.

Shivani: I also go to a small school. We have less than 130 kids, so word does spread quickly.

One of the values that we are taught is if we see something, say something, and we’re obviously always told not to bully. I was really nervous about the bullying. My middle school graduating class was seven kids, and I’m only five-foot-two. I’m Indian. I’m Hindu. I’m going to this Catholic school with the demographic that’s a little bit different than mine, so I was nervous about the bullying, but I have only been met with kindness and acceptance. I’m part of our Asian American Cultural Club, and we have a director of diversity, equity and inclusion. So I think the inclusivity at my school definitely overpowers the bullying. The bullying more rests in rumors and exclusion, but I always try my best. We have big lunch tables, so I try to invite people over, but I won’t say that it doesn’t happen.

Rita: Given what’s going on in the news today, do you guys ever feel unsafe?

Naomi: Yeah, it’s a really hard and horrible

thing to have to wrap my head around. This morning, actually, we received an email from our principal regarding new safety precautions about entrances and where drop-off locations will be if students forget items at home. That has definitely worked to make me feel more safe.

Shivani: We have two separate buildings connected by one breezeway, and we need an ID to get in and out of that hallway. We also have multiple people watching on cameras the entirety of the school. So that has given me a lot of comfort. And we do lockdown drills, fire drills, all of that, and my school is directly across from the town of Alpine, which is known for its

“Cheating was rampant; it was everywhere. It seemed like the easy, shortterm solution. But everyone who cheated last year is having a difficult time returning to in-person school.”

—Amy Kimel affluency. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t worry about that, just as a rational person. Even when I go to the movies, I will scope out an exit.

Especially once you hear of a new mass shooting, it’s definitely at the forefront of my mind.

Hayden: Naomi put it perfectly. It’s a frustrating thing to have to wrap your mind around, especially that it keeps happening. At Glen Rock they do work hard to keep us safe. We have a security guard posted by our main entrance. We have security cameras with people watching them. Our doors and gates are locked. But you know, all the schools where it’s happened— they’ve tried to be safe too. And it’s almost like we can’t do anything about it. I mean, we can’t vote yet.

Ben: When I first started knowing about it, which was probably with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas [High School in Florida in February 2018], I was, like, almost enraged that something like this could happen in a place of learning. I think the scary thing for me is that as it’s gone on you worry less and less. People are like, “Oh, there’s just another one.” You become desensitized.

Rita: Yeah, which is really scary.

Ben: As for my school, I think I’ve overall felt pretty safe. But it’s a scary thing to know that you live in a world where you have to think about that.

Amy: It’s terrifying. It’s wrong that this is normalcy—for us to have to go to school with this BERGENMAG.COM

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fear in the back of our head. Each time I turn on the news, the fear just continuously grows.

One day in school the administration brought in buckets of emergency protocol items like toilet paper and water bottles in case we did have a lockdown that lasted several hours.

Rita: Oh, my God. Amy: I never thought that this could happen to us until I did see these buckets come in. Then I was like, “This can happen to us, even though we live in such a great area.”

Lauren: Amy and I are in the same district, or we’re in very close districts. So I go to Pascack Valley and she goes to Hills, and our school as well has those buckets. They’re called emergency sanitation buckets.

David: At Bergen Catholic I know I have really great protectors in the staff that are teaching me. These teachers protect us like we’re their kids, they put so much time and effort into us. Some of these teachers really would risk their life.

Christina: I do feel safe each and every day at Park Ridge, but that doesn’t stop me from necessarily worrying every day that something so horrible like what happened in Texas could happen to us.

Isabella: May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and on the last day we all wore green to bring awareness about it, and we had a mental health quote said every day on our morning TV show that we host. Also, what we did after the Uvalde shooting was, myself and five other juniors, my best friends, we ran a prayer service— completely student-run—to honor each and every life that was lost at that shooting. And I’m so glad that my school was able to support us. Then today we were able to raise money.

Since we wear uniforms at school, we all got to dress down in orange, which is the color for gun violence prevention, and we donated $5 or more, which we’re going to send directly to the families of the victims and a banner as well to the whole school.

Rita: We did a special report a month or so ago about mental health, especially among teens. So I’m curious to know if you feel you’re supported by your schools regarding mental health.

Christina: Park Ridge High School is 7th through 12th; it’s junior/senior, so I never really understood the importance of mental health.

Then I started taking very difficult classes and doing a lot of extracurriculars and it took a toll on me mentally. I didn’t know how to balance my school life and my personal life. Park Ridge High School does a great job of reaching out in terms of helping people with their mental health. And I think the biggest lesson that I have learned— throughout my entire life, even—is that it is OK to ask for help, and it’s OK to not be OK. We have the Special Services Department—Mr. Yeager, our school psychologist counselor. He’s a great guy and he worked so hard to really help everybody; his days are jam-packed busy all the

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{ SCHOOL DAZE } time and he does a great job of reaching out to the students and really helping them.

Lauren: As someone who struggles with mental health, it can be hard to be aware of when you need to, like, take a break from something. You can get into cycles where you feel stressed or unmotivated, and it’s hard to vocalize that with teachers, because a lot of the times it sounds like an excuse, which is obviously something you never want to do.

We have a Wellness Center in our school; it’s a place where you can go, you can be excused from class and take a break and just talk to a counselor.

Shivani: I know for me personally, realizing the importance of mental health was something I struggled with. I think I got caught up in hustle culture—“Oh, I only slept four hours last night, but I’m going and I’m doing this”—and it almost becomes like you’re proud of yourself for it. I know that became really, like, part of my life. It’s not something that my school fosters, but I think it’s just something that we as teens foster in ourselves, especially if we create our own sense of self-competition and we’re trying to better ourselves. April was a very interesting month for me because I was studying abroad over spring break in Oxford, and then as soon as I came back I only had one week to study for APs and then I was competing in the DECA [formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America] International Career Development Conference the following week. And then I had prom the same day that I flew back from Georgia. It was just incredibly intense.

Isabella: Like Shivani said, she’s incredibly busy and I can a hundred percent relate. And one thing that was really positive was my guidance counselor. Like, she’ll reach out and ask for periodic meetings. She called me in for a meeting a few weeks ago because I had just won the title of Miss New Jersey Teen USA, so it was a lot of pressure that I was adding on top of my already really heavy workload and a lot of clubs that I’m head of, and she called me in and I sat down and she asked me, “Are you O.K.? Are you sure you’re not taking on too much?”

I used to be a competitive dancer on top of all of that, and in October I was like, enough was enough. I would cry every day to go to dance ’cause I had so much homework and it was not healthy for me at all. She was always there to listen to me and to let me just speak my truth and what I was feeling and I never felt judged.

It has allowed me to make many more sound decisions that didn’t make me feel guilty, like I was quitting something, or that I wasn’t strong enough mentally to handle it. It was more that I was just leaving some toxic part of my life and finding that outlet.

Rita: How many hours of sleep do you get each night?

Fred: Four to five. I do a lot of sports, so usually I wake up at around 7, have school from 8 to 3, then I usually have practice from 3 to 6, and if

I have, like, a track meet or a game, then sometimes I’ll get home even later. It’s 7, 7:30, and then I’ll be starting my homework around 8 or 9. But before, like, I used to work during the week. So now I only work on the weekends, but when I would work during the week I would have practice from 3 to 6, then work from 7 to 11:30, and then I’d start my homework at, like, 12 so then I would be going to sleep really late. When I had a job I would sleep maybe four hours, three hours.

“If I don’t sleep, I get sick. Tried and true, every time if I, like, only do two hours of sleep I am sick the next day. So I try to get sleep.”

—Hayden Bratspies Ben: Probably around five to six on average. I aim for six or six-and-a-half, but there’s always stuff that gets in the way. Like Fred was saying, definitely with sports, that makes it a lot harder.

David: Usually I’ll get around, maybe, four.

But in the past week I’ve gotten a pretty good schedule. It’s been like going to sleep at 12, waking up at 6.

Naomi: I usually try to average about six to seven.

Amy: I’m going to go “five to six,” but there were times in the winter it would be a solid two. I was doing swim season, waking up at 3 in the morning, going to bed at 12 or 1. It was incredibly demanding. And this year, especially junior year, winter was difficult, and I saw so many people dropping winter sports and I didn’t realize why until I saw that sleep balance that no one could achieve.

David: Can I just ask a question? Has anybody else pulled an all-nighter this year or in their high school career? I know I definitely have.

Rita: They’re saying no, most are saying no.

So Lauren, how many hours for you?

Lauren: I used to really get no sleep at all,

Rita: I feel like sleep is a very good coping mechanism. It’s like if you sleep, then you’re rested. You can deal with things. Christina?

Christina: During sports seasons, maybe five to six; when I’m not playing sports—that’s in the fall—I would say maybe six, sometimes seven if I got lucky. But I’m definitely a person that can’t run on like no sleep. If I get, like, four or five hours of sleep, next day I’m just checked out. I just don’t function.

Sarah: I’m the same way as Hayden was saying. I cannot function without like at least seven hours. Obviously there are some days I’m only getting maybe five, but I usually really try and get my sleep when I can.

Rita: Another thing that has been prevalent recently is this political divide in our nation, right? It just seems to be filtering into all aspects of our life. Do you feel that people in your school communities are open to letting people express their differences—or you don’t talk about it? What’s the vibe like?

Fred: If you say the wrong thing, or if you just have a different political view from someone else—especially now with cancel culture—a lot of people, like, they’ll go to social media, they’ll tell their friends, and then they’ll start switching up what you said, and then it just keeps snowballing and then people start thinking you’re a bad person. In my school, it’s really hard for someone to just not agree with you and still respect you.

Naomi: Everything now is so tainted by politics. People at my school use the vaccine as an indicator of whether someone is a member of, like, a certain political party, when people don’t realize that there’s parents behind that decision.

ONLINE LEARNING GETS A ‘THUMBS DOWN’

Having experienced online learning during the pandemic, Bergen’s 11 High School Forum participants were given a chance—in a very unscientific survey—to welcome it as a regular part of the educational mix. Result: a great big goose egg. The option “Best only for pandemics, weather emergencies, etc.” drew eight votes, while a stalwart “Classes should always be inperson” snagged three. A third choice, the reasonable-sounding “Mix of online and in-person classes is ideal,” attracted no takers.

The kids were also asked about their biggest concern as high school students. “Balancing academics with your social life” got five votes and “the college application process as a whole” five others. There was just one vote for “peer and/or parental pressure.”

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and it was a really big problem. So my mom started taking away my phone at night. That really helped a lot. Obviously at first I resented that, like, a lot because I do have trouble falling asleep. But now I’m getting like six or seven.

Shivani: Freshman year was seven. Pandemic made me slack off. Now it’s four to five, but I got introduced to a beautiful thing called NAPS. Isabella: Probably five to six.

Hayden: I would say six to seven. If I don’t sleep, I get sick. Tried and true, every time if I, like, only do two hours of sleep I am sick the next day. So I try to get sleep.

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Shivani: I think social media has drastically radicalized this—and in recent elections, I think the divide had gotten even bigger. It’s a much more radicalized time to be politically voiced, and I think certain values will get, I guess, misworded or tainted definitely—what Fred and Naomi are saying. You have a certain viewpoint, then some people villainize you, some people will put you on a pedestal.

Rita: Well, is the way you guys deal with that just not to talk about it?

Isabella: In my friend group we’re very open to talking about it, and I think it’s because we all basically have the same opinion.

But when someone else may have disagreements, you kind of shove that onto the side and ignore it just because you don’t want to start any problems. It’s respecting that they have a different decision, having that responsibility not to, like, egg someone on.

Rita: Let’s do sort of a lightning round.

Where do you guys go to hang out with your friends?

Sarah: We’ll usually just spend time at each other’s houses.

Christina: I belong to a gym in Ramsey, and going there is a great way to hang out with friends and take your mind off certain things.

Hayden: A little cliché. Me and my friends, we shop a lot together. We go to the mall.

Rita: Retail therapy!

Hayden: Yeah, like once a month. Every other month we try to do something a little bigger. This past month we took the train into Hoboken.

Isabella: My friend group and I, we’re a little bit more introverted, so we just like to hang out at each other’s houses.

We do love to get ice cream.

Shivani: I’m from Paramus, so we have all the malls at our disposal. Also, I would say our houses, and next to AHA there’s Closter Plaza about seven minutes away, and I have a slight obsession with acai bowls.

So we’ll all go get acai bowls from

Super Juice Nation there. Or go to Starbucks.

Fred: Usually me and my friends will either go to the gym or we’ll go to the basketball court in Bergenfield.

Ben: Definitely people’s houses. And there’s a place called Ice Cream on Grand [in Englewood].

