Bergen Buzz

OUR GUIDE TO NEW IDEAS, TIPS, TRENDS AND THINGS WE LOVE IN OUR COUNTY.

HERE’S TO YOU, MOM!

The verdict is in: Bergenites not only love their moms, but have lots of praise for them too. With Mother’s Day on May 8, BERGEN wanted readers’ reports on these women who are your severest critics when you track mud in the house, but your staunchest supporters when you win the grand prize ribbon— or when you’re cut from the team. We asked a broad question: “When you think of your mom, what comes to mind?” Here’s what nine of you said:

“Unconditional love and support. No matter what, my mom has always been there for me. Now that I have children of my own, I always make sure that they feel the same from me— that no matter what, they will always be loved.” —Stacey Derderian,

Montvale

“I think of strength and perseverance. She held the world on her shoulders as a single mom, and I am eternally grateful.” —Kerri Burghardt, South

Hackensack

“My mom passed away 13 years ago. Now, as a mom myself (of a 7-year-old and a 2-year-old), my perspective is so different. My mom was amazing [when I was] growing up, but I realize now that she was a superhero with super powers that spanned empathy, understanding, immense love, kindness and selflessness.”

—Andrea Cancro, Leonia

“The one word that comes to my mind is ‘warrior.’ She has been through a lot during her life; she overcame a divorce and the death of her husband. Through it all she has always been a constant in her children’s lives—and now her grandchildren’s lives. She never feels sorry for herself for the things she has been through, but rather is grateful for all the positive things she has.”

—Kimberly Guidetti, Upper Saddle River

“My mother always said she felt like a regular bird who gave birth to a peacock (me). But the truth is, she makes everyone feel colorful and alive and beautiful and it’s a gift to be seen the way she sees you. If only we could all be that loved and make others feel that way.” —Linda Pordon,

Ho-Ho-Kus

“I think of my mom as my biggest cheerleader and biggest defender, my best friend with the best shoes, my forever shopping buddy and someone who took on both roles (as mom and dad). She made me the woman I am today.” —Chelsea

Weaver, Midland Park

“My mom is a real-life superhero who raised two daughters on her own and worked around the clock to give my sister and me the best possible life. What immediately comes to my mind is her smiling face and warm demeanor. She spent all her free time doing activities we enjoyed, and encouraged us to chase our dreams and never give up. My mom should be recognized each and every day for the endless love she was able to give to us and for her incredible strength, kindness and compassion.”

—Jessica Ruderman, Englewood

DID YOU KNOW? More than a quarter of all holiday flower and plant purchases in the U.S. occur around Mother’s Day, says the Society of American Florists. Lilies, orchids, tulips and roses are the most popular flowers, while hydrangeas, azaleas and chrysanthemums are favorite house plants. “Even when the going got tough, my mom dealt with everyone and everything with an admirable level of patience, calmness and composure. They’re traits that helped her as a nurse and mother of two wild kids. Any time today that I’m told I have those same qualities, I think about her and thank her for setting the example.” —Darius

Amos, Westwood

“My mom was always my No. 1 fan and motivator. When I was a kid, she gave me the motherly push I needed to do my best, from practicing piano an extra 30 minutes or studying a bit longer after I finished homework. She passed about six years ago, but I can still hear her voice telling me to never rest on my laurels—and to sit up straight!” —Renato

Villegas, River Edge

DID YOU KNOW? More than 141 million cards are sent for Mother’s Day in the U.S., according to the folks at Hallmark. But the holiday only ranks third on the list of top greeting card holidays. Christmas tops the list with 1.6 billion cards, followed by Valentine’s Day (151 million).

