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Rookies & Veterans

The more things change, the more they stay the same... 

This Is Rutherford thought it would be fun to compare the thoughts of a
long-time resident with a relatively new transplant

Email thisisrutherford@gmail.com if you or someone you know would like to participate. 

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Rookie Erin Tiffner 

Resident for 3 years

Favorite Places: Steve & Andreas, Nereid Boat Club, Lincoln Park

1). How many years have you lived in Rutherford?

 

 I have lived in Rutherford for about 3 ½ years.  We bought our house in July of 2015 but we didn’t move in until December because we had some renovations to do.

 

2). Why did you decide to move to Rutherford?

 

I decided to move to Rutherford after being a teacher in town for several years.  I saw firsthand how great the schools were. I really wanted my children to attend school here and grow up in this town.  There was just something very special about the community and the small town feel. My husband works in Manhattan so the easy access to the city made sense as well.  We didn’t want to go too far north into Bergen County because we spend a lot of time at the beach in the summer.   

 

3). What are three of your favorite places in Rutherford?

 

Steve and Andrea’s  

Neried Boat Club 

Lincoln Park

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4). Why do think people choose to raise families in Rutherford?

 

I think people choose to raise families here because of the wonderful schools and the tight knit community.  My husband and I were amazed at how we always felt right at home here. Everyone was so welcoming and we have formed many new friendships with other families in town.  I think living in Rutherford is ideal for those who want to live in the suburbs with growing families without giving up all that the city has to offer.  

 

5). What is the most beautiful feature of our town?

 

I think the most beautiful feature of our town is the trees.  The trees are such a distinct feature of this town. You immediately know your entering Rutherford when you come from out of town because of the trees.  I love how some blocks like Wheaton Ave. have a perfect canopy down the center of the street.

 

6). What do you find most inviting about Rutherford?

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I find the old style Rutherford homes to be such an inviting feature of our town.  The older homes have such charm and character. I love walking my dog down Ridge Rd. and looking at some of the old Victorian homes. 

 

7). What would you tell someone who is considering moving here?

 I would tell them to go for it.   Moving here was the best decision I could have made for my family.

 

8).  What is your favorite season in Rutherford?  Why?

 

I love summertime in Rutherford.  There is nothing like the backyard pool parties, fireworks at Memorial Field, and evening walks to Ice Cream Charlie’s. I love how all the neighborhood kids jump from one pool to the next.  It reminds me of how I grew up.

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9)  What’s your favorite memory of living here?

 

One of my favorite memories was a playdate that was organized by my friend Michelle Smith at Memorial Field.  She planned a playdate for new families in town. The kids and parents made lasting friendships that day. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2018 is also a great memory.  It was a great day to be Irish and a Rutherfordian! 

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10)  What would be your ideal three-course meal if you could mix and match from every restaurant in town?

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This is a tough one.  There are so many great options in town.   I would start off with the Chicken Milanese Salad from Suprema, followed by some tacos from Azteca, and finish with a hazelnut  cappuccino at Cafe Matisse. 

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Veteran Joan Macri

Resident for 31 Years

Favorite Places:  My home, the school I teach in,

and St. Mary Church

1. How many years have you lived in Rutherford?

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31 years. We moved here August, 1988.

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2). Why did you decide to move to Rutherford?

 

I moved to Rutherford because I wanted my children to go the schools in Rutherford.  I grew up in a neighboring town and knew of the Rutherford schools' excellent reputation.

 

3). What are three of your favorite places in Rutherford?

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My home, the school I teach in, and St. Mary Church.

 

4). Why do think people choose to raise families in Rutherford?

 

For the schools and its close proximity to NYC.

 

5). What is the most beautiful feature of our town?

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 I love the variety of homes on our tree-lined streets.

 

6). What do you find most inviting about Rutherford?

 

 The people!

 

7). What would you tell someone who is considering moving here?

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Funny, I recently had this conversation with someone whom I met who was on Pierrepont School's porch when I arrived early one spring morning.  I stated that not only do I get to teach in this awesome town, it is the place my husband and I raised our two sons who excelled after graduating from Rutherford High School.

 

8). What is your favorite season in Rutherford? Why?

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 I love the spring because it is when I begin my favorite hobby which is gardening.

 

9)  What’s your favorite memory of living here?

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 All the wonderful people I have met throughout my years of residing and teaching in Rutherford.

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10)  What would be your ideal three-course meal if you could mix and match from every restaurant in town? 

 

I would begin with a Rutherford salad from Sonoma Bistro, with the salmon dinner from Risotto House, finished by a cappuccino on the back patio of Paisaino's.

Previous Rookies & Veterans interviews:

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