David: I love going to Ridgewood with my friends and, you know, catching a movie and catching some awesome Mexican food. But then on the way back from baseball, we usually go to Paramus Park. And then if I want to see a movie, I’m going to AMC at Garden State Plaza. And then there’s lot of my friends, we love going out for like pizza and reviewing different pizza across the county, ’cause I think our state definitely has the best pizza in the country.

Naomi: Personally, I am a huge foodie, so my friends and I love trying new restaurants.

I think our default is pretty basic. It’s The Cheesecake Factory, but we also love going to, like, Raymond’s in Ridgewood. We went to Hanami in Westwood the other day, which was fun.

Amy: I have be honest, there’s not a lot to do in my area, so like David and Naomi we’ll drive out to Westwood or Ridgewood. I was at Hanami the other day too. Ice cream always, and really just each other’s houses.

Lauren: Pretty much everywhere that everyone said. Ridgewood has a lot

Rita: Any final words?

Shivani: Everyone, please keep in mind that for teenagers it’s become way more competitive nowadays. I would say just maintain an understanding that we have a lot to deal with.

We have jobs, we have school, we have extracurriculars, we have college, we have caring for our family. And we’re expected, again, to be independent, yet not even given full independence. Just respect the teenagers in your life.

Amy: I’m seeing a recurring theme of stress. It really plays into everything—into competitiveness, bullying, coping mechanisms, everything. It takes such a toll on our mental health and the balances and priorities we have in our life. So really, I just wanted to tell everyone, take a step back and really think about what you’re prioritizing in your life. Don’t put school above your own mental health and your own well-being, because then you’re going to lose parts of yourself. And I believe that’s it. It’s great talking to all of you.

Lauren: This forum was a really great experience.

Christina: I’m so blessed to be surrounded by so many bright minds—like, literally blown away by all of you. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors. I know you will all be successful, and my final message would just be to remember that you matter, like you’re allowed to prioritize yourself, and it’s not being selfish.

Hayden: When you’re in that moment where everything seems overwhelming, just try and think about all the things you have to be appreciative of right now.

Editor’s note: Special thanks to Darius Amos, Haley Longman and Stephen Vitarbo.

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of options; it’s nice and especially since my friends got their licenses we can go out to farther places. Westwood has, like, the Farmhouse and Playa Bowls, and that’s really close to where I am, so I used to bike-ride there in the summer. There’s also Uncle Louie G’s in Park Ridge and The Ridge Diner.

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{ FASHION }

HIGH-FIVE JUMP TO THE OF THE STYLE HEAD CLASS WITH Whether you’re going back to school or just need a seasonal wardrobe reboot, you’ll make the grade with these fashion-forward pieces.

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Etro

BOHEMIAN Clockwise from top left, Anthropologie small floral print scarf, Anthropologie, Woodcliff Lake, 201.391.4321; Zut London suede short jacket, zutlondon.com; Steve Madden Rydley ankle tie platform sandal, Macy’s, Paramus, 201.843.9100; Hill Tribe elephant harem pants, suredesigntshirts.com.

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{ FASHION }

Givenchy

Ports 1961

GRUNGE Clockwise from top left, Eif Dock multi-layer leather bracelets, amazon.com; Nirvana Serve the Servants boyfriend-fit T-shirt, Hot Topic, Paramus, 201.291.7899; I’m Cute women’s pleated mini skirt, amazon.com; Gianvito Rossi Martis Boot, Gito, Englewood, 201.541.7330.

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Miu Miu

Chanel

PREPPY Clockwise from top left, Tory Burch satin bow blouse, Tory Burch, Paramus, 201.556.1012; Gucci oversized tweed cardigan jacket, Gucci, Hackensack, 201.368.4723; Crown Vintage Lorina studded loafers, DSW, Paramus, 201.291.0505; Burberry Madden stretch leggings, Saks Fifth Avenue, East Rutherford, 201.559.7780.

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Gucci

Ferrari

SPORTY Clockwise from top left, Rodarte artisinal patch letterman’s jacket, Saks Fifth Avenue, East Rutherford, 201.559.7780; Buff Coolnet UV Ellipse headband, Campmor, Paramus, 201.445.5000; Ready to Rulu high-waist cropped jogger, Lululemon, Closter, 551.313.9176; Sorel Out and About classic boot, Nordstrom, Paramus, 201.843.1122.

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{ FASHION }

Fendi

Marc by Marc Jacobs

GEEK CHIC Clockwise from top left, Tory Burch Kira logo barrette and Tory Burch cat eye sunglasses, Tory Burch, Paramus, 201.556.1012; Brunello Cucinelli linen-blend cardigan, Saks Fifth Avenue, East Rutherford, 201.559.7780; Madewell The Corinne lugsole loafer, Madewell, Paramus, 201.845.4723; Dodo Bar Or Adam pleated striped knitted midi skirt, net-a-porter.com.

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JOURNEYS OF LEARNING

{ ESCAPES }

Six family day-trip destinations offer real educational value, well camouflaged by fun. Let your kids lead the way.

Schools don’t open for a few more weeks, and the “dog days” are ideal for lolling about and forgetting last year’s curriculum. But what if curiosity stirs? There’s still time this summer to take your family to visit a destination that will engage young imaginations and inform as it entertains. Each of the half-dozen attractions here is within driving distance of Bergen County. (They’re listed in order of proximity.)

Just promise your kids there won’t be a quiz.

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AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.

Whom to take: The family-friendly museum has fun and educational exhibits for all ages. Strollers are permitted except in theaters, outside which stroller parking is available.

Distance from Bergen: 13 miles Why go now: If your kid loves turtles and marine life (or maybe it’s you), check out the museum’s new feature flick Turtle Odyssey, which debuted in July and runs through the end of the year at the LeFrak Theater. For more aquatic adventure, the special “Sharks” exhibit—which includes several life-sized models (some as long as 33 feet) and all their teeth—is designed to explain the mysteries behind the often misunderstood underwater predators. But catch it soon: “Sharks” ends on Aug. 14. Valuable lessons can also be learned at “Extinct and Endangered: Insects in Peril,” another recently opened exhibit that spotlights threatened ecosystems and insect species and features largeformat photos, some as big as 8 feet.

Where to grab a bite: The museum food court serves sandwiches, salads and the like. If you leave the facility, try The Milling Room for modern American fare, Thyme & Tonic for gluten-free eats or, of course, Shake Shack.

For reservations and pricing: amnh.org

THE RAPTOR TRUST, MILLINGTON, N.J.

Whom to take: Though open to all ages, the facility is ideal for visitors in second grade and up—and all those interested in wild birds.

Distance from Bergen: 40 miles Why go now: Chances are good that you’ve recently looked up and seen a large bird of prey. Hawks, eagles and owls are becoming more common in North Jersey. The Raptor Trust is a bird rehab center—the staff takes care of birds that are found injured in the wild and releases them when nursed back to health. Those that can no longer survive in the wild remain at the trust and are used to educate the public. Summer is the perfect time to take a self-guided tour and see the resident raptors. Guided tours and programs are booked for the season, but fall reservations are underway.

Where to grab a bite: The trust doesn’t have on-site eateries, but a short drive will take you to the Millington Station Café (breakfast and burgers), Bonji Bowls (bowls and smoothies) and Fu Feng Yuan (Chinese).

For reservations and pricing: theraptortrust.org

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DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER & PLANETARIUM, BRIDGEPORT, CONN.

Whom to take: Middle and high school students interested in STEAM subjects (that’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math) can learn and have fun at this center on the Sacred Heart University campus.

Distance from Bergen: 60 miles Why go now: Students can brush up on their STEAM subjects before going back to school in September.

Future engineers may immerse themselves in the world of planes and rockets at the “Science in Flight” exhibits, surgeons-in-training can learn basics at “Teddy Bear Triage” and astronomy buffs may travel to the final frontier at “The Universe and You.” The planetarium offers three daily shows featuring planets and star systems projected onto a 33-foot diameter dome.

Where to grab a bite: A small food court and vending machines are on site, but downtown Bridgeport offers more options. Merritt Canteen is a popular spot for burgers, Bereket Turkish Restaurant is perfect for falafel and kebobs and the Galaxy Diner has just about everything to fill hungry bellies.

For reservations and pricing: shudiscovery.org

ADVENTURE AQUARIUM AND BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY, CAMDEN, N.J.

Whom to take: Both attractions are suitable for all ages, though battleship history is more in line with lesson plans in middle school and up (and perfect for military history buffs).

Special tours are available for select age groups.

Distance from Bergen: 100 miles Why go now: Shark Week on TV is great, but there’s nothing like seeing these great fish up close. The aquarium’s “Shark Summer” takes place Aug. 1 through Sept. 4 and includes special events to complement the popular Shark Tunnel and Shark Bridge exhibits. Kids and parents can learn a different maritime lesson aboard the Battleship New Jersey.

Tour a real battleship—go up and down ladders, step through passageways and maneuver tight spaces just as the officers and crew once did.

Where to grab a bite: The aquarium offers dining options such as The Marketplace and Flying Fish Beer Garden. Elsewhere you can grab a burger at nearby Liberty Point, a cheesesteak at Oh Brother Philly or a breakfast sandwich or pastries at Freida.

For reservations and pricing: adventureaquarium.com and battleshipnewjersey.org

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PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM, PHILADELPHIA, PENN.

Whom to take: Ideal for children ages 1 to 7 years, but older children can enjoy exhibits too.

Distance from Bergen: 102 miles Why go now: Young ones who are learning how to play and developing social skills will enjoy hands-on exhibits and programs like sculpting with clay, making murals and constructing cardboard structures. On Aug. 28, a special program called “Bust A Move” will focus on heart health and show kids movements and activities to maintain physical health. Another exciting exhibit is “Food & Family,” where little ones go through three interconnected zones: grocery, home and industrial kitchen.

Where to grab a bite: Enjoy pizza, ice cream and more at the museum’s Garden Grille Café or head out into the city near Drexel University to dine at Sabrina’s Café or White Dog Café.

More options are a stone’s throw away across the Schuylkill River: Bad Brother for burgers, Trio for ThaiAsian and Little Pete’s for familiar diner food.

For reservations and pricing: pleasetouchmuseum.org

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HOWE CAVERNS, HOWES CAVE, N.Y.

Whom to take: The attraction is suitable for all ages and especially for young adventurers and students interested in Earth science.

Strollers, wheelchairs and other wheeled devices are not permitted in the cave.

Distance from Bergen: 150 miles Why go now: Head 156 feet below the Earth’s surface to tour limestone corridors, ancient boulders and a subterranean river—plus, at around 50 degrees, the cave is the perfect way to beat August heat. There are several ways to see and experience the caverns: The Traditional Tour is a 90-minute expedition and boat ride, the easiest option, while the Adventure Tour will require you to get down and dirty for a two-hour spelunking journey with an experienced guide.

Where to grab a bite: Because food isn’t allowed in the caves, you’ll have to find eats above ground. In nearby Cobleskill, N.Y., you can stop at Rubbin Butts Bar-B-Q for burgers, wings, ribs and pizza, or the Red Barn Clubhouse at Cobleskill Golf and Country Club for elevated dining. More pizzerias and chain eateries are located in town as well.

For reservations and pricing: howecaverns.com

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{ SPECIAL REPORT }

TO MASK— OR NOT TO MASK?

With most mandates now rescinded, Bergen residents must decide on their own whether to use face coverings—and where. Here’s some expert advice. By Leslie Garisto Pfaff The entry doors to the Bergen Town Center bear the words “Please mask up.”

On a recent early summer afternoon, however, only about one in five shoppers appeared to have heeded that request. In the center’s Target store, though, more than half of shoppers were masked. That mixed verdict may reflect the state of masking in general, some two-and-a-half years into the COVID-19 pandemic—at least in our corner of northern New Jersey. With government mandates no longer in place, the decision to mask has largely become a personal one, with the major exceptions of hospitals and prisons, doctors’ offices and other healthcare institutions.

Inside that Target, Teaneck resident Miosoti Francisco is masked. “I wear it everywhere I go,” she says, “because I know COVID is still with us.” Veronica

Oh, on the other hand, who’s here from Manhattan’s Upper West Side, is combing the aisles unmasked. She recovered from a bout with COVID about a month ago, she explains, “so I feel like I’m kind of immune to it.” She does, however, put on a mask when she’s in crowded, closed-in spaces like the New York City subway.

And if she feels a cough or a case of the sniffles coming on, she’ll don a mask for the safety and peace of mind of those around her.

