Tenafly April 2025 by Wainscot Media

Tenafly

PAUSE, BREATHE, REFLECT

MICHAEL O’BRIEN

COMMUNITY AS CALLING ORLY CHEN

Artful Ministry

Pastor Martin Ritchie

Photo Credit of Brian Marcus Photography

Presbyterian

Trained

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A Thriving Community

As we welcome spring with this month’s issue of Tenafly magazine, we reflect on the incredible people who make our community thrive.

First, we remember Steve Rogers, the beloved CEO of the Kaplen Jewish Community Center, former attorney and former president of Temple Emanu-El, who recently passed away. His leadership, unwavering commitment and kindness touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.

We feature Michael O’Brien, the

founder of Pause Breathe Reflect. Michael’s life was forever changed after a life-altering accident in 2001. From that tragic moment, he found strength through the kindness of others and now helps people navigate anxiety and stress with his mindfulness practice. Designed for busy professionals—like those of us here in Tenafly—his approach encourages us to live with intention and reclaim time for the people and experiences that matter most.

Pastor Martin Ritchie of the Presbyterian Church, originally from Scotland, has brought a beautiful blend of art, culture and faith to his ministry. Jenny Jackson, a local resident, describes him as a fantastic community leader, dedicated to creating an inclusive space for all.

We also honor the work of Orly Chen, a realtor and active member of the Tenafly Chamber, who remains an advocate for our community.

And we shine a spotlight on Daom, a cherished local restaurant in Tenafly. Known for its exceptional Korean cuisine, Daom has become beloved among locals and visitors.

Finally, we offer a practical guide to birding, one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country— and one you don’t have to go further than your own backyard to enjoy.

As always, if you have any story suggestions about community life for Tenafly magazine, please contact me at hello@tenaflymagazine.com.

Gina Palmieri Publisher

Tenafly MAGAZINE

Publisher Gina Palmieri

Local Editor

Jenna Demmer

Writers

Jenny Jackson

Ron Lyons Jr.

Julie Marallo

Michael Pilla

Claire Harris Tunick

Gabrielle Walters

Spencer Watson

Photographers

Alyson Barrow

Justin Schwab

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Art Director

Rosemary O›Connell

Executive Editor

Richard Laliberte

Associate Editor

Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

Tenafly magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Tenafly, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALYSON BARROW

Join us for the best road race in Bergen County – Right in your backyard! Reach thousands of homes in Tenafly with your business message.

Featuring something for everyone - 5K Run, 5K Dog Run/Walk, the JCC 1-Mile Fun Run, and Tiger Club Races for the littlest athletes!

Sunday June 1, 2025 @ 9 AM Tenafly Middle School

WHAT’S NEW AROUND TOWN

April Chamber Updates

Community events, attractions and opportunities from the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce

BY JENNY JACKSON

It’s spring, and the Chamber of Commerce is ready for bloom as we prepare for this year’s not-to-miss Tenafly Spring Fling!

This year’s event embraces a wellness theme, transforming downtown Tenafly into a vibrant hub featuring over 60 local and regional vendors. Attendees can enjoy activities such as face painting, handson arts and crafts, and a community planting project. There will also be local performances, interactive fitness activities, a DJ dance party and a fun carnival ride for younger guests, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

“I am thrilled for Tenafly’s next big community-wide event: Spring Fling!” says Mark Zinna, mayor of Tenafly. “Building on the success of last year’s celebrations, the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Committee are establishing our town as a premier event destination.”

A Sneak Preview

While exploring the artisan market, guests will be able to savor delicious local cuisine and browse unique handcrafted items from talented vendors.

Save the date for this much-anticipated community celebration! The Tenafly

Spring Fling will take place on Sunday, May 4, from noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Tenafly.

Here are a few of our chamber members who signed up early, and we’ve g ot the scoop on what they will be doing at the fling:

• Insight Yoga and Meditation will head up “Wellness Rocks,” a community art project in which you can paint stones to beautify a garden at home or in the park.

• Kaplen JCC on the Palisades has offered to bring a delightful respite with chair massages provided by the JCC’s spa and wellness center.

• Tenafly Nature Center will light up the crowd by offering animal encounters.

