A SUPERHERO DETERMINATION TO BEAT LEUKEMIA
When Bruce was diagnosed with life-threatening leukemia and needed a superhero sidekick, Dr. Scerbo was with him every step of the way. His pediatric specialists and care team provided Bruce and his family with nationally-ranked cancer expertise and supported him through treatment to conquer cancer. Proof that at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, our dedicated physicians are always ready to comfort and care like a parent. For nationally ranked pediatric cancer care, by U.S. News & World Report, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Kids.
SuMMer 2024
Publishers
Sharon & Steven Goldstein
Associate Publisher
Brandon Goldstein
Editorial Director
Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo
Art Director BMG Marketing
Contributing Writers
Kevin Czerwinski
Dr. Michael Gross
Soneca Guadara
Megan Montemarano
Jennifer Bonazzo Peters
Richard Posluszny
Kimberly Redmond
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 2024. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.
IT TAKES SCIENCE AND HEART TO HEAL.
Whatever you’re facing, it’s easier to shoulder when your burden is shared. So, when you need care, know that there’s a place where care rises to another level. Where medicine can only be described as leading-edge. And where great hearts and minds come together to create hope, ease fear and give you the support you need . . . mind, body and spirit. The name? Holy Name. Where providing great medicine isn’t a goal. It’s a religion.
A Letter from the Editor
My sons should thank national bestselling author Annabel Monaghan for the stellar summer they are having.
At this point in our relationship, you know I’m an avid reader. I love the smell of a bookstore; quiet late-night reading; your hold coming in at the library; a beautiful book cover; romance novel butterflies; an edge of your seat thriller; Free Little Libraries (so much so that I have my own in front of my house!) – you get the picture.
Monaghan’s most recent novel, Summer Romance, which follows a single mother who finds herself caught up in a fling as she’s struggling to balance parenthood, her impending divorce and grieving her mother’s death, was my latest five-star, sweetly satisfying read.
It wasn’t just Monaghan’s words of humor and hope that struck me. It was her introduction of a concept: “champagne summer.”
The main character, Ali, and her late mother, Nancy, would perform a wishing ritual at the beginning of each summer. As they’d watch the sun set on the first day of summer, they’d rapid fire wishes of what they’d like their summer to hold. Once the sun set, the wishing would conclude as they’d shout, “Champagne summer!” After her mother passed, Ali continued this tradition with her children.
I adored this. I adored this so much that I sat my boys down on the first day of summer break and asked them their summer wishes. There were big ones and small ones, just like those shared in Summer Romance. Most, however, were easily doable.
I’m happy to report we’ve been having a “champagne summer.” We’ve been playing baseball in the backyard alongside the lightning bugs; we’ve been making splashes at the town pool and private pools; we’ve come home from camp a sweaty yet highly content mess; we’ve filled our weekends with adventures and time with those we love most; we’re having fun and finding joy.
Through it all, I’ve learned that we don’t have to save champagne for special occasions. We’re living those special occasions every day. Open your eyes to those little moments that make your world a little brighter, and toast to them because the audible pop of the cork is the perfect punctuation to summer.
Cheers, Jessica HumpHrey-cintineo
Social
BERGEN CASA
Bergen CASA held their annual Casino Night at Seasons. For more information, visit www.bergencasa.org.
Mark and Hannah Rosen, Joan Guadagnino
Mike Donohue, Chris and Tom Ayres, Steve Cosgriff
Lindsey and Marc Blatt
Singh Family
Kathy and Mark Krassner
Sheryl Seiferas, Ann Baumgart
Lori and Alfonso Romeo
Kim Rosner, Alyssa Alfano
Cathy Konner, Harlow Mollberg, Samantha and Linda Konner, Phyllis Sherman
Zonie Lesane, Bill Kundert, Lucy Rosen
Irene Kapotis, Michael LaPorte
Billy, Keri and Bill Kundert
Gail Gordon, Zonie LeSane, Suzanne Curry, Patrice Scully
Victoria Bruce, Samera Martinez, Sonia Labozzetta, Jaime Harley, Kheira Sanjuanelo
The
Nancy Cucchiara, Jen Heit
Bonnie and Tom Lynaugh, Matt Skinner
ENGLEWOOD HEALTH FOUNDATION
The Englewood Health Foundation held their Spring Breakfast Club at Montammy Country Club. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.