Maybe they’re both right. The small print below the Town Center’s request to mask up offers a caveat: “Face masks should be worn in compliance with CDC regulations.” And if you go to the “Mask Guidance” page of the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the advice you’re given appears to be somewhat equivocal: In

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{ SPECIAL REPORT } large print, it advises: “Wear a mask when there is a lot of COVID in your community.”

But it doesn’t explain, on that page at least, what “a lot” might mean. In smaller print, it also says we should “wear a mask in public places when there are a lot of people around,” again leaving “a lot” unexplained.

“I know this is confusing, but whether or not to mask has become an individual decision in most instances,” notes Suraj Saggar, D.O., chief of Infectious Disease at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck— something that recent conversations with a group of Bergen County residents make abundantly clear. Their stated reasons for masking—or not masking—or only sometimes masking suggest that residents tend to be making those decisions based not on mere whim but according to their perceptions of, and tolerance for, individual risks. You may see yourself in one or more of their personal stories.

The Everywhere Masker. Hackensack resident Caryl Blank has been stringent about masking ever since the first mandates were put in place. She’s over 65 and knows that her age puts her in a high-risk category.

“I wear a mask whenever I’m in public except when seated at a restaurant, and that’s not often,” she says. Several months ago, a friend invited her out to dinner, and when they got to the restaurant, Blank began to feel uneasy. “The tables were really close together,” she remembers. A few days later, she tested positive for COVID and was sick for more than three weeks. “I’d be happy if everyone had to wear masks in public now,” she says.

The Crowd-Averse Masker. Like Oh, Mina-Jacqueline Au of Edgewater doesn’t regularly mask unless she finds herself in an indoor space that’s extremely crowded.

Ironically, one of her reasons for not masking in most places is that she suffered a bad case of COVID in December and still has residual breathing problems, which are exacerbated by wearing a mask. She does, however, run a women’s wellness and aesthetic clinic and requires that her staff (including herself) wear masks during patient hours. “It is still a fact that people are getting COVID,” she says, “so in a professional setting, masking is the right thing to do.”

The Other-Directed Sometime Maskers.

Dumont resident Guy Zimbra masks at the supermarket and is especially careful to wear a mask when spending time with his 92-year-old grandmother, who suffers from dementia and whose advanced age places her at a high risk of contracting a severe case of coronavirus. On the other hand, Hackensack-based comedian and actor Lee O. Valentin doesn’t generally mask in public unless he has symptoms possibly indicative of COVID, such as a cough or runny nose. “I understand the mask is to protect others who

are at a higher risk or immunocompromised,” he says. “I don’t want to be the cause for someone else’s suffering.”

The (Mostly) No-Masker. Robert Rossi of North Bergen is a medical sales rep whose work takes him to hospitals throughout New York and New Jersey, where masks are mandatory. Outside of work, however, he no longer masks up. He was vaccinated twice and boosted once and feels his vaccination history confers sufficient immunity; though he is over 65, he’s in good health and without other risk factors. “Vaccines,” he says, “prevent serious illness from the virus in most people.”

The Enthusiastic Masker. Patricia Nixon of Hackensack is in the minority when it comes to her spirited embrace of the face mask. An allergy sufferer, she finds that masking helps keep her symptoms at bay; it also protects her from what she calls “wisps of moisture from those around me”—a particular problem for people of short stature, like Nixon. “I know a lot of people can’t wait to be free of masks for good,” she says, “but I can’t see myself going back.”

MAKING AN INFORMED DECISION

So how do you decide whether to mask and where? BERGEN turned to the Bergen County Health Department and Dr. Saggar for advice: • Be mindful of rates of transmission.

“COVID rates did fall in the region,” says Dr. Saggar, “but they’ve plateaued and could rise again.” The CDC’s COVID Data Tracker allows you to determine the rate of county transmission along with a designation of the risk (“low,” “medium” or “high”) that represents. It also offers recommendations (as opposed to mandates, at this time) for masking and other measures. In early July, for example, Bergen’s weekly rate of transmission was 278.48 cases per 100,000 people, which is considered medium.

At that level, the CDC recommends that people with possible COVID symptoms or a positive test mask up in public spaces and that all residents wear masks on public transportation. It also suggests that those “at high risk for severe illness” wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

• Consider your individual risk. If you’ve been vaccinated and boosted and have no specific risk factors such as advanced age or a compromised immune system, your risk of being hospitalized or dying from COVID is low. Ask yourself, Dr. Saggar advises, “whether you feel that the negatives of wearing a mask outweigh the positives.”

Those positives, of course, include a lower risk of contracting COVID, which, even when not deadly, can be highly uncomfortable and can lead to long COVID, in which viral symptoms persist after a negative test.

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says Saggar, “include being very old or very young, being unvaccinated, having an autoimmune disorder, taking medication that suppresses your immune system or suffering from a serious illness like cancer.” Michael Pagan, a spokesperson for the Bergen County Health Department, recommends that “those at high risk for severe disease talk to their health care provider about whether they need to wear a mask and take other precautions.”

As stated, the CDC advises everyone to mask up on public transportation, though it’s not a mandate. “Personally,” says Saggar, “I would consider masking if you’re taking mass transit and are in close quarters with numerous people.” He and his family also mask when flying.

• Consider others you could infect. If you believe you’re at low risk but live or interact regularly with those at higher risk—elderly parents, say, or anyone who’s immunocompromised—masking in indoor public spaces is a way to protect them. “That’s why we still wear masks in healthcare settings,” says Saggar. “I may not be worried about myself, but I don’t want to pass COVID along to a patient.”

WILL MANDATES RETURN?

Pagan notes that “as new variants continue to emerge, the CDC may recommend universal masking if there is a surge in cases causing severity in illness and/ or an increase in hospitalizations.”

Experts believe that could happen when temperatures drop in the fall and winter and people begin to congregate indoors in greater numbers. Omicron’s new variants, BA.4 and BA.5, are a particular concern, as they’re both highly contagious and extremely adept at dodging antibodies— which means that even fully vaxxed folks are at risk of so-called breakthrough infections. While Saggar doesn’t foresee a return to the lockdowns of 2020, he stresses that “we have to understand that COVID isn’t done with us, and we need to be flexible where masking is concerned.”

But will we be? Saggar notes that “the whole concept of masking has become politicized,” with some people basing their decisions on political affiliation rather than solid science. And there’s long been a concern in the healthcare community that people might not be willing to return to masking after spending months or years mask-free.

Still, most of the Bergen residents we spoke with say they’d mask up again if mandates were to return. And while there’s no guarantee that COVID rates won’t rise again, we can perhaps take comfort from the fact that new vaccines, engineered to protect against Omicron, will be rolled out in the fall, just in time for that potential surge.

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“That’s why we still wear masks in healthcare settings. I may not be worried about myself, but I don’t want to pass COVID along to a patient.”

—Suraj Saggar, D.O., chief of Infectious Disease, Holy Name Medical Center

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{ PERSONAL SPACE }

WISE DOWNSIZE The Mahwah condo is smaller than its owner’s previous ranch home, but—thanks to two savvy designers—no less glamorous.

Text by Donna Rolando Design by Anthony Albert Studios and CK Design Group Photography by Wing Wong, MemoriesTTL For a Bergenite who vacations each year with family in Italy, drinking in the splendor of the Amalfi Coast, location is pivotal and what grounds a home is beauty. So it’s no surprise that after owning an Upper Saddle River ranch for 20-plus years, this empty-nester would seek a grand new beginning in a picture-postcard setting. The mother of two grown children, she wanted to downsize, but not compromise.

Fortunately, after she purchased a pre-construction condo at

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How to achieve the “effortless luxury” a Mahwah homeowner wanted for her kitchen reno? Designers Anthony Passanante and Christy Kohler met the goal with an Italian Calacatta slab marble backsplash, brass lighting and hood, custom white-and-navy cabinets and a quartz-topped peninsula, relocated for entertaining ease.

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Mahwah’s Rio Vista in 2001 in the unique setting of the former Seton Hall seminary campus, compromise wasn’t required.

She arranged for the condo to be gutted in phases, room by room, with the kitchen serving as part of the grand finale in 2019–20. When Anthony Albert Passanante came on board for this phase, she recalls, the goal was “effortless luxury.”

Passanante is the certified master kitchen and bath designer who owns Waldwick’s Anthony Albert Studios—and an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). “Anthony was the perfect person to carry out this vision,” the homeowner says.

“He pushed the design boundaries and was not afraid to take risks. The result takes your breath away.”

By relocating a peninsula, Passanante created a flow that makes entertaining a snap. Just right for this “world-class hostess,” as he describes her, appliances are chef-quality serious: Wolf, Sub-Zero and a satinnickel Dornbracht faucet.

Drama in this open floor plan is maxed by lighting, especially the hand-rubbed brass sconces and pendants that Passanante says add “another dimension.” For the greatest of ease, Lutron gives all the illumination an app.

Every project has a few challenges, and Passanante was faced with working a concrete column into the design. A French cerused oak pilaster, which matches the herringbone floor, is his clever disguise. Resisting the tendency to pack too much into the space was another challenge, but one mastered by keeping it airy, says fellow designer Christy Kohler, owner of Allendale’s CK Design Group and another ASID allied member.

While the old kitchen was largely traditional, Kohler says the reno welcomes modern elements such as a hand-picked slab of Italian Calacatta marble for the backsplash. Although Anthony Albert Studios custommade the cabinets with white above and a needlepoint navy base, the collaborators resisted letting the cabinetry dominate, instead giving 4-x-6 marble tiles free flow to the ceiling. Other highlights are the custom hood in satin brass to wow with warmth and LED-strip floating oak shelves, which display Hermès dinnerware.

The new kitchen also showcases hand-painted ceramics created in Italy by a relative.

To boost the glam factor, Kohler used a Phillip Jeffries ivory wallpaper that “actually glistens,” she says, and swivel faux leather stools with a metallic shimmer. Glamour enchants the dining area as well, where a needlepoint navy custom bar with a Sub-Zero wine storage and beverage center is accentuated with an églomisé mirror finish, highlighting the Mason-Art sectional just beyond. “We designed it that way purposely to make the apartment feel larger,” says Passanante. The custom Art Deco table from Century couples French cerused oak with a Lucite base and is joined by Kravet Georgetown chairs with blue ultra-suede backs and ivory faux-leather seats.

“The home is a beautiful reflection of my mother’s elegance, warmth and sophistication,” says the owner’s daughter, sure that Mom now has what she needs to continue her lifelong tradition of elegant entertaining.

This page, top: Anthony Albert Studios designed the cabinets for plenty of space. Bottom: Floating oak shelves display Hermès dinnerware, while a ceramic plate made in Italy graces the counter. Opposite page: This stylish bar not only keeps wine and drinks Sub-Zero cold, its églomisé mirror finish works to enlarge the space.

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{ PERSONAL SPACE }

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SUMMER FRESH

Crisp, refreshing and good for you too, these salads are the perfect lunch or side dish.

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{ TASTES }

SUMMER SQUASH AND CARROT SALAD WITH SHAVED RICOTTA SALATA AND ALMONDS Yields 4-6 servings

INGREDIENTS :

n▢2 Tbs. capers in brine n▢3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil n▢1 shallot, minced n▢2 Tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice n▢3 cloves garlic, minced n▢¼ tsp. red pepper flakes n▢kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste n▢2 medium yellow squash n▢2 medium zucchini n▢2 large carrots n▢¼ cup fresh basil leaves n▢½ cup roasted salted almonds, roughly chopped n▢½ cup shaved strips of ricotta salata n▢2 lemon wedges, optional

DIRECTIONS:

Drain the capers over a bowl, reserving 2 teaspoons of the brine. Roughly chop the drained capers. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, shallot, capers and reserved brine, lemon juice, garlic and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the dressing aside.

Slice the yellow squash, zucchini and carrots lengthwise into ¼-inch-thick batons. Toss the vegetables with the dressing. Arrange the dressed vegetables in a serving bowl or on a platter. Scatter the basil leaves, almonds and ricotta salata on top. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired, and serve immediately.

This recipe contains three tablespoons of olive oil. Consuming just one tablespoon of olive oil each day (as opposed to vegetable oil) lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease by 15 percent and the risk of coronary heart disease by 21 percent.”

—Laurie Rittgers, registered nurse, owner, Keeping it Healthy, Fair Lawn

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{ TASTES }

WATERMELON AND FARRO SALAD Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

n▢1 cup pearled farro n 1¼ tsp. kosher salt n▢2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed n▢2 cups halved yellow cherry tomatoes n▢¼ cup fresh mint, chopped n▢½ cup fresh basil, chopped n▢2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil n▢1 Tbs. sherry vinegar n▢2 Tbs. shallot, finely chopped n▢1 Tbs. lemon juice, freshly squeezed n▢½ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground n▢ ¹⁄³ cup crumbled feta cheese n▢fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the farro on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and bake until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Combine 2 cups water, the farro and ¼ teaspoon of the salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Drain the farro in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining water. Set aside and cool to room temperature. In a salad bowl, combine the watermelon, tomatoes, mint and basil. Add the farro and toss.

