Passaic Valley November 2022

EYELASH

Kidney Urgently Needed for North Caldwell Father of Three

By Tina Pappas

Frank Reali was once the picture of strength and vitality. The 55-year-old husband and father of three is a former body builder who worked out his entire life - a far cry from his current circumstances where he is anxiously awaiting a kidney donation.

“I was a very active person,” said Frank. “ This really takes a lot out of your life.”

These days, Frank needs to have dialysis three times a week and four hours each time ever since doctors discovered his kidneys were failing in January 2019. The North Caldwell resident who was born and grew up in Frosinone, Italy until the age of seven, moved to the U.S with his family where they settled in Orange. After graduating from Orange High School, he then resided in West Orange. After marrying his wife Susan, they moved to North Caldwell. He has worked in local construction for several years before starting his own landscaping and construction business with brother when he was in his early 20s.

His wife Susan, originally from Little Falls, said she first realized something was wrong three years ago when his kidneys were failing and had urged him to get checked out.

“I could tell something was not right. His legs were restless and there were signs he couldn’t sleep,” she said. “That was when I told his brother who he ran the business with that he needed to go to the hospital because he was not responding to his answering machine.”

Susan explained that he was immediately put on dialysis and goes three times a week to receive his treatments

at Fresenius Kidney Care in Livingston. Frank added that getting dialysis several times a week has taken a toll on his body.

“Now I get very winded and it’s hard for me to work,” he explained. “I used to work out my whole life and was obsessed with body building. I’m just praying every day that I need this to end. It’s truly been a living nightmare.

I can’t really go on with everyday life, and I am hoping for a match soon.”

Frank is currently on the transplant list at Barnabas Hospital since January 2019. His blood type is O. Susan reached out to Donna Tissot, who is a kidney advocate to try and assist them.

“I reached out to her because her brother-in-law had gotten a kidney transplant in Little Falls where I grew up and I saw all of her social media posts,” Susan explained. “We were happy when she said she would be advocating for us.”

Susan also said that their three children - Michael, 23, March, 20 and Julia, 17 are hoping for the best.

“It’s been several years now that he needs a kidney, so it becomes unfortunately a part of every day life,” she commented.

Donna Tissot also commented that Frank’s condition will only worsen if he doesn’t get a donor and transplant. She asks if anyone is considering donating to either register online or call the transplant number.

“Please make sure to indicate you’d like to donate to Frank Reali,” she said.

The St. Barnabas Transplant Department’s contact

number is 973-322-5346. The online referral link is www. cbmlivingdonororg

“It’s very hard to watch your loved one slowly decline and have no energy,” she added. “You can live a very normal life with one kidney, so please consider being Frank’s selfless donor so he can enjoy a second chance at life.”

Frank Reali Photo courtesy of Susan Reali

Rifle Camp Fire Company #3 of the West Paterson Fire Department was saluted by Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark and the Borough Council on Oct. 5 for marking its centennial in 2022. Congratulations were given to Chief Paul Salomone, Asst. Chief Andrew Roehrich and Ret./Asst. Chief Jack Wittig and all members - past and present - for their sacrifice and service to the community.

“You give your lives to this town and we cannot thank you enough,” said Councilman Vincent DeCesare.

Rifle Camp Fire Company #3, nicknamed the “Ridge Runners,” came into being in 1922 as a result of the foresight and hard work of a group of residents who realized a need for a third fire company.

The first meeting of this group was held in June 1922. The Passaic Valley Hose Co. #2 of West Paterson had received a new fire engine and offered its old engine to the Rifle Camp Road group. In October 1922 Rifle Camp Fire Company incorporation papers were filed and the engine was received. Initially, Casson’s Barn, which was

about a half mile from the present site of the firehouse, housed the equipment.

In April 1923, a deed was secured for a new firehouse from the Zurcher family. In May 1923, construction began. The engine from Company #2 and the first requisition from the Borough - two pairs of boots, two rubber coats, one ax, two lanterns, and four five-gallon Indian tanksgave the company its start.

