Fitness

Investing in Strength

How JNA Fitness Is Redefining Health in Bergen County Article by Julian Crest | Photography by Andrew Fein Photography When people think about investments, they often picture stock portfolios, real estate or retirement accounts. Rarely does the conversation begin with fitness. But for Joseph and Alina Branda, founders of JNA Fitness, health is not an afterthought — it is the most valuable long-term investment a person can make. Founded in 2012, JNA Fitness has quietly built a loyal following...

Arts + Culture

Investing in Beauty

The Artful Path of Alicia Chimento Article by Julian Crest | Photography by Alicia Chimento For artist Alicia Chimento, creativity has never followed a straight line. Instead, it has evolved through seasons of life, shaped by experience, renewal and a deep connection to the natural world. That sense of movement and intention is reflected in her work, which celebrates color, texture and the quiet power of beauty. Born in Hoboken and raised in northern New Jersey, Chimento developed an early...

Finance + Legal Services

Investing With Intention

How Vicky Meo Helps Families Build Financial Confidence Article by Julian Crest | Photography by Charissa H. Yong Photography In an investment landscape shaped by constant change — from market volatility to shifting life priorities — one truth remains steady: meaningful investing begins with a plan and a trusted advisor. For Vicky Meo, CFP®, ChFC®, CEPA®, RICP®, AAMS™, and Michael Bain, CEPA®, financial advising is not about reacting to headlines or chasing the latest trends. It is about...

Wellness

The Alzheimer’s Association Bergen-Passaic Walk for 2026

Your Chance to Invest in a World Without Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Article by Kate Ferguson | Photography by Alzheimer's Association, New Jersey Chapter For many people with loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s disease, their confrontation with the illness can trigger feelings of isolation, especially when they don’t know where to go for help. Paul Irwin-Dudek, executive director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, experienced this firsthand when his daughter...

Home + Design

Ask The Appraiser

A 19th-century French bronze brings history and heroism Article and Photography by Jon Felz In this feature, we hear from Jon Felz, an expert appraiser from RZM Fine Arts & Antiques, who provides valuable insights on evaluating prized possessions. Have something you're curious about having appraised? Reach out to Jon for a chance to have your items featured in a future "Ask the Appraiser" column. Note to Appraiser: Good morning, Jon. Enclosed are photographs of a statue that has been in my...

Travel

Where History Meets the Tuscan Sky

A medieval villa-turned-hotel in the rolling hills south of Florence, where sweeping views of red-tiled rooftops and ancient gardens make every moment feel extraordinary. Article by Laura Sabia | Photography by Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo Set high on the verdant Bellosguardo hill, just a short drive from Florence’s historic center, Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo lives up to its name: the  Tower of the Beautiful View . Perched above the Arno Valley and its terracotta-roofed skyline, this...

Arts + Culture

Ask The Appraiser

A century-old baseball card uncovers history, legacy and unexpected value Article and Photography by Jon Felz In this feature, we hear from Jon Felz, an expert appraiser from RZM Fine Arts & Antiques, who provides valuable insights on evaluating prized possessions. Have something you're curious about having appraised? Reach out to Jon for a chance to have your items featured in a future "Ask the Appraiser" column. Note to Appraiser: Jon, we recently found this small card in my father’s...

Home Services

Where Fine Rugs Get Five-Star Care

Luxury Rug Spa blends old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to protect one of the home’s most meaningful investments Article by Julian Crest | Photography by Clara Wang Photography In many homes, rugs are more than decorative accents. They anchor living spaces, soften everyday moments and quietly collect years of memories. At Luxury Rug Spa, each piece is treated with that understanding — as both a functional element of the home and a meaningful investment worth protecting. ...

Home + Design

A Legacy of Design

The Main Street Workroom, Westwood’s family-run studio where craftsmanship meets care Article by Julian Crest | Photography by Clara Wang Photography In a world increasingly shaped by fast design and fleeting trends, The Main Street Workroom stands as a reminder that the most beautiful homes are built slowly — with care, craftsmanship and heart. Tucked along Westwood Avenue, the custom window treatment and soft furnishings studio is more than a business. It is the continuation of a family...

Home + Design

Building Affordable Houses for the Community

How the Bergen County ReStore Helps Families Find Their Way Home Article by Kate Ferguson | Photography by Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County Restore When Bergen County shoppers are looking for a retail outlet that stocks a variety of merchandise, chances are the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Westwood might go unnoticed. But that would be a big mistake as this huge home goods and materials center qualifies as a mecca for customers hunting for reasonably-priced new or gently used...