Thank you to our special chamber member sponsors:

• Gold: Tenafly Pizza Restaurant, Orly Chen Real Estate, The Learning Experience, Apple Bank, ISI Elite Training Englewood, Shop Rite Store of Englewood, Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Revolution Dance Academy

• Silver: Juma Fit, Tenafly Bicycle Workshop, PNC Bank, Honda of Tenafly

If you would like to join the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce, not only are you investing in your own business, you are contributing to the betterment of Tenafly.

Visit Tenaflychamber.org/about to learn more about membership and to join Tenafly Spring Fling.

Remember to shop the shops and dine local to keep our community strong and vibrant!

Jenny Jackson serves as the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce president and Tenafly Downtown Committee co-president. She believes in the power of business as a channel for positive impact.

FOOD TRUCKS

PLANTING

SWEETS

PLANTING SWEETS

SPRING VENDORS

ART PROJECTS AND MORE!

HUYLER PARK

Taste the Warmth

Experienced chef Soyoung Jang shares her culinary skills at Daom, her newly opened Korean restaurant.

BY SPENCER WATSON

Sometimes work keeps people too busy to find the time to eat at a sit-down restaurant. Daom, a Korean takeout establishment that opened last November, offers a convenient option to enjoy a taste of different flavors.

Owner and chef Soyoung Jang brings 18 years of restaurant experience to her first venture. Compared to many other dine-in Korean restaurants that emphasize specific dishes such as barbecue or tofu, Daom provides a diverse takeout menu with an array of offerings to sample.

Daom is unique for its highly customizable menu options. Jang invites customers to enjoy Korean small dishes served with rice, vegetables and a protein of their choice.

Customers can select from beef,

chicken, or pork, with additional options for spice level and rice preferences. The most popular dish at Daom is bulgogi— soy sauce-marinated sliced beef, served with soup and a side dish.

Building a Business

Jang began working at restaurants after moving to the United States from South Korea 18 years ago. She gained experience in different aspects of the restaurant business, from serving and managing to cooking.

What started as a hobby eventually grew into her dream of opening her own restaurant. “I love to cook, first of all,” Jang says. “So I’d been thinking about how I could start a business to make good food for people, because I love to see people eating better food.”

When she came across Daom’s future location, Jang was drawn to Tenafly for its quiet and inviting neighborhood. The name Daom itself was over five years in the making.

“There are two different meanings of the word,” says Jang. “First, it means warmth, like a warm place, and also it could mean people can come together and come here to eat.”

She emphasizes the freshness and cleanliness of the ingredients she uses to create the highest-quality dishes. Tenafly residents and visitors alike can experience the warmth of her cooking when they order from Daom.

Spencer Watson is a lifelong Bergen County resident. She is a poet and freelance writer who frequently writes about local news in New Jersey.

Steve Rogers: A Tribute

We take a moment to honor the late CEO of the JCC. May his memory be a blessing.

BY CLAIRE HARRIS TUNICK

The Kaplen Jewish Community Center on the Palisades has suffered a devastating loss. On January 15, the JCC announced the passing of its CEO, Steve Rogers.

On the day of his funeral, overflowing crowds crammed into Temple Emanu-El in Closter to pay their respects to the man who had once been the president of the synagogue. There was a palpable pall felt throughout the JCC on that day, with many people shaking their heads in disbelief and sorrow.

Rogers, who lived in Tenafly, worked as an attorney for over 35 years but was always involved in the affairs of the Jewish Community of Bergen County. He became the CEO of the JCC in 2021.

Guidance Through Challenges

According to Alyssa Schiffman, the organization’s chief mission officer, Rogers changed the trajectory of the JCC after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. People were nervous about how the in-person programs for those in the early childhood center, summer camp, health and wellness facility, music school, senior program and special services program could possibly be reinstituted.

A huge portion of the participants in those programs were the most vulnerable in the community. But Rogers brought hope that as the threat of COVID diminished, people would return—and return they did.

Under Rogers’ benevolent guidance, membership at The J, as it is affectionately known, is at an all-time high. His vision included excellence in the myriad programs at The J as

well as the maintenance of world-class facilities. Because of Rogers, the JCC is a place for people of all ages.

Touching Lives

With that said, Rogers’ reputation did not stem solely from his vision of excellence for the JCC. It has everything to do with who he was: a friend to all.

Under his guidance, the morale of the entire staff soared. He touched the lives of so many by making himself available to all who asked. Everyone felt a unique relationship with him, from children to seniors.

