Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right â men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes â especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Harrington Park, NJ.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections â it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Harrington Park, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Harrington Park, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels â as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed â and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age â these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933Lucas Biel got into fitness thanks to his mother, Izabela. "She was a bodybuilder and motivated me to pursue a similar journey," he says. "I started working out with her and taking her spin classes growing up."Biel has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Montclair State University and has been a personal trainer at Body Chemistry in Norwood for more than six years. "I love to help people achieve their goals and maximize their potential," he says. "That is how we founded Elev...
Lucas Biel got into fitness thanks to his mother, Izabela. "She was a bodybuilder and motivated me to pursue a similar journey," he says. "I started working out with her and taking her spin classes growing up."
Biel has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Montclair State University and has been a personal trainer at Body Chemistry in Norwood for more than six years. "I love to help people achieve their goals and maximize their potential," he says. "That is how we founded Elevate Stair Climb."
Elevate Stair Climb was an idea that came to Biel in 2019. He shared it with his best friend since 5th grade and current business partner Patrick McGuire, who loved it. "We started doing research on the fitness industry and found out we would be the first ever stair climber concept," Biel says. They opened their doors three years later with a simple goal: to maximize results and minimize time. "The best way to do that was a 30-minute stair class that hits every muscle in your body," Biel says.
Using a stair climber (or Stairmaster), Elevate Stair Climb classes clock in at 30 minutes and can average 300 calories per climb.
"The stair climber is unlike any other type of cardio equipment, since it is also a strength-building piece of equipment," Biel says. "The continuous climbing of stairs is what makes it a cardiovascular workout. However, since you have to push the stair down with your legs, it becomes a resistance style of workout, and therefore strength training, as well. Believe it or not, the most used muscles in our classes would be in your core, as that's what keeps you upright to keep going."
The studio offers two classes: Climb Pro (30 minutes on the climber) and ClimbX (15 minutes on the stairs and 15 minutes with weights). "On average, people will climb to the top of the Empire State Building (similar to 90 floors) or higher during a 30-minute class," Biel says. "Recently, a lot more people have been approaching the Freedom Tower in New York City (132 floors) and our club record is 196 floors in 30 minutes — equivalent to climbing the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, up and back down in 30 minutes!"
Here is what a perfect day in and around Harrington Park looks like to Biel.
I teach our Climb Pro class at Elevate Stair Climb (76 Schraalenburgh Rd., Unit 4, Harrington Park). It is comparable to a spin or indoor cycling class and is open to all levels. It consists of 30 minutes on the climber with an instructor who choreographs movements to the speed and beat of the music. Near the end of the class, we stop the machines to follow the instructor's 3-minute arm segment with wrist weights. This starts my day energized and ready to get after it.
I will pay a visit to our friend and local volunteer fireman, Jeff Brockman, of HPStir Coffee Company in Harrington Park (visit hpstircoffeeco.com for more details). His daughters and her friends run a pop-up stand in his driveway right next to Cork & Crust. It is a local cold brew coffee company. All of their coffee is made fresh and the beans are organic and fair trade. I normally grab a cold brew from him (the best in New Jersey!) or fill up a growler for coffee.
Next, I head over to my favorite diner, Northvale Diner (247 Livingston St, Northvale), and ask for my favorite waiter, Luis, to get my favorite breakfast: the Mediterranean omelet. Made with feta cheese, spinach, tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms, it fuels me for the day. I even tell them to add grilled chicken to the omelet to get my daily protein started higher.
I head over to Lululemon (61 Vervalen St., Closter) at Closter Plaza to get some workout apparel. I only go to this store because of the amazing staff. My favorite items would be the ABC joggers. I own too many pairs in all different colors. Their staff, mainly Meagan and Chelsea, make sure I leave the store with the best-fitting clothes for me, as I have abnormally large legs. Their 7-inch shorts are also a favorite of mine because of the exotic designs they offer.
Cork & Crust (90 La Roche Ave., Harrington Park) is the best Italian restaurant in the area ? incredible food and service. I normally order the branzino, and my fiance?, Elyse, will get the blackened chicken pasta dish. All the food here is incredible.
You can find our group of friends at Montvale Lanes (14 W. Grand Ave., Montvale) for some casual but also competitive bowling. We love going to Montvale Lanes because of how relaxed and nostalgic it is. This cash-only bowling alley is a great way to bond with our friends after a long day and give each other a little challenge, since I am very competitive!
