Life + Culture

Tacos, Tiles and a Whole Lot of Heart

Building Hands, Building Hope: How Cinco de Mahjong Rallied Bergen County for Children Experiencing Foster Care Article and Photography by Carly Mac Manus Margaritas. Mahjong tiles. And somewhere between the tacos and the first winning hand of the night, something quietly remarkable happened. What looked from the outside like the most fun Tuesday in Upper Saddle River’s recent memory turned out to be something far more intentional: a room full of neighbors who showed up to play a game and...

Fitness

Built for a Lifetime:

Aeon Gymnastics helps children discover strength, joy, and resilience through movement Article by Julian Crest | Photography by Clara Wang Photography Some friendships last a lifetime. For Amanda Lorenz and Stephanie Green, that friendship also became the foundation for a business that has impacted thousands of children across Bergen County. The co-owners of Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics first met in third grade while growing up in Park Ridge. As young athletes, they spent countless hours...

Food + Beverage

Oreo Ice Cream - No Churn

Article and Photography by Gwynn Galvin With just four ingredients you'll have Oreo Ice Cream for dessert! This homemade ice cream is so easy to make without an ice cream maker. Equipment: electric mixer hand mixer spatula measuring spoons loaf pan Ingredients: 1 pint heavy cream 1 Tablespoon vanillaextract 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 15 oreo cookies , crushed, about 1 1/2 cups crushed cookies Instructions: Beat the heavy cream...

Education

Service to the Community

Empowering Students to Use Their Gifts in Service to Others Article by AnneMarie Vaughn | Photography by Immaculate Heart Academy There is a reason why Immaculate Heart Academy has been repeatedly named the Best Private School in Bergen County. In addition to its rigorous academic program and powerhouse athletics, students are empowered on a daily basis to lead with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Service at IHA is more than just something that is required; it...

Local Services

More Than a Rescue

How Cat Crew Rescue is transforming compassion into action for cats, families, and the Pascack Valley community Article by Julian Crest | Photography by Cat Crew Rescue When a call came in about an injured cat lying along Kinderkamack Road in Hillsdale on an early May morning, the situation appeared hopeless. The cat had been left on the roadside, injured, frightened, and feral. A passerby who stopped to help feared the worst and quickly reached out for assistance. What followed became one of...

Professional Services

Before Your Bergen County High School Athlete Signs an NIL Deal

As NIL opportunities continue to expand, more Bergen County high school athletes are being approached with sponsorships, endorsement deals and other opportunities to profit from their name, image and likeness. While these offers can be exciting, they also come with legal and eligibility considerations that deserve careful attention.New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association rules require a high school athlete’s NIL activity to remain separate from the athlete’s school and team...

Travel

Escape the Everyday

A Sophisticated Shoreline Getaway at The Reeds at Shelter Haven Article by Lucille Rizzo | Photography by The Reeds at Shelter Haven For Pascack Valley residents, the Jersey Shore has long been a summer staple, but what if your next escape felt entirely elevated? Just a drive away,  The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor  redefines the coastal getaway, blending boutique luxury, thoughtful service, and a sense of seaside serenity. Consistently recognized by  Travel + Leisure  as a World’s...

Wellness

Beyond Schedules:

How Elements Is Redefining Mental Health Support for Modern Families Article by Elements Psychological Services | Photography by Clara Wang Photography As families transition into the back-to-school season, the focus often falls on logistics, including new schedules, academic demands, extracurricular activities and the return to structured routines. Calendars fill quickly, and expectations rise just as fast. But beneath all of this preparation lies a critical, often overlooked foundation...

Entertainment

The Makeshift Project

From Basement Banter to a Six-Million-Strong Brand Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Michael Lago Creative Company, The Makeshift Project Every empire has an origin story. For Brian Conz and Zach Misischia, it began in a suburban basement in New Jersey—childhood desk, old gaming setup, random memorabilia on the walls. Not a sleek studio. Not a polished launch strategy. Just two best friends and a microphone. Before the 6 million followers. Before the sponsorship deals. Before the...

Entertainment

More Than the Prank

A look at James “Murr” Murray’s quieter strengths—patience, friendship and the work of building something that lasts. Article by Tiffany Slowinski | Photography by Brandon Herman, Joe Papeo, Jack Morgan, Olga Kolleeny, TBS When I sat down with James “Murr” Murray, one of the stars and creators of Impractical Jokers, I asked him whether he sleeps with one eye open. He laughed and told me that, after all these years, he was skeptical of almost everything. In fact, before agreeing to our...