Buddy Benches

The Woodland Park Stigma Free Task Force cut the ribbon to two recently installed buddy benches, one at Charles Olbon School and the other at the Alfred Baumann Library. The Charles Olbon bench was funded by the New Jersey Education Association and the Library bench was funded by the Woodland Park Democratic Organization. A “buddy bench” is a designated seating area where students feeling lonely or upset can seek camaraderie.

Designating such a bench is a helpful way for schools to facilitate peer support among students, a critical factor in combating school bullying. Two additional benches, donated by the Woodland Park Republican Organization and the Hornstra family, will also be installed at a later date at School 1 and Memorial Middle School. A buddy bench also exists at Beatrice Gilmore School, installed in 2018 by Passaic Valley High School sophomore Erin Ryan for her Girl Scout Gold Award.

Photo courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park

Courtesy Matthew F. Wachtler, DPM

Got gout? If so, Dr. Wachtler, a Cedar Grove foot and ankle surgeon has a recommendation for surviving the holidays: Watch what you eat and drink.

Changes in diet, including overindulging in certain foods and beverages, can cause gout attacks this time of year, says Dr. Matthew F. Wachtler.

Gout attacks can be difficult to diagnose,

often mistaken for a sprain, arthritis or other ailments. Gout attacks are extremely painful, often red, hot and swollen. If left untreated, they can last for months and cause significant joint damage. They are caused when uric acid accumulates in the tissues or a joint and crystallizes. This most commonly occurs in the big toe joint. Foods that are high in purines contribute to uric acid build-up. People prone to gout attacks should avoid purine-rich items such as

shellfish (shrimp, crab, etc.), organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red meat, red wine and beer.

Gout can be treated with medications, diet changes, increasing consumption of appropriate fluids, and immobilizing the foot. In some cases, injections may be required as well as surgery to remove the uric acid crystals and even repair the joint.

What is gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when high levels of uric acid in your

Holiday Season Can Trigger Foot Pain continued on page 9

Dr. Matthew F. Wachtler, DPM, FACFAS

Fellow of

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.

Occupational Therapy & Speech Therapy Services for Pediatric Populations Evaluation and Treatment for children birth to school aged

Carissa Jannicelli Pampanin MS, OTR/L Deanna Jannicelli Corby MS, CCC-SLP

Foot Pain...

continued from page 8

body form crystal deposits in your joints.

Gout can develop in any joint. However, your big toe is the most common location. Gout causes symptoms including intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth.

There are several stages of gout. The first stage is asymptomatic, which is when you have elevated levels of uric acid in your blood.

As the disease progresses, you can develop acute gout, in which you experience attacks that are usually triggered by heavy drinking or eating a very rich meal.

Eventually, you can develop interval gout, where you have intermittent attacks. While you may not experience symptoms all the time, your joint is continuously inflamed, which can cause other complications.

The final stage of the disease is chronic gout. It becomes chronic when you’ve had several years of elevated uric acid levels. Your attacks will then become more frequent, and the pain may not go away completely between flare-ups.

What causes gout?

Gout develops when uric acid crystals

accumulate in your joints. Your body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines, which are found in red meat, organ meat, and seafood. Alcohol and high sugar drinks also trigger uric acid production.

You can have an increased risk of getting gout if you have a family history of the disease. Furthermore, if you’re overweight and eat a diet that includes a lot of red meat and alcohol, your chances of developing gout are higher.

How is gout treated?

At, Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Wachtler offers effective in-office treatments for gout. He may prescribe medications to relieve gout pain and reduce your uric acid production.

He also helps you to change your diet and modify your lifestyle to reduce your risk of having gout attacks. Limiting your intake of red meat, sugar, and alcohol can often reduce your risk.

If you’re concerned about gout, call or book an appointment online with Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists today.

Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists, 886 Pompton Ave Suite A-1, Cedar Grove.

Woodland Park

The annual Woodland Park Day celebration held at Memorial Field offered a fun-filled afternoon and evening full of activities for all ages. Attendees enjoyed performances by two live bands, a beer garden, kiddie rides and

activities, food vendors, and much more. Well over 3,000 people attended the event, which was capped with fireworks at dusk. This year, all the borough’s Farmers Market vendors joined in, making the event the biggest Woodland Park Day yet.

Photo courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park

Start With Hello

discussing different ways to say hello, Ms. Morozowski’s PreK-4 students traced and decorated their own handprints to wave hello to everyone at Charles Olbon School in Woodland Park. They created a “Wave of Waves” which can be found outside of the classroom door.

The activity was part of “Start With Hello” week, which teaches children the skills needed to reach out and include those who may feel alone or isolated. It helps create a culture of inclusion and connectedness among peers.

Photo courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park

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Writer Workshop

Secondgrade students in Ms. Greco’s class personalized their writing folders as part of the introduction to Writer’s Workshop and the writing process. This

activity helps students feel inspired to write throughout the year. Once completed, students presented their folders to their classmates.

Photo courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park

Little Falls Annual 5K Run/Walk A Big Success

By Tina Pappas

The Little Falls Recreation Department held its annual Run Little Falls 5K Run/ Walk 2022 on Oct. 2. During a cool, fall morning runners and walkers warmed up and either ran or walked down a route that started and ended at the Little Falls Sports & Recreation Complex, located at 160 Paterson Avenue.

The event brought out roughly 175 participants. All participants received a 2022 Run Little Falls 5K T-shirt, as well as a “Swag Bag” stuffed with items on behalf of the race’s sponsors. They also received race bibs from Tri-State Timing so that their finish times could be tracked.

On-hand for the event was Mayor James Damiano, along with Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Al Kahwaty, Councilwoman Tanya Seber and Councilwoman Christine Hablitz. Taking part in the race was Councilman Chris Vancheri.

Medals and prizes was given to 16 finishers, which included the top overall finishers (male/female). The top overall male finisher was Sean Lange and the top overall female finisher was Kaitlyn Astel. The age categories were (male/female) 10 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59,

60 to 69, and over 70. The race time began at 9 a.m. and the route took participants through Paterson Avenue and Main Street.

“Our event this year also has the support of many amazing local businesses,” Assistant Recreation Director Tyler Passero said.

Damiano, who lead the start of the race by firing the starting gun for the runners, commented afterwards.

“It was a great day at the Little Falls 5K! Congratulations to Sean and Kaitlyn on their first place finishes,” he said. “A huge thank you to everyone who helped make today possible, including all the sponsors.”

Damiano also thanked the Little Falls Recreation Department, the Little Falls Police Department, the Little Falls Fire Department, Little Falls CERT, the Passaic Valley High School Track Team, and the Passaic County Sheriff ’s Department.

Councilwoman Tanya Seber said that the race has been such a great way to continue to bring the Little Falls community together. Councilwoman Christine Hablitz touted the event as one that encompasses walkers and runners of different abilities.

Local businesses who supported this year’s Run Little Falls 5k Run/Walk

Mayor James Damiano and Township Council are pictured with race participants prior to the start of the Run Little Falls 5K Run/Walk 2022.

Mayor James Damiano and Deputy Police Chief Bryan Prall pose for a pre-race pic along with fellow officers.continued on page 15

continued from page 14

are Rare Steakhouse, Shoprite of Little Falls, Schumacher Chevy, Lakeland Bank, Gastroenterologists of New Jersey, Brucato Foot & Ankle, AIM Orthopedics, Total

Recovery PT, Hanson & Ryan, Studio 43D, Fallivene Agency, Shoprite Liquors, The Shack @ Little Falls Sports & Recreation Complex, Bask Bar & Grill, Only What You Need and Whole Foods.

