BC the Mag Late Spring '23

THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE IS HERE Hackensack University Medical Center

Helena Theurer Pavilion

Hackensack University Medical Center’s Helena Theurer Pavilion is now open and ready for you. And our team members are ready for you, too. From orthopedic and colorectal surgery to complex cardiac and neurosurgery cases, our experts are here to deliver high-quality, compassionate care in our thoughtfully designed, state-of-the-art tower. The pavilion includes the latest advancements in surgical and critical care for patients - now and in the future. From a pandemic/health emergency-ready environment to operating rooms with all of the latest robotic technology, we’re ready. View our virtual tour or learn more at HackensackUMC.org.

Late Spring 2023

Publishers

Sharon & Steven Goldstein

Associate Publisher

Brandon Goldstein

Editorial Director

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

Art Director

BMG Marketing

Fashion Director

Candace Kristin

Contributing Writers

Kevin Czerwinski

Tara DeLorenzo

Courtney Gilroy

Brandon Goldstein

Soneca Guadara

Megan Montemarano

Richard Posluszny

Emma Schmalz

Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to 297-101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com.

For advertising and information, please call (201) 694-5196. For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.

Copyright 2023. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

With the finish line of the school year in sight, perhaps you have your set of parent friends, and you’re chatting it up with them at school events and sports practices. Or maybe you haven’t yet made your friends, and you’re still looking for a way in. As the mom of a kindergartener, I’m somewhere in between the two.

I get it – it’s not always the easiest to make new friends, especially if you are an introvert. I’ve learned that small talk is my nemesis. I dislike it, but I’m trying. My husband, on the other hand, has his PhD in it.

The other day I was lingering at pick-up, allowing my son to play with his friends on the school playground after dismissal (one of my top tips in meeting fellow parents) when I struck up a conversation with a fellow kindergarten mother that started a little something like this.

“How are you?”

“We’re good. You?”

“Good.”

The conversation continued to discuss the summer camp registration, teeball opening day and an upcoming field trip.

As I left the school grounds and walked with my son back to our car, I thought about that simple question I had asked, “How are you?” and her response, “We’re good. You?”

Now, I don’t know this mother too well. But something tells me there’s a lot more she wanted to say besides “good.” There was a lot more I wanted to say besides “good.”

I left the school parking lot that day grateful yet again for my core friend group. Those friends that ask you how you are doing, and you can be completely honest in telling them how hard things have been recently and they receive what you’re saying with genuine attention and care. Those are the type of friends that really make a difference in your life.

Maybe I’ll make more of those types of friendships with parents at my son’s school. Maybe I won’t. Either way, I arrived home that day determined to try.

Yours in awkward conversations, Jessica

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Allendale Foundation for Educational Excellence

The AFEE held their annual auction and dinner at the Edgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.afeenj.org.

Brianne and Greg Szep, Kim Coleman

Lauren Ikin, Amy Marrufo

Emily Lamond, Morgan Blanco Rivas, Meghan Pagano

Lauren Natoli, Jen Jacobsen

John and Jill Relay Emily Lamond, Morgan Blanco Rivas

Anna Chung, Nicole Weiss

Karen Depol, Shannon Rutowski, Danielle Walter

Lauren Buckner, Jill Relay, Jacquelyn DiFrancesco

Meredith and Brian Dlug

Lisa Kane, Donna Cafarelli

Arnaldo and Liz Cortorreal, Jeff Rugg

Mark and Julia Simunek, Crista and Donald McKenna

Mark Margagliotta, Lillian and Greg Warner

Denise Rothe, Kerina Singh, Kristen Abbate

William and Medy Murphy, Terri and Ed O’Connell, Hyun and Andrew Kyung

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Find a physician: Call 833-234-2234 or visit ehpn.org

The Bergen Irish Association

The BIA held their 59th annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance at Seasons. For more information, visit www.bergenirish.org.

Jean and Sean Considine Kerri Sheehan, Michele Verrone

Angelina Kourgelis, Cara Larkin

Angelina, Michael and Margaret Kourgelis

The Bergen Irish Association Gerry Ginley, Tadhg Donegan

John O’Shea, Margaret Kourgelis

Daria McCabe, Bobby and Theresa Power

Thana and Kiki Kourgelis, Dan Larkin, Margaret and John Kourgelis

Mary Lynch, Terry Donegan

Carl Carfello, Michael Hennessy Tristen Calvitto, Terry Considine

Gerry and Roseleen Ginley Kathleen and Fiona Larkin, Richard Totellot

Anne Marie Mitchell, Carmel Berney, Terry Montgomery, Eileen Hennessy

Diane and Kevin Boyle

‘Visions’ of Hope Volunteers Use Powerful Medium of Theatre

By Megan Montemarano

In the spring of 1991, Robert Lo Bue (known to most as Bob) joined a community theatre in Bergen County. He had no theatrical experience to speak of, but what he did have was a new lease on life. Achieving his second year of recovery from alcoholism and substance abuse opened a slew of opportunities for Bob, eventually motivating him to dedicate his life to encouraging others to do the same. And so, with a little artistic inspiration, faith and a whole lot of determination, a particularly unique play known as “Visions” began to take form.

It all started when the community theatre asked members to bring in new material for workshops. Bob immediately jumped on this idea and set out to write down his experiences with addiction from his perspective, including effects on his family and work — the foundation for what would soon be a one-of-a-kind play centered on the use and abuse of substances, from the realization stage to the entire treatment journey.

At the time, Bob was working in a large auto plant. As the auto parts traveled down the large sortation system, which was nearly a half-mile long, he would stack them in metal cages. In between the arrival of each box, he wrote a sentence or two of his script. After

a few pages, Bob could not write anymore. He felt defeated and considered it just another failure.

“I never finish anything,” he recalls saying to himself.

It was then that Bob prayed for help, and something happened; he was inspired to gain the strength needed to actually finish what he started.

“I called it ‘Visions,’” says Bob. “It was a play on drug addiction, alcoholism and recovery, and I considered it to be a great gift.”

Bob took the new script to the community theatre only to be told, “It’s too harsh! Too real! Not our cup of tea.”

He tried other venues, but the reaction was the same.

However, a determined Bob refused to take “no” for an answer. With zero experience in producing a play, yet still incredibly undaunted, Bob turned to the friends he met in recovery for a cast. Twenty wonderful souls agreed to join him, and five churches opened their doors for a rehearsal space.

Continued on Page 16

“Everything was finally coming together like beads on a string. It was meant to be.”

From the start, Bob decided to keep the “Visions” troupe anonymous with no last names and no pay.

“I saw this as a gift, and the greatest of all gifts is always when someone gives without ever asking in return,” comments Bob.

The first “Visions” performance took place at Integrity House Treatment Center in Secaucus, a long-term residential treatment center for alcohol and drug addiction.

“The reaction was overwhelming,” says Bob. “After the show, a man in the audience began weeping and talking about the harm he had inflicted on his family. Women who had lost their children to addiction were hugging us.”

Thirty-one years have passed since that life-changing evening and the “Visions” play has now reached the hearts of more than 40,000 people in rehab facilities, shelters, prisons and communities, sharing a clear message of hope and recovery. The volunteer cast and crew have grown to more than 500 people, most with no acting experience. Troupe members are those who suffered from addiction themselves or have been impacted by exposure to addiction of a close family member, coworker, or friend.

“After each and every performance, the troupe goes out into the audience to connect with their peers and we invite them to join us,” explains Bob. “It’s an opportunity to give back after taking for so long – a source of healing for both audience and cast members.”

The great and selfless success of Bob’s work has rightfully not gone unnoticed. In 1993, the “Visions” cast and crew were

awarded the New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteer Award in the Arts and Humanities. In 2002, a Presidential Points of Light Award from Washington, D.C. was given to the group for their community service and volunteerism.

Over the years, Bob has performed “Visions” hundreds of times. He has trained 15 separate casts, including inpatient clients at treatment centers and prisons. The play has made its way as far west as Texas and has been performed for several Bergen County Municipal Alliances. “Visions” was also performed at the Rayburn House Office of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. for National Recovery Month. In 2012, it was even the subject of a full length docu-feature created by an award-winning film professor from the NYU Tisch School of Film and Television.

Although “Visions” is under Visions Recovery Inc., a nonprofit organization, the play has received no funding.

Bob explains, “We are not grant writers. Any donations are used to bring the play to those who have nothing. The majority of our performances are free in the treatment centers, shelters and churches that continue to support us.”

While arts agencies view “Visions” as more of a health and prevention organization, most health services identify it as an art organization. Yet Bob believes “Visions” is the best kept secret in the field of substance abuse and recovery. As powerful as addiction is, there is something even more powerful – and that is indeed recovery.

“They are still weeping, even in the prisons. They are weeping not in despair, but in hope. We are the real deal.”

If you are interested in learning more or joining the “Visions” outreach, visit their website at www. visionsrecoveryplay.com. The troupe meets on most Wednesday evenings in Teaneck.

