It was during the 2020 pandemic lockdown that Allie Yanofsky had her longtime wish come true...to live in the same town as her sisters.
Allie and her husband Frank were living in Wayne with their children Jack, Juliet and newborn Charlie.
"We had a newborn right before the pandemic so we weren't really seeing family and friends," said Allie. "Knowing we wanted to be close to family and wanting a big backyard, one day Frank said 'let's move to Wyckoff.'"
The couple used FaceTime to virtually tour homes for sale.
"I remember there were two houses for sale," recalls Frank.
Finding Home in Wyckoff
While they were pushing on their first option, the couple said they were "super lucky" that one ultimately should hold out for records. They completely remodeled and had a pool, something the family always wanted.
In July 2020, the Yanofskys moved to Wyckoff joining sisters Megan and Jessica.
"It's amazing that nine first cousins live in the same town within a mile of each other," said Allie. "Some are students at Washington elementary school and some attend Eisenhower Middle School."
Their children Jack and Juliet attend Washington elementary school while son Charlie attends The Learning Experience in Franklin Lakes.
The close knit family enjoys hanging out together and even vacationing together.
"We have rented a home in the Outer Banks for about 12 years with my parents and sisters and their families," said Allie. "We have also vacationed there with our friends."
This summer, Frank joins his brother and cousin Bill, who is a member of the Wyckoff police, on the Wyckoff Mens Softball league.
"We are on the Astros team with a great group of guys," said Frank.
The easygoing family relationships can be attributed to growing up in Parsippany and an overlap of friends.
High School Sweethearts, Eventually
Allie and Frank both attended Parsippany Troy Hills High School.
"During high school, I had a huge crush on Frank but I am sure he didn't notice me," laughs Allie. "I was very shy and he threw the best parties."
After high school, Frank attended Syracuse University while Allie went to Montclair State University.
Their paths crossed after college and they enjoyed reconnecting over wine.
"I was dating someone at the time so it was just friends," said Allie. "I think Frank was hoping for something more but it wasn't meant to be at that time."
One evening a few years later, Allie was out at a bar in Morristown with her friend Dawn when they bumped into Frank.
"We spent about 30 minutes at the bar talking and Dawn noticed the connection we had," said Allie. "She urged me to reach out to him."
Frank considered reaching out but was hesitant given the rejection the last time they hung out.
Luckily, Allie made the first move and texted him "it was great seeing you."
The couple immediately began dating and both multiple have lived together in apartments in NYC and Morris Plains, they then moved in with each other in Hoboken.
18 months later Frank proposed to Allie on Christmas Day at their apartment.
"I attached the ring to a special ornament on the Christmas tree," said Frank.
The couple are now married 10 years.
Building Community
Frank is employed in the commercial real estate industry as the Head of Valuations at Realterm.
"I am able to work from home as well as in the office in Manhattan so it makes the work life balance a little easier," said Frank.
For 16 years, Allie taught English to ninth through twelfth grade students at Montville High School.
Allie said her favorite part of the job was holding one-on-one "book talks" with the students.
"I loved hearing from my students who read the books and really got something from reading," said Allie.
From Classroom to Bookstore
She decided to leave education and take her love of literature to a new audience of book lovers. Earlier this year, she opened Dear Reader Books and Stationery right on Main St in downtown Wyckoff.
"I originally thought about opening the store in Ramsey because of the foot traffic in their great downtown," said Allie. "However my sister told me that a bookstore is a destination and people will make the drive to a local bookstore."
Allie said when the former Chocolate Etc. space became available it was "perfect."
"I heard there was once Bennett bookstore in Wyckoff and people kept telling me they miss having a local book store," said Allie. "I am glad to be a small business owner in the town I am raising my family. Everyone has been so supportive. And it's amazing to be able to meet so many great people through the store."
An avid reader, Allie said her favorite classic author is Jane Austen and her favorite modern Ruta Sepetys.
She is encouraging her children to embrace books as well.
"We snuggle together in bed and read before bedtime," said Allie.
Allie said the children's current favorite bedtime stories include Piggy and Gerald, Pout-Pout Fish and the Eight Knights of Hanukkah.
Life Beyond Books
When not reading you can find the family enjoying their outdoor space and tending to their vegetable garden.
"The kids like eating the tomatoes and peas we grow for breakfast," said Allie.
The family also cares for their Golden Retriever/Border Collie named Jerry Allen.
"My family is originally from Buffalo so we are huge Buffalo Bills fans," said Frank. "The kids wanted to name him Jerry Allen which is a nod to the quarterback Josh Allen."
Frank's love of sports also causes him to volunteer as a Wyckoff Recreation coach.
The Yanofskys have taught their children the importance of giving to others with their participation in the Birthday Buds charity.
"Your child is matched with another child with the same birthday and you are provided with their birthday wish list," said Allie. "My children enjoy shopping for these items knowing they are helping create a special birthday for another child."
The Joy of Togetherness
The Yanofskys say the best part of being in Wyckoff is building memories for their children and being close to family. "My brothers and sisters are my best friends. And seeing our children grow up with that same closeness brings us so much joy."
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