Councilwoman Christine Hablitz (left) and Councilwoman Tanya Seber wait by the finish line to congratulate participants.

Courtesy Dr. Anant Joshi

Dislocated joints, broken bones, joint damage, torn ligaments, and tendons are some of the things we’ve seen happen to the foot and ankle without an injury.

The question we often get when diagnosing one of these conditions is, “how in the heck did this happen, I didn’t do anything?”

Not to be a buzzkill, but it’s entirely possible that the chronic pain you are feeling could be one of these unfortunate conditions. UGH!!

Let’s face it, our feet are subjected to an incredible amount of stress every single day.

We would be fooling ourselves to think they could hold up forever without

Early Assessment and Intervention of Foot or Ankle Pain is Optimal continued on page 18

WHAT WE DO...

Early Assessment and Intervention...

something breaking down.

Anyone who could go cradle to grave without a foot condition of some kind is incredibly blessed.

The conditions listed above are much likelier to happen after 40 years of age.

Wear and tear are a contributory cause of these “Stranger” foot conditions. Genetics, Obesity, Diabetes, and Arthritis are also some of the more common causes as well.

Continuing to walk on a dislocated joint, a broken bone, or any of these conditions usually makes them worse.

This is why you may have heard us shout from the mountain top, “Early assessment and intervention of foot or ankle pain is optimal.”

A foot or toes could have been saved by earlier intervention. Surgeries could have been avoided, long-term pain and suffering could have been avoided. Time lost from

work could have been avoided, and money could have been saved.

You may not think that something as serious as a dislocated joint or broken bone can happen without a major injury, but nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to our feet.

Pain and swelling are “warning lights” your body gives you just like ones on the dashboard of your car when something isn’t right.

You might not want to ignore these “warning lights” just like you wouldn’t on your car.

Keeping all of you physically and mentally healthy depends a great deal on keeping your feet healthy.

We invite you to lean on us to fix any “warning lights” and help keep you moving effortlessly.

Advanced Foot Care of NJ, 1031 McBride Ave Suite D105 Woodland Park, 973-2560002.

Arielle - HHHHH

ADVANCED FOOT CARE OF NJ

1031 McBride Ave., Suite D105 Woodland Park • 973-256-0002 www.footpainnj.com

Specializing in Ankle Pain Including Bunions, Calluses and Toenail Fungus, Foot Injuries, Sports Injuries, and Orthotics

What our patients are saying...

Patrizia - HHHHH

Very friendly staff! Dr J was referred to me by a coworker and I was just as pleased with his bedside manner and profession alism. He explained all my options and I didn’t feel pushed to make a quick decision.

First of all, booking an appointment was so easy! I submitted a request online and got a phone call not even 10 minutes later from Ebony to confirm an appointment. Dr. Joshi, the ladies at the front desk, the x-ray technician and all of the staff I encountered were very busy yet remained friendly. They are also very professional and clean. I am so satisfied with my visit that I am trying to get my family to book an appointment there.

Anant P. Joshi DPM, DABPM

Office Hours: Mon. 10 am - 6 pm • Tues. Surgery • Wed. 10 am - 6 pm Thurs. 9 am - 5 pm • Fri. 9 am - 5 pm every other week

PHARMACY

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Thomas DiMicelli

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Faith Salviano

How to Tell if Your Back Pain is Stemming From a Herniated Disc

Courtesy Dr. Raffaele Lagonigro, PT Common Signs You Should Seek Physical Therapy for Herniated Disc Pain

Did you know that a herniated disc can develop anywhere in your spine? At our physical therapy clinic, we often see herniated discs among our patients who have been experiencing back, arm, and/ or leg pain, although back pain is the most common symptom.

If you believe that your pain or discomfort is being caused by a herniated disc, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed physical therapists. Our experienced team can help you understand the source of your symptoms and heal the affected area(s) so that you can experience relief in the longterm.