Rogers is survived by his beloved wife, Robin, and treasured children and children-in-law, Jason, Alec and Shani, and Jamie and Andrew.

A quote from the Scottish poet Thomas Campbell seems particularly appropriate for one so cherished and admired: “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

He touched the lives of so many by making himself available to all who asked. Everyone felt a unique relationship with him, from children to seniors.

Claire Harris Tunick is a Tenafly resident and retired English teacher. She also runs a writing group for cancer survivors and is the author of the memoir “Red Hair, Blue Lips.”

(Left-to-Right) Roy Davidovitch, MD, Craig Capeci, MD, Thomas Youm, MD, Adam Cohen, MD, Jonathan Stieber, MD, and Amy Birnbaum, MD.

Rethinking Happiness

Michael O’Brien turned a life-altering moment into his “last bad day”—and now advocates his Pause Breathe Reflect mindfulness method.

BY GABRIELLE WALTERS

We’ve all heard the saying, “Life can change in the blink of an eye.” For Tenafly resident Michael O’Brien, that saying holds a deeply personal truth.

In July 2001, while in New Mexico for a company meeting, O’Brien decided to go on a bike ride—an ordinary choice that would forever alter the trajectory of his life. As he rode, a Ford Explorer traveling 40 mph hit him head-on, leaving him in the intensive care unit.

Before the accident, O’Brien lived a fast-paced lifestyle, much like many fellow Tenafly residents—high-performing, constantly busy and struggling to manage stress in a healthy way. That moment forced him to pause and reassess his approach to life. Instead of chasing happiness, he realized the importance of finding it in the present moment.

Though O’Brien could have easily fallen into self-pity, he chose instead to view the

Still an avid bicyclist, Michael O’Brien changed his perspective and turned toward a new phase of life after being struck by an SUV while riding.

experience as his “last bad day.”

A mentor once told him that everything in life is neutral until you place a label on it, and O’Brien continues to live by that philosophy, embracing each day in its entirety and seeking out positive moments, no matter how small. “I am the person I am today because people came to my aid,” he reflects.

Being Present

While the accident does not haunt him, O’Brien still vividly remembers the sights, sounds and smells of that life-altering encounter with the SUV. During his recovery, he discovered the power of gratitude, which led him to experiment with meditation and breathwork.

These practices helped him gain perspective and recognize that happiness isn’t found in the next big achievement or material possession. “Back then, I thought my happiness was in the next thing,” he admits. Over time, he realized that true fulfillment comes from within.

Years later, he left the pharmaceutical industry to launch a coaching business, Peloton Executive Coaching. Through coaching and speaking engagements, he helps clients create customized plans to achieve their goals and prevent bad moments from turning into bad days.

His “Pause Breathe Reflect” mindfulness movement encourages people to take short moments throughout the day to slow down,

breathe and move forward with clarity so they can show up with their best intentions. By embracing these small pauses, individuals can release stress before it builds up.

O’Brien now dedicates his life to helping others be more present. His podcast, “Kintsugi,” features seven- to 10-minute episodes designed to help listeners build deeper connections with themselves, others and nature.

“There’s a lot of pressure nowadays, especially in towns like Tenafly,” he says. His podcast offers a quick moment of gratitude and mindfulness ahead of a demanding day.

He has also developed the Pause Breathe Reflect Sangha mindfulness and coaching app, which features meditations ranging in length from one to 10 minutes.

Strength in Community

When O’Brien and his family moved to Tenafly in 1998, they were immediately drawn to the town. “Our neighbors make it really special,” he says. “When we were planning our move, we explored different towns, but there was something about Tenafly’s energy that stood out.”

The sense of community became even more evident following his accident, as neighbors rallied around

his family, offering food, support and encouragement.

Not only did O’Brien get back on his bike after the accident, but in 2022, he took on a cross-country ride to celebrate life. His wife and two dogs traveled alongside him in an RV, sharing in the experience.

Today, he continues to inspire others by coaching leaders, speaking publicly and advocating for a healthier digital lifestyle, which clears up more energy for people and experiences that truly matter.

Through his work, he provides people with tools to navigate life with greater ease. “When we approach life with a little more softness, we can move through it with more grace,” O’Brien says. “We could all do a better job of offering grace to others and to ourselves.”

To learn more about O’Brien’s journey, visit www.michaelobrienshift.com.

