(Left-to-Right) Roy Davidovitch, MD, Craig Capeci, MD, Thomas Youm, MD, Adam Cohen, MD, Jonathan Stieber, MD, and Amy Birnbaum, MD.
Making a Difference
As we move through winter, February brings a chance to focus on the things that matter most—family, community and the things that inspire us. In this issue of Tenafly magazine, we’re proud to share stories of local businesses and individuals who make a difference in our town and beyond.
This month, we highlight Yasou Santorini, a cozy spot that brings the flavors of Greece to Tenafly. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, its dishes
are sure to brighten any winter day.
We take a look at Iris and Virgil floral studio, led by Victoria Monsul Singolda. Victoria’s beautiful arrangements bring color and life to every occasion, adding a personal touch to the celebrations that matter most to our community.
We’re also pleased to introduce Nadine Haruni, a children’s author whose engaging books spark creativity and curiosity in young readers. Her stories are a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
We talk to Marie-Pierre StOnge, PhD, an associate professor at Columbia University whose research focuses on sleep, diet and heart health. St-Onge’s work offers valuable insights into how these elements affect our overall well-being, and her new book on nutrition and sleep is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their health.
Lastly, we celebrate Susan Marenoff-Zausner, the first female president of the Intrepid Museum. Her leadership is helping shape the future of this iconic institution, and we’re excited to see where her vision takes it.
As always, if you have any ideas or suggestions to share for making Tenafly magazine even better, please email me at hello@tenaflymagazine.com.
Gina Palmieri Publisher
Publisher Gina Palmieri
Local Editor
Jenna Demmer
Writers
Julie Marallo
Gabrielle Marcus
Catherine Moscatt
Gabrielle Walters
Spencer Watson
Photographers
Alyson Barrow
Damian Castillo
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. Tenafly
PHOTOGRAPH BY ALYSON BARROW
Email your photo and a short description to Leslie.Hoenninger@tenaflymagazine.com
• Acupuncture
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• Personal Training
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Classes, workshops, and services added frequently –check back often!
5 Atwood Avenue, Tenafly, New Jersey, 07670 5 Atwood Avenue, Tenafly, New Jersey 07670
Richard H. Weiner has been ranked #4 in the State of New Jersey, in Band One/Tier One, by Chambers USA, 2024. This prestigious ranking was recognized under the heading of the Chambers Publication Family/Matrimonial High Net Worth. The Firm’s partners, Richard H. Weiner, Gerald R. Salerno, Barry L. Kaufman, as well as Attorneys Steven R. Vanderlinden and Gregory L. Grossman, have all been selected for inclusion in the New Jersey Super Lawyers List and to the Best Lawyers in America publication issued by Woodward/White, Inc.
WHAT’S NEW AROUND TOWN
February Chamber Updates
Community events, attractions and opportunities from the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce
BY JENNY JACKSON
The month of love is here and I want to kick it off by giving love to our Tenafly Chamber of Commerce Platinum, Gold, and Silver members. It is because of their generous support that Tenafly’s business community is growing and thriving in 2025.
PLATINUM: Orly Chen Real Estate Group; Honda of Tenafly
GOLD: The Learning Experience; Apple Bank; ISI Elite Training Englewood; Shop Rite Store of Englewood; Kaplen JCC on the Palisades; Revolution Dance Academy; 130 Club
SILVER: Juma Fit; Tenafly Bicycle Workshop; PNC Bank
If you would like to join the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce at one of these levels, you would not only be investing in your own business but also contributing to
the betterment of Tenafly. Visit www.tenaflychamber.org/about to learn more about membership.
DIVERSE BUSINESSES
With 70-plus members, our diverse Tenafly Chamber of Commerce membership has much to help you fill your cup this February, especially from these seven businesses:
Tenafly Chiropractic Center
A healthy back is the basis for feeling great!
32 Washington St., #2A https://tenaflychiropracticcenter.com
Tenafly Nature Center
Get outside and breathe fresh air. We are so fortunate to have year-round programming at this nature haven in our very own backyard.
313 Hudson Ave. https://tenaflynaturecenter.org
Apothecure RX
Receive platinum quality personalized pharmacy care. Drop by to shop the beautiful curation of wellness and beauty products.