How can physical therapy help with herniated disc pain?

Research shows that physical therapy is an effective form of treatment for herniated discs. If your symptoms affect your daily life or work activities, or if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you are advised to consult with a physical therapist.

Physical therapy interventions such as spinal traction, remedial exercises, and non-invasive modalities (such as electrical

stimulation or diathermy) can help in healing the herniated disc, so you can find long-term pain relief and prevent recurring problems in the future.

Physical therapy may also be necessary if you have been told by a surgeon that you may need spinal surgery to correct your disc herniation. In many cases, surgeons also ask their patients to work with a physical therapist prior to a spinal fusion or disc decompression procedure, in order to aid in the improvement of core strength and spinal health, so the procedure will be easier. This has been proven to both maximize surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

According to The National Institute of Health, “The highest prevalence [of herniated disc cases] is among people aged 30-50 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. There is little evidence to suggest that drug treatments are effective in treating herniated discs.”

Moreover, research shows that even “idiopathic” cases of back pain (where there is no known cause) respond positively to physical therapy. In other words, even if it’s not entirely clear whether you have a herniated disc, our services can still help!

What might put me at risk of developing

a herniated disc?

In addition to analyzing your symptoms and performing various tests and measures, a physical therapist can help you determine if you have a herniated disc by assessing your medical history and lifestyle.

We’ll look for risk factors known to be linked to herniated discs, including:

• Acute trauma, e.g., auto accident or fall • Smoking • Age between 30 and 50 • Obesity • Male gender • Frequent bending, heavy lifting, or twisting • Physically demanding occupation

How can I tell if a herniated disc is what’s causing my back pain?

Spinal discs are small soft structures found between vertebral bones. Their main jobs are to absorb shock and maximize mobility within the spine. On the outside, these discs are tough and fibrous, but on the inside they are soft and gel-like.

A herniated disc occurs when the tough outer layer of the disc (called the annulus fibrosis) ruptures. This allows the inner gel substance (called the nucleus pulposus) to leak out. The ruptured disc tissue can trigger an inflammatory response and compress nearby structures, including joint receptors and spinal nerve roots.

Interestingly enough, not all herniated

discs will lead to pain (especially because the discs themselves are relatively low in innervation and vascularization). However, when a herniated disc does cause symptoms, these symptoms often include:

Pain that improves or “centralizes” (moves toward the spine) with spinal extension, such as when lying down or lying prone

Pain that worsens with forward flexion or prolonged sitting—forward flexion may also cause the pain to “peripheralized” or move further away from the spine

Arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness (if the herniated disc compresses on an adjacent nerve root that innervates the affected limb)

Neck or back pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms at the level of the injured disc

A herniated disc is similar to a bulging disc; in the latter condition, the disc tissue may protrude out of place but will not rupture.

Get started today

If you have been living with back pain, you don’t have to any longer. Contact Aim Orthopedics today to schedule a consultation and get started on the first steps toward back pain relief!

AIM Orthopedics, 44 Main St Little Falls, 973-860-0550.

TOTOWA $359,900

ONE FLOOR LIVING

Opportunity knocks in this ranch style home with all the original character & charm of yesteryear. Beautiful custom woodwork & hardwood floors throughout. Upon entering you are greeted by an inviting enclosed front porch that leads to LR, FDR with coffered ceiling, EIK with separate DA, 2 BRS, bath and access to large expansion ready walk up attic that has great potential for extra living space, primary suite or extra storage. Perfectly located in this desirable neighborhood, close to NYC buses, major highways, schools, restaurants & shops.