In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, shallot, lemon juice, remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Top with feta and fresh mint and serve.

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This summer salad can be made even more nutritious with some simple addins, like nuts or leafy greens. Toss chopped walnuts on top for a good source of omega-3 fats, and add baby spinach to provide fiber and vitamins A and K.”

—Marissa Paladino, registered dietitian nutritionist, Select Specialty Hospital, Rochelle Park

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{ TASTES }

WARM ARUGULA, CHORIZO, CHICKPEA AND CHEVRE SALAD Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

n▢1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil n▢1 lb. cured chorizo, cut into ½-inch rounds n▢1 small red onion, cut into thin half-moons n▢½ cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped n▢1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed n▢½ tsp. smoked paprika n▢1 pinch ground cayenne pepper n▢2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves, chopped n▢1 Tbs. dry sherry n▢kosher salt, to taste n▢freshly ground black pepper, to taste n▢4 cups arugula, or a mixed herb salad n▢¼ cup crumbled goat cheese n▢½ cup Marcona almonds, roughly chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Line a plate with paper towels. Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and fry until crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chorizo to the paper towel–lined plate to drain. To the same pan add the onion, sundried tomatoes and chickpeas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the chickpeas are crisp, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the paprika, cayenne pepper and thyme. Stir in the sherry and return the chorizo to the pan. Heat until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

One tweak can easily make this salad vegetarian-friendly.

Swap out the chorizo for 1 pound of firm tofu, drained, then crumble right into the pan and season well with spices. It’s also an easy way to cut down the fat and sodium content of the dish by at least 50 percent.”

—Marissa Paladino, registered dietitian nutritionist, Select Specialty Hospital, Rochelle Park

Arrange the arugula on a large serving platter. Spoon the chorizo mixture over the arugula and toss. Top the salad with the goat cheese and almonds. Serve warm.

All photos and recipes are reprinted with permission from The Art of Pantry Cooking

by Ronda Carman. Photos by Matthew Mead. Rizzoli 2022.

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{ POWER FOOD }

A Snack You Crack

The tasty little sunflower seed is good for your heart, your energy level and your immune system. It’s worth the work of opening the hull.

Sunflower seeds are harvested from the large head of the mature sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus). And let’s get straight right away that the flat, bean-like, black-and-white-striped thing with the tough outer hull is not the seed itself.

(Botanically, that’s called a cypsela.) Instead, the seed (or kernel) is that nutty-tasting little treasure you get when you crack the striped hull open. Like the pistachio, it requires a bit of work to yield its reward. Now here’s the question: Are you the type to gobble as you crack, or do you patiently open a whole pileful and then go for a splurge of pleasure?

Either way, your nibbling is part of a long history. One of the few crops with North American origins, sunflowers were first domesticated by indigenous tribes thousands of years ago. Seeds can be pressed to yield a highly prized, lightcolored oil high in unsaturated fatty acids. It has been used as a preservative, a textile decoration, a hair dye, a topical remedy for rough skin or slowhealing wounds, a treatment for constipation and high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol—and a cooking oil.

POWER UP Nutritionally, fiber-rich sunflower seeds beat the pants off many snack alternatives. They abound in healthy fats and in protein, which helps boost energy levels. (So do their generous quantities of vitamin B1 and selenium.) They contain zinc, which helps the immune system fight off viruses. And thanks to their vitamin E, flavonoids and plant compounds, the seeds are also fighters of inflammation, believed these days to be a key factor in many ills, including heart disease and cancer.

Indeed, studies have linked high sunflowerseed consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

The numbers? A 100gram (3.5-ounce) serving of dried sunflower-seed kernels supplies 234 percent of your

daily vitamin E need, 129 percent of your requirement for B1 (thiamine) and 103 percent of your B6 (which helps build brain and nerve cells)—along with nearly 100 percent of your magnesium, manganese and phosphorus. Compare that to a happily trifling 1 percent of your sodium, which we tend to overconsume. (However, sunflower seeds are often sold with shells coated in salt—so look for the no-salt version if you’re watching your sodium intake. Also, remember that at more than 200 calories per one-fourth cup this isn’t a low-cal food. So don’t chomp down huge quantities.)

Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute tested a number of common snack-food nuts and seeds for levels of phytosterols, plant chemicals that can improve heart health and cholesterol levels. The champs, they found, were pistachios and sunflower seeds—those kindred goodies that are so worth the necessary cracking.

BUY/STORE/SERVE If you’re a nut for the raw nature of the seed, go to a source where sunflowers are cultivated or try growing your own. For a dash of practical-

ity, you can try farmers’ markets, grocers—even a gas station or two may have some packaged seeds. They’re usually sold with the hull still on, but you can buy them hulled.

Keep quantity in mind when thinking of quality. A moderate amount of seeds will keep at room temperature for a couple of months—longer if you seal them in airtight containers. For larger quantities, opt for tight containment with refrigeration. Anything longer than a year won’t be worth it, so don’t throw your seed parties too far in advance. Use common sense and avoid seeds with a smell or noticeable mold.

Most consumers just opt for cracking the hulls open and eating the kernels. No frills, just straight to the source. But as with any ingredient there are different ways to cook or shake it up.

Roasting sunflower seeds is an option. Add them (hulled) to a salad or a yogurt for that pleasing crunch. Add some texture to that trail mix or fiber to those muffins. Check online to use them in recipes for tofu burgers or South American arepas. And don’t forget about the oil extracted from sunflower seeds that can be used in preparing a variety of foods.

DID YOU KNOW? The two top producers of sunflower seeds, which together account for more than half of world consumption, are Russia and Ukraine.

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{ BAR TAB }

Late Summer Sips The bitter-sweet pairing of Aperol and chamomile tea is the perfect combination for a back-porch cocktail.

LATE SUMMER NEGRONI Yields: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

n ¾ oz. Tanqueray No. Ten Gin n ¾ oz. Dolin Blanc n ¾ oz. Aperol n ¾ oz. chamomile tea, freshly brewed n orange slice, for garnish

For another spin, substitute the gin, Aperol and tea with Mezcal El Silencio Espadin, Cocchi Rosa Apertivo and hibiscus tea. Mezcal adds smokiness, and the bitterness of the apertivo makes the cocktail for me. Hibiscus adds a floral aromatic to the drink, and the color is visually striking.”

DIRECTIONS

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a highball glass.

Garnish with an orange slice.

Recipe courtesy of aspicyperspective.com

—Matt Brown, head bartender, Osteria Crescendo, Westwood BERGENMAG.COM

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EDUCATION PLANNER Special Advertising Section

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education guide

Academy of The Holy Angels

Chapel Hill Academy

315 Hillside Ave., Demarest, NJ 07627 201.768.7161 | www.holyangels.org

31 Chapel Hill Rd, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035 973.686.0004 | www.chapelhillacademy.net

Bergen Catholic High School

The Elisabeth Morrow School

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

435 Lydecker St., Englewood, NJ 07631 201.568.5566, ext. 7212 | www.elisabethmorrow.org

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels welcomes girls in Grades 6-12.

Many AHA graduates go on to study at some of the nation’s best universities, earning high-ranking positions in medicine, government, law, education, public service, business, arts, and athletics.

Students from various religious traditions enjoy this private Catholic school’s top-flight education, which emphasizes scholarship, character, leadership, and service.

Bergen Catholic is an independent fouryear college preparatory school founded

by Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, where boys become Christian gentlemen. BC provides rigorous academics, rewarding clubs, and championship athletics. In addition, The Brotherhood provides an unmatched network of support. BC is proud of our four-year, results-driven college counseling program. 91% of the Class of 2022 received a college scholarship and total scholarship amounted to $31 mm. Enrollment is selective. For more information visit us at www.bergencatholic.org.

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At Chapel Hill Academy, we believe that students can achieve their fullest potential when they are learning in a supportive, nurturing atmosphere. Located in Lincoln Park, Chapel Hill Academy serves students grades K-12+ with social, emotional, and behavioral issues in a small school setting.

We offer a rich and challenging curriculum, strong counseling support and creative, individualized learning to prepare students for the future. Most students are placed by the sending school district and attend at no cost to families.

A leader in N-8 education, The Elisabeth Morrow School personalizes learning for each child, cultivating their unique spark and innate creativity. Through an engaging project-based and inquiry-driven curriculum, students connect learning across subjects. Contact us to find out how — through initiatives in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), like our design studios and NuVuX partnership — The Elisabeth Morrow School prepares children to lead the way with innovative thinking in a rapidly changing world.

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The Elisabeth Morrow School A leader in N–8 education, The Elisabeth Morrow School personalizes learning for each child, cultivating their unique spark and innate creativity. Through an engaging project-based and inquiry-driven curriculum, our students connect their learning across subjects.

Contact our admissions team to learn how we inspire students to become curious scholars, ethical leaders, and global citizens and why our graduates are sought after by the most prestigious secondary day and boarding schools.

Est. 1930 | Serving students age 2–grade 8 elisabethmorrow.org | 201-568-5566 ext. 7212

435 Lydecker St., Englewood, NJ 07631

education guide Fairleigh Dickinson University

Recognized by US News & World Report as a Top 50 Regional Best and Best Value University, FDU is committed to greater access and affordability. With innovative programs including a fully resort-based Hospitality Immersion degree, FDU’s exclusive partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and entrepreneurbased Business programs, FDU is transforming higher education. FDU is New Jersey’s largest private university with four campuses, 100+ majors, 40+ dual bachelor/master degrees, and D1 and D3 NCAA athletics.

www.fdu.edu

Felician University

At Felician University, you will engage in an educational experience unlike any other. With over 60+ careerfocused programs to choose from you will have the opportunity to take part in dynamic experiential learning models that will put you ahead. Plus, 100% of incoming freshmen receive a scholarship or grant. Felician offers 15 NCAA Division II sports teams and countless clubs and activities on campus. Discover more by checking out our Virtual Tour series at felician.edu/virtualtour.

1 Felician Way, Rutherford, NJ | 201.355.1465 | www.felician.edu

Fusion Academy Fusion Academy’s mission is to help each student flourish emotionally, socially, and academically through a personalized one-to-one education experience. We design courses and curriculum for grades 6-12 that focus on each student’s individual strengths and talents to give them the tools and experiences they need to succeed. Contact our campus today to discover if Fusion is the right fit for your child.

10 Sterling Blvd., Englewood, NJ 07631 | 201.431.9554 | www.fusionenglewood.com

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100% College Acceptance (2022) 100% Sisterhood (Forever) At IHA, girls learn in an atmosphere of academic excellence, athletic competition, artistic immersion and Christian Service. The bonds they form here last a lifetime. Do you belong @theheart?

FALL OPEN HOUSES Sunday, Oct. 23 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 27 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Find out more at ihanj.com or 201.445.6800 500 Van Emburgh Avenue Township of Washington, NJ 07676 @theIHANJ

@attheheart

ImmaculateHeartAcademy

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education guide

INNOVATORS have an entrepreneurial mindset.

THINKERS LEADERS learn and grow by doing.

Honor Ridge Academy Honor Ridge Academy offers students and their families hope for a new future. For more than 40 years, we have been committed to life-changing special education for students in grades K-12 with social, emotional, learning, and behavioral disabilities. Teaching “the whole child,” we offer highly individualized instruction and a rich array of intensive therapeutic and behavioral supports, all provided by experienced educators in a family-like environment. We use positive behavioral supports consistently across all aspects of the program.

342 Madison Hill Rd., Clark, NJ 07066 732.827.5885 | www.honorridge.org

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excel with confidence.

SRDS empowers high school students through internships, faculty collaboration, Honors diploma options, 20 AP courses and more—setting the precedent in shaping the innovators, thinkers and leaders of tomorrow, today.

Pre-K 3 to Grade 12 Saddle River, NJ • 201-327-4050 ATTEND OUR OPEN HOUSE ON OCTOBER 1 OR SCHEDULE AN INDIVIDUAL TOUR SaddleRiverDay.org/Today

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GET READY TO LEAD, GENTLEMEN.

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Founded and staffed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers | 1040 Oradell Avenue, Oradell, NJ 07649 | P: 201.261.1844 | www.bergencatholic.org

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education guide Immaculate Heart Academy Immaculate Heart Academy, founded in 1960 as the first regional high school for girls in the Archdiocese of Newark, has as its mission to provide quality Catholic education to young women. As a college preparatory school, a strong theme throughout the curriculum and extra-curricular activities is the development of the special gifts that our young women have to offer. IHA enjoys a reputation as an academic, artistic, and athletic powerhouse with one outstanding characteristic: the loving and supportive atmosphere that cultivates students’ growth.