1 Highwood Ave. https://theapothecure.com
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Whether it is the gym, spa or community programming, the JCC is a perfect home away from home during the cold month of February.
411 E Clinton Ave. https://www.jccotp.org
Bergen County Pickleball Club
Hit the courts with friends and family in BCPC’s beautiful indoor facility.
101 N Summit St. https://bergencountypickleballclub.com
Tenafly Surgery Center
Visit Tenafly’s very own state-of-the-art plastic surgery center for your aesthetic surgical needs.
2 Dean Drive, Suite 3N https://www.tenaflysc.com
Michelle Bernard Beauty
When it comes to face and brows, Michelle Bernard Beauty is the greatest of all time! Book your Valentine’s appointments ASAP or grab gift certificates for the ones you love.
20 Chestnut St.
https://michellebernardbeauty.com
Remember to shop the shops and dine local to keep our community strong and vibrant!
Jenny Jackson serves as the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce secretary and Tenafly Downtown Committee co-president. The Chamber is a local nonprofit organization that serves to enhance and elevate the Tenafly community experience by actively supporting our local businesses. To learn more, visit www.tenaflychamber.org.
A Blooming Passion
How a Tenafly resident spreads beauty and positive feelings though her thriving Iris & Virgil floral studio
BY GABRIELLE MARCUS
Where do you draw inspiration for your arrangements?
Color or anything I see that has color, texture or form. A russet potato or a purple carrot could inspire me while I am cooking dinner. The farmers market inspires me! I just love borrowing ideas from everything I see, from life.
Victoria Monsul Singolda has transformed her love for flowers into a true art form, creating breathtaking arrangements that capture beauty and emotion. As the creative director and founder of Iris & Virgil, this Tenafly resident crafts exquisite arrangements that evoke both emotion and wonder.
For her, flowers are more than simply decor—they’re a language, a gesture and a celebration of the fleeting beauty that exists in the world around us. She works from a private studio in Tenafly as well as a private studio in Manhattan’s West Village. We sat down with her to learn more about her craft.
What’s your favorite flower to work with, and why?
I have a love and appreciation for many flowers. I really enjoy working with ranunculus for its resilience and color variety; anthurium for its leathery texture and color variety and resilience; carnations because they are so underappreciated but come in a rainbow of colors and last forever; and peonies due to their smell, size and statement.
How do you stay connected to nature outside of your work—and are there places in Tenafly where you go to feel connected or at peace?
I lived in New York City for 18 years, and after moving here four years ago, I love the stillness, quiet air, evenings and walks. Tenafly Nature Center and Sacred Meditation Space are my go-to places. The nature around us in Tenafly, along with meditation, shifted my whole vibration and outlook.
INTERVIEW WITH VICTORIA MONSUL SINGOLDA
LEARN MORE
For more information about Iris & Virgil and its services, visit www.irisandvirgil.com or follow the studio on Instagram @irisandvirgil.
How do you see your floral work affecting your community?
I hope to make an impact with Tenafly residents through my flowers. The world needs a lot of positive vibes right now, and when you go to a dinner party or an event and the florals speak to you, you suddenly become present. There are studies that show flowers change our mind chemistry—they alter our emotions just by our being in their presence.
Dinner parties are my studio’s most inquired orders, right after gift deliveries. I love coming into a space—someone’s home, a restaurant or private venue—and creating beauty. Flowers are whimsical, they are unapologetic, they are brave and fearless, they make our souls dance and our appetites linger. Dinner-party orders can be a mix of small arrangements and bud vases. Every delivery is unique and thoughtful with respect to the client and the occasion.
I also created a floral subscription service in order to make having a flower presence in everyday life easier. Gift deliveries are something I would like to extend to the Tenafly community. I’ve been grateful to grow in Manhattan strictly through word of mouth, so my hope is to debut soon in Tenafly, perhaps in someone’s home dinner party, and start the vibe here.
Gabrielle Marcus is a Tenafly resident who left the hustle of New York City to embrace the suburban life with her husband, Brian, and lay down roots in a more nurturing environment.
Stories That SUPPORT
Children’s author Nadine Haruni uses fantasy and quirky characters to make difficult topics easier for kids.
BY CATHERINE MOSCATT
Children’s
author Nadine
Haruni uses frogs and hats to teach little children and enchant older ones.