SKIN IN THE GAME

A sunburn can hurt—we all know that. But some of us forget that today’s glow can have repercussions years from now. Getting too much sun is linked to skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S.—but also one of the most preventable. Below are simple tips, courtesy of Hackensack-based dermatologist Allen Sapadin, M.D.: • Slather it on. Apply a thick coating of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 45. Reapply every few hours, especially if you go swimming or are sweating heavily. “You should even put it on when it’s cloudy,” says the doctor. • Cool in the shade. Staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest, will reduce your chances of overheating and getting sunburned, Dr. Sapadin says. • Cover up. Whether you’re hiking or lounging by the pool, consider wearing a shirt made with heatreflective fabric to protect your back and shoulders from burning. A beach wrap or towel can also help save you from the sun’s UV rays.

• Check yourself.

Examine your body frequently so you’re familiar with birthmarks, moles and scars. Consult your doctor if any of these change in size or color, Dr. Sapadin says. It’s better to remove a suspicious-looking mole than to leave it to chance. • Shun tanning beds. Their concentrated exposure to UVA rays can be stronger than ordinary sun exposure. “If you enjoy the look of tanned skin, there are healthier ways to acquire it, such as with spray tans or tinted lotions,” says the dermatologist.

MOVING ON UP

Remember that joke that Generation Z and millennials can’t afford homes because they spend all their money on avocado toast? Well, they’re not only buying homes, but selling them too! More than 44 percent of Gen Z homeowners (ages 18 to 25) and 35 percent of millennials (ages 26 to 41) plan to sell their homes within the next year, according to new research from Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Risa Corson, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker in the Closter/Alpine area, says the pandemic is likely motivating some younger folks to sell. “Working remotely and looking at the quality of life have prompted many young people to move to warmer climates, as well as to more affordable areas,” she says, adding that low interest rates have been enabling younger generations to buy rather than rent. As for destinations? “Florida has been a very popular area for all ages—it’s not just for retirement,” Corson says.

The research found that 59 percent of Gen Zers and 65 percent of millennials expect good real estate agents to use social media for marketing purposes. “Resonating with the younger generations is crucial,” says Corson. “Social media is important not just to show many homes I’m selling; it’s also the first place many potential clients look.” Young potential clients, she says, “want to know about me personally, not just about real estate.”

DON’T FORGET

Before heading out to a Memorial Day backyard barbecue, remember to honor our armed forces at parades and commemorative ceremonies. Many Bergen towns have returned to in-person events (though attendees should observe local safety regulations), including: • Fair Lawn: Parade and service at Memorial Park, May 30, 10:30 a.m. • Franklin Lakes: Wreath laying and service at Veterans Plaza, May 30, 9:30 a.m. • Lyndhurst: Service and parade at Town Hall Park, May 30, 10:30 a.m. • North Arlington: Parade and ceremony at Borough Hall, May 30, 2 p.m. • Old Tappan: Parade and ceremony at Oakes Park, May 30, 9:15 a.m. • Ridgewood: Service in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, May 30, 11 a.m. • Wyckoff: Parade beginning at Wyckoff Reformed Church, May 30, 11:30 a.m.

BIG FUN IN MINIATURE

May’s second Saturday—the 14th this year—is National Miniature Golf Day, the perfect excuse for family enjoyment with a cozy version of the great game but without the long walks. Try one of these Bergen County mini-golf courses; trust us, the kids will have a ball. Angry Birds Mini Golf, East Rutherford. This indoor putt-putt spot is inspired by the 2016 animated film of the same name. Each of the 18 holes brings a different challenge, and introduces golfers to a different character from the Sony Pictures movie.

• 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, 833.263.7326; americandream.com/venue/angrybirds-mini-golf Blacklight Mini Golf, East Rutherford. A stone’s throw from Angry Birds in the same entertainment complex is this out-of-thisworld golfing experience, where you’ll be in the presence of planets and spaceships. (P.S.: It doubles as an above-par Instagram photo op.)

• 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, 833.263.7326; americandream.com/venue/ blacklight-mini-golf Bogota Golf Center, Bogota. Complementing the full driving range here is a full, climatecontrolled indoor mini course. Obstacles like rocks, hills and water crossings (watch out for some roaring rapids!) will test even the best putters.