Come join the tradition.

500 Van Emburgh Ave., Township Of Washington, NJ 07676 201.445.6800 | www.ihanj.com

Saddle River Day School

S

YOUN

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Traditional Preschool Age 2-5 years Montessori Preschool Age 3-5 years • Multi-Age, Individualized Elementary TK/K-Grade 6 •

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Academic options to meet your child’s specific needs:

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Our compassionate staff fosters intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and the confidence to take academic risks.

We are committed to serving the next generation.

•

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585 Wyckoff Avenue • Mahwah, NJ

147 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Saddle River, NJ 07458 201.327.4050, ext. 1108 | www.saddleriverday.org

201-327-3888 • youngworlddayschool.org • info@ywdschool.org

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Saddle River Day School is a coed, college prep day school enrolling approximately 420 students in grades PreK3-12. Students experience integrated and applied learning in a hands-on rigorous academic setting with a low student-teacher ratio. The NJAIS accredited school boasts pristine facilities such as a fully equipped Makerspace and graphic design center. Graduates are prepared for entry to some of the nation’s most selective colleges such as Columbia, Emory, NYU, Stanford and Tufts.

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APPLY TODAY!

An Affordable World-Class Education At Felician University, we prepare our students for lifelong success after graduation.

See what you can accomplish in one of our 60+ programs in the Schools of Business and Information Sciences, Education, Arts & Sciences, and Nursing.

Visit campus or speak with an admissions counselor today!

Admissions@felician.edu | 201.355.1465 | Rutherford, NJ

100% OF INCOMING FRESHMAN RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP OR GRANT!

education guide Fusion has been the best thing we’ve ever done for our child.

Young World Day School For 50 years, we’ve provided a safe, nurturing environment for children age 2 to grade 6 to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our experienced staff utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to learning using individualized instruction, cooperative learning, and small group instruction. We offer traditional or Montessori preschool.

Our elementary school covers TK/Kindergarten through grade 6 in small, mixed-age classrooms where students learn at a rate appropriate to their ability. Challenging…

Enriching…Engaging. Motivating your child to achieve his personal best.

585 Wyckoff Ave., Mahwah, NJ 07430 201.327.3888 www.youngworlddayschool.org

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Personalized learning For Every Student Fusion is an accredited private school middle and high school where all academic instruction is conducted between one student and one teacher, providing flexibility to help students thrive: academically, socially, and emotionally.

Fusion Englewood FusionEnglewood.com 201.431.9554

Full-Time Accredited Academy | Classes for Credit | Tutoring

7/18/22 3:15 PM

Be There

{ ON THE TOWN }

In-person events are back in full swing! Here are 10 that are filled with fun, laughter and entertainment—and will help you safely return to normal.

AUG. 26–27

AUG. 10, 17 Sign up your little Spielbergin-the-making for the PROFESSIONAL FILM EQUIPMENT session at Mahwah Library, which teaches some of the basics of Hollywood filmmaking.

During this two-time class held from 7:15 to 8 p.m., kids in grades 5 through 9 will learn about the equipment used in the film industry, including cameras, tripods, green screens and more.

P.S.: The course is taught by an award-winning student filmmaker too. Admission is free. Learn more at mahwahlibrary.org.

AUG. 13 The historic Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus (say that 10 times fast) is back with its annual SUMMER CRAFT SHOW, where about 75 exhibitors from the tri-state area show off and sell their homemade goods. Walk the outdoor grounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to find food, home décor, accessories and more. Admission is $4. Check out thehermitage.org for more info.

AUG. 14 Tenafly Nature Center always plans amazing summer programing for the whole family, including the NATURE ADVENTURES PUPPET SHOW. Little ones ages 2- to 8-yearsold will laugh, sing and play at this nature-themed puppet show from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Admission is $5 per child. Register in advance at tenaflynaturecenter.org to book your spot.

AUG. 15, 22 Is there anything more relaxing than a yoga session and a gorgeous sunset? Enjoy both at HACKENSACK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER’S SUNSET YOGA. Two free sessions are held on each day (6 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.) at Atlantic Street Park and are open to yogis of all skill levels. Find out more at hacpac.org.

AUG. 17 Dream of “Californication”—and see it performed live—when the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS come to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Their 2022 World Tour marks the return of guitarist John Frusciante to the group, as well as the band’s first ever stadium tour in the U.S. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and you’ll want to arrive on time for the opening acts: The Strokes and Thundercat. Tickets start at about $160 each. Get yours at metlifestadium.com.

AUG. 17–21 Did you think June was the end of summer festival and carnival season in Bergen County? Nope! Enjoy another one at the end of the summer at the 63RD ANNUAL PARISH FESTIVAL at St. Philip the Apostle in Saddle Brook. There will be amusement rides, food, prizes and more family fun at this church’s yearly fundraiser. For pricing, timing and more, check out stphilipsb.org/festival.

Funnyman and founder of the AXIS OF EVIL COMEDY TOUR Ahmed Ahmed will be making audiences laugh at Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford’s Renaissance Hotel.

Ahmed has performed his brand of comedy on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and has had two Showtime specials.

As an actor, Ahmed has appeared in Iron Man, Swingers and Weeds. The Friday show at Bananas starts at 8 p.m., and two Saturday sets are slated for 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets begin at $22. Reserve your seat now and get more details at bananascomedyclub.com.

AUG. 28 Veterans Park in Westwood is once again the place to be at the end of summer for their annual CRAFTS & ANTIQUES IN THE PARK festival, featuring a total of 100 exhibitors showing off their, well, crafts and antiques.

From furniture to jewelry, home décor to photography, scour the Sunday festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tons of unique finds and gifts.

Westwoodnj.gov has the scoop.

AUG. 22–23 Practice your swing at the NEW JERSEY GOLF ASSOCIATION (NJSGA) SENIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP, a 36-hole stroke play event for the 55 and older set.

Alpine Country Club in Demarest will host the 64th annual event where a golf champion will be crowned. Admission is $165. Timing of the event wasn’t available as of press time, but go to njsga.org for more details as they come in.

AUG. 28 The game might not count, but the bragging rights are real for the victor of the annual NEW YORK JETS VS. NEW YORK GIANTS preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff for this gridiron clash is slated for 1 p.m., but arrive at the stadium parking lot early for the best tailgate spots! Verified resale tickets are available at ticketmaster.com and start at $20. Find out more about the teams at newyorkjets.com and giants.com.

*Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all events are subject to cancellations or changes. Attendees are encouraged to observe local safety guidelines.

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201.770.1550 900 Castle Road, Suite C, Secaucus, NJ 07094 petrestinpeace.com

7/15/22 11:37 AM

{ JUST MARRIED }

Ashley Bonino & Matthew Henrici This Old Tappan couple, engaged since April 2020, tied the knot on the grounds of their dream venue.

What followed was a gorgeous reception with more than 200 family and friends.

VENDORS

WEDDING DATE: July 20, 2021 NUMBER OF GUESTS: 225 CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The Estate at Florentine Gardens, River Vale, florentinegardens.com PHOTOGRAPHY: Abbey Photographers, Palisades Park, abbeyphotographers.com FLORIST: Laurelwood Designs, Washington Township, laurelwooddesigns.com CAKE: Palermo’s Bakery, Little Ferry and Ridgefield Park, palermobakery.com HAIR & MAKEUP: Juliette Laracuente, Artist Makeup Academy, Hoboken, @jlglam ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Tony Gia, Wayne, @djtonygia

BERGENMAG.COM

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Open 24Hours

OPEN FOR INDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT 24 HOURS Now Delivering with DoorDash, UberEats & Grubhub!

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2022 Oktoberfest Tickets & Parking Available Online – Four Weekends from Noon to 5:00 p.m. – October 1-2, 8-10, 15-16, & 22-23 at Anthony Wayne Recreation Area in Harriman State Park For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:

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{ ON THE TOWN }

Where To Eat

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

SAMDAN 178 Piermont Rd. 201.816.7343 samdanrestaurant.com

CLIFFSIDE PARK

DEMAREST

354 STEAKHOUSE 354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499

YASOU MYKONOS 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasoumykonos.com

AVO’S GRILL 720 Anderson Ave. 201.945.9038 orderavos.com RUDY’S RESTAURANT 591 Anderson Ave. 201.943.9252 SEDONA TAPHOUSE 679 Anderson Ave. 201.943.2300 sedonataphouse.com VILLA AMALFI 793 Palisade Ave. 201.886.8626 villaamalfi.com

CLOSTER BRASSERIE MEMERE 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com

*Editor’s note—Patrons are encouraged to confirm individual restaurant policies regarding social distancing and curbside service.

ALLENDALE ALLENDALE BAR & GRILL 67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com ALLENDALE STEAKHOUSE 95 W. Allendale Ave. 201.962.9797 allendalesteakhousenj.com MEZZA LUNA 96 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.6556 mezzalunabistro.com

FINK’S BBQ SMOKEHOUSE 26 W. Madison Ave. 201.384.3210 finksbbqsmokehouse.com

EMMA BISTRO 2 Hilliard Ave. 201.402.7719 emmabistronj.com

FOSCHINI’S 21 E. Madison Ave. 201.387.9998 foschinis.com

GREEK TAVERNA 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com

IL MULINO 132 Veterans Plz. 201.384.7767 ilmulinodumont.com

HAVEN 2 Main St. 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com

EAST RUTHERFORD

ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE 15 The Promenade 201.366.4065 ophedgewater.com

NIHON KAI 41 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.3000 nihonkaijapanese.com

LOCALE CAFÉ AND BAR 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 locale208closter.com

ANNABELLA’S HOUSE OF MOZZARELLA 900 Paterson Plank Rd. 201.804.0303 annabellasmozz.com

SAVINI 168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com

TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE 32 S. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com

SEAR HOUSE 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhouse.com

ALPINE

BOGOTA

KIKU 385 Rte. 9 W. 201.767.6322

LUKA’S ITALIAN CUISINE 10 River Rd. 201.440.2996 lukasitaliancuisine.com

NIRVANA INDIAN KITCHEN 29 W. Allendale Ave. 201.818.2300 nirvanaindiankitchen.com

BERGENFIELD CHAPALA GRILL 52 S. Washington Ave. 201.387.2107 chapalamexican grill.com

CARLSTADT BIGGIE’S 430 Rte. 17 S. 201.933.4000 biggies.com

STERN AND BOW 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbowrestaurant.com

CRESSKILL DELVINA RESTAURANT 172 Piermont Rd. 201.816.0239 delvinarestaurant.com HANAMI 41 Union Ave. 201.567.8508 hanamirestaurant.com

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FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com

GRANT STREET CAFÉ 25 Grant Ave. 201.385.1705 thegrantstreetcafe.com

AL DI LA 1 Hoboken Rd. 201.939.1128 aldilaitalianbistro.com

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DUMONT

DE NOVO EUROPEAN PUB 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropeanpub.com

THE HILL 252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com

Rudy’s Restaurant in Cliffside Park

BROWNSTONE PANCAKE FACTORY 860 River Rd. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com

BLARNEY STATION PUB 258 Park Ave. 201.531.0001 blarneystation.com CAFFÉ CAPRI 119 Park Ave. 201.460.1039 caffecaprirestaurant.com

EDGEWATER BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 59 The Promenade 201.313.3889 baumgartscafe.com

PIER 115 115 River Rd. 201.313.2155 pier115barandgrill.com REBECCA’S 236 Old River Rd. 201.943.8808 rebeccasedgewater.com RIVER PALM TERRACE 1416 River Rd. 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com ROBERTO’S II 936 River Rd. 201.224.2524 robertosii.com SEAK 725 River Rd., #30 201.402.3400 seaknj.com

Photos courtesy of Rudy’s Restaurant, Stone & Rail

IL VILLAGGIO 651 Rte. 17 N. 201.935.7733 ilvillaggio.com

AUGUST 2022

7/12/22 9:45 AM

ELMWOOD PARK TAVERNA MYKONOS 238 Broadway 201.703.9200 tavernamykonos.com

ROSE’S OF ENGLEWOOD 126 Engle St. 201.541.0020 rosesplacenj.com

ROYAL WARSAW 871 River Dr. 201.794.9277 royalwarsaw.com

SOFIA 36 Engle St. 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com

EMERSON

TANI SUSHI & ASIAN GRILL 44 E. Palisade Ave. 201.567.7888 taniofenglewood.com

PIMAAN THAI 79 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.967.0440 pimaanthai.com

ENGLEWOOD AKAI LOUNGE 11 N. Dean St. 201.541.0086 akailounge.com BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 45 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.6267 baumgartscafe.com BENNIE’S 54 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.5700 benniesofenglewood.com BLUE MOON CAFÉ 23 E. Palisade Ave. 201.541.0600 bluemoonmexican café.com

BROWNSTONE PANCAKE FACTORY 717 E. Palisade Ave. 201.945.4800 brownstonepancake factory.com CAFÉ ITALIANO 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net CLIFFS STEAKHOUSE 18 Sylvan Ave. 201.944.0233 cliffssteakhouse.com LEFKES ESTIATORIO 495 Sylvan Ave. 201.408.4444 lefkesnj.com

SAGE RESTAURANT 17-15 Broadway 201.797.0500 sagefairlawn.com

FAIRVIEW NOCHES DE COLOMBIA 172 Broad Ave. 201.840.8428 nochesdecolombia.com PATSY’S 344 Old Bergen Blvd.

