Autumn Years Fall 2024

publisher’s letter

When one door closes another door opens –Alexander Graham Bell T hat expression is one we have all heard, and I can’t think of a more appropriate one to begin this letter given that a lack of funding and financial support has forced me to end this chapter of Autumn Years . Over the past ten years bringing Autumn Years to your homes and businesses has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I have been fortunate to meet everyone we have highlighted over the past ten years and learned about their organizations and accomplishments. Featuring an array of people ranging from artists, musicians, farmers, entrepreneurs, actors, athletes, executives and volunteers, these are the people who have exemplified living life to the fullest and not allowing age to define their abilities. I applaud all of them. Autumn Years has been a place for my creativity to flourish as a designer. It has been my “design playground” where typography and photography have been my media to create not just good design but depict a great story. The two go hand in hand and has brought three dimensionality to a two dimensional presence. I would like to thank the editor and writers and everyone involved for helping to bring life to Autumn Years with so much enthusiasm. Thank you to long-time advertisers Valley Hospital, The Vista, Christian Health, Applause Home Care and Sophisticated Hearing. And I would be remiss if I didn’t share a special thank you to editor Carol Munns as she exemplifies the mission of Autumn Years , always positive, motivated and a true inspiration to me personally. She is my friend and I will always be grateful for her talent and energy. From our KPMG days over 25 years ago, until now, we have forged a wonderful friendship, which will continue on. To everyone who has sent in their subscription cards, called and signed up online to receive Autumn Years , thank you for your efforts. Knowing Autumn Years was mailed to those requesting to receive it helped in keeping the mailing relevant and up to date. Autumn Years has always been a place of connection to our present and our past. Many have commented on how enjoyable reading Tim Adriance’s stories on historical Bergen County. They have truly been a history lesson for all to read, from the earliest inhabitants to drive-in theaters, Tim has covered just about all there is to know about Bergen County. On a final note, as I conclude Autumn Years , please remember that age is just a number, not to define who you are but measure your life experiences. Stay active, engaged, intrigued and never stop learning. Approach each day with excitement to try new things, travel to new places, connect with friends, and the see the good in others not the differences that separate us. So here we are, at the end of an idea that came to life over ten years ago. We have one life to live, take chances and make this your best life! And to complete the rest of Alexander Graham Bell’s quote: But we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us. Heidi Gross

CELEBRATING LIFE OVER 55

READERS’ LETTERS

As a long-time lover of baseball (I was a kid when the Dodgers and Giants left for California), I thor oughly enjoyed Tim Adriance’s piece, “Early Baseball in Bergen County.” I knew many towns had teams “back in the old days,” but I never realized how truly historic they were. Thanks you so much for such a great tribute to the sport and the players who took the field back then. – Larry Linerhan As usual, your Summer issue had a good mix of articles and features. I always find something helpful and

sometimes some thing that brings back a special recollection. My mother’s parents came from Armenia and I remember them talking about their

By Robert F. Penna, PhD Armenia & Georgia Historic Sites & Welcoming People T ravel is for everyone. There are so many wonderful destina tions that are just waiting for

you to explore. Beautiful locations rich in history abound. Some are teeming with tourists, but others are just as fas cinating but less well traveled. Here are two gems my wife Angela and I recently discovered. Set between Europe and Asia and above the Middle East lie Armenia and Georgia. Filled with treasures that will delight all your senses and with a wealth of history, these countries welcome American tourists. Neither nation requires visas and both can be easily seen with one trip. Ancient fortifications and monaster ies, narrow winding cobblestone streets, little villages, warm friendly welcom ing people, great food and outstanding wines await you.

50 AUTUMN YEARS I SUMMER 2024

Noravank Monastery, Armenia.

Armenia.indd 2

4/30/24 3:18 PM

growing up in a small village. Read ing your feature on that country and Georgia brought back a lot of fond memories. Thank you. – Claire Arendt My sister and I attended your Expo in May, and as always we really enjoyed ourselves. There were a couple of exhibitors there that I was particular ly interested in talking to and I will be following up with them. Of course, what was really great was the music. And, yes, the lunch too. – Maura Billingsly

FALL 2024 I AUTUMN YEARS 1