She is the writer of a cute and quirky series of books titled “Freeda the Frog” as well as the fantasy trilogy “The Hat Diaries.”
“Freeda the Frog” uses illustrations and language that children can understand to explain concepts they can relate to. “The Hat Diaries” uses magic to cover topics such as bullying and loss for older kids.
Tackling Tricky Subjects
“Freeda the Frog,” a children’s series about a family of frogs, explains themes to children that they might not otherwise understand or might have difficulty with, such as divorce, blended families, moving to new homes and LGBTQ families.
The series often models what Haruni and her own family have gone through at various times. For example, the first book in the series, “Freeda the Frog Gets a Divorce,” mirrors Haruni’s
Nadine Haruni (center) gathers at a book event with Tenafly friends (from left) Joani Vidra and Sandra Fathi. Haruni has published two book series: “Freeda the Frog” for younger children and “The Hat Diaries” for readers in middle grades and up. The books help children learn about topics such as bullying or blended families.
own divorce and that of her mother. The book won a Gold Mom’s Choice Award.
The books’ message to children is “that families look different,” Haruni says. “Families may not look the same as theirs or what they are comfortable with or used to.” The books are “designed to make people more tolerant and aware,” she says. “I try to talk about real-life families in a matter-of-fact, sort of cute, fun way. I want [reading my books] to be a tool to open up conversations between parents, teachers, librarians.”
Haruni says she’s recently been trying to do more school visits. “For younger children, I’m trying to focus more on the ‘Freeda the Frog’ series,” she says. “For older children, I focus more on ‘The Hat Diaries.’ I want it to make children more empathetic and aware of the ways their peers might be thinking.”
While the “Freeda the Frog” series is for young children, the books might resonate with older children as well, just as some books by Dr. Suess do.
Uplifting Messages
“The Hat Diaries” are middle-grade fantasy adventure books directed at ages 8 to adult. “It’s the same genre as the Harry Potter series,” says Haruni. The trilogy so far consists of “The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee” and “The Hat Diaries: Discover the Portal.” The third installment is slated for fall 2025.
The tagline for the book is “for all readers who believe in magic.” The series is about a young boy (Ryan) whose mom works in a hat factory. Every night, he puts on a different hat and has an adventure. He tries on sombreros, police officer hats, firefighter helmets and (Haruni’s favorite) a magician hat.
Ryan is initially bullied at school, but these nightly adventures transform him, change his life and give him confidence.
“The takeaway from the book is to believe in yourself, and if you do, anything is possible,” Haruni says.
Being a Harry Potter fan herself, Haruni says, “My feeling is, can’t we all use some fun magic in our lives?”
She says she had to do some research for “The Hat Diaries.” “I clearly didn’t know cop lingo or firefighter lingo,” she says. “If you are a writer,
Haruni’s outreach to the the public sometimes entails engaging with members of the press or creative community such as (left) John Flynn of (201) Magazine.
you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t research and make it believable.”
A Writer’s Life
In addition to being a writer, Haruni is an attorney and part of a large, blended family. How does she juggle it all? Well, she works as a lawyer remotely, which saves her time on commuting.
“I guess another one of my strengths is that I’m a big multitasker,” she says. “Generally I would say I work 12 to 15 hours a day, especially when I’m in the process of writing a book.” Three of her children are in college and two are in high school.
“Writing is like working any other muscle in your body,” Haruni says she advises aspiring writers. “You get better the more you do it. A lot of people say they don’t have time, but really, you don’t even need to write more than five minutes a day.”
She notes that she didn’t become a professional writer until she was in her 40s— making her proof that you can reach success as a writer at any age. “You’re never too old to get started,” she says.
With relevant themes, personal experience and her own creativity, she has captivated readers at any age of childhood.
Catherine Moscatt is a writer, poet and blogger. One of her favorite things is reading; another is conducting interviews. She lives with her family in Rockland County.
Haruni often attends public events to speak to audiences and share her work, bringing her in touch with readers and families who share an interest in reaching children with positive messages.
Eat for Sleep
In a unique recipe book, Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, explores how your diet can improve your slumber.
BY SPENCER WATSON
Many people struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, but how many plan their meals to improve it?
Tenafly resident Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, has created a new recipe book, “Eat Better, Sleep Better,” that explores the relationship between food and sleep with 75 recipes and a 28-day meal plan. Co-authored with Kat Craddock, editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine, the book provides a practical approach to eating and sleeping better.