Bergen CASA Casino Night

Bergen CASA for Children held their annual Casino Night at Seasons. For more information, visit www.bergencasa.org.

Zonie LeSane, Lorraine Joewono, Lucy Rosen

Scott Kligman, Alex Heller Alyssa Molarz, Aneta and Mark Wygonik

Lisa Press, Fran Kalman

Chris Poliandro, Lindsay Crawford Tom and Chris Ayers Chip and Margo Giamo Mindy and Goldie Felixbrod

Karen and Dr. Eric Avezzano

Joe and Elizabeth DeGregorio, Michele and Keith Waller

Edward and Kelly Nestor Sunhi Lee, Jenny Han, Wan Youh, Zonie LeSane

Lindsey and Marc Blatt David and Nancy Kennedy, Jesse and Mary Claire Garrett, Eileen Smith

Sonia Labozzetta, Samera Martinez, Dulce and Jeff Kontak

Suzanne Ordas Curry, Zonie LeSane, Lucy Rosen, Kristine Gifford, Patty Rafferty, Dina Zyddor

Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County

Habitat for Humanity held their annual gala event at Seasons. For more information, visit www.habitatbergen.org.

Teri Caparelli, Jon and Sue Senos

Rose Mary Klie, Donnalee Corrieri

Telizabeth Lopez, Jessica Rodriguez

Cat Garruto, Doug Crosby, Sharron Halpert

Andy Baron, Paul Nyfenger, Arlo Sanchez, Michelle Blanyar

Jamie and Carrie Nielsen Teri Caparelli, Annamaria Not, Sue Cola, Fatima Becerril

Gina Hernandez, Shana Sanchez, Jorge Ledesma, Diane Rothman

Tia and Vladimir Salomon Pete and Donna Koeniges Tricia McInerney Jansen, Roxanne Camejo, Jennifer Sullivan

Adela Wekselblatt, Shonya Jordan, Debra Vial

Brian Hague, Tony Russo, Teri Caparelli, Julia Pangburn, Kathy Agudo, Bill Hanson

Sonja Clark, Kurt Breitenstein, Joanne Westphal

Karen Roberts, Sonja Clark, Roxanne Camajo

Rose Alvarado, Taylor Smith, Melissa Walsh, Monica Rivera

For Rachel Katic, A Picture Is Definitely Worth A Thousand Words

By Emma Schmalz

Rachel Katic of Little Ferry loves her dog Scout, volunteers at Holy Name Medical Center and satisfies her inner artist by taking award-winning photographs.

Katic, a freelance photographer, takes photographs and turns them into digital works of art through her business, Lasting Images by Rachel. Lasting Images offers photography lessons, customizable art projects and other art and photo services.

Katic started off using film for her photography but then switched over to digital as her main medium.

“Thank God for computers and software and everything else because that was my saving grace,” said Katic. “That’s a good part of my life; photography and just being creative.”

Katic takes images that either she has taken herself or those that clients have sent to her and puts them onto a canvas. She then sends multiple options to

clients of how the image could come out – whether it be made to look like a painting, abstract, black and white, etc. – and then proceeds to do her “artsy-fartsy” thing.

“And people liked the idea of having it on a canvas, it’s all ready to hang, and no frame required. When it’s complete, you would never know it was originally a photograph,” said Katic.

There is also a range of different sizes, from eight by 10 inches to three- by fivefoot canvases.

Through the use of Photoshop and other software programs, Katic has discovered a new and unique way to satisfy clients. She has worked with doctor’s offices, graduations, family portraits, pets, engagement pictures, newborn baby photos and much more. If you can name it, Katic has probably worked with it.

Katic entered the “Bergen County Art in the Park” in 2020 and won first place in the category of digital manipulation photography contest and came in first place. Katic mentioned that she is competitive by nature and likes to take her artwork a step above what everyone else is doing.

“My competitive nature makes me do things out of the box. Even when I’m taking a photograph and I’m looking at an object, I already know what I’m going to do to make it look totally different,” said Katic.

Katic has also been the president of the Teaneck Camera Club (https://teaneckcameraclub.org/) for a few years now, and they host workshops, programs, competitions and field trips. Katic has

Continued on Page 24

joined photo competitions through the club, which welcomes new members, and has won on multiple occasions.

Through the “Lasting Images” website (www.lastingimagesbyrachel.com), Katic helps other beginners learn how to develop their photography skills through personal lessons.

“My idea with teaching is how to develop an eye. Make it so that someone knows how to look at not just the whole landscape but just a little part of the landscape for instance,” said Katic.

Katic’s main goal seems to be to spread positivity and happiness through her art, whether that be teaching someone else how to take photographs or creating artwork that is personable and thoughtful. Her kind nature can be seen through her volunteer work at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck. She takes part in pet therapy with her dog Scout two mornings a week and uses this as her way of giving back to a community that helped her during a time of need.

Katic had exhibits in April at the Glen Rock Public Library and will have another in January at the Maurice M. Pine Public Library in Fair Lawn. She is currently getting back into the normal stream of things that were upended due to COVID-19 and continues to enjoy making people’s special moments into big memories.

Heel the Soul

The Englewood Health Foundation held their annual Heel the Soul event at Montammy Country Club. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

Haly Samuels, Hilary Stone, Karen Todd

Jordan, Ali, Marna and Michael Todd Steve Bergman, Robin and Todd Rosenfeld

Michelle Bergman, Nancy and Josh Gillon

Jennifer Peykar, Sari Albom

Sandra Sgambatti, Chrissy and Ali Weiselberg

Tracy Fishel, Angella Stefanakis

Diane Rothman, Debbie Satnick, Amy Shirvan

Lisa and Mark Spivack, Stacy Esser

Dan Polman, Melissa Pierro

Keith Klein, Joanne Ehrlich, Michael Gutter

Tara Jagid, Dana Runyon, Romy Jagid

Carol and Alan Shalom Melissa Donzis, Samantha Mayer Debbie Ehrlich, Ben Laub, Melissa Ehrlich

Alex Smith, Ian and Lauren Schwartz, Dara Smith

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HospitalToOpenNewHealthClinicsInsideBergenCountyShopRites

By Tara DeLorenzo

Making healthcare more accessible and convenient, Bergen New Bridge Medical has partnered with Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. to open multiple CareRite Now locations throughout Bergen County ShopRite stores.

These CareRite Now facilities are a new service provided by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, New Jersey’s largest hospital, and have locations in Wallington and New Milford, with additional locations planned for Hackensack, Hillsdale, Palisades Park and Lodi. Located in the supermarket, they are more than an urgent care. These providers are primary care practitioners and services include wellness visits; physicals, including school and athletic physicals; vaccinations; tetanus shots; COVID-19 testing; EKGs; lab testing; and blood work.

“My vision with all this was to bring care into the communities to make it accessible for everyone,” Debbie Visconi, president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, said. “I thought how great it would

be that you can get your healthcare in that same place as the supermarket. You have to leave the house once. You have to park the car once. You can go do your shopping while waiting for your deli order so now you can get your vaccine or exam too, all in one place. That was really the vision – to be able to go right into one place.”

This service is provided through Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, which is privately managed by a notfor-profit 501(c)(3) named CarePlus Bergen that was formed in 2017 with the sole intent and purpose of running the hospital for Bergen. The hospital is a safety net provider, meaning they provide care for individuals that need healthcare and services, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

Additionally, the hospital has three unique service lines in addition to the standard emergency department: a behavior health department, including services focused on pediatric care – one of the only ones in the region; an addiction service line that focuses

on a range of additions, including drugs, alcohol, gambling and social media; and their long-term care division. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has the largest nursing home in the region and is a high-quality nursing home.

“I often refer to Bergen New Bridge Medical Center as a beacon of health and hope to our community – not only do we provide healthcare, we also are a resource

for information and education and outreach and we have demonstrated over time in ensuring the highest quality care is delivered in the safest environment in an equitable and inclusive fashion for all of our communities,” Visconi said.

And in the vein of reaching out to the community, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center wanted to do more, so CareRite Now was born. The relationship between the hospital and the Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. began during the COVID pandemic, when the hospital helped provide vaccines and testing to the stores. The two businesses found then there was a common goal and passion to help the community and bring healthcare to everyone.

“It became clear we had real synergy and passion for healthcare in our communities and really being community pillars and beacons from different vantage points,” Visconi said. “So, Larry Inserra [chairman of the board and CEO of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.] had space in some of his ShopRites, and he asked if I would be interested. I said I would love the opportunity. At that point I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the space, but I knew it was an important thing to do. That’s how it started.”

These primary care providers have two exam rooms, a waiting room, and a reception area. Each is capable of both urgent care needs and day-to-day primary care needs without the need to make an appointment, and each facility is connected to the same server of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, allowing easy and quick access to test results from the hospital.