The Englewood Health Breakfast Club Committee
Bridgette Grant, Carrie Kakkanatt, Lindsley Capuano
Stephanie Cohn, Amalia Oelsner, Judi Feinberg
Ellen Parker, Hal and Ina Muchnick, Lori Greenbaum
Mary Beth Wilmit, Wendy Wu, Amy Rossman, Clarice May
Susan Zausner, Jaret Keller, Tara Halper
Sudakoff, Amy Shirvan, Sandy Sgambati
Alicia Messer, Shiri Redensky
Warren Geller, Chef Alex Guarnaschelli
Roni Katz, Kristen Geller
Lindsay Skulnik, Kasey Siegel
Jaime Braunstein, Marisa Menzel, Tiffany Hojo, Bridgette Grant, Viktoria Anske, Carrie Kakkanatt, Lindsley Capuano
Diane
Catherine Carpenter, Amy Sausa
Tiffany Hojo, Marisa Menzel, Jamie Malkin, Jaime Braunstein
Debra Finkel, Robin Rogers, Sara Levison
Michael Gutter, Suellen Freeman
Social FRANKLIN LAKES EDUCATION FOUNDATION
FLEF held their annual gala at The Legacy Castle. For more information, visit www.flef.net.
Monica Cote, Marina Majbour, Dana Muro
Sandy Celantano, Gina Abdy
Jackie and Mike Kaufman Jack and Sheri Daniels, Lindsay and Kevin Brady
Tiffany Rabinowitz, Roi and Carly Klipper, Joyce Shmaruk
Tony and Mimi Nabhan
Lisa Rattner, Akanksha Raswant, Rola Gurrieri
Manoshi and Kyle Stoker
Thomas and Nicole Waterhouse, John Celantano
Lisa and Justin Rattner
Danielle Rosenberg, Jannine Gomes, Sheryl Freeman
Susan Lindemuth, Brandon and Lauren Porter
Fatima Chak, Cigden Tepeli, Preethi Ramaswamy
Joe Zisa, Lexi DeMatteo, Rob Vicari
Alexis Canonico, Sandy Celantano, Gina Abdy
Maneeha Mahmood, Sarah Mourad
NICOLE ALBERT
NICOLE ALBERT
FIGHT. CELEBRATE. HONOR.
Red Carpet Warriors Stands Up To Childhood Cancer
By Megan MonteMarano
There’s something different — something extra special — on the runway at the Red Carpet Warriors Youth Fashion Fundraiser. This memorable Bergen County evening honors, celebrates and remembers all those who face the brave fight against childhood cancer.
May 17 marked the Red Carpet Warrior’s third annual event, founded by Jessica Myers of local non-profit Liam’s Warriors, Kim Gerena and Maria Chomenko of Flourish Salon & Spa and Paula Corrieri of the Remembering Rocco Scholarship Fund.
The four women came together at a time when they needed each other most. Some may call it serendipitous; others may call it fate. Either way, their paths crossed for a reason. It’s because of this that they are so committed to making a difference by offering the utmost support to others navigating similar journeys.
LIAM’S WARRIORS
Liam was first diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, when he was only 8 weeks old.
“After Liam’s diagnosis, I decided to put all my energy into fundraising,” explains Myers, Liam’s dedicated aunt and founder of Liam’s Warriors.
After many visits with her sister and Liam to CHOP for treatment, Myers was stunned by the number of children battling cancer.
“This is when I decided to start Liam’s Warriors with a group of close friends,” adds Myers.
On March 19, 2021 Liam’s Warriors became an official New Jersey non-profit, with the goal of helping Liam’s family and other families like theirs both financially and emotionally.
“We aspire to make the children smile, cry with
them when they need it, and celebrate the good news with them as well. Liam’s Warriors is a foundation where most of the families we donate to become part of our family. We create a lasting bond with them.”
