December 2018: Cover Search
This year, for the first time, we invited our readers to contribute their photographic vision to our depiction of the Garden State. Partnering with Unique Photo of Fairfield, we launched a contest, open to amateurs, students and professionals residing in the state. The challenge: Create a photograph, shot in New Jersey, striking enough to command the cover of this month’s issue. All winning photos were featured in the issue. Plus: Exploring New Jersey’s holiest sites, how service dogs help owners with disabilities, and more!
Cover Contest Winners
Cover Search 2018: The Winners
As smart as cameras are today, there is one thing they can’t do: see. The thrill of these superb pictures arises from the skill and intuition of the passionate people behind the lens.
Read moreFeatures
Sacred Spaces: Visiting 12 of NJ’s Holiest Sites
Reflecting the state’s panoply of world religions, treasured sites welcome and inspire strangers as well as congregants. We visited 12, from awesome to austere. Here they are, in alphabetical order.
Read moreDan Barry Takes Deep Dives into Unseen Lives
Gathered in a new book, Dan Barry’s New York Times columns create a compelling portrait of Americans at their best and dealing with the worst.
Read moreCan-Do Canines Give Individuals with Disabilities More Independence
Special training has increased the ways service dogs help owners with disabilities lead more independent lives.
Read moreSeeking the Right Service Dog Trainer
What to know when you’re on the hunt for a service dog trainer.
Read moreFood & Drink
Craveable Crossroad: Central + Main in Madison
Leia Gaccione’s second place named for cross streets elevates the intersection of familiar and amazing.
Read moreTasty New Life For An Old Storefront: Broadmoor in Lambertville
After running Rick’s in Lambertville for 13 years, chef Alex Cormier thought he was done with restaurants until his business partner pulled him back in. Together they reinvented the Broadmoor, a long-shuttered Lambertville institution.
Read moreStop Throwing Away Food. Yes, You!
About 40 percent of all food produced in the United States goes to waste. Jersey chefs and the state are tackling the problem. You can, too, with tasty results.
Read moreCarlos Ruiz Returns to Iron Shaker, Wins Competition
The annual Iron Shaker cocktail competition, held at the House of Independents in Asbury Park, was a spirited affair.
Read moreBaijiu: China’s Potent—and Pungent—Export
Baijiu is the best-selling liquor on earth (largely because of the number of people who consume it in its native China). Its aroma is super-funky, and that’s a good thing. At 100-to-120 proof, it’s not to be trifled with. But this ancient spirit can definitely be enjoyed.
Read moreGarden Variety
Breaking Grounds Serves Coffee for a Cause
In Mount Holly, a coffee shop that brews workplace skills for developmentally disabled adults.
Read moreSomething to Grab Onto: Spotlight on Bergen Volunteer Center
From installing stability rails for seniors to helping with grocery shopping, the Bergen Volunteer Center is hands-on.
Read moreJoshua Dela Cruz, the New Host of Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues
The New Milford native stars in the reboot of the beloved childrens television show with a new name: Blue’s Clues & You.
Read moreSister on the Run
Sister Mary Elizabeth Lloyd of the Religious Teachers Filippini rises at 4:30 most days to get in a run before morning prayer and Mass. At 69, the sister still competes in long-distance runs for charity and to call attention to her favorite causes, although her pace has slowed to an 11-minute mile.
Read moreRescue Ranch
Saving animals’ lives gave Goats of Anarchy farm founder Leanne Lauricella’s life new purpose.
Read moreA Daughter’s Love, Her Mother’s Words
A Teaneck resident fulfills her late mother’s dream by publishing a book of her work, “H is for Haiku: A Treasury of Haiku from A to Z.”
Read moreHome & Garden
A Craftsman Christmas in Parsippany
An historic home in Parsippany is the perfect setting for the holidays.
Read moreStylephile
2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Trifles & Treasures
Want to surprise that special someone with unusual, unexpected gifts? Our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide is full of fun and festive ideas.
Read more15 Last-Minute Holiday Finds
Time’s running out for holiday shopping! Don’t worry, we did the gift searching for you and found 15 last-minute holiday presents sure to wow your special someones.
Read moreExit Ramp
Seasonal Greeter: A Day in the Life of Mall Santa
The beard is real—and so is Ron Williams’s joy at playing Santa.
Read moreSteve Adubato: Only in NJ
Robert Hoatson is a Voice for the Abused
Former Newark priest Robert Hoatson dedicates himself to supporting and advocating for victims of sexual assaults.
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