“We wanted to show our community we care about their health and that we are there to help them,” said Mellie Belvis, nurse practitioner (NP) at Bergen New Bridge and CareRite Now. “As an NP, one of my roles is teaching too, so when I see patients in the clinic, I also do health teaching – their health, their diet, their exercise, and their lifestyle modifications. So, we wanted to have this environment for the CareRites. We are compassionate; we are friendly; and we are there to help them with what they need.”

Continued on Page 30

To find the right communities for these CareRite Now offices, the hospital analyzed its community health needs assessment, which is conducted every year. Areas selected were more underserved, where people needed more access to community health care providers.

The CareRite Now, because they offer more than an urgent care, also offer a closer relationship between doctor and patient and the convenience of the facility is something there has been a lot of positive feedback about.

“The environment in our CareRite is comfortable. We spend time with our patients; there’s no wait since we have everything in there,” Belvis said. “Working here has inspired me. People who shop at the stores tell us how convenient it is to have us there and that it’s accessible. People can shop and come by and get their immunization.”

Another positive of the facilities, explained Belvis, is that their urgent care facilities will help to remove some of the congestion of an emergency room, since they can take on the more minor cases and are able to prescribe antibiotics if needed, allowing the emer-

gency rooms to focus on more physical cases.

Looking at the future, the team at Bergen New Bridge Medical also is looking to partner with the nutritionist from Inserra Supermarket, Inc. to expand their offerings overtime, and they hope to continue to open more facilities throughout Bergen County.

With the convenience of these CareRite Now facilities too, Visconi and her team are excited for the potential for the community and what it means for their healthcare services.

“Overall, I think it’ll help improve the wellbeing of our community – if you can go get your physical at the same one-time parking place, you’re going to be more amenable to getting that appointment as opposed to calling and waiting to get an appointment for your doctor’s office,” Visconi said. “I believe access to these centers is going to improve the overall well-being of our community.”

More information about hours and services can be found at www.newbridgehealth.org.

Holy Name Founders Ball

The Holy Name Foundation held their annual Founders Ball at Pier Sixty, NYC. For more information, visit www.holyname.org.

Dr. David Butler and Family

Connie and Paul Sarlo Edel and Dennis Pfisterer, Aaron Goldworm, Anna Yarygina

Fernando Garip, Kellie Berkoff

Michael and Cathy Vigneron, Judy and John Trobiano

David Wild, Stefani Berkin

Jill Rosenberg, Kristine Sayrafe, Lorraine Dente

Charlie Vialotti, Diane and Patrick Maron

Jungeun Lee, Bo Yang, Young Woo, Nan Woo, Hee Yang

Amanda Missey, Erica West

Doug and Suzi Fortuna Diane and Ed Szott, Steve and Christina Varvar

Michael Maron, Ernest Delgatto, Claudia Mattiello

Vasantha Kondamudi, Michael Maron Alyssa Montaoto, Jo Ann Sanzari, Amy and Bobby Brown, Tina and Tim Murray

Lisa Futterman, Rich Taylor, Dan White, Aleta Taylor, Cathleen Davey

Let’s‘THRIVV’Together WETHRIVV Empowers Hair Loss Sufferers

By Kevin CzerwinsKi

The idea of losing one’s hair, regardless of whether you’re a man or woman, can leave many people overwhelmed, upset, sad or embarrassed along with a whole host of other adjectives that can have a direct impact on a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

Dr. Jeffrey Rappaport knows this. The Englewood Cliffs-based dermatologist has spent nearly a half century treating his patients for all traditional dermatolog-

ical issues but for the better part of the last decade he has focused on hair restoration, helping create an application that has already helped hundreds of people regain their hair.

Rappaport, 69, has teamed with Pennsylvania-based scientist/entrepreneur Dr. Sanjay Batra, the co-founder of WETHRIVV, in developing an all-natural solution to hair loss. That product is called REVIVV Topical Hair Serum and is a proprietary

serum designed and created by physicians and scientists that offers a drug-free, all-natural alternative to other hair restoration products such as Minoxidil or Finasteride.

REVIVV is the result of extensive research done by Batra and his team, which includes Rappaport, research that included poring over hundreds of studies done around the world regarding hair loss. Those studies, from Korea, Japan, Canada and the United States, helped lay REVIVV’s foundation.

WETHRIVV’s medical advisory board includes several people from Bergen County including Dr. Eric Margolis, who is the Chief of Urology at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center; Dr. Nate Lebowitz, who is the Chief of Lipids and Preventative Cardiology at Hackensack University Medical Center; Dr. Steve Fallek, a plastic surgeon practicing in Englewood Cliffs; and pharmacist Yaz Shah, who is the owner of Hudson Drug of Cresskill.

“We were looking for some type of botanical product that would be effective and safe; something that would be cosmetically safe and enjoyable,” Rappaport said. “We wanted something that didn’t have harsh chemicals and would be able to support hair growth. We worked on the formulation for a while. We had a lot of discussions with our Korean colleagues and we came up with a product that is a combination of what our Korean colleagues use and our own ideas. That’s how REVIVV was born.

“Since people have been using REVIVV, they are very happy with the aesthetics of it. One of the big problems with hair growth products is that you have to like the way it looks. It can’t mess up your hair, look oily or powdery, all the problems that have been part of past products. We developed a unique rollerball system that helps deliver REVIVV in a unique way. You roll it onto your scalp. The product itself is very light and not sticky at all. It’s a cosmetically elegant product so that people don’t mind using it.”

Rappaport tested the product on 100 scalps, including his own, before the product was launched 14 months ago. FDA approval was not needed for REVIVV because it is drug free and considered a cosmetic product. It also doesn’t require FDA approval because it doesn’t make claims about treating, diagnosing or curing any illness.

A three-month supply of the product costs $160. Batra said that there are occasional promotions that will help with the cost. The three-month supply includes two bottles of the product.

“Typically, it takes three months to start seeing results,” Batra said. “That’s why we sell it as a three-month supply. If we sell it for one month and a person doesn’t see results, they might quit. It takes two to three months, typically to start seeing results but results are maximized between six months and a year.

Continued on Page 38

“There have been no side effects to date, and we don’t expect to see them. The product is vegan, it’s all natural and has a very nice scent. It took about two years to develop and evaluate the formula.”

Although quite small, bees are intensely connected to the environment and play an important role in the pollination cycle. And, if they aren’t doing well, it isn’t a good sign for the rest of the ecosystem.

Between increased development, climate change and the continued use of harmful pesticides, the worldwide bee population is on the decline.

In an effort to try and restore the bee population, the practice of beekeeping has been on the rise and rooftop apiaries have sprung up in many cities, like New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

Batra, who co-founded WETHRIVV with his wife, Amy, has also used REVIVV. He concluded years ago that after seeing his own hair begin to thin that a change was in order for dealing with hair loss. He met Rappaport about eight years ago and when the two hit it off, REVIVV was set in motion. Both Batra and Rappaport have used platelet rich plasma [PRP] therapy – the process of taking a person’s blood, purifying it and then reinjecting it into the scalp to stimulate hair growth – and Rappaport says he still does a significant amount of PRP therapy in his practice.

Hospitals have also been doing their part to improve honeybee health, and, in turn, the environment.

A growing number of hospitals across the country have joined the rooftop hive movement in recent years, including several across North Jersey: The Valley Hospital, Chilton Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center.

“Establishing the rooftop beehives is in line with

Rappaport used PRP therapy on himself for several years but began using REVIVV. He also used REVIVV on his friends and family, saying that all subjects were “pleasantly surprised.” He began using it on patients and to date, has introduced more than 150 patients –men and women – to the product. However, he points out that for continued results the product must continue to be used.

our dedication to sustainability, such as recycling, green construction initiatives and reducing our carbon footprint,” Mosser explained.

The bees forage far and wide, pollinating flowers and plants up to two miles from their hives. Then, they return to the colony to begin honey production.

“Any preparation that you’re using for hair loss has to be continued,” Rappaport said. “Hair loss is genetic. You can’t just stop using it because the genetic problem keeps rolling on. I can say that we have products that are in development that are gene-related products. In the next five to 10 years, we will be able to control genes that predispose you to developing hair loss. At the present time we’re not able to do that so the genetic makeup of people will continue.”

Holy Name Chief of General Surgery Dr. Ron White said, “As a healthcare leader, we are always looking for new opportunities to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Rappaport said that REVIVV works to counteract eight different types of and causes of hair loss. The search for the right combination of ingredients was exhaustive but the result has been impressive.

“With honeybee numbers decreasing worldwide, we’re proud to not only help the honeybees but harvest a sweet, healthy treat for our employees and community,” he said. “Beehives can also serve as a welcome distraction for our hospitalized patients, many of whom have a view of the hives. The distraction and connection with nature also assist in healing.”

“We had to develop a product that was botanical and that could cover different types of hair loss,” Rappaport said. “It was great working with our Korean colleagues in this; they are very big on botanicals. People have been trying for the longest period of time to get topicals to work but others haven’t had a cosmetically elegant product.”