St-Onge aims to help readers incorporate the scientific wisdom that recommends reducing sugar, increasing fiber and consuming essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Providing these recipes can “help
people put this information into action,” she says.
What makes “Eat Better, Sleep Better” unique is its focus on how diet can directly improve sleep. St-Onge, who has a doctorate in nutrition and is an associate professor at Columbia University, focuses her research on sleep, nutrition and cardiovascular disease. She highlights that sleep is important for recovery and the prevention of heart disease.
“In our work, we’ve also shown that if we restrict sleep, it increases blood pressure, insulin resistance and your risk of Type 2 diabetes,” she explains. The book’s recipes were developed specifically to follow guidelines for nutrient content and composition.
Sleep, Food and Science
The book includes tables that highlight foods rich in essential nutrients, allowing readers to make informed swaps in their diets.
St-Onge emphasizes the importance of limiting specific foods and habits that interfere with sleep.
“We have recommendations on staying away from alcohol late at
night, too much alcohol, too much caffeine late in the day, sugary beverages, high sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated fat and large meals late in the day,” she says. St-Onge delves into the science of melatonin, a hormone crucial for sleep, which the body produces from the amino acid tryptophan. Melatonin is produced by the body,
while tryptophan can only be obtained through food.
“To get tryptophan converted to melatonin requires various enzymatic reactions,” she says. “These reactions require cofactors, and many of these cofactors are other nutrients like zinc, magnesium and B vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin B5.”
The recipes in the book focus on foods rich in these nutrients, along with healthy carbohydrates that can enhance absorption.
“Something else that people don’t know is that our foods contain melatonin also,” she says. “There’s such a thing as phytomelatonin, so plants actually make melatonin. There are several good food sources of melatonin, including various nuts like walnuts and pistachios, but also different food products like fruits, vegetables and
various spices and herbs.”
A variety of different nuts, seeds and whole grains provide sleep-supporting nutrients including tryptophan, along with magnesium and zinc, which are also necessary for melatonin production.
Inspired by Research St-Onge’s love for research inspired her journey into the intersection of sleep and nutrition. Delving into earlier studies showed that people have a higher propensity to eat more when they sleep less. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee sought out her expertise for recommendations on what people should eat in order to sleep better.
St-Onge’s findings revealed that “when people ate more fiber, less refined sugar and less saturated fat, they had better sleep at night,” she says. “They had more deep sleep, and they had less micro-arousals,” a term for small awakenings in the middle of the night.
A New York Times article highlighting her work and a subsequent pitch from a book agent ultimately led to production of “Eat Better, Sleep Better.”
The book provides not only recipes but also actionable advice based on her research findings, helping readers bridge the gap between science and everyday life.
Looking ahead, St-Onge plans to continue her research. “We found reduced risk of insomnia when people had a better dietary pattern,” she says. “Right now, I’m working on a paper where we’re showing that higher fruit and vegetable consumption leads to less fragmented sleep at night—so more stable, continuous sleep at night when you eat more fruits and vegetables and have a higher intake of fiber.”
A Tenafly resident since 2013, St-Onge cycles to work at Columbia University and hopes to champion healthy living in her community with her book. Her message is clear: “I want people to know that eating well throughout the day is beneficial for all aspects of their health, including sleep,”
she says. “Know that sleep should rank way up there with eating a healthful diet and exercising as the three pillars of health.”
“Eat Better, Sleep Better” serves as a guide for those seeking both rest and nourishment while offering a practical, science-backed path to wellness.
St-Onge believes that everyone can benefit from better sleep and the healthier choices it both benefits from and enables.
Spencer Watson is a lifelong Bergen County resident. She is a poet and freelance writer who frequently writes about local news in New Jersey.
Taking Flight
Susan Marenoff-Zausner has spent more than two decades empowering women and creating positive change.
BY GABRIELLE WALTERS
For Tenafly resident Susan MarenoffZausner, work has always centered around empowering women and giving back to the community. The way in which she has done this, however, has evolved.
Having always been passionate about health and athletics, her career began with various roles in the sports industry, such as venue director at Giants Stadium during the 1999 World Cup, head of marketing at the Women’s Tennis Association, youngest female vice president at Madison Square Garden and
general manager at New York Power, an American professional soccer team in the Women’s United Soccer Association.