76 Schraalenburgh Rd., Unit 4, Harrington Park; (201) 357-7284; elevatestairclimb.com; @elevatestairclimb
Established: 1904
Total Area: 2.06 square miles
Population: 4,735 people; 1,592 households; 1,328 families
Median property value: $597,400
Median household income: $135,750
Borders: Closter, Emerson, Norwood, Old Tappan and River Vale
(Source: United States Census and datausa.io)
Famous Faces: Several notable people in sports, entertainment and politics have called Harrington Park home including Olympic swimmer Craig Beardsley, former New York Mets General Manager Omar Minaya, New York Yankees outfielder Dan Pasqua, three-time Olympic track cyclist Jackie Simes, Tony Award-winning Broadway actress Beth Leavel, film director, producer and screenwriter Gregory Jacobs, Nickelodeon executive and co-creator of Blue’s Clues Angela Santomero, comedian and former Saturday Night Live castmember Jon Rudnitsky, and Senator Cory Booker.
Sometimes all you want is a practical, simple, down-to-earth plate of food. You’re not looking to be dazzled. You’re not needing to be wowed. And, goodness knows, you really don’t want to lug along a food dictionary to make out the menu.Let others eat Lepre in Civet (according to my dictionary, that's hare stew) or Riso e Rane (risotto with frogs) tonight. You’re perfectly happy with penne alla vodka, chicken marsala or a roasted Chilean seabass with a splash of olive oil.Donatella Ristorante, the comple...
Sometimes all you want is a practical, simple, down-to-earth plate of food. You’re not looking to be dazzled. You’re not needing to be wowed. And, goodness knows, you really don’t want to lug along a food dictionary to make out the menu.
Let others eat Lepre in Civet (according to my dictionary, that's hare stew) or Riso e Rane (risotto with frogs) tonight. You’re perfectly happy with penne alla vodka, chicken marsala or a roasted Chilean seabass with a splash of olive oil.
Donatella Ristorante, the completely revamped Italian-American restaurant that took over the space that had housed Dino’s in Harrington Park for more than three decades, is not trying to outdo those Carbone boys in New York City or reinvent Italian cooking in New Jersey. Donatella seems perfectly content with offering familiar dishes (those mentioned above and so many more) that can be found in just about any red-sauce Italian joint in the state.
And that’s okay. For the most part, the dishes are pretty good. The service not so much — but I’ll get to that later.
First a word about the new digs: The space is barely recognizable, having been transformed from a dark and dated structure to an airy, welcoming, windows-aplenty dining room and bar. And how nice to see tables covered by a crisp white tablecloth, an elegant touch that you barely come across nowadays. Bare tables are de rigueur, as are deafening dining rooms; Donatella, thankfully, allows for conversation using "inside voices.” And as for curb appeal: giant fire lanterns that greet diners at the entrance of the driveway are something to behold. They certainly are impossible to miss.
A Sicilian antipasto dish of eggplant caponata, olives and small chunks of Italian cheese greets every diner at every table. How nice! I wasn't wild, however, about the carpaccio appetizer ($12) — vinegar overpowered anything that was on the plate (thin slices of Angus beef, capers, baby arugula), though the portion was more than generous. Nor did I become a fan of the beet salad ($9); the cubed cooked red and yellow beets tasted as if they came out of a can. But I adored the baked clams that had just the right amount of garlic. The six small clams may have looked puny on a big white plate, but who cares about looks when the taste is so good?
Compliments to the chef on the perfectly flaky and juicy branzino ($32) slathered with a Mediterranean sauce, as well as the rigatoni sheathed in a delicious beef Bolognese sauce ($19). I liked the dishes so much that I asked the waiter to wrap up what my dining companion and I couldn't finish so I could take them home.
My friend and I barely touched our desserts. Yes, we were full but also underwhelmed. The generous slice of chocolate mousse cake was fine — moist and sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth but nothing special. The tiramisu was so soft it was almost soupy. And as for the cheesecake? Forgetaboutit.
About the service: From the get-go, it was slow and spotty. When we inquired about our food, my friend and I were told there was only one(!) waiter in the dining room. Our visit was during the holidays. My heart went out to him. I know t workplaces that are understaffed. I also know that sometimes things are just not under one's control. So my friend and I waited for our order to be taken, for our food to arrive, for our table to be cleaned. By meal's end, we were the only ones left in the restaurant.
Plus I never got my doggy bag. The waiter said that my friend, who left before me, took it. I knew she didn’t but he insisted. I left empty-handed — and upset. (Yes, I checked with my friend the next day, and, no, she did not take it.)