White went on, “Also, bees are one of the most important pollinator species for our ecosystem and honey containers beneficial probiotics to aid in health.

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HostingTheOpen

Historic Hackensack Golf Club Will Provide A True Test of Championship Golf

By Tara DeLorenzo

Bringing together the best golfers in the State of New Jersey, Hackensack Golf Club will be hosting the 103rd New Jersey Open Championship for the second time in 10 years.

From July 24-26, the top golfers in the state, including both amateurs and professionals, will meet at this nearly 125-year-old golf course to compete for the C.W. Badenhausen Champions Trophy. Prior to the Open Championship too, the Pro-Am event will take place June 19 to benefit the NJSGA Youth Foundation.

“We hosted the Open in 2013, so it’s about 10 years later. The last time we had it it was a very close finish right until the end, and it was really exciting and we’re looking forward to hosting again,” Norm Forsyth, general manager of Hackensack Golf Course, said. “We’re glad to do it. There’s a big culture here that everyone loves golf and giving back to golf and helping the local association, which Hackensack does a lot of.”

Since the club selected to host is chosen by the New Jersey Professional Golf Association, the staff at the Hackensack felt honored to be chosen to host the Open for a second time. The New Jersey Open Championship is the premier championship for New Jersey.

“I like to see all the great golfers in one place,” Forsyth said. “There are a lot of good golfers in Hackensack, but when the best in the state all converge, you want to watch them play and hear what they think and say about the golf course, what they think of the design, what their favorite holes are. It’s fun to have people come here and experience it. It’s a really beautiful place and a special golf course, and it’s nice to watch people enjoy it for the first time.”

The NJSGA Youth Foundation Pro-Am will also take place the week prior to the Open Championship. This event helps raise money for the foundation and New Jersey charities.

Going into this years’ event, the Hackensack Golf Club is excited to see the golfers’ responses to the golf course itself as they have just completed a 15-year-long restoration of the course back to its design from the 1920s.

Hackensack Golf Club was founded back in 1899 in Hackensack, and in the 1920s, it moved to its current location in Oradell where Charles Banks, a well-known golf architect of the time, was hired to design the course.

In the 1990s, Rees Jones, a famous architect, was hired to redesign the course. But when the original course designs were unearthed in the basement of the clubhouse at the club, they brought

back Rees Jones to take the designs to restore both the course and the clubhouse to their original forms. Notably, the restoration of the course features signature holes such as Redan, Short and Biarritz.

“There’s a strong feeling of honoring the history of the club, and anything we put back to the way that it was people like it better,” said Forsyth. “About five years ago, we restored the club’s ballroom. Over the decades, there had been a dropped ceiling added and windows that had been sheetrocked over and carpeting laid down – now the drop ceilings are gone, and it has these beautiful beams that are literally milled on-site and the hardwood floor. We pulled the sheetrock from the original windows. In the last 15-20 years, we’ve been in a mood of putting things back to their original beautiful state and that’s been really successful for us. People really seem to enjoy that.”

Within the course itself too is a westward view that catches the sunset that makes for an even more beautiful field to play on.

“You could drive by the club all day long and never know there’s this 160-acre oasis back here in the middle of Bergen County,” Forsyth said. “And then you get to the back patio with the backyard, and it overlooks the golf course. I think people will enjoy walking the course because there’s a lot of beautiful views too. It’s an aesthetically pleasing place. The golfers say they don’t care and want to talk about the architecture and turf and conditions of the green and that’s all beautiful but there’s also some really pretty views on the property.”

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In addition to the course, the club also features a stateof-the-art pool facility, racquet sports and fine dining, as well as an outdoor patio. It is made up of 320 families that own the club, and 550 families are members. Thousands of visitors come every year to visit the course as well.

Additionally, Hackensack Golf Club has a rich history in giving back to the community and partners with various organizations, including the State Golf Organization, the US Golf Association, the Women’s Bergen County Golf Association, and the Pioneer Tour, which is a local junior association. They also host various charity events, including outings for both the Oradell Police Department and the Emerson Police Department.

Hackensack Golf Club also donates food to the Bergen County Homeless Shelter on a bi-monthly basis and hosts community events, like the proms and functions of the area.

“We really try to do what’s right for golf,” Forsyth said. “People here love golf and promote golf and also the community.”

And within the club itself is its own community. General Manager Forsyth describes himself as “fairly new” to Hackensack Golf Club and has been with the organization for nearly 22 years. The Golf Professional on staff – one of only three since the 1940s since there is a history of long-term standing at the club – has been there for 35 years, the starter for 40 years, and the superintendent for 35. It is an organization that has built its legacy on honoring its history and guests.

“I think Hackensack is important because of its dedication to the history of golf and its own history, to the design of our course, the clubhouse,” Forsyth said. “People who like history tend to like golf; it goes hand in hand. Hackensack Golf Club likes to support everything we can. We’re respectful to the golf community and the neighborhood we’re in.”

More information on Hackensack Golf Club can be found here https://tinyurl.com/yaw5znuv.

The 103rd New Jersey Open Championship will take place July 24-26.

Show Me Your Heart Foundation

The SMYH Foundation held their Valentine’s Day hat luncheon at The Shops at Riverside. For more information, visit www.smyhfoundation.com.

Monica Martin, Lana Randazzo

Amy Soto, Swati Bhutada, Uma Taneja

Edel and Dennis Pfisterer, Aaron Goldworm, Anna Yarygina

Heather Choi, Daya Burton

Liza and Josh Baty

Geri Oppler, Marla Sacks

Teryn Chamberlain, Tiffany Chandler

Shamina and Jay Dow, Heather Choi

Angela Franco, Karen Marden, Christine Christopoul

Kwanghee Jung, Boh Yeon Han, Hana Ahn

Melissa Choi, Dr. Bushra Helmandi, Yocaira Arjona

Charlie and Geri Oppler

Nanor Kradjian, Olga Wanna

Soneca Guadara, Reshma Thomas, Kimberly Williams, Dr. Jumana Chalabi

Heather Choi, Stephen Percy, Sheila Wolfinger

Yocaira Arjona, Dr. Bushra Helmandi, Hana Ahn, Laurel Epstein, Susan Azarman

THE SEASON OF THE SUN

Upper Saddle River Garden Club

The USR Garden Club held their annual get together at the Saddle River Cafe. For more information, visit www.usrgardenclub.com.

Jule Linter, Olga Swiatkowski

Heidi Wlosek, Anzhela Krimer, Shakhnoza Romine

Jeanine Matthews, Maria Oblow, Tracy Penski

Kim Gold, Jen Thurakal

Bonnie Saffarian, Christina Lempesis

Diana Joseph, Christina Lempsesis

Amy Hesse, Maya Low, Jackie Lagomarsino

Mike and Lisa Rizzo

Jane Linter, Sharon Hancock

Elaine Filliter, Beata Savreski

Susan Firman, Nicole Savickas

Christina Lampesis, Eva Petrone, Diana Joseph

Kristen Nelson, Katie Eitner

Felice Bernard, Eva Petrone

Olga Swiatkowski, Sangita Naik

Michelle Frankel, Nicole Savickas

Schedule Of Events

Registration: Brunch: Shotgun Start: Cocktail Hour: Dinner:

*Includes: Locker Room, Driving Range, Beverage Stations, Brunch, Dinner, Open Premium Bar & Chances To Win Prizes On 6 Holes Throughout The Golf Course. All proceeds to benefit Bogota Savings Bank Charitable Foundation supporting impactful progress in the Bank’s community in affordable housing, education, arts, health & human services.

GetYour Skin Spring Ready

4 Tips for a Flawless, Dewy Look

By Courtney Gilroy

Spring has finally arrived! With wedding season and warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to revamp your skincare routine and shed off that winter skin. As you swap your makeup palettes from deep reds to blushing rose hues, remember that the key to a flawless, glowy look lies skin deep. Below are some tips to help you get your skin ready for spring.

1. Add this one-two punch to your facial regimen: Dermaplaning plus HydraFacials. In my last article, I talked about how dermaplaning is more than just “shaving your face;” it’s a service that can be added to facials or done on its own. Dermaplaning shaves the top layers of your skin, getting rid of unwanted peach fuzz and dead skin. There are many benefits to this service, and I can assure you that you’ll get hooked after seeing how smooth and dewy your skin can look after just one session.

Whenever I get freshly dermaplaned, my makeup looks like it’s airbrushed onto my skin. If you’ve never had a HydraFacial, it’s a machine that cleanses, extracts and hydrates your face all at the same time. Talk about the ultimate glow! This facial will remove dead skin, dirt, debris and impurities while leaving your skin glowing. By having dermaplaning done beforehand, the facial will settle even deeper into your pores. My go-to for these services is Farkas Plastic Surgery in Englewood. Dermaplaning ranges from $75-100, and HydraFacials are around $250.