OAKLANDAK $449,999

4 BEDROOM RANCH

Come see this large ranch in the beautiful wooded area on an extremely large piece of property. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen with all stainless-steel appliances, skylights & pantry + separate dining area, LR with woodburning fireplace, & sunroom complete the main level. H/W floors. Fin’d basement with Rec Room w/wet bar & cast iron woodburning stove, 2nd bath, laundry room, office/BR, & utility room. This home also has a 1 car built- in garage, a large driveway, & UG sprinkler system & an above ground pool. Home does have a functioning oil tank, well and septic system. Home is directly across from the Ramapo Mountain Reservation Hiking Trail. Conveniently located to major highways!.

PATERSON $329,900 NEW LISTING

Well maintained single family home features 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. LR, Eat-in-kitchen, Formal Dining room, full bath on 1st floor. 2nd floor offers 3 bedrooms and full bath. Finished basement with rec room and storage room. Central air, new roof in 2017. Close to major highways, house of worship and shopping center.

TOTOWA $419,900 NEW LISTING

Welcome to this beautifully cared for dormered 1459 square foot cape cod in this much sought after neighborhood with tree lined streets and offers everything you have been looking for. Step through the front door and be introduced to the sun filled formal LR with bay window, formal DR for all your gatherings, updated kitchen with cabinets galore, granite counters, CT floor, SS appliances and pantry. Side door leads to an oversized 75x113 lot, MBR, BR feature double closet, hardwood floors, CT bath, complete the first floor. Retreat upstairs to 2 additional BRS, full bath, along with abundant storage space. Full, finished basement with rec room offers a dry bar, utility room, laundry area, storage closet and entry to built- in 1 car garage and driveway. Recent improvements include roof, replacement windows, h/ w heater. Enjoy Totowa’s low taxes! Conveniently located to shopping, restaurants, parks, & schools. Desirable location offering easy access to major highways, NYC bus and train a commuter’s dream!

PATERSON $310,000

NEW LISTING

Nothing to do but move in! Welcome to one floor living at its finest! Best location in the complex. This first floor mint condition end unit in Garret Heights Is totally renovated from top to bottom. EIK/w granite counters & tile back splash. Formal DR w/sliders to patio, LR w/wood burning FP, gleaming H/W bamboo floors & crown molding throughout. Master BR w/double closets and master bath, which features jacuzzi tub & separate stall shower. Nice sized second bedroom w/walk-in closet! Brand new HVAC unit & water heater. Minutes to Garret Mountain Reservation, fishing & picnic grounds, running/hiking/jogging trails. Close to major highways, shopping & transportation. Garret Heights is is an FHA approved complex & pet friendly! Don’t miss this opportunity for beautiful mountain living!

Courtesy Dr. Gabriel Hannawi, DC Chiropractic Physician

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition where a nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand, becomes numb and tingles. Generally, this is caused by being pressed or squeezed. The carpal tunnel is a line of ligament and bones at the base of the hand in which the nerve and tendons that bend the fingers and move the hand are found. This

is an area of constant use, and if that use involves the same movement in a continual way, pain ensues. This continual movement in the same way when typing or clicking on a computer or phone can cause pain and discomfort to the hand. Tennis players are also victims of this problem from tightly holding a tennis racquet for long periods of time. This action

leads to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Treatment Options Are Available

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is uncomfortable and frustrating to those who suffer from it. Physical Therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa offer several different forms of treatment, and are specialists in relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

continued on page 28

Relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome...

continued from page 26

you first have pain associated with the use of your hands and wrists, you should take frequent breaks. Correct stretching and posture techniques are used in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These exercises can help treat the pain in your hands and wrists and can be done as you work. If these techniques don’t relieve the pain, our therapists are experienced in the use of Active Release Technique or Deep Tissue Laser Therapy. Both of these treatment therapies have successfully relieved the pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Can Be Treated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the result of strenuous use of hands and wrists. The therapists at Elite Spine & Sports Care of Totowa have experience in treating this condition and will discover the technique that works best for you. If you think you may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and are experiencing pain in your hands and wrists, call us to make an appointment for treatment.