When New York Power ceased operation in 2003, Marenoff-Zausner was devastated, as she loved the femaleempowering environment. “When that was taken away from us, that really left an empty mark on me,” she says.
While taking time to determine her next move, she received a call from a headhunter that changed the trajectory of her career.
She was offered a job as chief marketing officer and executive vice president of business development at the Intrepid Museum, an American military and maritime history museum in New York City.
She was hesitant at first, as she always envisioned herself working in athletics, but when she shifted her mindset to viewing the ship as her team, MarenoffZausner got on board and worked her way up to become the museum’s first female president.
From her start with leadership roles in the sports world to her position as the first female president of the Intrepid Museum, Susan MarenoffZausner has maintained a community- and teamoriented focus.
Inspiring Others
Marenoff-Zausner’s time at the Intrepid Museum has been both powerful and fulfilling. “Over the course of the last two decades, we have worked very hard to grow our audience,” she says. “At the same time, we give back to the community, bring in underrepresented students and youth, and [provide] impactful programs for those in limited-access categories.”
The museum is composed of exhibits, aircraft and spacecraft. These exhibits illustrate the intersections of history and innovation while including sensorysensitive programs that cater to groups such veterans, those with dementia, the visually or audibly impaired and those with cognitive disabilities such as autism.
She and her team at Intrepid have also focused heavily on bringing women into STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields.
“I think a lot of my advocacy and passion in women’s sports has transitioned over here,” says Marenoff-Zausner. “We have to inspire our young women to know about these careers and spark their interest. When they stay interested and evolve, we as a community, organization and country all move forward.”
The Intrepid Museum has developed marketing programs that cater to girls and women such as Techs of Tomorrow, a summer youth program that exposes young people, particularly women, to the STEM field while offering them mentorship and hands-on experience.
Aligned Interests
Marenoff-Zausner’s passion to create safe environments goes beyond the walls of the museum. She is also deeply committed to creating positive change in Tenafly.
She recalls moving to Tenafly 17 years
ago while pregnant with her first child. Living in New York City, she and her husband, Daniel, wanted to find a home in the suburbs with close proximity to the city, where they could grow their family and be close to friends.
They ultimately decided on Tenafly because of the school system and welcoming community. “When I moved to New Jersey, it took me a couple of years to realize there was something missing,” says Marenoff-Zausner. “I realized that I have done so much in New York City involving giving back, but I was not really involved in giving back in my own community.”
With the help of her family, MarenoffZausner founded the ACEing Autism Tenafly Chapter. With Daniel being the longtime chief operating officer for the USTA National Tennis Center and her two teenage sons already being involved in their local communities, they were able
to marry all their passions as a family with ACEing Autism.
“I think about how fortunate we are as a family, and it warms my heart to be able to give back where other people need it,” says Marenoff-Zausner.
She continues her work to create positive environments in her community, both at the Intrepid Museum and in Tenafly, by creating spaces where others can thrive.
“I see how when you give [others] a private time where there are no social constraints and no pressure, they can be themselves in an environment where they can also be simulated,” she says.
To learn more about Marenoff-Zausner’s work at Intrepid Museum, visit https:// intrepidmuseum.org.
Gabrielle Walters is a Tenafly resident and small business owner. You can find her wellness products in multiple stores across Bergen County.
Marenoff-Zausner’s role as Intrepid Museum president entails regularly engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders, from veterans to celebrities.
Fresh Feasts
At Yasou Santorini, Thomas Vaimakis offers healthy Mediterranean flavors using top-quality ingredients.
Greek cuisine is known for fresh and flavorful dishes with nourishing ingredients such as vegetables, grains and meat. Olive oil, spices and herbs combine to create the signature flavors that make the food internationally appreciated.
Yasou Santorini on Washington Street is inspired by the Greek islands, with Mediterranean blue adorning the walls and Greek culinary classics gracing the menu. Each meal is nourishing, authentic and made from the heart.
For the past seven years, Yasou Santorini has become a neighborhood staple, offering delicious meals at an affordable price without compromising health or freshness.
Athens-born owner Thomas Vaimakis wasn’t a chef by trade but was inspired to open Yasou Santorini by one of his three children, his son Alexander, who wished for more flavorful school lunches.