2. Exercise has numerous benefits for the body, and one of those benefits is its positive impact on the skin. Regular exercise not only helps to keep the body in shape, but it can also improve the health and appearance of the skin in several ways.

One of the primary ways that exercise helps the skin is by increasing blood flow and oxygenation. During exercise, the heart pumps more blood to the skin, which helps to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to the cells. This increased blood flow also helps to remove waste products and toxins from the skin, which can help to prevent breakouts and improve skin clarity.

Exercise can also help to reduce stress levels, which can have a positive impact on the skin. Stress is known to exacerbate many skin conditions, including acne, eczema and psoriasis. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters

that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. By reducing stress levels, exercise can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Another way that exercise can benefit the skin is by boosting collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is essential for maintaining the elasticity and firmness of the skin. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Regular exercise has been shown to boost collagen production, which can help to keep the skin looking youthful and firm.

Finally, exercise can help to improve the quality of sleep, which is essential for healthy skin. During sleep, the body repairs and rejuvenates itself, including the skin. By getting enough sleep, the body has more time to repair and regenerate skin cells, which can help to keep the skin looking healthy and youthful.

Don’t forget about your skin while hitting the outdoors. Keep makeup wipes handy and remove foundation before your workouts. Then, always follow your sweat sessions by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. My favorite products are Skinceuticals Daily Cleanser, Alastin HA (Hyaluronic Acid) Immerse Serum and ReSURFACE Skin Polish.

3. The spring months bring warmer tempertures and more time spent outdoors, which means more exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun all year round, but it’s especially crucial during the spring months when the sun’s intensity is increasing. Sun damage can cause premature aging, sunburn and even increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen is a crucial component of any skincare routine, and it should be applied daily, even on cloudy days. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended, and it should be applied generously to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears. For the face specifically, using a facial sun

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screen that is lightweight, non-greasy and formulated for your skin type can help prevent breakouts and clogged pores.

I recommend pairing moisturizers that contain SPF with an added layer of coverage in products like JLO beauty SPF lotion and Skinceuticals SPF face lotions. Also, another way to avoid the sun but add a glow to your skin is by booking a spray tan with @Glowcommando, which was voted Bergen County’s best spray tanning.

4. Drinking water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Water makes up a significant portion of our body, including the skin, which is the largest organ in the body. Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing a range of skin issues.

One of the primary benefits of drinking water for your skin is hydration. When your body is dehydrated, your skin can appear dull, dry and flaky. Adequate water intake helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture

levels, which is essential for keeping it soft, supple and smooth. Additionally, hydrated skin is more resilient and less prone to wrinkles and fine lines.

Drinking water also helps to flush out toxins and impurities from the body, which can lead to clearer, healthier-looking skin. When toxins build up in the body, they can cause inflammation, which can lead to a range of skin issues, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Drinking water helps to flush out these toxins, which can help to reduce inflammation and prevent these skin conditions from developing.

In addition to these benefits, drinking water can also help to improve the overall health of your body, which in turn can benefit your skin. Water is essential for proper digestion, absorption and transportation of nutrients throughout the body, which can lead to healthier skin. It also helps to regulate body temperature, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Overall, drinking lots of water is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and more if you’re exercising or spending time in the sun. By staying properly hydrated, you can help prevent a range of skin issues and maintain youthful-looking skin for years to come.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your skin and experiment with different routines and products. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to put your best face forward this spring and summer season.

Courtney Gilroy is the owner of Glow Commando, a mobile beauty service that specializes in airbrush tanning, makeup and hairstyling. She’s a licensed cosmetologist. To learn more about Glow Commando or book an appointment, visit www.glowcommando.co.  Stay connected by following these Instagram handles: @Talkcurlytome and @Glowcommando.

B E T T E R

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The Little White Dress

The New ‘Can’t Live Without’ Season Essential

By Soneca Guadara

Attention fashion aficionados and style novices alike. We all know the power of a perfect black dress, but there’s another wardrobe workhorse on the scene. It’s called the little white dress or LWD.

This one dress is not messing around when it comes to versatility. It’s a blank canvas with a crisp, clean twist that brightens any ensemble with ease. Need a summertime staple that does it all? From deciding what to wear to elegant engagement parties, to low-key backyard cookouts, an LWD has your back.

Ultra-feminine yet decidedly modern, an ethereal white dress is a summer essential, but style it correctly and this piece can have year-round appeal, too.

What To Wear With a Little White Dress: Keep It Colorful

The world is your oyster when styling a little white dress. White is among the group of neutral hues that can stand alone or pair with any color. Do those endless options feel overwhelming when deciding what to wear with a little white dress? I encourage you to liven up your little white dress outfit with bold pops of color. If wearing bright shades isn’t your forte – no worries, keep reading to see both subtle and standout ways to incorporate them.

Ladies, if you prefer to wear neutrals with your little white dress, I’m here for it. There’s a time and place to lean into those nude heels for an understated look. However, if you want to explore a new palette and try colors you’ve never worn before, here’s your foolproof opportunity. You may be curious about how to add a little color to a white dress in a discrete way. To pull this off, stick to smaller accents. Seek out unique stripes on a sneaker or a ditsy print on a belt or headband.

Adding additional hues to the mix is simple. The secret is figuring out, which colors go well together. Once you’ve established that blue and orange are a match made in heaven, the tricky part is over. Team a sherbet cardigan and turquoise earrings with your LWD for an effortless chic look. Would you rather make a daring statement with your outfit? Swipe on a vibrant red lipstick and layer with a cobalt blue denim jacket for full effect. Don’t stop there. To complete this tonal trio, work in a fuchsia pink crossbody bag for a tricolored masterpiece. Now that deserves a “chef’s kiss!”

How To Dress Up a Little White Dress

If you’re looking for ways to take your little white dress from ordinary to extraordinary, you’ve come to the right place. With the ideal layering pieces, shoes and accessories, your LWD can shine. Do you have a noteworthy birthday coming up, or a night out with the ladies and you want to glam it up? Here are some suggestions how to dress up a little white dress, no matter the special occasion.

Don’t Overlook Layers and Footwear

Just as supporting actors can help make or break a movie, shoes and outerwear do the same for outfits. Don’t underestimate the power of a killer stiletto or a faux-fur coat to take your look to the next level. For a night on the town with friends, layer your little white dress with an edgy black leather jacket. Are you planning on lots of walking? Ditch the heels and go with sneakers for a contemporary and balanced outfit that is both elevated and comfortable.

Picture this: you have a big birthday coming up, but it’s freezing outside. You might be wondering if you can wear a dress while staying warm and stylish. I’m happy to inform you that you totally can. The trick is to add layers wherever you’re showing skin. Sleeveless? Add a ribbed long-sleeve turtleneck underneath. Knee-length? Reach for fleece-lined tights. Top off your look with warm booties and a longline wool coat. For a fun twist, opt for outerwear in a sassy feline print. Stay true to these tips to make your birthday bash a night to remember.

How to Accessorize a Little White Dress

Do you know how to bring an ensemble from zero to 100 on a dressy scale? Sprinkle in a bit of sparkle and shine with jewelry and other dazzling details like hair embellishments and handbags. So, if you’re curious about how to accessorize a little white dress, start with what you’ve got on hand. Wearing pearls is all the rage again. Stay golden with those treasured earrings from grandma. Investing in a versatile purse, made from luxury fabric might be the right move for you.

3 Favorite Occasions to Wear LWD

The Valedictorian of Graduation Attire

Crossing the stage, diploma in hand, ranks high on our list of superior moments to rock a little white dress. When it comes to graduation, think of your LWD signifying a fresh start or a new beginning. Since you’ll be wearing it with a cap and gown, consider a frock that’s no longer than calf length. Once you enter maxilength dress territory, it can throw the outfit off balance and look a bit sloppy. During the ceremony, you may need to walk across soft grass or uneven pave-

ment, so a comfortable shoe choice is key. Wedges and sport-bottom platform sandals get our vote.

Headed to the after-party? Swap your gown for a boyfriend blazer and cuff the sleeves to toast to your fellow alumni. Congratulations! You’ve nailed your education while sporting a spring 2023 fashion staple in one fell swoop. There’s no stopping a well-dressed woman ready to take on the world in a little white dress outfit.

Bridal Showers

Let’s play a game of word association. I say, “little white dress.” What would you say? More than likely, “wedding” or “bride.” It’s a quintessential symbol of all things bridal, so it’s self-explanatory why it’s made my list of occasions. Save white for brides and grooms. There are plenty of other types of wedding guest attire available. There’s no rule saying brides must wear a little white dress for their bridal shower or other wedding-related events. However, if you do decide to go with this traditional route, there are plenty of ways to personalize your look.

If you describe your style as feminine and timeless, try an A-line dress made with an ivory lace overlay. Keep it simple with nude strappy sandals and delicate pearl earrings. Are you a gal who loves sharp lines and a modern

loving retro-inspired boho style, I have the frock for you. A whimsical floral number with pastel hues against a cream background reigns supreme for our free-spirited friends.

