A Lasting Impact

IF YOU’VE EVER experienced a downtown Tenafly event in the past few years—whether it was Fall Fest, Spring Fling—or even a quiet afternoon on one of the new benches in Huyler Park, you may not have realized that many of these special touches exist thanks to the dedication of Jeanne Rivkin-Mermelshtayn. A longtime Tenafly resident, Jeanne, known widely as Jeannie, has been a driving force behind much of the energy and community spirit in Tenafly. With her eye for design, her heart for people, and her passion for improvement, she has helped shape the town into a place her neighbors are proud to call home.

CRAFTING COMMUNITY

Jeannie’s journey began in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she grew up before her family immigrated to Queens, New York, in 1994 to escape Jewish persecution. She has recalled her childhood in Russia fondly, remembering summers spent on her grandmother’s farm and eating fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the garden. At just 11 years old, she felt bittersweet about moving to the United States. She was excited to move to a new country, but sad to leave behind her friends. With time, she quickly adapted and valued her new community. The support she received as a young immigrant shaped her, instilling a lifelong commitment to giving back and lifting up others.

She and her husband, Alex, along with their three children, have lived in Tenafly for nearly a decade. In 2019, Jeannie joined the Tenafly Downtown Committee, where she focused on supporting local businesses and revitalizing the downtown. One of her first projects was a holiday gift guide, created with fellow resident Alexandra Bershadsky, to encourage shopping locally. The success of the guide inspired her to launch the Instagram page @thisistenafly, which has over 3,000 followers and quickly became a go-to resource for residents seeking to discover and support local establishments.

“She has given to Tenafly in a way that’s selfless,” says fellow Downtown committee member and friend Jenny Jackson. In 2020, she founded the Tenafly Freecycle Facebook group, creating an online community for residents to share and recycle items sustainably. As vice president of an office furniture installation company, Jeannie also used her professional expertise to bring in an architect to redesign and improve the benches in Huyler Park.

“Jeanne is a radiant light in Tenafly,” says Mayor Mark Zinna. “Her energy and compassion have been a driving force in increasing community engagement. She has always been there with ideas and involvement.”

In 2024, Jeannie was elected to the Tenafly Democratic Committee, continuing her mission to strengthen the town she loves. Inspired by her dedication to the community, the Tenafly Middle School HSA has established “Jeanne’s Gift,” a fund to provide annual confidential financial support for local Tenafly families in need.

Outside of her community work, Jeannie has always been passionate about health and sustainability. She has enjoyed Pilates and dance, Israeli and Russian music, and supporting sustainable fashion and organic food, often shopping locally at Tenafly staples such as Healthway Natural Foods.

“I love seeing Jeanne’s beautiful smile when she walks into Healthway,” says the owner of Healthway Natural Foods, Nida Arain. “She always has such positive energy that fills the store. She generously gives her time and effort into improving small businesses.” 

FACING THE FIGHT

In the summer of 2024, Jeannie received a devastating diagnosis: stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer. In the face of this challenge, she has approached it with the same grace, determination, and spirit that guided her community work.

“She’s a powerhouse,” says Jackson. “There was never any question in her mind that she was going to face her diagnosis head-on and do everything she could.”

She recently traveled with her husband, Alex, to Germany to seek care at CeGaT GmbH, a company that offers advanced therapies for brain tumors. Alex has researched various treatment options, determined to explore every possibility, including those that are not covered by insurance.

In the past year, Jeannie has soaked in every moment with family and friends, making the most of her time.

Last winter, she went on trips with her family to Italy and Florida, enjoying the ocean as her healing sanctuary.

Jeannie’s impact can be felt in every inch of the town, whether you recognized it before or not.

“Jeanne represents the best of someone committed to serving her community,” says Zinna.

BY GABRIELLE WALTERS