BY GABRIELLE WALTERS
Since then, they have introduced a convenient online ordering system that you can access by visiting yasougreekfood.com, enabling parents to easily order a child’s school lunch and have it delivered directly to the school.
Mediterranean Magic
Vaimakis takes pride in delivering topquality offerings crafted with locally sourced or imported ingredients.
“The products that we use are the best that we offer, at low prices that are easy for [customers] and their families,” Vaimakis says.
Vaimakis, whose wife is a bariatric surgeon, has a healthy relationship with food and views eating as a form of nourishment. Along with containing fresh ingredients, all food is supervised by a registered dietitian to ensure meals on the
menu are balanced and include options for all dietary restrictions.
The gyro is the restaurant’s most popular dish, and Yasou Santorini is one of the few places in New Jersey that serves freshly prepared versions.
Every dish is prepared with the same love and care that Vaimakis brings to his own family’s table. He infuses his heart into each recipe, treating every meal as a special gift.
“Every time I make a Greek salad, I feel happy,” Vaimakis says. “I give my soul, and I enjoy giving [customers] the best that I can give them.”
Yasou Santorini is open seven days a week, until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Gabrielle Walters is a Tenafly resident and small business owner with wellness products in multiple stores across Bergen County.
Keys to a Healthier Heart
For American Heart Month, know the signs of a heart attack—and how to prevent one.
Heart disease can be insidious, creeping up slowly and seemingly without warning. Often it can be “silent,” too, with no obvious symptoms until a crisis or emergency—like a heart attack—strikes.
The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that heart attacks often involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. They can also feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
But other symptoms can also indicate a heart attack. These include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, or the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat and experiencing nausea or lightheadedness can be red flags as well.
Women in particular should pay attention to changes in how they feel, especially new-onset shortness of breath, chest area discomfort or decreased activity tolerance. Women often have atypical symptoms, and any new symptoms should be discussed with a health care provider.
February is the AHA’s American Heart Month, which is an ideal time to understand not only symptoms of heart trouble but also how you can reduce your cardiovascular risks with key steps like these.
1. MONITOR YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE. Having elevated blood pressure can directly affect the heart, which can enlarge and weaken over time if blood pressure is not controlled. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Talk with your doctor about higher numbers.
2. EAT A HEARTHEALTHY DIET. Reduce added sugar and salt; eat a diet that contains whole grains, lean proteins and fruits and vegetables; avoid saturated fats; and reduce cholesterol. A Mediterranean diet is a healthy option to consider.
3. AVOID OVEREATING. In addition to causing weight gain, eating heavy meals and large portions causes your body to work overtime and increases your heart rate. Fatty meals are particularly taxing.
4. EXERCISE. Take a brisk walk, ride a bike, swim, dance—just get moving, and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, incorporating strength training twice a week. Exercise is essential for overall good health, helping with weight loss/control, lowering blood pressure, improving oxygen flow to muscles and decreasing emotional stress.
5. QUIT SMOKING. After one year, your risk of developing heart disease will be cut by half.
6. MANAGE STRESS. Stress can have a profound effe ct on your heart health by inducing the release of stress hormones that in turn can cause an increase in blood pressure and injury to the inner layer of your heart vessels (endothelium)—factors that can contribute to a heart attack. Yoga and meditation are just two things that can help you manage stress. Speak to your doctor about other options.
7. SLEEP WELL. Sleep is important but it’s not just about getting enough sleep, which for most adults should range from seven to nine hours per night. Restful, restorative sleep also matters. Go to bed at about the same time every night; sleep in a cool, dark room; and turn off electronic devices such as cell phones and tablets.
WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
The American Heart Association lists a number of common warning signs of a heart attack. There is overlap in symptoms experienced by men and women, but women often have some symptoms that can be different or subtle, or may be attributed to just aches and pains, the flu or heartburn. If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911. Be alert for signs like these:
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting
• Jaw, neck or back pain
• Discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Cold sweats
• Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Indigestion
Words of Love BOOK NOOK
Not every novel for Valentine’s Day needs to be a romance.
BY JULIE MARALLO
February is the month of love. Here are some novels that will make your Valentine’s Day. If romance isn’t your thing, there is a novel about the love between friends, and a novel that is funnier and quirkier than your typical romance novel. All books are for adults.
“BOOK
LOVERS”
by Emily Henry
Nora is a tough, city literary agent whose perfectionism has doomed her previous relationships. When her sister suggests that Nora join her in the North Carolina countryside, Nora reluctantly agrees. But instead of a sweet country boy, Nora finds fellow jaded city-guy Charlie, an editor for a publishing company. The more they bump into each other, the more they realize they have more in common than they care to admit. Maybe Nora doesn’t have to lose her edge to find love.
“YOURS
TRULY”
by Abby Jimenez
Dr. Briana Ortiz is having a hard time. She has just been through a divorce; her brother can’t find a kidney donor; and she is sure she will lose her promotion to Dr. Jacob Maddox because he is a man. To make matters worse, Jacob is increasingly getting on her nerves. When she is just about to blow her top, Briana receives a letter from Jacob that changes everything. As she gets to know him, she starts to understand the reason behind his quirks. But when he offers a kidney for her brother, Briana’s feelings towards her old adversary change drastically.
“THE BEST OF FRIENDS”
by Kamila Shamsie
Not into romance? This novel is about the love between friends. Zahra and Maryam have been best friends since their days growing up in Karachi, Pakistan. They are complete opposites, but they do not speak of their differences. As adults, they both end up in London, where they must confront a troubling event from their past that forces them to acknowledge their differences and determine if their friendship can survive.
“THE ROSIE PROJECT” by Graeme Simsion
This might technically be a love story, but it is very funny. Genetics professor Don Tillman creates a love survey to help him find the perfect partner to fit into his orderly, predictable life. Then he meets disorganized, rule-breaking Rosie Jarman, and they set off on a quest to find her biological father. Rosie is the exact opposite of what Don is looking for, but sometimes love is hard to explain.
Julie Marallo is the director of the Tenafly Public Library.
Places to Eat in Tenafly
Awe & Wonder Coffee Shop
35 Highwood Ave.
201-569-1461
Axia Taverna 18 Piermont Road 201-569-5999
www.axiataverna.com
Cafe Angelique 1 Piermont Road 201-541-1010
http://cafeangeliquenyc.com/
Celebrity Bagels
30 W. Railroad Ave. 201-894-5555
Chick & Roll
24 W. Railroad Ave., Unit H 201-351-8888 www.chickenandroll.com
Europe Café & Grill
1 Highwood Ave. 201-569-4444 www.europecafegrill.com
JCC Café 411 E. Clinton Ave. 201-569-7900
La Promenade 137 Piermont Road 201-567-2500 https://laprom.com
Mel’s Butcher Box 10 W. Railroad Ave. 201-266-4633 www.melsbutcherbox.com
Miller’s Bakery 5 Washington St. 201-871-4449
https://millersbakeshop.com
Mr. Wok & Sushi 1 Highwood Road 201-569-3969 www.mrwoksushinj.com
Osaka Sushi 23A Washington St. 201-345-7029
https://osakasushitenafly.com
Pizza Nova 24 Washington St. 201-894-9700
Simply Vietnamese 1 Highwood Ave. 201-568-7770 https://simplyvietnamese.info
Spring House
91 W. Clinton Ave. 201-353-0080 www.springhousetenafly.com
Tavlin 7 Railroad Ave. 201-871-6060 https://tavlintenafly.com
Tenafly Diner
16 W. Railroad Ave. 201-567-5522 www.tenaflyclassicdiner.com
Tenafly Hot Bagels
35B Washington St. 201-567-2935
The 130 Club Steakhouse 130 County Road 201-431-2427
https://the130club.com
TPR Restaurant Pizzeria 38 W. Railroad Ave. 201-871-0444 www.tenaflypizza.com/ about.php
Veda Contemporary Indian Cuisine 10 Jay St. 201-399-7788 www.vedatenafly.com/ djmaxihz/restaurant/ order-online
Yasou Santorini
35 Washington Ave. 201-569-1000
https://yasougreekfood.com
Pizza Nova
La Promenade
Love at First Bite
In this photo, Iro Dimitrakopoulos captures her s’mores pizza with heart-shaped sprinkles—a delicious treat perfect for Valentine’s Day that she serves at Pizza Nova until February 28. You can also order hot cacao through the end of the month and preorder heart-shaped pizza year-round.