Glitches occur at restaurants all the time. It's a tough business. Chefs and restaurant workers work long, crazy hours. And they, like all of us, make mistakes. And I could certainly live without the leftover branzino. But when mistakes are made, a simple apology goes a long way.
Nevertheless, I’ll return to Donatella. Not just for the rigatoni, but because I believe that everyone, restaurants included, deserves another chance.
12 Tappan Road, Harrington Park
201-767-4245; .facebook.com/DONATELLARISTORANTE/
Open 7 days a week. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Esther Davidowitz is the food editor for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up for our North Jersey Eats newsletter.
.
12 Tappan Road, Harrington Park
201-767-4245; .facebook.com/DONATELLARISTORANTE/
Open 7 days a week. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Esther Davidowitz is the food editor for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up for our North Jersey Eats newsletter.
Alex Kim has been only on the job for about four months as Cresskill's business administrator, but now he is on his way out.Kim, a Harrington Park resident, will be leaving the $152,000 post effective Feb. 21 to pursue other opportunities. He has worked in the position since October.This resignation comes as the district will be introducing its 2019-2020 school year budget in the coming weeks.Kim, a financial adviser by trade who worked previously for several financial firms including Fidelity Investments ...
Alex Kim has been only on the job for about four months as Cresskill's business administrator, but now he is on his way out.
Kim, a Harrington Park resident, will be leaving the $152,000 post effective Feb. 21 to pursue other opportunities. He has worked in the position since October.
This resignation comes as the district will be introducing its 2019-2020 school year budget in the coming weeks.
Kim, a financial adviser by trade who worked previously for several financial firms including Fidelity Investments and Merrill Lynch, said in a brief interview before the Cresskill Board of Education meeting on Monday that working in the district was a "great experience," but felt he wanted to go back into the financial sector.
During the meeting, Kim said the school district should have someone who is an experienced business administrator who has worked in the education field, as this was his first time ever as a BA.
"As a fiduciary in this role, I wanted to do something that was best for the district, and I thought this was the best," Kim said.
More:Bergenfield, Cresskill, Dumont celebrate 125th anniversaries
More:Construction of Cresskill's early-childhood center under way
Cresskill Schools Superintendent Michael Burke at the meeting commended Kim for doing an "outstanding job."
Burke said later in the meeting that he will announce at the next board meeting who will fill in as interim business administrator for three days a week until a new full-time business administrator is hired.
Burke also said the district has retained the services of a Bergen County-based search firm for business administrators to find candidates. He said there has been a "strong response" from people wanting to fill the position and expects to have interviews with two candidates in mid-March and hire someone by May.
The position is not the only one in the district that will need to be filled as the administrative assistant to the business administrator, Patricia Brennan, is leaving on Feb. 22 to work in the Leonia Public Schools. Burke told NorthJersey.com that Brennan's work, which dealt with the district's payroll, will be handled by KCB Payroll Consulting starting on March 1 until June 30.
Email: [email protected]
The story of local business over the past year has been one of fragility. COVID-19 forced many to shut their doors, and for those that did survive, it was not easy.In Harrington Park, however, things looked different. The town “actually had a couple of businesses open up through all of that,” said Borough Clerk Ann Bistritz. Of two dozen local businesses in town, all stayed open during the lockdown.How did the small borough keep business alive during a pandemic?One piece of the answer involves ...
The story of local business over the past year has been one of fragility. COVID-19 forced many to shut their doors, and for those that did survive, it was not easy.
In Harrington Park, however, things looked different. The town “actually had a couple of businesses open up through all of that,” said Borough Clerk Ann Bistritz. Of two dozen local businesses in town, all stayed open during the lockdown.
How did the small borough keep business alive during a pandemic?
One piece of the answer involves a local initiative conceived in 2017: the Harrington Park Farmers Market. This year will be the market’s fourth iteration. After the idea was born in a 2017 meeting of the Harrington Park Community Business Alliance, the market launched in 2018 with two goals: “to invigorate the economy of the local area using our own small businesses, while also doing something positive for the community,” as Bistritz put it.
In 2021, the market will feature 30 vendors and take place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from Aug. 15 until Oct. 31, at Highland Field on Tappan Road.
Paul Karoyan, who owns a health food store in Waldwick called Olive Branch & Grape Vine, has been a vendor at the Harrington Park Farmers Market since its beginning, and he calls it “the best farmers market I’ve done, out of all the other farmers markets.” It was also the only one he was able to participate in during 2020, since the other markets and street fairs he usually attends were shut down.
While the typical vision of a farmers market might bring to mind a series of tents lined up in a parking lot, Bistritz describes this one as more “like a party.”