Vacations

Are you en-route to a tropical destination with heat and humidity in the forecast? You may be wondering which colors and fabrics are best. Did you know that it’s a complicated science to determine which color is best to wear in the sun? White reflects light rather than absorbing it, so, in combination with loose, breathable materials, you’ve got a winner. Be sure to pack a little white dress made from linen, cotton or seersucker for your next vacation.

Now’s the time to wear that mini dress you’ve been pining over in your closet. Keep your eyes peeled for blue embroidery to enhance the coastal vibes, along with sunny yellow sandals. Don’t forget a straw shoulder bag to hold your travel essentials, such as a good book and high SPF sunscreen. Now you’re ready for a getaway in some seriously stylish resort attire.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who helps women feel beautiful and confident. If you want more tips then go tostylebysoneca.com to download her “Must Have Wardrobe Checklist” or follow her on Instagram @styledbysoneca.

Cadillac V A V8-powered, Ear-shattering Salute to Performance

By Richard Posluszny

Right now, the automotive industry is standing at the edge of a cliff. And, frankly, we’re all about to take a giant leap. Electric vehicles are hitting dealerships en masse and while they only make up just shy of six percent of purchases, there’s a rush to dramatically increase their market share by more than tenfold.

As the shift to EVs is well underway, the last cry of internal combustion engines is being squeaked out. And some automakers are going out with a bang. A bunch of them, actually.

Take, for example, General Motors’ Cadillac. Its V Series vehicles have been pushing performance boundaries for years. But, Cadillac’s final act — before electrification takes hold — is simply breathtaking. That’s because the storied American marque has brought forth two completely outrageous autos.

Following on the sport sedan legacy carried out by the original CTS-V, Cadillac’s CT5-V Blackwing is a fourdoor with a sloped roof and nearly 670 horsepower. If you need to get to lunch in a hurry with your friends, this will easily take care of that.

Need space for a budding family and have a craving for a surplus of power?

Cadillac’s got you covered. That’s because, for the first time ever, it’s produced the jaw-dropping Escalade V. That means three rows of seating and over 680 horsepower. I am confident only the space shuttle propels seven people faster than this full-size sport-utility vehicle.

Now that I’ve given you just a taste to whet your appetite, let’s take a closer look at both performance sledgehammers.

Upon receiving the CT5-V Blackwing, I was a bit surprised. While it is the most powerful sedan in Cadillac’s history, it’s not styled in an over-the-top fashion. If you’re not an enthusiast, you probably wouldn’t even notice what’s in front of you. If you know, you know, as the details are there. Take, for example, the mesh front grille, additional intakes so the motor can “breathe,” and the big brake kit that’s the largest ever fitted to a Cadillac. Around the back, a quad-tipped exhaust is a tell-tale giveaway. It’s, more or less, the type of styling that’s handsome yet restrained. Personally, I like this approach.

and nutritional benefits. These natural ingredients also make it taste refreshing, slightly sweet and delicious. I invite you to try the following: lemon, a natural detoxifier and aids with bloating and fluid retention; lime, helps with digestion and a natural detoxifier; cucumber, helps cool the inflammatory response in the body and reduces puffiness and bloating and flushes toxins; mint, soothes the stomach and reduces inflammation; basil, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria; ginger, aids in digestion; and berries, high in antioxidants and boosts immunity.

Starting when Joyce was a little girl, she would observe — and eventually participate in — the food preparation. Joyce says she was lucky that her mother was a wonderful cook that taught her about the love of food and family. During those gatherings, her mother, aunts and grandmother would be humming with activity in the kitchen. This served as her training grounds. For example, this is where Joyce first learned about sofrito and how to cook, as she describes, using “layering” techniques. By doing so, it adds more dimensionality to her respective dishes.

You may also drink iced herbal tea and get the benefits with a little more flavor. Add lemon or mint to iced tea and you will not only feel refreshed, but like you’re hydrating without the boredom of “another glass of water.”

This was merely the start though. That’s because Joyce also spent time with her relatives in France. She fondly remembers summers outside of Avignon and preparing food with her grandmother. Together, they’d go through the fields picking wild rosemary and wild thyme, placing the herbs in her grandmother’s folded apron. Something tells me this likely inspired Joyce’s use of the freshest possible ingredients for her empanadas — more on that later.

Sliding into the heavily bolstered driver’s seat, it’s clear that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Cadillac. This is reinforced when you take note of the carbon fiber trim that sweeps around the cabin and the red 12 o’clock stripe on the steering wheel that’s typically reserved for race cars. What made the strongest impression, however, was the driving position. Passengers are seated low in the cockpit and the Blackwing’s shoulder line runs high — meaning the windows aren’t big. This provides occupants with a feeling like a sporty

Eating To Hydrate

In addition to drinking the appropriate amount of water for your weight and activities, eating water rich foods is another way to increase hydration. These include cucumber, watermelon, zucchini, strawberries, tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupe, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, pears, citrus fruits, pineapples, spinach, iceberg lettuce and many,

But, that’s not all. Joyce’s father was an aspiring baker, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given that some of the world’s best pastry chefs call France home, and the country’s well known for its delicious desserts. Although he was not able to successfully bootstrap his own bakery once he made it stateside, that didn’t stop him from pursuing his burning passion. For family gatherings he would meticulously prepare the most wonderful treats, says Fragoso.

many more. Eating a salad made from water rich veggies and fruit will not only help with hydration but provide your body with nutrients and fiber as well.

Unlike other ways we try to increase our health, drinking water daily is an inexpensive way to help fuel and repair your body. You don’t have to join a gym, subscribe to a service or have a kit. Start with good water. Get your hands on a container that will allow you to track the number of ounces. Add a little natural flavor. Then, you’re on your way. This summer, while you’re experiencing the season and all of the activities and pleasures it brings, remember to keep your body running at its best and hydrate.

With this type of upbringing and emphasis on bringing joy to people via delightful dishes, it makes sense why Joyce was driven to open Girl From Empanada. Simply put, it’s in her DNA.

Although Joyce took a detour as a teacher for many years, it became apparent that she needed to fulfill her lifelong desire. After all, she had been incubating the idea of her own food-related business for nearly three decades. The catalyst: The COVID-19 pandemic. Although it was a devastating situation across the globe, for Fragoso, it was a watershed moment that gave her the push to pursue her dream.

Audrey Zona is an integrative health and wellness coach and the founder of Zo Healthy. She is a mother, wife and personal coach who loves seeing her clients break old diet patterns and enjoy more satisfying, healthier lives. Follow Audrey on Instagram @zo_healthy for recipes, tips and tricks for leading a healthy lifestyle.You may also visit her website at https:// livezohealthy.com or her Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ZoHealthy. ■

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HIP INJURIES

SAY GOODBYE TO NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND LIMITING BELIEFS

Probably my favorite element of my test E450 All-Terrain was how well it handled NVH. Equipped with an inline six-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces about 360 horsepower and nearly 370 lb.-ft. of torque, you wouldn’t know it. That’s because the engine is silky smooth. While you will hear the motor spin up if you push it, the sound is not overly intrusive into the cabin.

We all have that voice in our heads. The little voice that tells us we are not good enough, smart enough or deserving enough. When you get a negative thought, take note of it, dismiss it, forgive it and let it go. Next reach for a new positive thought. One that makes you feel good. Focus on what is good and what is working well in your life. Surrounding yourself with positive people who lift you up and support you is also key.

The hip joint and groin muscles are susceptible to injury due to the mechanics of the skating stride. Some of the most common soft tissue injuries in hockey players include a groin strain and a hip flexor strain. Off-season strengthening and dedicated stretching before and after practice are important to prevent these injuries. In addition, a direct blow to the outside of the hip can cause a hip pointer or trochanteric bursitis. Hockey pants with reinforced padding over these vulnerable areas may help protect them.

INCORPORATE A DAILY MEDITATION PRACTICE

miles on dirt roads. In most vehicles this isn’t exactly a brilliant situation since you can damage the underside of your car. But with the All-Terrain, the button to raise the vehicle’s ride height came in handy. Phew!

Helping this was the fact my test vehicle had the Acoustic Comfort Package, meaning, it boasted additional sound deadening insulation as well as thicker glass to reduce noise. It really pays off as at speed it sounds as though you’re traveling at 20-30 mph when in reality you’re doing three times that. You won’t stress your vocal cords in this E, that’s for sure. Once again, this is a trait found in the flagship model.

REJUVENATE YOUR HEALTH

coupe versus a typical sedan. The only other fourdoor vehicle I’ve been in that did this as well was the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

Add in the extra utility provided by having a long roof and I quickly found myself examining this E450 even closer. Frankly, I am considering adding one to my fleet.

most common soft tissue injuries in hockey players include a groin pull and a hip flexor pull. A severe strain can be a nagging injury that limits performance throughout the season. A direct blow to the outside of the hip can cause a bruise (contusion) of the iliac crest (hip pointer) or trochanter (trochanteric bursitis).