Elite Spine and Sports Care Of Totowa, 349-351 Union Boulevard Totowa, 862 239-1768

Did You Know?

Adhering to a nutritious diet can be challenging at any time of year, and especially so during the holiday season. Baked goods and big meals are at seemingly every turn come the holiday season, and that can test even the most devoted dieters. In fact, a 2016 study

published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the average American’s weight increases by 0.4 percent over Christmas and 0.2 percent over Thanksgiving. Curiously, the researchers found that the majority of weight gain occurs in the 10 days after Christmas.

RoveRs

Class Promises

During the beginning of the year study in Ms. Casasnovas’ PreK-4 class at School 1 in Woodland Park, children work on creating a positive classroom environment together. As a promise to each

other, they came up with a list of things to remember while being in school. Each child had a chance to “promise” by putting their handprint on the list.

Photo courtesy of the Borough of Woodland Park

Tue.-Thurs.

Fri. 8:30am-7pm

Sat. 8:30am-6pm

Sun. 8:30am-2:30pm

Pediatric Therapy Center of New Jersey: Caring Runs in the Family

Jannicelli Pampanin, MS, OTR/L is the Director of Occupational Therapy at the Pediatric Therapy Center of New Jersey in Cedar Grove. Carissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Russell Sage College.

Carissa

Carissa is registered and certified by the National Board of Occupational Therapy. She holds licenses to practice in the states of New Jersey and New York. Carissa has advanced training and a specialist certification from the Ayres Clinic in California in Sensory Integration. She is an approved provider for Early Intervention services in New Jersey according to the requirements of the NJEIS program. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, New Jersey State Occupational Therapy Association, and a provider of therapy services for the State of New Jersey Department of Education.

Carissa completed her clinical affiliations at Kessler West Orange, Kessler East Orange, The Children’s Therapy Center in Fairlawn, and also at the Montclair State Demonstration Program for Children. Carissa is also a Certified Pilates Instructor (CPI) by the Professional Health and Fitness Institute as well as a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine in California.

Deanna Jannicelli Corby, MS, CCC-SLP is the Director of Speech-Language Therapy

at Pediatric Therapy Center of New Jersey. Deanna holds a Bachelors of Science degree in both Elementary Education and Special Education and a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University’s School of Graduate Medical Education.

Deanna is registered and certified (CCC) by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a license to practice in the state of New Jersey. Deanna also holds a certificate by the State of New Jersey Department of Education as schoolbased Speech-Language Specialist. She is an approved provider for Early Intervention services in New Jersey according to the requirements of the NJEIS program. Deanna is trained by the PROMPT Institute and is able to provide PROMPT therapy services. She is a member of the New Jersey SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association (NJSHA) and the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

With their father’s guidance Carissa & Deanna Jannicelli began practicing pediatric speech therapy and pediatric occupational therapy at their father’s practice in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

The story however started many years earlier, with both girls just wanting to spend more time with their dad. They would answer calls, fold towels, assist with bringing patients to therapy rooms, type cards, and organize

files and charts. They learned the ins and outs of his business. That office was truly his pride and joy and he absolutely loved seeing his family being part of every aspect of it.

Don ran a successful physical therapy clinic in Essex County for over 40 years. His influence instilled & cultivated in Carissa & Deanna a lifelong passion for helping others. Though Don sadly passed away in 2019, his legacy lives on through his daughters. Today they operate their own therapy center in Cedar Grove, focusing on pediatric speech therapy and occupational therapy services for kids.

Patients loved interacting with our father. They loved to talk about sports and his joy for golf and spending time with his four

grandchildren. He was known for his dry, yet funny sense of humor. He always had a way of making patients feel like they were part of our “family”. Patients always continued to return even many years later to become repeat clients.

Our father paved the way and was the influence in our life’s work. We always admired the way he could interact and connect with all of his patients. He always instilled the value of hard work, to stay strong and to have confidence and to believe in ourselves. All of the motivation and perseverance in our lives came from him.