North Jersey:Farmers markets return for 2021 season. Here's where to find them
Along with local food, the market has music, as well as artisans and craft vendors. For example, this year there will be a vendor who carves, and another doing pottery. The local fire department also comes to teach kids about fire safety and give them their own fire hats.
“You leave with a bag full of stuff, even if you didn’t buy anything,” Bistritz said.
The farmers market isn’t just about having a fun Sunday activity — it’s about helping local businesses. But for Harrington Park, those go hand in hand. Bringing people together outdoors is, the vendors say, good for business.
“If you have it on a field or some sort of more green area, it invites more people,” Karoyan said. “They might stay a little longer, and the longer you stay, the longer you spend.
The market also allows local businesses to gain visibility in a small community that doesn’t have a bustling downtown.
Ron Binaghi, who runs Stokes Farm and is one of the originators of the farmers market, said, “Even if we just stood there with nothing and said ‘Hey, Stokes Farm,’ just that exposure alone was tremendous for us.”
Where to travel:11 family-friendly day trips to take this summer without leaving NJ
Local news:Ramapo College agency helps businesses struggling during COVID pandemic
The market represents a broader pattern within Harrington Park: the collaboration of community and business. This helps explain why the borough’s businesses were able to thrive through the pandemic.
Helen Maginn, owner of The Cake Fairy LLC and another of the market founders, explained, “I feel like [Harrington Park] businesses have fared very well [during the pandemic] because the people in the town have really gone out of their way to support them.”
Ryan Greff, chairman of the Economic Recovery Task Force Initiative of the Small Business Development Center at Ramapo College, concurred that community support is "vital" for sustaining any local business.
Just as the community supports the farmers market, the market aims to support the community. A farmers market, Greff said, can have positive ripple effects on a small economy.
"When you go to a place, you don’t necessarily just go and do one thing, there’s a multiplier effect. If you go to a farmers market, you might pick up your produce and then decide, ‘Hey, maybe I’ll grab a quick burger,’ or ‘I’ll go to the local retail clothing outlet.’ When you create these great experiences and opportunities, it fosters a strong economic revitalization for all neighboring businesses," Greff said.
Story continues below the gallery
Plus, Binaghi said, “This might be the first year that we can actually raise enough money to do something for Harrington Park.”
The farmers market is predominantly funded through the local government. Typically, the market makes enough only to fund posters and publicity for next year’s market. But with higher revenue expectations this year, Binaghi hopes that the market can give back to Harrington Park: “Whether it be a park bench or something else that was funded by us, [that] would make us feel really proud.”
Everyone likes to claim they have the best town with all the best things: the best diners, the best coffee, the best bagel.NJfamily.com put out a list of the top towns for families in the state. They went through every town in the state with a population greater than 1,500 people and factored in things like commute time and the quality of local hospitals.Central ...
Everyone likes to claim they have the best town with all the best things: the best diners, the best coffee, the best bagel.
NJfamily.com put out a list of the top towns for families in the state. They went through every town in the state with a population greater than 1,500 people and factored in things like commute time and the quality of local hospitals.
Central Jersey's best towns for families:See the list
Did you know?:E-ZPass holders in NY and NJ pay more in other states because each makes its own discounts
Growing industry:Study says NJ's craft brewery scene has grown more than any other state. Here's why.
Here's how towns in North Jersey ranked.