Gabrielle Walters is a Tenafly resident and small business owner. You can find her wellness products in multiple stores across Bergen County.

Religious and artistic training in his native Scotland, along with a connection with a local minister, helped lead Martin Ritchie to become pastor at the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly.

A Creative Calling

Presbyterian pastor Martin Ritchie blends faith, art and culture— including his Scottish roots—to foster an inclusive ministry.

BY RON LYONS JR.

Martin Ritchie is the pastor at the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly, offering a unique approach to ministry and the arts for his role.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Ritchie’s early life was immersed in the followings of the Scottish Episcopal Church. From a young age, he was deeply involved in church life, singing in the choir and playing the organ. Those actions would shape his future both in ministry and in the arts. “I wouldn’t know where I would be in life or have made many of

the connections I have,” Ritchie says, reflecting on the significance of his formative years.

Ritchie’s journey toward ministry took him on many paths. His love of the arts led him to a diverse academic background, including degrees in ministry, art and literature from Edinburgh University, where he ultimately earned a PhD. His research explored the intersection of art and ministry, despite the vast complexities of each field. “Art reflects life in the world, while religion can be narrow,” he explains.

Before answering the call to ministry, Ritchie worked in prominent arts organizations around Scotland, including the Scottish Opera, the Scottish Ensemble and the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. These experiences showed him many aspects of the arts through various lenses.

A Chance Encounter

When Ritchie decided to become a minister, he trained under the Church of Scotland. That training brought him to Ghana in 2012. While there,

Ritchie, seen here with his daughter Rowan, strives to bring people together through both spiritual connections and shared experiences with art.

he met Rev. Eileen Lindner, who was serving as an American representative for the Presbyterian Church (USA), in 2013. Lindner offered Ritchie a summer internship—a random encounter that would affect the course of his life.

His first visit to the Presbyterian Church in 2014 was also his first time in America. During the internship, he organized the Faith in the Arts festival, a project designed to engage the congregation in cultural and artistic exploration.

As soon as his internship ended, Ritchie returned to Scotland and completed his training. He was ordained as a minister in 2018.

When Lindner decided to step down after 18 years of service in 2022, Ritchie was offered the role of pastor at the

Presbyterian Church at Tenafly. He gladly accepted the offer. Presbyterianism has strong roots in Scotland, and he figured he would be able to offer a unique perspective to a new audience.

Common Goals

One factor that made the position even more intriguing was that the church wanted to build on what Ritchie was already passionate about: merging religious and cultural life.

Since taking the position, Ritchie has created an arts outreach program that incorporates music, visual arts and cultural events into the church’s ministry and the community.

His goal is to create a space for people of all backgrounds to come together

through the arts and other events to foster a sense of unity and shared experience.

“The arts are a gift from God,” Ritchie says, emphasizing that his mission is not only to focus on spiritual connectivity but also to offer cultural experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.

The transition serving as a pastor in Tenafly has been a smooth one, thanks to his previous visits and the warm welcome he received from the congregation and the community. It has fueled his commitment to building a church that embraces people of all denominations, languages and cultural backgrounds.

Ron Lyons Jr. is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in publications including Business Insider, Slate and Tom’s Guide.

‘I Believe in Giving Back’

For Orly Chen, being a Tenafly booster is part of a faith-based mission to make world a better place.

BY MICHAEL PILLA

Orly Chen of Orly Chen Real Estate is a passionate woman. She is passionate about Israel, her faith, her family, her real estate business and living in Tenafly. According to Chen, one of Tenafly’s biggest boosters, “Living in Tenafly was a very intentional choice. I always felt that this town has something no other town has.”

Her story starts in 1989, when she met her future husband, Shlomo Chen, a month after completing her military service in the Israeli army. Three months later, they were married

and moved to the U.S. They first lived in New York City before settling in Bergen County. In 1999, they moved again, this time to Tenafly, to raise their three children, Ben, Koral and Adi.

“There’s something about the genetics of this town,” Chen says. “There’s a very strong sense of community. While I chose to send my children to Jewish private schools outside of Tenafly’s school system, we always felt connected to our neighbors and the other families. It’s a privilege to be part of this town.”

Orly Chen (opposite page, left) works with a number of community organizations while leading the Orly Chen Team (right) at her independent real estate business.

Wanting to pass on the traditions of her faith, she enrolled her children in Jewish private schools: Solomon Schechter Day School, The Frisch School and SAR Academy and High School.

