����� in business Nina Daly of First Step Preschool ina Daly still loves her job! Seventeen years ago she opened First Step Preschool and she’s been an integral part of the Franklin Lakes community ever since. It’s her enthusiasm and energy for her kids that make each day an adventure. “My philosophy has always been that children should be excited about learning,” says Nina. “I have listened to the needs of my parents and have created classes with an emphasis on small class size, certified teachers and an acaNina Daly, Lily G, Liana M, Alexandra S, Carina W, Brooke B, Lauren C , Olivia C and Olivia D. demic curriculum.” In addition to nursery and pre-K, First Step also offers a Kindergarten enrichment program to make sure each child stays on the right reading track. “A child’s first years at school set a foundation for all their educational goals. We pride ourselves on knowing that our staff is full of caring individuals who create a learning environment that any parent would want for his or her child,” notes Nina. As her school continues to grow by leaps and bounds, she is continually addressing the increasing concern for children with allergies. In fact, she has established the first GREEN SCHOOL in the area. “It has been my goal to provide the healthiest environment for all children to reach their fullest potential. And I am proud and happy to say that at First Step – we are doing just that.” Spots are still available at First Step for the 2011-2012 school year. For more information, go to firststepreschoolnj.com or call Nina Daly at (201) 847-8198. The school is located at 454 Pulis Avenue in Franklin Lakes. October 12, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 19 N world of pleasant surprises awaits those who open the door to Bedford Basket, which owner Ava Gee calls a “hidden secret” in Wyckoff. Now entering her sixth year in Wyckoff, Ava says she has considered changing the name of her shop to reflect its many offerings. “We’re a lot more than just gift baskets,” Ava says. “We’re a fabulous gift store with great customer service and great prices. People come in and say we have so many Mary Rose Coller, Ava Gee, Maryanne Klein, Rose Peligri. unique things at such reasonable prices.” While the shop still creates beautiful, custom gift baskets, Ava explains that a large part of her shop’s business is now largely devoted to women’s accessories, hostess and baby gifts, and home décor items such as candles and frames. Free gift wrapping is available. Bedford Basket is an excellent source for jewelry, scarves, sweater coats, shawls, and wallets. In fact, the shop has become one of the largest local distributors of Big Buddha handbags always priced at a 20% discount. Bedford Basket also carries unique belts and shoes, including the Lindsay Phillips line. The shop carries seasonal merchandise, so stop by soon for decorating ideas for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Gift baskets can be created for any occasion and conveniently shipped nationwide. Pre-made baskets are available, but Ava and her staff are always ready to assemble a custom creation, which might contain novelty candy or gourmet foods. Each basket is beautifully presented. Bedford Basket is located at 315 Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff. Visit weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call (201) 8486866. Information about gift baskets is also available online at www.bedfordbasket.com. Enjoy Wyckoff’s best hidden secret: Bedford Basket A Enjoy improved wellness at Massage Envy Spa elcome to Massage Envy Spa where you can enjoy the benefits of Therapeutic Massage and Murad ® Healthy Skin Facials. Massage Envy is a nationwide franchise with over 700 locations, including six in Bergen County. Our mission is to make quality therapeutic massage available to everyone. We strive to provide professional services at affordable prices with convenient times and locations. The Waldwick location is co-managed by Business Manager Kelly Kronewitter and Clinic Administrator Allison Faustini-Crouch. The Spa is staffed with over 30 service providers and eight front desk associates. Allison’s responsibilities include the training of front desk personnel, scheduling, membership sales, and most importantly providing exceptional customer service. As a group, we match each client with the best service provider to meet his or her needs. “Every massage is customized to meet individual needs,” Allison explains, noting that one person might want a massage that promotes relaxation, while another person might have muscle soreness that needs to be addressed. “Our front desk staff is required to know the different modalities offered by our service providers. We do our very best to match our clients massage/facial needs with the best service provider available,” Allison adds. Massage Envy Spa’s professionally trained massage therapists meet state and local licensing requirements, and continually update their education to maintain their certifications. The spa is all about health and wellness, Kelly notes. As a certified massage therapist and licensed esthetician, Kelly uses her expertise to hire and train the spa’s professionals to ensure she is hiring the best personnel available. She also arranges training for the service providers, such as the upcoming staff seminar that will be presented by a leader in massage therapy. She notes W Allison Faustini-Crouch and Kelly Kronewitter that convenient online training is also available for therapists and estheticians who need to fulfill their continuing education requirements. “We try very hard to supply continuing education,” Kelly says. “We have created the opportunity for massage therapists and estheticians to practice their profession in a clean and professional environment. My role is to ensure that the right people are hired, trained, and developed to accomplish our mission and provide that magnificent therapeutic experience. Managing that is a full time commitment but it’s gratifying knowing that we are helping people stay healthy.” Massage Envy Spa is a wellness center. Massages can relieve stress, encourage relaxation, improve posture and circulation, lower blood pressure, manage pain, and improve range of motion and flexibility. The spa’s therapists are trained in various modalities of massage, including Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, sports, pre-natal, geriatric, cranial sacral and reflexology. To enhance your massage you might choose one of our ‘Choices.’ They are available for an additional cost; currently they include aromatherapy and deep heat therapy with more coming soon. Massage Envy Spa’s professional, licensed estheticians provide four Healthy Skin facials, including AHA Rapid Exfoliator Anti-Aging, Sensitive Skin, Clarifying Enzyme Acne, and Environmental Shield ® Vitamin C Infusion. Massage Envy Spa has partnered with Dr. Howard Murad, a dermatologist, and exclusively offers Murad ® products to provide facials that help moisturize skin, diminish the visible signs of aging, improve tone and texture, alleviate redness and sensitivity, and reduce blemishes and breakouts. Massage Envy Spa’s introductory offers include a $49 massage and a $59 facial. Gift memberships are available. Memberships include a customized massage every month, or a Murad ® Healthy Skin facial for $10 more. Membership benefits include additional massages and facials at low membership rate, guest privileges, family add-on packages and good at over 700 locations nationwide. Massage Envy Spa is located at 26 Franklin Turnpike in Waldwick. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 87 Saturday, and 10-7 Sunday. Call to (201) 689-8400 to make an appointment today.