In May of 2021, Liam rang his cancer-free bell. Sadly, just a few months later, in September 2021, the cancer returned in multiple places throughout his body. When Liam’s family was told there were no more treatments left, they brought him home and did the only thing they could — love him and spend every last moment together until he took his last breath.
“Throughout his very short time here on earth, Liam left a lasting impression on everyone he met,” adds Myers. “Through every surgery, treatment, scan, ER visit, and everything else he went through, he always had a smile on his face.”
Liam was just 3-and-a-half years old.
REMEMBERING ROCCO
Rocco Sivolella was a 15-year-old freshman at Wayne Valley High School. He exuded kindness, humor and an unwavering passion for sports. However, his vibrant life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in January of 2022. After a valiant 4-month struggle, Rocco succumbed to the disease, leaving behind a legacy of courage and resilience.
Continued on page 20
The scholarship fund, Remembering Rocco, was established as a tribute to Rocco. Its goal is to preserve his memory within the beloved community he cherished — one that rallied fervently for him during his battle — while also raising awareness about blood cancer, childhood cancer and extending support to those currently navigating similar challenging journeys.
“Rocco’s memory has left a profound impact on so many individuals in Bergen County and beyond,” says Corrieri, mother of Rocco and founder of the foundation. “His story serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable capacity for people to unite and support each other wholeheartedly, especially during times of dire need.”
Flourish Salon and Spa crossed paths with Liam’s Warriors and were instantly drawn to its cause. Just a year later, Gerena and Chomenko were also deeply moved by Rocco’s story. Remembering Rocco was soon invited to join the Red Carpet Warriors, an invitation Corrieri embraced without hesitation.
Together, they proudly stand as the Red Carpet Warriors, united in their mission to uplift children fighting cancer, celebrate survivors and honor the memory of those who bravely fought.
Last year’s Red Carpet Warriors annual fundraiser and youth fashion show event exceeded all expectations, raising an impressive $85,000. This year, the group aimed to create a substantial impact by scaling up and setting an ambitious goal of raising $100,000. They were confident that, with the help of the Bergen County community, they would reach this number — and in the process, uplift even more lives. And they did. The 2024 Red Carpet Warriors event raised a total of $104,000.
In addition to helping orchestrate all aspects of planning and networking for the event, Flourish Salon & Spa is responsible for makeup and hair services. They collaborate with various department stores and boutiques that generously donate their clothes each year to ensure the fashion show is a glowing success. This year’s Red Carpet Warriors took place at the Bottagra Restaurant in Hawthorne, with all proceeds directly benefitting the young warriors currently battling cancer. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, an open bar, live entertainment, silent auction and more.
“It is hard to pick my favorite part,” adds Myers. “But every year, when it comes time to go on stage and give our thanks and speeches, it is the most heartwarming feeling. To see so many people come out and support us and the families that we donate to is simply incredible.”
Visit www.redcarpetwarriors.com for various donation options, ticket sales, and sponsorship opportunities. Your support will significantly impact the lives of their selected warriors and contribute to cancer research advancement.
The group also welcomes donations throughout the year and actively facilitates and hosts various additional fundraising events.
Any businesses interested in purchasing a sponsorship or donating services should contact redcarpetwarriors@gmail.com.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Habitat for Humanity held their 30th Anniversary Gala at Seasons. For more information, visit www.habitatbergen.org.
Maria Surovetz, Michelle Abate
Diane Vasile-Falcone, Bettina Fowler
Neil and Noreen Best
Donnalee Corrieri, RoseMary Klie
Jeff Simms, Joan Del Greco
Karen Cusmano, Nicole Jones
Michelle Adate, Ernest Escobar, Liz McDonough
Greg and Lee Daniel, Tim Gray
Johanny Morel, Teri Capparelli, Odalis Nieves
Jeanne Martin, Beth Dell, Rose Ann Bicocchi, Cheryl Hodges
Jon Ortiz, Julio Tejada
Holly Schepisi, