This March, Pascack Valley City Lifestyle hosted its “Networking & Brews” event at Five Dimes Brewery in Westwood. The evening brought together local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creatives from across the region for an unforgettable night of connection and collaboration.
Nestled in the heart of Westwood, Five Dimes Brewery has quickly become a community favorite since opening in 2022. Founded by Chris Alepa, the brewery is a reimagining of the historic 5 & 10 Cent Store once owned by Steve Naginsky. Alepa’s vision of creating a welcoming space for locals to enjoy handcrafted beers has turned into a vibrant venue, perfect for community-centered gatherings like this one.
“I think events like this are so much fun,” Alepa shared. “You get to meet all kinds of people from the community—different business owners, entrepreneurs—it’s just a great experience.”
A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt speech from Publisher Anthony Rizzo, who spotlighted the power of partnership and community spirit. He extended his gratitude to the local businesses and loyal partners whose continued support have helped shape Pascack Valley City Lifestyle.
Guests enjoyed more than just the brewery’s award-winning beer and stunning rooftop views. Graze Craze of Haworth created a show-stopping charcuterie spread, featuring artisanal cheeses, meats, and seasonal accompaniments.
“The most rewarding part of the night,” Jenny Jee, owner of the Haworth location, remarked regarding the event, “was seeing guests gather around the grazing table, engaging with one another and appreciating the spread. Watching people enjoy the experience and hearing their positive feedback made it all the more fulfilling.”
Adding a touch of sophistication, Vale Cigars—New Jersey’s premier mobile cigar bar—offered guests a curated experience. Founder Brendan Rizza introduced attendees to the craftsmanship behind the brand’s premium selection.
“Cigars, like most tobacco products, can be a controversial product,” Rizza explained, “However I believe cigars can be an elegant way to enjoy oneself. They offer a sophistication to events, and I was excited to be able to show that to the multitude of other businesses and entrepreneurs at the event!”
Live music from local singer-songwriter Nick Dibari set the tone for a relaxed and upbeat evening. With guitar in hand, Dibari’s soulful vocals added warmth to the already welcoming atmosphere.
B&M Market complemented the spread with a selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, receiving rave reviews from attendees. Meanwhile, Balloon Chica’s vibrant balloon arch became the photo backdrop of the evening. Owner Maria Ramos Arias even took a moment to step in front of the camera to celebrate her colorful contribution.
FourWeb Group was on hand to document every memorable moment. Their team captured high-quality images throughout the evening, earning praise for their professionalism and attention to detail.
To end on a sweet note, Crispy Edge Cookies treated guests to custom-baked desserts, featuring intricate designs and the City Lifestyle logo. The beautifully packaged cookies offered the perfect takeaway from a night filled with inspiration.
As the evening drew to a close, guests left with new connections, fresh ideas, and a deeper appreciation for the vibrant local business community in the Pascack Valley. Events like Networking & Brews are a true reflection of the magazine’s mission: to create meaningful relationships that continue to shape the community from the inside out.
Vendor List:
Balloon Chica
Service: Balloons
Socials: @balloonchica
Website: www.balloonchica.com
B&M Market
Service: Catering
Socials: @bmmarketnj
Website: bmfoodlovers.com
Crispy Edge Cookies
Service: Custom Cookies
Socials: @crispyedgec
Website: www.crispyedgec.com
Cxb Designs
Service: Signage
Socials: @cxb.design
Website: www.cynthiabattagliadesign.com
Five Dimes Brewery
Service: Venue & Drinks
Socials: @fivedimeswestwood
Website: www.fivedimesbrewery.com
FourWeb Group
Service: Video, Photo, and Media production for businesses.
Socials: @fourwebgroup
Website: www.fourwebgroup.com
Graze Craze – Haworth, NJ
Service: Charcuterie boards, boxes, and grazing tables
Socials: @grazecraze_haworth_nj (Instagram), Graze Craze Haworth, NJ (Facebook)
Website: www.grazecraze.com/haworth-nj
Nick DiBari Music
Service: Live music
Socials: @ndb.music_
Vale Cigars
Service: Mobile Cigar Bar
Socials: @valecigars (Instagram), Vale Cigars (Facebook)
Website: www.valecigars.com
Interested in attending events like these in the future? Reach out to learn how you can partner with Pascack Valley City Lifestyle by emailing Anthony Rizzo at anthony.rizzo@citylifestyle.com.