• 30 Cross St., Bogota, 201.489.2400; bogotagolfcenter.com/mini-golf/ Closter Golf Center, Closter. This course full of surprise twists, turns and water hazards will frustrate (but ultimately entertain) even ultra-competitive minigolfers. There’s also a location in nearby Tappan, N.Y.

• 153 Homans Ave., Closter, 201.768.0990; clostergolfcenter.com Paramus Mini Golf, Paramus. This no-frills mini course will remind you of the Jersey Shore golf spots of your childhood, with 18 holes of varying difficulty and cute New York- and New Jersey-themed décor along the way.

• 314 Paramus Rd., Paramus, 201.447.6079; paramusminigolf.com Monster Mini Golf, Paramus. For when the spring weather isn’t cooperating or your kids want more variety in their golf game, try this facility, which has 18 holes of indoor glow-in-the-dark fun with animated monsters at every turn. (Other attractions here include an arcade, laser tag, bowling and a ropes course.)

• 49 E. Midland Ave., Paramus, 201.261.0032; monsterminigolf.com

DEER TICKS,BUG OFF!

Spring brings warmer weather, but it’s also the time of year when a nuisance becomes prevalent in North Jersey. Deer (aka blacklegged) ticks are nasty little bugs that carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Found in grassy and woodsy areas, they typically hitchhike into our lives—on our pets’ fur or our clothing, for instance. The danger comes when an infected tick embeds itself in human skin, ultimately transmitting Lyme, which can cause rash, headache and fever but can also affect the joints, the heart and the nervous system if left untreated.

To mark Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May, Bergenites should heed these safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • Avoid areas where ticks thrive: grasses, bushes, leaf piles, fallen logs. • Cover up and “think long,” as in long pants, long socks and long sleeves. Light-colored clothing will help you spot ticks on your clothing. • Apply repellent with DEET (diethyltoluamide) or lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin. • Shower and inspect your body when you return indoors. • Run your clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes to kill any ticks. • Apply repellent to your pets, as ticks often cling to animal fur and can infect cats and dogs. That’s a question employers are asking these days. “Half of workers would rather quit than return to the office full time, new research shows,” declares the brash headline on a press release from business consulting firm Robert Half. Its study found that twothirds of U.S. senior managers want to bring their teams back to the office full time as the pandemic eases—but also that a work-from-home or hybrid model aids morale and cuts turnover, especially among working parents and millennials.

In some fields, of course, working from home just isn’t an option. “The only benefit for us in working remotely is the flexibility to do our graphic work from anywhere,” says Becca Goldberg, creative director and owner of Suite Paperie, a custom invitations business in Ridgewood. “Working in person not only allows us to finalize projects, but more importantly, to work together creatively by collaborating, brainstorming and testing new materials.”

Her summary: “We are in the busiest wedding/event season in history, so I do not anticipate anything other than working in-person.”

PUPPY LOVE

Dog: Lucia, 6-year-old Yorkshire terrier Owners: Mary and Mark Zandonella of Hillsdale Suffering from emptynest syndrome, Mom and Dad opened their doors to Lucia and gave her a loving forever home about six years ago. “She captured my heart,” says Mary, adding that her 5-pound pup easily bonded with her grown children’s dogs: “They all make up the Zandonella gang.” The crew goes for long walks at Wood Dale Park in Woodcliff Lake or along the river in Edgewater.

The pooch is even making an impact with Mom’s co-workers. An executive assistant for a pediatric neurologist in Ramsey, Mary has been allowed to bring Lucia to the office to meet patients. “The children fell in love with her and lovingly refer to her as Nurse Lucia or Miss Lucia,” Mary says. “Each day we pack up her bag, put her in a pretty dress and head off to work. She loves it, and soon became the CCO—chief canine officer.”

Adds this proud humom: “Lucia gives tons of love, a basket of puppy kisses and emotional support to all her friends on a daily basis.” Throughout the pandemic, Lucia even helped teach kids to wear a mask and properly wash their hands. “We had one little boy with severe anxiety, and they worked on it together via Zoom. We were so proud he did it!”