201.943.0627 patsysbistro.com

FORT LEE AQUARIUS 230-234 Main St. 201.592.8338 aquariusrestaurant nj.com BAGGIOS 212 Main St. 201.585.7979 baggiospizzarestaurant. com BIG RED TOMATO 1205 Anderson Ave. 201.224.6500 brtnj.com

FRANKLIN LAKES THE CHEF’S TABLE 754 Franklin Ave. 201.891.6644 tctnj.com SUSHI COCORO 856 Franklin Ave. 201.560.1333 sushicocoro.com

GARFIELD THE FIREHOUSE 42 Plauderville Ave. 973.478.2226 firehouse-restaurant.com

Stone & Rail in Glen Rock

GOODFELLAS 661 Midland Ave. 973.478.4000 goodfellasristorante.com LA CAMBUSA 517 River Dr. 973.272.8739 cambusanj.com

LIDO RESTAURANT 701 Main St. 201.487.8721 thelidorestaurant.com

BENSI 459 Rte. 17 S. 201.727.9525 bensihh.com

LA FORTALEZA 361 Midland Ave. 973.928.4470 lafortalezamexrestaurant .com

LT BAR & GRILL 390 Hackensack Ave. 551.287.6333 ltbarandgrill.com

THE HEIGHTS BAR & GRILL 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338

MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY 70 Riverside Sq. 201.221.2030 maggianos.com

IVY INN 268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com

GLEN ROCK GLEN ROCK INN 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com

CAP’T LOUI 210 Main St. 201.461.7080 captloui.com

STONE & RAIL 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE 1 Riverside Sq. 201.487.1303 mortons.com

FAIR LAWN

CHILLERS GRILL 2191 Fletcher Ave. 201.461.0075 chillersgrill.com

THE OCEANAIRE 175 Riverside Sq. 201.343.8862 theoceanaire.com

HUMMUS ELITE 39 E. Palisade Ave. 201.569.5600 hummuselite.com

ANTHONY’S COAL FIRED PIZZA 2101 Promenade Blvd.

201.796.2625 acfp.com

KUBA RESTAURANT 2139 Hudson Ter. 201.585.1601 kubarestaurant.com

TANI SUSHI & ASIAN GRILL 206 Rock Rd. 201.612.1188 taniofglenrock.com

LA FONDA PAISA 95 W. Palisade Ave. 201.871.3544 lafondapaisausa.com

EMPRESS DINER 13-48 River Rd. 201.791.2895 empressdinernj.com

LA’MEZZA 63 Nathaniel Pl. 201.569.2662 lamezzarestaurant.com

KIMCHI MAMA 7-09 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.703.2905 kimchimamafairlawn.com

LAS MARAVILLAS DE TULCINGO 84 W. Palisade Ave. 201.568.1980

OCEANOS OYSTER BAR & SEA GRILL 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com

CASSIE’S 18 S. Dean St. 201.541.6760 cassiespizzeria.com CHAT KAEW THAI CUISINE 4 E. Palisade Ave. 201.894.0343

Photos courtesy of Rudy’s Restaurant, Stone & Rail

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS

ROSE’S PLACE 32-01 Broadway 201.475.8800 rosesplacenj.com

NOCHES DE COLOMBIA 90 W. Palisade Ave. 201.567.4950 nochesdecolombia.com PINTXO Y TAPAS 47 N. Dean St. 201.569.9999 englewoodtapas.com

GRISSINI 484 Sylvan Ave. 201.568.3535 grissinirestaurant.com

RIVER PALM TERRACE 41-11 Rte. 4 W. 201.703.3500 riverpalm.com

PHO TODAY 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.585.8818 POMODORO 795 Abbott Blvd.

201.224.0800 pomodoro1.com PRIME & BEYOND 501 Main St. 201.461.0033 primeandbeyond.com PUNTA CANA 2151 Lemoine Ave. 201.849.5556 puntacanarestaurante .com VENTANA’S 200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthemodern.com BERGENMAG.COM

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HACKENSACK CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.488.0330 thecheesecakefactory.com THE CROW’S NEST 309 Vincent Ave. 201.342.5445 crowsnest.com HOT FISH 450 Hackensack Ave. 201.881.0180 hotfishhackensack.com HOUSTON’S 1 Riverside Sq. 201.488.5667 houstons.com

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P.F. CHANG’S 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.646.1565 pfchangs.com THE PICCO TAVERN 160 Prospect Ave. 201.880.8750 piccotavern.com ROSA MEXICANO 60 Riverside Sq. 201.489.9100 rosamexicano.com

HARRINGTON PARK DONATELLA RISTORANTE 12 Tappan Rd. 201.767.4245 donatellasitalian. restaurant

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS BENDIX DINER 464 Rte. 17 201.288.0143

SOFIA’S 220 Boulevard 201.462.0123 sofiasmediterranean grill.com TOM YUM KOONG 305 Boulevard 201.288.3840 tomyumkoong.net

HAWORTH ALESSANDRO’S 157 Terrace St. 201.385.8544 alessandrosnj.com ANDIAMO 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net

HILLSDALE THE CORNERSTONE 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com DELLA CUCINA 100 Park Ave. 201.722.8880 dellacucinanj.com DOMANI 387 Washington Ave. 201.722.8881 domanirestaurants.com MATSU SUSHI & GRILL 140 Broadway 201.722.9388

AUGUST 2022

7/14/22 12:01 PM

NAGOYA 1007 MacArthur Blvd.

201.818.9933 nagoyacuisine.com NONNA’S 11 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.1151 nonnasmahwah.com

HO-HO-KUS

DANTE’S PLACE 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com

LYNDHURST

FONTANA TRITONE 248 Fort Lee Rd. 201.242.9040

FOSCHINI’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA 298 Ridge Rd. 201.460.7600 foschinis.com

ALT EATS 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com CATCHY CAFÉ 614 N. Maple Ave. 201.445.6400 thecatchycaterer.com HO-HO-KUS INN 1 E. Franklin Tpke.

201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com HO-HO-KUS SUSHI CAFÉ 29 Sheridan Ave. 201.670.7677 hohokussushicafe.com ST. EVE’S 611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com

LITTLE FERRY SEGOVIA STEAKHOUSE 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com

LODI KAYA 334 N. Main St. 973.779.1128 kayalodi.com

ANGELO’S 263 Ridge Rd. 201.939.1922

MICHAEL’S RIVERSIDE 528 Riverside Ave. 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com

MAHWAH JUN LUNG 180 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.9898 junlungnj.com

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MAYWOOD PANCAKE HOUSE 92 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.880.7842 maywoodpancake house.com THE SEAFOOD GOURMET 103 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8558 seafood-gourmet.com

MIDLAND PARK ARTURO’S 41 Central Ave. 201.444.2466 arturos.co

FIRE & OAK 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.307.1100 fireandoak.com

YUKI 2 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.9877 yukimontvale.com

MOONACHIE

BAZZARELLI 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazzarellirestaurant.com BISTRO 107 107 Moonachie Rd. 201.440.3339 bistro107nj.com SEGOVIA 150 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4266 segoviarestaurant.com

NEW MILFORD

BARREL & BREW 872 River Rd. 201.483.3329 barrelandbrews.com CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 200 Main St. 201.576.0400 casualhabanacafe.com SANZARI’S NEW BRIDGE INN 105 Old New Bridge Rd. 201.692.7700 sanzaris.com

NORTHVALE

FIONA’S RISTORANTE 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com

BIDDY O’MALLEY’S 191 Paris Ave. 201.564.7893 biddyomalleys.com

ROSARIO’S TRATTORIA 29 Central Ave. 201.445.3335 rosariostrattoriamenu.com

THE GREEK VILLAGE 254 Livingston St. 201.750.8570 greekvillagenj.com

REBAR & KITCHEN 132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com BERGENMAG.COM

OLAR NOSO 493 Tappan Rd. 201.402.9355

HEARTH & TAP CO. 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com

MAYWOOD INN’S TWIN DOOR TAVERN 122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com

SERGIO’S MISSIONE 2 Mercer St. 973.778.4545 sergiosmissione.com

BELLISSIMO 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com

SANGRIA 1033 MacArthur Blvd.

201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com

ANGELO’S GREEK TAVERNA 245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektavernanj.com

CAFÉ MIGNON 332 Broad Ave. 201.292.1992

MADELEINE’S PETIT PARIS 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetit paris.com

GEN SUSHI & HIBACHI 14B Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.930.9188 gensushimontvale.com

MAYWOOD

LEONIA

DELPINO RESTAURANT 108 Chestnut Ridge Rd. 201.391.6866 delpinorestaurant.com

ROXANNE’S 150 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.0007 roxannes restaurant.com

STATE LINE DINER 375 Rte. 17 N. 201.529.3353 statelinediner.com

OSSO BUCO 343 Broadway 201.664.1600 ossobucogrill.com

MONTVALE

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OAKLAND

CENZINO 589 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.6693 cenzinos.com TROVATO’S DUE 4 Barbara Ln. 201.337.0813 trovatosduenj.com YUKI 350 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8889 yuki-oakland.com

OLD TAPPAN

PATRIZIA’S 183 Old Tappan Rd. 201.515.2900 patrizias.com

PALISADES PARK SO MOON NAN JIP 238 Broad Ave. 201.944.3998 so-moon-nan-jip.com

PARAMUS

BIAGIO’S RISTORANTE 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com THE CAPITAL GRILLE 1 Garden State Plz. 201.845.7040 thecapitalgrille.com GRAND LUX CAFE 1 Garden State Plz. 201.909.0399 grandluxcafe.com KIKU 365 Rte. 17 S. 201.265.7200 MANTRA 275 Rte. 4 W. 201.342.8868 mantranj.com SUBURBAN DINER 172 Rte. 17 N. 201.261.2605 suburbandiner17.com

PARK RIDGE

103 PRIME AT VALENTINO’S 103 Spring Valley Rd. 201.391.2220 103prime.com

Photos courtesy of Bazzarelli, Cafe 37

MAHWAH BAR & GRILL 2 Island Rd. 201.529.8056 allendalebarandgrill.com

Bazzarelli in Moonachie

AUGUST 2022

7/14/22 12:02 PM

{ ON THE TOWN } ESTY STREET 86 Spring Valley Rd. 201.307.1515 estystreet.com THE PARK STEAKHOUSE 151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com PEPPERCORNS 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercorns176.com RIDGE DINER 125 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.391.4242 ridgediner.com

RAMSEY ANTHONY FRANCO’S 128 E. Main St. 201.236.8000 afpizza.com

MK VALENCIA 228 Main St. 201.373.0228 mkvalenciarestaurant.com THAI PALACE 218 E. Main St. 201.441.9119 thaipalacenj.com

RIDGEWOOD CAFE 37 37 S. Broad Ave. 201.857.0437 cafe-37.com CRAVINGS TAPAS BISTRO 8 Wilsey Sq. 201.857.8533 cravingstapas.com DELHI ACCENT 37 Chestnut St. 201.444.4910 delhiaccentnj.com

ROOTS 17 Chestnut St. 201.444.1922 rootssteakhouse.com

THE RISOTTO HOUSE 88 Park Ave. 201.438.5344 therisottohouse.com

TPR RESTAURANT 38 W. Railroad Ave. 201.871.0444 tprrest.com

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

VOLARE’S 7 Station Sq. 201.935.6606 volaresrestaurant.com

WALDWICK

STEEL WHEEL TAVERN 51 N. Broad St. 201.882.1800 steelwheeltavern.com

SADDLE BROOK MIDLAND BREW HOUSE 374 N. Midland Ave. 201.797.0070 midlandbrewhouse.com

VILLAGE GREEN 36 Prospect St. 201.445.2914 villagegreenrestaurant.com

QUE PASTA 326 Market St. 201.712.1900 qpitalian.com

WHITE MAPLE CAFÉ 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.447.1953 whitemaplecafe.com

THE PLANK PIZZA CO. BEER PARLOR 383 Market St. 201.843.2426

RIVER EDGE

SADDLE RIVER

FELINA 54 E. Ridgewood Ave. 551.276.5454 felinarestaurant.com

MADO RESTAURANT 570 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.265.3629 madorestaurant.business. site

CAFÉ PANACHE 130 E. Main St. 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com

GREEN FUSION 22 Oak St. 201.670.7502 greenfusionnj.com

SANDUCCI’S 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

TEANECK

KINCHLEY’S TAVERN 586 N. Franklin Tpke.