Committed to the Community

One of the main reasons for moving to Tenafly was the Kaplen Jewish Community Center on the Palisades, on Clinton Avenue. The JCC became

a second home for Chen and her family, providing after-school activities that kept her children engaged while strengthening and enriching their Jewish identity. It helped her create the Jewish home she wanted for her children.

“Over the years, I witnessed the incredible impact the JCC has had,” she says. “I fell in love with its mission, and knew I wanted to be more involved.”

Today, she sits on the board. “I am honored to serve alongside some of the most generous, intelligent and dedicated individuals,” Chen says. “Their unwavering commitment to our local community and Israel is truly inspiring.” She chairs the Israeli Committee and Senior Department, and sits on the

Committee for Special Needs Children.

Recently, the JCC suffered a loss with the passing of its CEO, Steve Rogers. Chen remembers Rogers as a mentor “who taught me so much about being a good Jew, being a good leader and just being a good human,” she says. “I learned so much from this man. We miss him; he was such a great role model for all of us.”

In 2004, Chen began her real estate career as an independent agent. After 10 years, she felt it was time to expand her business, and she founded the Orly Chen Team, a group of female real estate agents.

“I am deeply passionate about women’s empowerment, which is why I intentionally built a team of women with whom I share professional goals and personal connections,” she says, describing her mission.

In addition to conducting business, her team is active in local philanthropy. Giving back to the community is very important to her mission. “I believe in

Chen not only represents clients in the vibrant Tenafly real estate market but also spends time with her team, which has become a second family of women who she says support and uplift each other.

giving back, as this is a mitzvah [deed] in the Jewish religion,” she says.

Her team has become her second family. Shlomit Davies, Jamie Corsair, Inga Roberts, Dana Koblenz, Sagit Izhakiy and Claire Marie are all essential to her American journey. “We support and uplift each other, making our work both fulfilling and joyful,” Chen says.

Supporting Downtown

As her commitment and love for Tenafly grew, she dedicated some of her time and resources to improving the commercial side of the town. “I joined the Chamber of Commerce to help enhance our downtown,” she says. “For years, I felt that the downtown area was lacking and in need of a facelift.”

She and her husband decided to invest by purchasing properties on West Railroad. “We are committed to building out affordable yet beautiful apartments as well as elevated commercial opportunities for our community to enjoy, and we are now nearing the completion of construction,” she says.

One of the locations will soon be home to a beautiful new Bread Boutique & Café/ Restaurant. At another location, new tenant Pedini is opening a high-end Italian kitchen showroom featuring imported Italian kitchens, vanities, doors and other premium products.

“It was a tedious but worthwhile process to convince people to support our plans,” Chen says. “Our downtown is going in a new and very good direction. It’s great; I’m very hopeful.”

Whether it’s supporting the Tenafly Tigers, sponsoring the 5K Walk, creating events for local charities or working to improve the downtown business district, Chen is there. “It’s a lot to balance, but I love being part of it,” she says. “I couldn’t do it without the support of my husband, our family and our community.” Tenafly has no bigger fan or friend than Orly Chen.

Michael Pilla is a branding/digital marketing creative director, the founder of Pilla Creative Marketing and the author of “You Oughta Be in Business: A Humorous Guide for the Self-Employed.”

Calling All Bird Lovers

Birding is among the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S. Here’s how to join the flock of wing watchers.

BY RICHARD LALIBERTE

Birdwatching, or birding, has been soaring in popularity. About 96 million Americans—more than a third of the population—actively observe feathered friends, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

It’s easy to see why. Birds can be more than flitting, flying creatures; they can also be mental health resources. Psychologists note that birdwatching can benefit wellbeing by helping to relieve stress.

The vast majority of birders (about 95%) get their fixes of winged wildlife from the comfort of their own homes, but many also seek birds in the greater outdoors. Birders can be as diverse as birds themselves. While avian enthusiasts are often older adults, birdwatching spans all ages and is equally popular among men and women.

Why Birding Is Booming

Observing birds provides a variety of benefits. As a result, birdwatchers can be motivated by different—and often overlapping—goals and rewards. Reasons why people flock to birdwatching include:

• It’s easy. Birding can readily be done from your backyard, and plenty of tools and methods are available to entice birds to come to you. At the same time, many birders love traveling to see species they’re less likely to find in their home region—and some people even jaunt to distant locations worldwide to experience new birds.