Do you want to tell your puppy’s or kitten’s story? Email a few details and a photo of your pet to editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

WILL COCKTAILSTO-GO BE A GO?

Restaurants adopted many new practices during the pandemic: curbside pickup, heated dining igloos and cocktail deliveries straight to your home. Now, the last of these may be here to stay if a pair of new bills pass. Two Democratic state senators in central New Jersey want to make it permanently legal for certain restaurants and distilleries to deliver alcoholic beverages (including mixed drinks) straight to their customers’ homes, just as they would food.

Of course, there’d be limitations—for instance, mixed drinks would be sold in sealed containers and/or cans— but backers say this could be a way for businesses to expand while also catering to customers still hesitant about eating out in public.

“We’re right across the street from the Paramus Golf Course, which doesn’t have a liquor license, so we’re working on a program where golfers can buy six to eight cans of their drink of choice and get it to go,” says Paula Perides, manager at Biagio’s in Paramus and wife of the chef, Jimmy Perides. “We’ll offer canned beer, vodka, wine, mixed drinks and hard seltzers—this is a big part of the industry right now.” Perides says canned drinks will be an option for customers getting food to go too, but there are some kinks to work out. “People could be hanging out in the parking lot drinking, so we’ll need to monitor it,” she adds. “It’s definitely a challenge since there’s no way to know where people are going and what they’re doing with these drinks.”

IT’S IN THE BAG

We all know which restaurants in town are BYOB: All of them! We’re not talking about bottles—we’re referring to “bring your own bag,” as New Jersey enacted its ban on single-use plastic bags earlier this month. The law prohibits restaurants, grocery stores and retailers from providing familiar plastic bags to customers (sorry, no more bags wishing you a nice day!), encouraging shoppers to bring reusable bags. But there’s a bit more to know about what’s OK and what’s not. For full details, visit nj.gov/dep/get-past-plastic, but here’s a quick FAQ in the meantime:

How do I carry out my purchases?

Bring your own reusable bag or your own single-use plastic bags that you have saved. Grocery stores will still provide small, clear plastic bags so you can pack meat, coffee and produce.

What other plastic bags are allowed?

Picking up dry cleaning, packing a newspaper, bringing home a pet goldfish? Plastic bags are allowed for these purposes. Food pantries have been given a six-month extension before they must abide by the plastic bag ban.

What about paper bags?

Large grocery stores (larger than 2,500 square feet) cannot use paper bags, but a small bodega as well as non-grocery and retail stores can provide them.

How will restaurants pack food?

The ban also includes polystyrene foam food containers (Styrofoam), so restaurants will have to get creative when packing leftovers. They can use paper products—or you can carry out food in a reusable bag.

CULINARY CORNER

A taste of everything

One of the latest eateries in Edgewater’s booming dining landscape, Terravita serves globally inspired dishes for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. You can taste multiple cuisines at every sitting: For instance, start with Asian bao buns and Lebanese lamb hummus before diving into Australian lamb chops or coconut curry crevettes. The flavors are out of this world.

• Terravita, 2 Hilliard Ave., Edgewater, 201.402.7719; terravitarestaurant.com

Seein’ the Aegean?

For an all-Greek experience, head to Egeo Estiatorio in Park Ridge. Its menu of familiar dishes such as whole bronzini, swordfish kebabs and moussaka will make you feel as if you’re dining on the Santorini Coast.

• Egeo Estiatorio, 99 Park Ave., Park Ridge, 201.476.1400; egeoestiatorio.com

Just Japanese

Looking for a strictly sushi and Japanese alternative? Sushi Jugemu is scheduled to open this month in Cresskill, offering inventive sushi rolls as well as an omakase option, saikyo yaki sets and rice dishes.

• Sushi Jugemu, 156 Piermont Rd., Cresskill, 201.888.5649; sushijugemu.com