Why, you ask? Well, it’s this simple: It can do anything and it flies under the radar. For me, that’s as close to perfect as it gets.

The ultimate confirmation happens once you click the Start button. When the supercharged 6.2liter V8 fires up, it’s clear this GM means serious business. With 668 horsepower and 659 lb.-ft. of torque, zero to 60 happens in a supercar fast 3.4 seconds.

Part of creating better mental health can be found in what’s on our plate and how we move our bodies. Small steps like taking a walk around your neighborhood, signing up for a yoga class or dancing around the house can increase serotonin, the feel good hormone. Eliminating sugar, incorporating more seasonal fruits and vegetables and drinking more water are simple steps to enhancing your health and relieving anxiety.

KNEE INJURIES

Make mine black on black, fully loaded and optioned with the 19-inch AMG wheels, please.

Avoiding injuries in hockey has to do with properly fitted equipment, making smart plays, following the rules and a lot of luck because hockey is inherently risky. Understanding how the injuries occur, recognizing them when they occur and seeking the best treatment will help you enjoy the game at whatever level you are playing.

Loccke said one of her inspirations for using film in the classroom is to provide her underclassmen with a reward. Her students are always asking her if there is a film that corresponds with the book so she uses the film as a payoff once the students have finished reading the novel. She shows as many as three movies a year to her underclassmen. Time constraints – her classes are 40 minutes long – usually prevent her from showing more.

All in all, I was extremely impressed during my time with the All-Terrain. Not only did it deliver with space, comfort and excellent control of NVH, it also did the unexpected.

Like any practice, you must want to do it in order to achieve results. It’s really very simple and easier than you think. Beginning a meditation practice requires only your slight willingness. Your desire for more peace in your life, less stress and better focus and so many other benefits is all you need to get on the path. Start by taking 5-10 minutes each morning to close your eyes, focus on your breath and be still. The thoughts will come and that’s natural, just let them go and return to your breath. Try counting four breaths in and four breaths out through the nose. You can also try repeating a mantra like “om” or “peace begins with me.” Start a daily meditation practice and stroll into this season with a spring in your step.

The medial collateral ligament is most susceptible to a sprain because of the leg position – pushing off the inside edge of the skate blade – and contact to the outside of the knee. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disruption and meniscus tears (torn cartilage) can also occur but are less common in hockey than in other sports such as football, soccer and basketball.

“A lot of what they read they read on their own [and not in class],” Loccke said. “The movie is a great way to provide a communal feeling and it provides something they can share together. You can have a discussion and share it and the movie is something we all experience at the same time so it is very unifying.”

Power was more than adequate, which says something coming from someone who regularly drives autos with more than 600 horsepower, and when in Sport mode you can have a giggle or two. During an Everglades excursion we had to slow down to travel for about five

Tracy Flaherty is a certified integrative health and lifestyle coach; meditation teacher; and the author and founder of Be Well Nourished. She integrates meditation into her health coaching practice as well teaching meditation one-on-one and in-group settings. You can find her meditations on the Insight timer app and on her Instagram page @wellwith_tracy.

The mechanics of the skating stride makes the hip and groin muscles susceptible to injury. Some of the

My test vehicle was equipped with the optional 10-speed automatic over the standard 6-speed manual gearbox and from what I’ve been told, you will want the do-it-yourself transmission. While the autobox does a fine job changing cogs, it’s a far cry from the absolutely sensational eightspeed, dual-clutch transmission found in the latest Chevrolet Corvette. If the Blackwing’s automatic transmission worked as good as the Corvette’s, it’d make choosing difficult. But it doesn’t. If you really want to drive, you’ll want the total control the six-speed manual provides.

Such was the case when Loccke addressed the largest classroom of her career on TCM.

Dr. Michael Gross is the founder and director of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. He is the chief of sports medicine at Hackensack/Meridian University Medical Center. Dr. Gross has written numerous articles and book chapters on sports injuries. He has taken care of some of Bergen County’s finest athletes, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Dr. Gross can be reached by email at drgross@activeorthopedic.com.

Continued on Page 70

"It is so hard to keep them reading. Reading has become a challenge in the modern age. There are so many places you can go to not read. It has fallen out of favor and because they [students] have access to so much technology, reading pales by comparison. So film is a great platform.”

Putting the right pedal down, you have to be conscious of how much you’re pushing this V. That’s because with great power comes great responsibility. Even when you’re accelerating at, say, 8/10ths of its ability, this car will react. The back end will shimmy as the tires seek traction and as you work your way through the first couple of gears at wide open throttle, you may feel an ever so slight slip. Translation: You have to know what you’re doing with the Blackwing as there’s quite a bit of drama.

Unlike so many of today’s high-performance vehicles, the CT5 Blackwing is lively and exciting. You have to respect it.

That said, it does have a gentler side. If you keep the Blackwing’s settings dialed down, it’s a surprisingly sedate cruiser. To me, the most impressive component of the car wasn’t how quick it was. It was the way its suspension was able to handle bumps and New Jersey’s innumerable potholes. Unlike the Audi RS7 and Mercedes-AMG GT63, which have jarring ride quality – at best – the Cadillac is composed. Well done, GM, in equipping the Blackwing with 19-inch wheels and the latest version of Magnetic Ride Control. This keeps the car’s ride comfortable.

All things considered, there’s no question at the end of the day: The new Range Rover is a top-tier competitor with wonderful tech, solid powertrains, and an excellent cabin — in terms of quality and space.

That said, you do have to be mindful of the engine you select and the trim levels as pricing reaches into

the stratosphere, fast. It’s easy to go north of $165,000 if you’re not paying attention. Frankly, if it were my hard-earned dollars, I’d invest in a six-cylinder long wheelbase SE. That’s because the six’s engine feels like a more natural fit in the big daddy Range and the added space gets two thumbs up from me.

But, there’s just one problem. If you need space for more than three or four compadres, you’re going to be out of luck with the CT5-V Blackwing.

Cadillac’s solved for that, however. That’s where the all-new Escalade V steps into the picture. As one of the hottest vehicles on sale today, this full-size SUV is unlike any other. That’s because it can seat seven adults comfortably and it will rock your world.

Though you wouldn’t know it if you saw the Escalade V parked on the street. While there’s some very slight tweaks with the front valence, a beefier wheel and tire package, upgraded brakes, and a quad-tipped exhaust, its styling is not shouty. Essentially, if you like the regular variant, you’ll like the Escalade V.

More importantly, the V comes equipped with a supercharged V8 engine that boasts a staggering 682 horsepower and 653 lb.-ft of torque. Mated with a 10-speed automatic, shifts happen faster than you’ve likely experienced in any other full-size SUV. Although it weighs over 6,200 pounds, acceleration isn’t a problem: Zero to 60 happens in 4.4 seconds.

When you take on a highway onramp from a dead stop, it feels like nothing else I’ve ever driven. It’s an outrageous experience, honestly, as you’re moving at sports car speed in a space I’d equate to a living room.

Additionally, when you push the “V” button on the center console, this Escalade transforms into a badass. The suspension firms up, the steering’s weight gets heavier, the brakes get more sensitive, the transmission gets more aggressive and the exhaust opens up fully. Then, you step on the gas pedal and a barrage of V8 music overwhelms the cockpit.

When you plant your foot through the floorboard, you feel the truck pitch as you blast off and you’re gently pushed into your seat. Given the Escalade V’s allwheel drive system, it’s actually not that chaotic since the power’s easily put down without the vehicle going sideways or getting squirrelly.

The Escalade V is loud at wide open throttle. Really loud. Like, wake the dead loud. On the overrun you’ll be treated to burbles, chuffles, pops and snorts. There were several times during my test that I found myself

Continued on Page 72

maniacally laughing at how ridiculous it was. And, that’s sort of the point. While there’s no question that Cadillac’s engineers did something remarkable, I think there’s a bit of a wink there for comedic effect.

All of that said though, all that glitters is not gold. While this vehicle has sporting intentions, it is definitely not a sports car. Simply going around a highway cloverleaf with a bit of speed makes that readily apparent. While there’s no question the Escalade V is far more composed than, say, a Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon when you push its limits, at the end of the day it still is a three-ton (and then some) truck.

You can only bend physics so far.

What the Escalade V excels at is bathing you — and six others — in decadence. From the leather-wrapped cabin, to the 36-speaker AKG sound system, to the 38-inch OLED display, to the excellent massaging front seats, it’s just over-the-top in the best possible way.

So, as we inch closer to a total revolution in the auto sector, there’s decisions to be made. I see it this way: If you get a kick out of performance vehicles that have a soul and stir something inside of you, frankly, the time to act is now. ICE vehicles are going extinct, today, and they’re not long for this world.

