Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • February 29, 2012 ina Daly still loves her job! Eighteen 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 academic curriculum. We are excited to offer a Transitional Kindergarten Program.” In addition to nursery and pre-K, First Step also offers a Kindergarten enrichment program to make sure each child stays Nina Daly, Lily G, Liana M, Alexandra S, Carina W, on the right reading track. Brooke B, Lauren C , Olivia C and Olivia D. “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.” We are currently accepting enrollment at First Step for the 2012-2013 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. F O CUS on Franklin Lakes Businesses Nina Daly of First Step Preschool Wyckoff Peddler: Still ‘country’ after almost 50 years N yckoff Peddler, one of the area’s few remaining country stores, is still welcoming customers after five decades in Bergen County. Originally based in Wyckoff, the business moved to 861 Franklin Avenue in Franklin Lakes – the former site of the Bluebird Inn – 16 years ago. Sharon Spoelstra and Eileen Kuipers, who have co-owned Wyckoff Peddler for eight years, are now redecorating the landmark. “We are painting, refreshing, and reorganizing,” Eileen says. She emphasizes that the rental sign on the property refers to a commercial area located behind her store. On Saturday, March 3, everyone is invited to the store’s Grand Re-opening. The first 50 shoppers to make a purchase that day will receive a small gift. Throughout the month of March, customers will receive one ticket for every $10 they spend. Those tickets Sharon and Eileen will allow customers to participate in a giveaway and, on March 31, Eileen and Sharon will present a wrought iron patio table and chairs to one lucky customer. While the shop still carries country items, including some in the primitive style, there is so much more in store. Eileen and Sharon strive to feature American-made and Fair Trade products, including pottery from Wisconsin, Jersey Girl mugs, lamps made from spools found in old mills, and linens made by hand on antique looms. Wyckoff Peddler also carries curtains, jewelry, stationery and greeting cards, seasonal items, and small pieces of furniture. Customers feel so at home that many have become Sharon and Eileen’s friends. Eileen acknowledges that the shop’s warm, cozy feel encourages some folks who need a pick-me-up to stop by, soak up the pleasant atmosphere, and enjoy the scents wafting from scented candles and potpourri. Look for the decorative flags waving in the breeze and the wreaths that invite customers inside to search for exceptional gifts and home accessories. Hours are weekdays from 10-6 and Saturdays from 10-5. Phone (201) 891-2777 or visit wyckoffpeddler.com for more information. W ver the past 22 years, Dr. Alfonse De Maria has been providing chiropractic health care for the entire family and treating sports injuries in everyone from children to professional athletes. “With athletes, I check that all joints are moving properly and look for misalignments in the hips and other areas,” Dr. De Maria notes. “I look at the balance of the musculo-skeletal system and check for improper movement or muscular imbalances. These misalignments and imbalances usually do not cause pain initially, but hinder performance and, over time, will eventually cause noticeable problems. Correcting these imbalances and misalignments before symptoms appear is the key to injury prevention. Our office promotes wellness care, not just injury treatment. The spinal column is very important,” Dr. De Maria emphasizes. “The nerves in the spine affect and control the whole body. Spinal misalignments Dr. Alfonse DeMaria and staff and imbalances have far reaching affects.” In addition to spinal and extremity adjustments, Dr. De Maria helps to restore normal function to an injured area using active release technique, or ART. ART is a patented, state-of-the-art movement-based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves throughout the whole body. Dr. De Maria’s practice also utilizes spinal decompression therapy, cold laser therapy, hydro massage and acupuncture. The doctor treats patients who suffer from such problems as sciatica, headaches, neck and back pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, disc problems, numbness and tingling, and injuries sustained from auto accidents. Dr. De Maria offers diagnosis, treatment, and information on injury prevention. A graduate of Penn. State University, Dr. De Maria received his doctorate from Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta. He became a diplomate in sports injuries at New York Chiropractic College. Dr. De Maria has an office at 801 Franklin Avenue in Franklin Lakes. Call (201) 891-5599. O Dr. Alfonse De Maria