Pediatric Therapy Center of New Jersey, 912 Pompton Avenue, Suite B1, Canfield Office Park, Cedar Grove, 973 680-1971.

Heritage and Culture Month

Main Street Antique Center

By Tina Pappas

The Township celebrated ItalianAmerican Heritage and Culture Month with a flag-raising ceremony in front of the municipal building on Oct. 3. The national holiday coincides with Columbus Day in October, and honors the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian-Americans.

Hosting the ceremony was Councilman Chris Vancheri, who spoke to attendees.

“As we celebrate this month, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent,” he said. “I’m one of them as well, and it’s a great way to honor Italian-Americans tonight.”

Vancheri then read Mayor James Damiano’s proclamation for Italian Heritage and Culture Month for the month of October 2022, which has been celebrated since 1989. The municipal building was also lit green, white and red signifying the colors of Italy’s national flag.

“Italian-Americans have helped shape and develop our nation. They have made significant economic and cultural contributions to our nation in the areas of government, science, technology, arts and entertainment, products and design and food,” Vancheri added. “Italian American Heritage and Culture Month is a time to

Pictured are members of the Township Council, along with local residents of Italian descent and members of UNICO Passaic Valley. Photos courtesy of the Township of Little Falls

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Little Falls Holds Annual Ceremony For Domestic

By Tina Pappas

The Little Falls Domestic Violence

Prevention Committee held its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) ceremony for the Township. The event was coordinated by Councilman Al Kahwaty, who helped raise the flag for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, along with committee members.

DVAM was launched nationwide in October 1987 with the goal of connecting

and uniting individuals and organizations to work on and raise awareness for domestic violence issues, according to the 2022 Domestic Violence Awareness Month website.

Kahwaty spoke during the ceremony and said that he and the committee raised the flag for DVAM for several reasons. He said that although he and the committee don’t feel that domestic violence is an issue

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Pictured is Councilman Al Kahwaty, along with members of the Township’s Domestic Violence Prevention Committee and fellow council members during the Domestic Violence Awareness Month ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Township of Little Falls

Domestic Violence Prevention...

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particularly prevalent in Little Falls, they do know that victims suffer in silence, so it’s never really known how big an issue it really is. He also said he hopes that seeing this flag may at some point help inspire someone to say enough is enough and seek the help that they need.

“We have compassion for this issue,” he added. “Beyond Little Falls that compassion is not bound by borders, such as rivers or manmade borders, such as townships or cities or states, and so we raise the flag in honor of all the victims no matter where they are, so they know that we are there for

them and they do not suffer alone.” Kahwaty then thanked the members of the Domestic Violence Prevention Committee who were present during the ceremony, including his fellow council members, Mayor James Damiano and the Township.

“I want to also thank everyone involved in helping us raise this flag tonight in support of domestic violence victims everywhere,” he noted.

For more information on 2022 Domestic Violence Awareness Month, visit https:// ncadv.org/2022DVAM.

Italian-American Heritage...

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celebrate our Italian-American community and be recognized for the growth and prosperity of our nation.”

Vancheri also thanked members of Passaic Valley UNICO, including its past president and Little Falls resident, Steven Pelonero, for taking part in the ceremony. The non-profit organization is a chapter of UNICO National and is the largest Italian-American service organization in the nation since 1922. Pelonero spoke on behalf of UNICO noting its 100th anniversary nationally and its 50th anniversary locally in Passaic Valley.

“We celebrate our Italian heritage and

culture through higher education and research, among many other things,” Pelonero said.

Council President Anthony Sgobba also commented during the ceremony by thanking his fellow council members for the planning of the ceremony and commending those involved with UNICO.

“We are grateful for the good work that UNICO does with food banks and with scholarships, and more importantly keeping the Italian heritage foremost and in the foremost front of the citizens of Little Falls,” he said.