Cadillac’s good bye is going to go down in the history books, which means the CT5-V Blackwing and Escalade V will be sought out for years to come. And, because of that, they won’t be cheap.

The Blackwing starts at about $92,000 and the Escalade V has a base price of around $150,000. Good luck with the latter, however, as I’ve seen mark ups as high as $50,000 for the Escalade.

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise though. It’s a swan song. And, Cadillac sure as hell knows how to say farewell.

Simply Delicious

SocialMediaInfluencerTaraIppolitoLaunchesNewCookbook

By Megan Montemarano

As the famous saying goes, “To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” For selftaught home cook and Bergen County mother of two, Tara Ippolito, this couldn’t be more fitting. Also known as “Al Dente Diva” on her popular social media accounts, Tara always had a passion for good, home-cooked meals.

“I’m half Italian and half Russian,” says Tara. “Food was a huge part of my family. In fact, we grew up basing all our events around it. I always loved the power that food had to bring people together.”

Keeping with tradition, Tara would often host parties and consistently get asked for the secret to her deli-

cious creations which were always crowd pleasers. The same recipes were usually in-demand, prompting her to think of a new way to share her culinary talent. And so, Tara began a blog and called it Al Dente Diva.

With the goal of inspiring everyday people to feel confident in the kitchen, Tara soon grew Al Dente Diva into a global phenomenon. Meals shared on her blog are typically simple and centered around basic ingredients that are either already in the pantry or a short grocery visit away. You’ll never run out of inspiration with her innovative twists and delicious meal-time favorites. From carb-loaded stuffed chicken and cheese bomb to a hearty chicken enchilada casserole, broccoli cheddar soup with garlic butter croutons or a few southwestern eggrolls with avocado ranch dipping sauce, there is something for everyone. One of Tara’s most viral recipes is her fettuccine alfredo. It’s super easy to make and always a hit.

As her blog began to gain traction, so did her other social media accounts, including TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest (@aldentediva), landing millions of followers. Today, even well-known people like Perez Hilton, Carnie Wilson from Wilson Phillips and Travis Barker’s daughter, Alabama Barker, follow her mouth-watering content.

“My accounts started to get noticed when I posted the one pan breakfast sandwich,” comments Tara. “It got around 30 million views and was featured on The Food Network, Good Morning America and a ton of other news outlets. From that point on, I started to see the numbers up.”

And the numbers just keep multiplying as Tara’s hearty recipes continue to make waves with fellow foodies. She was one of the top performing creators on Pinterest’s Golden Recipe Contests, and most recently made her Netflix debut on Easy-Bake Battle, where she competed for a cash prize in creating the fastest, easiest and tastiest snacks — in this case, Tara’s Broccoli Chaffle.

This consisted of 12 ingredients and took a total of 25:05 minutes to complete. The goal was to incorporate foods that kids typically don’t enjoy, like broc-

coli, beats, tomatoes and mushrooms, which were ingeniously baked into a tasty, cute waffle treat.

“My experience on the Netflix show was a complete rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish,” says Tara. “I watch these shows at home, and always think it would be difficult to do, but you don’t really understand just how difficult it is until you’re actually there doing it. I have so much respect for people that compete on shows like this.”

Tara finds inspiration for her meals in many ways. Every time she goes out to dinner or scrolls through social media and sees something that catches her eye, she goes home and gives it a try. But most of all, she makes it her own.

“For anyone looking to pursue their true passion, my best advice is to just keep on doing it. Keep moving forward without being discouraged or focusing too much on anything besides your goal. There’s only one you. Make sure to show your personality as much as possible.”

As she continues to chase her dreams and build her unique recipe portfolio and fanbase, Tara is now embarking on the next phase of her culinary journey with her newly released cookbook, Fast. Simple. Delicious.: 60 No-Fuss, No-Fail Comfort Food Recipes to Amp Up Your Week.

“I feel like I’ve already achieved my ultimate goal for the cookbook — and that’s to simply have one. It’s truly a dream come true.”

Tara hopes that people will read the cookbook and realize that they don’t have to stress out or work too hard to put a nice hot meal on the table.

“Cooking can be and should be a fun experience and very rewarding, but it all starts with having the right recipes.”

Upon reflecting on her success, Tara is most proud that she never gave up when she had so many reasons to.

“I hope this perseverance will serve as an example to my kids that if you try your hardest and do your best, anything is possible.”

The book is available for purchase on  aldentediva.com.

* Headshots taken by Nicholas Mrnarevic.

Food for Thought: Make sure you always shred your own cheese.

According to the Al Dente Diva herself, pre-shredded options in the bag contain anti-clumping chemicals, which are not only less savory, but also prevent the cheese from melting properly. “I’m all for cutting corners, but not when it comes to the cheese. Grating it yourself will make all the difference,” she said.

The Valley Ball

The Valley Hospital Auxiliary held their Valley Ball at The Plaza in NYC. For more information, visit www.valleyhealth.com.

Figueira, Valerie Santanasto, Joseph Lorino, Mary Lynn Kearns, Danielle Massucci

Stacy

Derrick

Rivera, Josh Gregoire, Toni Modak, Josie Bodino, Maggie Pogorelec, Charles Vannoy

Stephanie Edelson, Dr. Robert Brenner, Peter and Erica Diestel

Carol Gillespie, Elaine Heimberger

Ed and Joan Doherty, Dr. Sharon Galvin, Dr. Roger Pollock

Danielle and Dr. Mark Pizzurro, Audrey Meyers, Dr. Scott Agins

Frank and Karen Sheehy, Heidi and Bob Fink

Tom Driscoll, Phil Centineo, Russ Pucci, Tom Walsh

Arlene and Stuart Liebman, Paul Hollander, Robin Goldfischer

Voula and Joseph Lorino, Ralph and Elizabeth Mastrangelo

Voula and Joseph Lorino, Mark Kury, Shelly Ferensic

Jati and Anshu Kapur, Valli and Dr. Surya Mohapatra

Steven and Ava Silverstein, Meera and Karteek Bhavsar

The Jersey Boys

Haldeman

Lieb, David

The Valley Ball Committee Guests of Valley Emergency Room Associates

Reed Foundation for Autism

The Reed Foundation held their annual fall event at the Edgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.reedautismservices.org.

Albert Leggieri, Patricia Defalco

Aaron Saperstein, Larry Gold

Nicole Simmons, Chantelle Walker Ryan and Marcelle Astrup

Jane Saperstein, Matt Ross Leora Lyon, Angela Palacion, Isabella Nunes, Sarah Gilbert

Melissa and Basel Sabbagh Karlee Bloom, Mikey V

Edward and Nicole Simmons Danielle Macaluso, Carlos Lejnieks, Taryn Byron

Athena Nicholas, Beth and Art Picciano, Diane Marshall

Scott Marshall, Chantelle Walker, Leah Farinola

Mark Shanock, Lisa Goldstein Vincent, John and Christine Favaro

Michael Sluka, Chantelle Walker, John and Christine Key

Ivan Smith, Marisol Borreli

Nothing Tastes Like It Used To

By Brandon Goldstein

I’m not here to stand on my soap box (simply because in today’s recycled cardboard product world, it’s simply too flimsy) to tell you that we need to reintroduce MSG back into our foods. What I am saying, though, is that we’ve found many, many more ways that aim to more quickly deteriorate our already fragile health – so maybe high fructose corn syrup isn’t the enemy at our gates.

Recently, History Channel has aired their “The Men Who Fed America” or something along those lines, covering the rich history of backstabbing, corner cutting, profiteering and ingenuity within America’s food industry. I can tell you without really knowing – the original Hershey bar tastes way different (and I assume, better) than the “no real chocolate added” chocolate bar we continue to consume.

I’m 34 now. I already recall so many different items tasting better as a child than they do now. Sure, some of it is this nostalgic, childhood-reliving idea that everything was perfect then. But I suspect there’s more to it.

Sugar reduction – or subtraction or replacement – has definitely played a major role. The cycle has gone so far that we are now back to the time when real sugar is not the enemy, but the savior – yet it’s somehow

“too expensive” to produce fake things (a la fruit by the foot) with…real things.

If somehow you’re one to look past the deterioration of delectability, then focus for a second, on the shrinking of our sweet treats.

Have you had an original Oreo recently? Did you notice the filling is…almost gone? Then there’s Double Stuf. More like 1 and 1/3 stuff, ammiright?

Or Girl Scout Cookies. Corporate Greed has belittled our young bakers and made a mockery of their once bountiful biscuits.

Don’t get me wrong: our health is important. However, between the psychological effects social media has had on all of us, a pandemic that has turned the world on its head, a million different technological innovations we haven’t had a moment to study it’s true human impact on and a list of a million other things, I think it’s time we get to eat an Entenmann’s Rich Frosted Donut the calorie laden, belt busting way we were intended to.

Now let’s cut the crap, add back the proper amount of sugar, and make some treats Little Debbie would be proud of.

Our

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