201.934.7777 kinchleyspizza.com

IT’S GREEK TO ME 21 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.612.2600 itsgreektome.com

RIVER VALE

THE SHANNON ROSE 1200 Rte. 17 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com

BRADY’S AT THE STATION 5-7 W. Main St. 201.327.9748 bradysatthestation.net

SMYRNA 21 E. Main St. Ramsey 201.934.7990 TAWARA 53 W. Main St. 201.825.8712 VARKA ESTIATORIO 30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

RIDGEFIELD

Photos courtesy of Bazzarelli, Cafe 37

RIDGEFIELD PARK

CAFÉ TIVOLI 533 Shaler Blvd.

201.941.5561 cafetivoli.com 88 RICE SHOP 88 Rte. 46 W. 201.840.8688 88riceshop.com

AMARONE 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net

AMMATA THAI KITCHEN 184 Rivervale Rd. 201.664.2299 ammata.com

B V TUSCANY 368 Cedar Ln. 201.287.0404 bvtuscany.com

LA LANTERNA 29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaof ridgewood.com

ARMANDO’S GRILL 688 Westwood Ave. 201.722.5820 armandostuscangrill.com

ETC. STEAKHOUSE 1409 Palisade Ave. 201.357.5677 etcsteakhouse.com

LATOUR 6 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5056 latourridgewood.com

LET’S MEAT STEAKHOUSE 625 Rivervale Rd. 201.660.7960 letsmeatsteakhouse.com

NOAH’S ARK 493 Cedar Ln. 201.692.1200 noahsark.net

LISA’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE 28 Oak St. 201.251.8686 lisasmediterranean cuisine.net

REGINA’S 827 Teaneck Rd. 201.862.1996 reginassteakhouse andgrill.com

ROCHELLE PARK NANNI 53 W. Passaic St. 201.843.1250 nanni.com

PARK WEST TAVERN 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com

CAFÉ MATISSE 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com

PEARL 17 S. Broad St. 201.857.5100 pearlridgewood.com

FINCH’S 801 Rutherford Ave. 201.231.3141 finchsdining.com

RAYMOND’S 101 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.445.5125 raymondsnj.com

PAISANO’S 132 Park Ave. 201.935.5755 paisanos.com

LIMONCELLO 32 Franklin Tpke.

201.652.5577 limoncellonj.com

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BACARI GRILL 800 Ridgewood Rd. 201.358.6330 bacarigrill.com

WESTWOOD

WOODCLIFF LAKE SOL RESTAURANT 42 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.9363 solrestaurantnj.com

WOOD-RIDGE AL TORO 187 Hackensack St. 862.243.3850 al-toro-restaurant-bar. negocio.site

WYCKOFF ALDO’S 640 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.2618 aldosofwyckoff.com

CAFFÉ ANELLO 11 Madison Ave. 201.786.8137 caffeanello.com

BENARES 327 Franklin Ave. 201.904.2222 benaresnj.com

DOWNTOWN DHABA 266 Center Ave. 201.664.0123 dhabadowntown.com

BLUE MOON CAFÉ 327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexicancafé.com

THE IRON HORSE 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 theironhorse.com

T.S. MA CHINESE CUISINE 637 Wyckoff Ave. 201.891.8878 tsmachinesecuisine.com

KIMCHI SMOKE 301 Center Ave. 201.497.6333 kimchismoke.com

WYCKOFF THAI 314 Franklin Ave. 201.485.8855 wyckoffthai.com

OSTERIA CRESCENDO 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com

Cafe 37 in Ridgewood

TENAFLY

RUTHERFORD

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THE SADDLE RIVER INN 2 Barnstable Ct. 201.825.4016 saddleriverinn.com

ANDREA’S RISTORANTE 20 E. Prospect St. 201.670.0275 andreasrestaurant nj.com

PHOENICIAN LOUNGE 284 Center Ave. 201.722.8600 phoenicianlounge.com

AXIA TAVERNA 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com BRASSERIE 4 Washington St. 201.266.6400 tenaflybrasserie.com SAYOLA 50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurantnj.com

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DUMONT

ELMWOOD PARK

EAST RUTHERFORD

EMERSON

TRI-VALLEY RESTAURANT 366 Knickerbocker Dr. 201.384.5044 trivalleyfamilyrestaurant. com CANDLEWYCK DINER 179 Paterson Ave. 201.933.4446 candlewyckdiner.com

ELIA MEDITERRANEAN 240 Hackensack St. 201.939.9292 elianj.com VESTA WOOD FIRED 64 Hoboken Rd. 201.939.6012 vestawoodfired.com

EDGEWATER

BAUMGART’S CAFÉ 59 The Promenade 201.313.3889 baumgartsedgewater.com JACK’S LOBSTER SHACK 1040 River Rd. 201.233.2808 jackslobstershack.com FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE 90 The Promenade 201.313.9463 flemingssteakhouse.com

A TABLE ALFRESCO ALLENDALE

DE NOVO EUROPEAN PUB 1257 River Rd. 201.496.6161 denovoeuropeanpub.com

BIGGIE’S 430 Rte. 17 201.933.4000 biggies.com

CLIFFSIDE PARK

ALLENDALE BAR & GRILL 67 W. Allendale Ave. 201.327.3197 allendalebarandgrill.com

VILLA AMALFI 793 Palisades Ave. 201.886.8626 villaamalfinj.com

SEAR HOUSE 411 Piermont Rd. 201.292.4612 searhouse.com

FINO 114 W. Allendale Ave. 201.995.1100 fnoristorantenj.com

354 STEAKHOUSE 354 Lawton Ave. 201.941.0499 354steakhouse.com

CRESSKILL

SAVINI RESTAURANT 168 W. Crescent Ave. 201.760.3700 savinirestaurant.com

BERGENFIELD

TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE 32 W. Washington Ave. 201.384.0900 tommyfoxs.com

CARLSTADT

SEGOVIA MESON 645 Washington Ave. 201.896.3260 segoviameson.com

CLOSTER

BRASSERIE MEMERE 107 Vervalen St. 201.660.8822 brasserie-memere.com THE HILL 252 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.899.4700 thehillcloster.com STERN & BOW 171 Schraalenburgh Rd. 201.750.3350 sternandbowrestaurant.com

HAVEN RIVERFRONT RESTAURANT & BAR 45 River Rd. 201.943.1900 havenedgewater.com PIER 115 BAR & GRILL 115 River Rd. 201.313.2155 pier115barandgrill.com

JACK’S LOBSTER SHACK 38 Union Ave. 201.266.6575 jackslobstershack.com

REBECCA’S 236 Old River Rd. 201.943.8808 new.rebeccasedgewater. com

THE PEDDLER 44 E. Madison Ave 201.894.0718 thepeddler.com

RIVER PALM TERRACE 1416 River Rd. 201.224.2013 riverpalm.com

DEMAREST

YASOU MYKONOS 134 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.768.8500 yasoumykonos.com

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

SEE HIGHLIGHTED RESTAURANTS’ ADS IN THIS ISSUE. BERGENMAG.COM

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GREEK TAVERNA 55 The Promenade 201.945.8998 greektavernausa.com

LOCALE RESTAURANT & BAR 208 Piermont Rd. 201.750.3233 locale208closter.com

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BLUE 42 RESTAURANT & BAR 158 Market St. 201.773.0970 blue42bar.com EMERSON HOTEL 31 Emerson Plaza E. 201.262.7557 emersonhotelrestaurant. com

ENGLEWOOD

BIDDY O’MALLEY’S 36 N. Van Brunt St. 201.608.5545 biddyomalleys.com BLUE MOON MEXICAN CAFÉ 23 E. Palisade Ave. 201.541.0600 bluemoonmexicancafé.com PLAYA BOWLS 38 E. Palisade Ave 201.928.7788 SOFIA 36 Engle St. 201.541.8530 sofiaenglewood.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS

VENTANAS AT THE MODERN 200 Park Ave. 201.583.4777 ventanasatthemodern.com

FRANKLIN LAKES PAZZA 794 Franklin Ave. 201.848.5050 pazzanj.com

GARFIELD

THE HEARTH TAVERN 791 Midland Ave. 201.402.0155 thehearthtavern.com

GLEN ROCK

THE GLEN ROCK INN 222 Rock Rd. 201.445.2362 glenrockinn.com STONE & RAIL 175 Rock Rd. 201.345.0709 stoneandrail.com

HACKENSACK ALEMENTARY BREWING CO. 58 Voorhis Ln. 201.968.1290 alementary.com

CAFÉ ITALIANO 14 Sylvan Ave. 201.461.5041 cafeitaliano.net

CASUAL HABANA CAFÉ 125 Main St. 201.880.9844 casualhabanacafe.com

FAIR LAWN

THE PICCO TAVERN 160 Prospect Ave. 201.880.8750 piccotavern.com

ADA MEDITERRANEAN BRASSERIE 14-25 Plaza Rd. 201.791.2222 adamedigrill.com DUTCH HOUSE TAVERN 24-07 Fair Lawn Ave. 201.796.5342 dutchousetavern.com JUANY’S CAFE & GRILL 12-56 River Rd. 551.224.8030 orderjuanys.com OCEANOS OYSTER BAR & SEA GRILL 2-27 Saddle River Rd. 201.796.0546 oceanosrestaurant.com THE RAILYARD TAVERN 14-26 Plaza Rd. 201.773.3372 therailyardtavern.com

FORT LEE BAGGIOS 212 Main St. 201.585.7979

CHILLERS GRILL 2191 Fletcher Ave. 201.461.0075 chillersgrill.com

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN 390 Hackensack Ave. 201.489.2212 truefoodkitchen.com

HARRINGTON PARK

CORK & CRUST 90 La Roche Ave. 201.367.1550 corkandcrustrestaurant.com

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS IVY INN 268 Terrace Ave. 201.393.7699 ivyinn.com

THE HEIGHTS BAR & GRILL 163 Boulevard 201.288.9338 heightsbarandgrill.com

HAWORTH

ANDIAMO 23 Hardenburgh Ave. 201.384.1551 andiamorestaurant.net

HILLSDALE

THE CORNERSTONE 84 Broadway 201.666.8688 thecornerstonenj.com

Photos courtesy of Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill, Agave Cocina Mexicana

Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill in Fair Lawn

7/18/22 3:35 PM

{ ON THE TOWN } HO-HO-KUS

MONTVALE

ALT EATS CAFÉ 622 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.1300 alteatscafe.com

HEARTH & TAP CO. 125 N. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.307.6300 hearthandtap.com

HO-HO-KUS INN & TAVERN 1 E. Franklin Tpk. 201.445.4115 hohokusinn.com

MOONACHIE

ST. EVE’S 611 N. Maple Ave. 201.857.4717 stevesnj.com

NEW MILFORD

ALBERT’S CAFE AMICI 4 Sycamore Ave. 201.389.6377 albertscafeamici.com

THE SICILIAN SUN 604 N. Maple Ave. 201.444.3494 siciliansun.com

LEONIA

DANTE’S PLACE 373 Broad Ave. 201.592.9071 dantesplace.com

LITTLE FERRY

SEGOVIA STEAKHOUSE 217 Main St. 201.814.1100 segoviasteakhouse.com

LODI

REBAR AND KITCHEN 132 Essex St. 201.368.8181 rebarkitchen.com

LYNDHURST

MICHAEL’S RIVERSIDE 201.939.6333 michaelsriverside.com

MAHWAH

Photos courtesy of Oceanos Oyster Bar & Sea Grill, Agave Cocina Mexicana

ROXANNE’S RESTAURANT 150 Franklin Tpke.

201.529.0007 roxannesrestaurant.com SANGRIA 1033 MacArthur Blvd.

