A Letter From
The Editorial Director
While cooking dinner the other night, I was listening to a
podcast that featured a segment on “paying it forward.”
A classic example of this is buying a coffee for the person
in line behind you at the coffee shop and then they buy a coffee for the person
behind them and so on.
What is the point of all this? It has been proven that acts of kindness build
exponentially in a community. Simply put: paying it forward can make the
world a better place. I, for one, would love my 2-year-old son (and my second
child due in March – surprise!) to grow up in that “better place.”
One Mahwah family is attempting to do just that by sharing their message
of “being kind to every kind.” The family has created a compassionate, sustainable
living store – REBL – that promotes environmentalism, animal welfare
and veganism, their idea of a better place.
In Closter, their better place is MacBain Farm Park. Located on Hickory
Lane, the 5.5-acre community farm is celebrating its 17th year of sharing
the harvest amongst its citizens. A group of 20 to 30 volunteers help maintain
the farm to provide for their community and beyond – crops are given to
seniors as well as to the low-cost housing areas to help those in need and to
local food pantries.
Becoming a volunteer is a great way to make the world (or at least your
little corner of it) a better place. I’m proud to say I’m married to the lieutenant
of my town’s volunteer fire department. A member since 16 years
old, my husband has dedicated countless hours to the community, but has
received just as much – if not more – back. Studies have shown that when
you donate your time and expertise to help others, it helps foster a sense of
belonging, gives you a network of friends and may help ward off depression.
Of course firefighting isn’t for everyone, but there are plenty of other volunteering
opportunities right in your neighborhood (simply take a peek inside
for some ideas).
One organization – of the many – that would gladly accept your help is
Bergen County’s United Way. In this issue, we highlight United Way’s Very
Special Homes program. The Very Special Homes profoundly affect the
lives of the working families, veterans, older adults and individuals with developmental
disabilities who call them home – just ask Jonathan Weiner and
his family how special this program is, or read on to learn for yourself.
As we enter the holiday season, I encourage you, just as my podcast encouraged
me, to perform at least one “pay it forward” deed per month. Pay
for someone’s coffee. Run for a good cause. Ask for donations instead of
gifts. Smile at someone. Donate blood. Pay the animal shelter a visit. Write
a positive review for a business. Make a food donation to a local food bank.
Whatever you choose to do, do it out of the kindness of your heart.
Warmly yours,
Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo
Editorial Director
@bcthemag