2. Glen Rock: Population - 12,045
12. Ho-Ho-Kus: Population - 4,183
22. Northvale: Population - 4,985
24. Allendale: Population - 6,906
28. Harrington Park: Population - 4,846
31. Demarest: Population - 5,032
38. Mahwah: Population - 26,759
41. Closter: Population - 8,766
48. Wyckoff: Population - 17,322
49. Oakland: Population - 13,224
50. Oradell: Population - 8,312
57. Upper Saddle River: Population - 8,415
64. Tenafly: Population - 14,900
66. Haworth: Population - 3,497
67. Norwood: Population - 5,895
70. Hillsdale: Population - 10,581
72. Old Tappan: Population - 6,042
73. Washington Township: Population - 9,393
79. Ramsey: Population - 15,242
81. Park Ridge: Population - 8,944
84. River Vale: Population - 10,223
87. Cresskill: Population - 8,935
88. Emerson: Population - 7,739
89. Alpine: Population - 1,890
97. River Edge: Population - 11,724
100. Waldwick: Population - 10,092
105. Ridgewood: Population - 25,692
106. Franklin Lakes: Population - 11,255
108. Leonia: Population - 9,292
109. Montvale: Population - 8,724
110. Woodcliff Lake: Population - 5,903
113. Bergenfield: Population - 27,927
121. Edgewater: Population - 12,368
122. Dumont: Population - 17,998
137. Midland Park: Population - 7,384
144. Westwood: Population - 11,326
147. Saddle River: Population - 3,262
178. Wood-Ridge: Population - 9,018
185. Rutherford: Population - 18,782
192. New Milford: Population - 16,869
197. Moonachie: Population - 2,800
202. Fair Lawn: Population - 33,710
206. Paramus: Population - 27,032
247. Fort Lee: Population - 37,907
249. Bogota: Population - 8,567
263. Hasbrouck Heights: Population - 12,277
278. Lyndhurst: Population - 22,426
279. East Rutherford: Population - 9,928
288. Ridgefield: Population - 11,435
300. Carlstadt: Population - 6,314
317. North Arlington: Population - 16,009
339. Saddle Brook: Population - 14,169
356. Teaneck: Population - 41,311
382. Palisades Park: Population - 20,988
388. Maywood: Population - 9,860
398. Little Ferry: Population - 11,000
410. Wallington: Population - 11,781
417. Ridgefield Park: Population - 13,154
420. Englewood: Population - 29,112
431. Rochelle Park: Population - 5,705
436. Elmwood Park: Population - 20,429
451. Lodi: Population - 24,961
460. Cliffside Park: Population - 25,142
468. Fairview: Population - 14,537
470. Hackensack: Population - 45,248
479. South Hackensack: Population - 2,492
487. Garfield: Population - 32,393
Watchdog:10 employees hired by NJ Schools Development Authority lack basic requirements for jobs
Security:U.S. Postal Service installing new mailboxes to combat mail fishing
What happened?:Why are some Garfield school district phone bills hundreds of dollars a month?
150. Ringwood: Population - 12,545
184. Wayne: Population - 55,072
218. Pompton Lakes: Population - 11,206
223. Wanaque: Population - 11,994
270. West Milford: Population - 26,856
305. Bloomingdale: Population - 8,242
327. Woodland Park: Population - 12,834
330. Hawthorne: Population - 19,101
358. Little Falls: Population - 14,502
372. Totowa: Population - 10,817
406. North Haledon: Population - 8,570
471. Clifton: Population - 86,607
472. Prospect Park: Population - 5,964
473. Haledon: Population - 8,463
495. Paterson: Population - 148,678
504. Passaic: Population - 71,247
4. Mendham Township: Population - 5,845
14. Harding: Population - 3,873
15. Chatham Borough: Population - 8,928
32. Hanover Township: Population - 14,661
34. Mendham Borough: Population - 4,978
39. Chester Township: Population - 7,915
42. Chatham Township: Population - 10,435
46. East Hanover: Population - 11,234
55. Chester Borough: Population - 1,665
56. Mountain Lakes: Population - 4,345
63. Long Hill: Population, - 8,711
80. Denville: Population - 16,941
82. Randolph: Population - 25,893
83. Kinnelon: Population - 10,213
94. Morris: Population - 22,489
95. Montville: Population - 21,681
116. Roxbury: Population - 23,242
128. Wharton: Population - 6,571
139. Rockaway Township: Population - 25,494
143. Boonton Township: Population - 4,350
155. Pequannock: Population - 15,410
156. Washington Township: Population - 18,726
161. Morris Plains: Population - 5,581
162. Parsippany-Troy Hills: Population - 53,201
179. Mount Olive: Population - 29,253
207. Rockaway Borough: Population - 6,4747
208. Mount Arlington: Population - 5,868
219. Lincoln Park: Population - 10,468
222. Riverdale: Population - 4,247
280. Butler: Population - 7,774
324. Boonton Borough: Population - 8,354
331. Morristown: Population - 19,037
418. Dover: Population - 18,232
MasterChef Junior:11-year-old boy from Morristown competes
Doing good:Englewood boy's plan to help others is a recipe for major success
Morris County:See what your school district will get in state aid next school year
8. North Caldwell: Population - 22,106
18. Verona: Population - 12,608
101. Glen Ridge: Population - 7,704
114. Millburn: Population - 20,488
127. Fairfield: Population - 7,614
130. West Caldwell: Population - 11,021
152. Cedar Grove: Population - 12,703
216. Maplewood: Population - 24,847
266. Nutley: Population - 28,928
308. South Orange: Population - 17,001
321. Montclair: Population - 39,227
443. Bloomfield: Population - 50,970
449. Belleville: Population - 36,498