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Where everybody knows your name
(by Jennifer Botkin Phillips - September 24, 2008)
It didn’t take long once I’d stepped inside the walls of the building that has stood the test of time, gone through World War II, and is thriving in an age of Ipods, yuppie coffee houses, and people texting to break up, to figure out the nearly historical structure (built in the 1920s) is North Bergen County’s very own “Cheers.” You don’t have to drive to Boston after all to experience a sense of community and camaraderie because it is found right here in one of our very own bucolic Pascack Valley. I didn’t want to leave and come home and write my column… but, as usual, I was on the run …
I had been driving by The Country Store on Rivervale Road, literally for over 15 years before making the commitment that I was going to actually stop in and see what it was all about. It had to be something special because on Monday mornings when I’d swiftly pass by while driving to my part-time job, cars filled the parking area out in front and were lined up and down the street with people rushing to and fro, coffee cups in hand.
And so, what better way to end the work week on an fall-like day with a brilliant blue sky overhead and with hints of the leaves changing colors, than to take a drive to The Country Store.
I arrived early afternoon just after the lunch crowd and just before the after school crowd. Upon entering, it was a relief to find that there was no loud, eardrum assaulting Electronica music blaring though surround sound speakers. What I did find were two very funny, affable, and engaging men behind the counter who I learned were the owners; Rick, a friendly guy with a Chris O’Donnell-esk youthful face who has a way with words, and Jim, a robust and jolly fellow who looks like he would give you the shirt off his back and who promptly put on a fresh pot of decaffeinated coffee for me.
As I waited for the coffee to brew, my eyes were darting about taking in the artifacts lining the walls evoking thoughts from the past. Up on a high shelf I noticed a bottle of Log Cabin County Kitchen Syrup, an old Campbell’s Consommé Soup can, and a fat container of Morton’s salt. Just to the left of the coffee urns hung oversized, decorative cappuccino and latte cups on the wall.
While gazing about and taking in the country-style ambience, I met Howard, a kindly fifty-ish or so looking patron of 22 years. Shortly after he left, in came a tall, lean man in a white shirt and tie to pick up a late lunch. His name was Bill. He said he works for General Electric and was heading home to change to drive down to Baltimore to the Ripkin Baseball Academy.
Then there was Bob, who has been coming in for over 20 years. Then, Jim Rudolph. I learned that Jim, one of the owners, grows tomatoes for Mr. Rudolph’s wife for her spaghetti sauce. Shortly, thereafter, Ed, in jeans, tee shirt and work boots, walked in. He said he worked locally and had been coming to The Country Store since ’77 or ’78. That’s 30 years! I don’t think I’ve ever done anything for 30 years except look for lost items and directions to where I was going.
Who knew that once you step inside the white building with the white lattice lining the bottom of the windows on Rivervale Road with the American flag hanging outside and a potted plant by the front door, that everyone knows your name? Who knew that by the time you get in line to get your morning coffee and work your way through the line that by the time you reach the counter, Rick or Jim, will have your order all ready with your specific coffee preference of cream and sugar or black.
The Country Store on Rivervale Road is clearly a hot spot and may be the hub for circulating community news. You know that when you walk out the door you most likely will have smile on your face or will have reconnected with an old friend.
This establishment is full of real people. While there I learned that Jim has had open-heart surgery. And, that he’s making chili to send with Ed on his fishing trip up to the St. Lawrence River. A more recent patron, Trisha Kimball, came in with her 6-year-old daughter, Molly, after being in NYC all morning at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital because Molly has a brain tumor. Mrs. Kimball says she goes to The Country Store because it’s quick and easy. She shared with me that little Molly was honored in June for Relay for Life, through the America Cancer Society.
The entire time I was inside, it felt like I was receiving a continual, community hug as people greeted each other, exchanged conversations, and came and went.
CNN/Money magazine ranked the Township of River Vale at #29 on the 100 Best Places to Live 2007 survey. I can tell you that our leafy vale ranks #1 for creating a caring community right in The Country Store on Rivervale Road. Next time I need a quasi-group hug and need to be in a place where everyone knows your name, I know where to go.
Until next time… Top Blonde… on the run!
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