201.962.3310 sangriamahwah.com

MAYWOOD

ANGELO’S GREEK TAVERNA 245 Maywood Ave. 201.845.4278 angelosgreektaverna.com TWIN DOOR TAVERN 122 W. Pleasant Ave. 201.843.8022 twindoortavern.com

MIDLAND PARK

FIONA’S RISTORANTE 118 Godwin Ave. 201.857.5800 fionasristorante.com

BELLISSIMO 12 S. Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.6669 bellissimonj.com

BAZZARELLI 117 Moonachie Rd. 201.641.4010 bazarellirestaurant.com BARREL & BREW 872 River Rd. 201.483.3329 barrelandbrews.com PANCHO’S BURRITOS 214 Main Street 201.225.2554 panchosburritostogo.com SANZARI’S NEW BRIDGE INN 105 Old New Bridge Rd. 201.692.7700 sanzaris.com

NORTHVALE

BIDDY O’MALLEY’S 191 Paris Ave. 201.564.7893 biddyomalleys.com MADELEINE’S PETITE PARIS 416 Tappan Rd. 201.767.0063 madeleinespetitparis.com

OAKLAND

PORTOBELLO’S 175 Ramapo Valley Rd. 201.337.8990, ext. 1 portobellonj.com SEGOVIA TAVERN 110 W. Oakland Ave. 201.644.0003 segoviatavern.com

ORADELL

CALABRIA PIZZA 239 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.523.9228 calabriapizzaoradell.com

PARK RIDGE

LA LANTERNA CAFE & GRILL 29 W. Ridgewood Ave. 201.444.5520 lalanternaofridgewood.com

TEANECK

BIAGIO’S 299 Paramus Rd. 201.652.0201 biagios.com

PARK WEST TAVERN 30 Oak St. 201.445.5400 parkwesttavern.com

LA CUCINA DI NAVA 192 A. W. Englewood Ave. 201.326.8102 lcdnava.com

MILLER’S ALE HOUSE 270 Rte. 4 201.342.4800 millersalehouse.com

PEARL 17 S. Broad St. 201.857.5100 pearlridgewood.com

SENDER’S SMOKE JOINT 190 W. Englewood Ave. 201.357.2255 sendersusa.com

THE ORANGE LANTERN 15 E. Firehouse Ln. 201.652.4443 orangelantern.com

STEEL WHEEL TAVERN 51 N. Broad St 201.882.1800 steelwheeltavern.com

TENAFLY

RAMSEY

BICI 61 E. Main St. 201.962.9015 biciramsey.com

TITOS’ BURRITOS AND WINGS 166 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.857.4619 titosburritos.com

BRADY’S AT THE STATION 5-7 W. Main St. 201.327.9748 bradysatthestation.net

WHITE MAPLE CAFÉ 47 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.447.1953 whitemaplecafe.com

CAFÉ PANACHE 130 E. Main St. 201.934.0030 cafepanachenj.com

RIVER EDGE

THE PARK STEAKHOUSE 151 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.930.1300 theparksteakhouse.com

PARAMUS

LAKESIDE GRILLE & BAR 105 Lakeside Dr. 201.327.0009 ramseycountryclub.com THE SHANNON ROSE IRISH PUB 1200 Rte. 17 North 201.962.7602 theshannonrose.com VARKA ESTIATORIO 30 N. Spruce St. 201.995.9333 varkarestaurant.com

RIDGEWOOD

BAREBURGER 15 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.345.4207 bareburger.com CRAVINGS TAPAS 8 Wilsey Sq. 201.857.8533 cravingstapas.com

103 PRIME AT VALENTINO’S 103 Spring Valley Rd. 201.391.2220 103prime.com

IT’S GREEK TO ME 21 E. Ridgewood Ave. 201.612.2600 itsgreektome.com

ESTY STREET 86 Spring Valley Rd. 201.307.1515 estystreet.com

FELINA 54 E. Ridgewood Ave. 551.276.5454 felinarestaurant.com

PEPPERCORNS 176 Colony Ave. 201.391.2818 peppercornsparkridge.com BERGENMAG.COM

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SANDUCCI’S TRATTORIA 620 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.599.0600 sanduccis.com

RIVER VALE

CHERRY BROOK RESTAURANT & BAR 660 Rivervale Rd. 201.391.2300 rivervalecc.com CRECCO’S CAFÉ 649 Westwood Ave. 201.664.7200 creccoscafe.com LET’S MEAT STEAKHOUSE 625 Rivervale Rd. 201.660.7960 letsmeatsteakhouse.com

AMARONE 63 Cedar Ln. 201.833.1897 amaroneristorante.net

AXIA TAVERNA 18 Piermont Rd. 201.569.5999 axiataverna.com SAYOLA RESTAURANT 50 Prospect Ter. 201.871.2182 sayolarestaurant.com

WALDWICK

THE VILLAGE GRILLE 71 Crescent Ave. 201.670.8200 villagegrillewaldwick.com

WALLINGTON AGAVE COCINA MEXICANA 32 Locust Ave. 973.246.8531 agavecocina.com

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP DOG HOUSE SALOON & GRILL 270 Pascack Rd. 201.722.1820 thedoghouse saloonandgrill.com

WESTWOOD

CAFFE ANELLO 11 Madison Ave. 201.786.8137 caffeanello.com

RUTHERFORD

CAFÉ MATISSE 167 Park Ave. 201.935.2995 cafematisse.com

HANAMI RESTAURANT 301 Center Ave. 201.666.8508 hanamirestaurant.com OSTERIA CRESCENDO 36 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.1900 osteriacrescendo.com KIMCHI SMOKE 301 Center Ave. 201.497.6333 kimchismoke.com THE IRON HOUSE 20 Washington Ave. 201.666.9682 theironhorse.com FARMHOUSE CAFE 301 Center Avenue 201.664.8424 farmhousecafenj.com MEZZA 22 Jefferson Ave. 201.722.8822 mezzawestwood.com WESTWOOD PRIME EATS 190 Westwood Ave. 201.664.0069 westwoodprimemeats.com

WOODCLIFF LAKE

SOL MEXICAN & LATIN RESTAURANT 42 Kinderkamack Rd. 201.746.9363 solrestaurantnj.com

WYCKOFF

THE BARN ORIGINAL 359 Sicomac Ave. 201.848.0108 thebarnoriginal.com BLUE MOON MEXICAN CAFÉ 327 Franklin Ave. 201.891.1331 bluemoonmexicancafé.com CAFÉ AMICI 315 Franklin Ave. 201.848.0198 cafeamiciwyckoff.com

MAMBO EMPANADAS 313 Union Ave. 201.933.3888 mamboempanadas.com

SADDLE BROOK

THE PLANK PIZZA PARLOR 383 Market St. 201.843.2426 ppcbp.com

Agave Cocina Mexicana in Wallington

MIDLAND BREW HOUSE 374 N. Midland Ave 201.767.0070 midlandbrewhouse.com

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{ ON THE TOWN }

Gatherings

Bergenites always show up to support their friends and neighbors—especially when help is needed most.

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TABLE TO TABLE

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MATTHEW MARKHAM KILLEN MEMORIAL FUND The Matthew Markham Killen Memorial Fund presented its annual scholarship to WoodRidge 1 High School graduate Brina Trivedi for her excellence in science, engineering and math. In its 10 years, the fund—named after 2005 WRHS graduate Matthew Killen, an aspiring doctor who died at the age of 25—has awarded 11 scholarships totaling $24,000. 1 Mike Smith, Linda Killen, Brina Trivedi, Carolyn Eades, Paul Rance

THE FOOD BRIGADE Volunteers from a local American Eagle Outfitters store recently pitched in to help staff at The Food Brigade’s distribution center in Dumont. They sorted nearly a half-ton of produce and hundreds of pounds of meat, dairy products, sandwiches and other packaged meals and then distributed them to the nonprofit’s clients. 6–7 American Eagle Outfitters volunteers spend a day preparing and distributing food donations.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

2

Veris Residential chipped in to help Habitat for Humanity with the finishing touches of a build site in Westwood. Volunteers from the development company helped complete the home, which Habitat constructed for a qualifying family in need. 8 Veris staff members prepare for a day of building.

3

HOLY NAME MEDICAL CENTER The hospital’s annual fundraiser, the Holy Name Founders Ball, was held at The Glasshouse in New York City and honored Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Neuroscience president Courtney Billington. The evening also featured a performance by awardwinning singer Josh Groban. 2 John Geraghty Sr., Andrea Nenzel, Reina Benabou, Angelica Berrie, Michael Maron, Cathleen Davey 3 Josh Groban performs.

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NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Bergen County commemorated Caribbean American Heritage Month earlier this summer. As part of the celebration, county commissioners and other officials presented certificates of recognition to Caribbean American leaders in the community. 4 Bergen County officials and community leaders celebrate Caribbean heritage.

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As part of its recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month earlier this summer, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center held an outdoor ceremony and raised its stigma-free flag. The program also included event speakers and staff from the center’s mental health division. 9 Jim Tedesco, Tammy Smith, Deb Visconi, Julia Orlando

Matthew Markham Killen Memorial Fund (1), Holy Name Medical Center (2–3), Board of Commissioners (4), Table to Table (5), The Food Brigade (6–7), Habitat for Humanity (8), New Bridge Medical Center (9)

The Hasbrouck Heights-based nonprofit received a $14,000 donation from the Allendale Woman’s Club. Funds raised by the club will help the organization with its mission to collect prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and deliver it to residents in need. 5 Allendale Woman’s Club members present their donation to Table to Table staff.

7/14/22 12:03 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS! Al Fresco Dining Guide

103 PRIME AT VALENTINO’S Welcome to 103 PRIME, a Modern Italian Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant located in Park Ridge. Our focus at 103 PRIME is to provide exceptional food, beverages (full bar and extensive wine list), service and ambiance to our local Bergen and Rockland County residents and corporate communities, as well as to our traveling corporate and non-corporate diners. The kitchen specializes in handcut, in-house, 21+ day dry aged steaks, fresh market seafood and eclectic modern Italian cuisine. And now….enjoy the balmy breezes of our new outdoor terrace! While our kitchen closes at 10 p.m., 103 Prime remains open—so don’t feel rushed!

SANDUCCI’S TRATTORIA Sanducci’s is a Casual Italian Eatery that is family owned and operated. Let us share our passion for food and our Italian heritage as you gather around our table and dine Al Fresco.

We are a BYOB so grab your favorite bottle of wine and let us do what we do best. We are closed on Tuesdays and open all other days serving dinner. As we say in Italian, “Mangia e Beve (eat and drink).” We look forward to serving you!

Mondays: 4:30-9 P.M. Tuesdays-Saturdays: 4:30-10 P.M. Open Sundays for Private Events 103 Spring Valley Rd., Park Ridge, NJ 201.391.2220 | www.103prime.com

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620 Kinderkamack Rd., River Edge 201.599.0600 | www.Sanduccis.com | @sanduccistrattoria

7/18/22 11:35 AM

“This photo of my middle son, Daniil, now 6, was taken last summer at our favorite outdoor pool, Life Time in Montvale. It was a hot day in August with lots of fun, smiles and positive vibes—which is how we spend most of our summer days, hence the ‘happy face sunscreen!’

My kids love swimming, so we often spend time there or go to the Jersey Shore for a day trip, and we spend a lot of time at farmers’ markets, farms and hiking too. The best summer is a local summer!”

— Julia Korotkova, Montvale

BERGEN Magazine Volume 21, Issue 8 (ISSN# 2573-8151 and USPS 025-351) is published 12 times a year by Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Postmaster: Send address changes to Subscription Department, Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and additional mailing offices.

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

Photo courtesy of Julia Korotkova, Instagram @julia_korotkova

{ A BERGEN MOMENT }

AUGUST 2022

7/15/22 10:54 AM

Sophistication. Energy.

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NOW LEASING. Light-filled 1BR, 2BR & 2BR+ luxury rentals with amenities for days— in NJ’s most dynamic new neighborhood.

To arrange a tour, call us at 551.227.2776 Or visit thedistrictrentals.com

©The S.Hekemian Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Professionally Managed by RHO Residential.

Images shown are artist renderings and may not reflect actual completed construction or furnishings.

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100 Market Street Montvale, NJ 07645 551.227.2776 thedistrictrentals.com

6/5/22 12:52 PM 6/6/22 9:34 AM

Smart Curve Ad 9 x 10.875.qxp 6/8/22 3:18 PM Page 1

A more comfortable mammogram?

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

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That’s because all mammograms at Valley are now conducted with the SmartCurve system, which features a contoured surface that mirrors the shape of the breast to reduce potential discomfort. Advanced imaging and comforting care. Find it at The Valley Hospital Breast Center.

To learn more about SmartCurve or to schedule your next mammogram, call 201-447-8200 or visit ValleyHealth.com /Mammogram.

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