• Birds connect us with nature. They offer a bridge to the natural world even in urban settings.

• It’s relaxing. Seeking birds in their natural habitat usually entails being

outdoors and embracing quiet—both of which can promote calm.

• Birders are social. While many birdwatchers indulge their interest in solitude, it’s common for like-minded enthusiasts to gather in groups (or to congregate in locations where birds are known to be found). Birding groups, communal bird counts and online forums are just a few examples of ways people connect over birds.

• Technology is improving. Apps and inphone cameras have made it easier than ever to identify species by sight or sound and record observations to share or enjoy.

• Birding helps nature. The more people learn about birds and their habitats, the greater interest they tend to take in preserving the natural world or encouraging a healthy relationship with the environment.

Ways to Start

Like natural activities such as walking, birding doesn’t necessarily require a lot of gear—but a variety of tools, supplies and equipment can enrich your experience. Whether you prefer a minimalist or wellequipped approach, it’s easy to begin with these steps:

• Go outside. Birds are virtually everywhere. Start paying attention to them and their songs. Try learning to

identify specific species by birdcalls alone.

• Offer food. Backyard feeders can bring birds close enough to observe from a window. Ask local suppliers for advice on the best seed or feed combinations for the birds you most want to view.

• Get guidance. Classic bird books can help you identify birds by size, shape, plumage, natural range, beaks and other characteristics. Digital apps provide similar information that’s accessible virtually anywhere.

• Buy binoculars. Magnification isn’t strictly necessary but can transform the birding experience by bringing birds into closer view.

• Connect with a community. Most birders love to share, and you can learn a lot from fellow enthusiasts about where birds can be found and whether a given species is common in your area or—more excitingly—not.

• Roam. The more different kinds of locations and habitats you visit, the greater the variety of birds you’ll see.

• Get up early. They’re not called early birds for nothing. Heading out at dawn lets you observe birds when they’re hungry and highly active.

Richard Laliberte is the executive editor of Tenafly magazine

Captivating Verse BOOK NOOK

Perfect for Poetry Month: Try these modern works selected by Tenafly’s public library director.

BY JULIE MARALLO

April is National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate poets and their craft. Poetry is an impactful way to convey emotions to readers, allowing for a deeper connection between the poet and reader. The following are some modern collections you might want to try if it’s been a while since you picked up your Emily Dickinson or Walt Whitman collection. All recommended books are for adults.

“SIGNS, MUSIC”

Raymond Antrobus

This 2024 T.S. Eliot Prize finalist is Antrobus’ tale of becoming a father in a two-part sequence poem. His story is one of joy and bewilderment as he learns to care for his new son while coping with the loss of his own father.

“THE RAIN IN PORTUGAL”

Billy Collins

Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins has a masterful command of language, and his poetry is accessible to all readers. This collection is full of humor, making it perfect for both literature lovers and readers new to poetry.

“MILK AND HONEY”

By Rupi Kaur

Julie Marallo is the director of the Tenafly Public Library.

This collection of both fiction and nonfiction poetry was on The New York Times bestseller list for many weeks. Kaur’s work deals with topics such as the experience of violence, female empowerment and overcoming abuse.

“POEMS NEW AND COLLECTED”

By Wisława Szymborska

If you are tempted to take an existential journey, you will enjoy this comprehensive collection from Nobel Prize winner Szymborska. Heavily influenced by her experience living in post-World War II Poland, her poetry tackles topics such as the meaning of life, human nature and death.

“NIGHT SKY WITH EXIT WOUNDS”

By Ocean Vuong

Although he was born well after the Vietnam War, poet Ocean Vuong spent the first years of his life in a Ho Chi Minh City refugee camp with his mother and grandmother. In his T.S. Eliot Prize-winning collection, Vuong leads readers through the grief and pleasure of his life and his feelings about the father he has never known.

BERGEN HEALTH EXPERIENCE WOMEN’S

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The Terrace at Biagio’s Paramus, NJ

A Peaceful Reminder

This photograph by Susan Terman shows a memorial in Davis Johnson Park that reads, “Dedicated to and in memory of the Tenafly residents who lost their lives due to COVID-19.” The memorial was unveiled in 2023 and in April 2025 continues offering a serene tribute five years after the pandemic’s peak.

Have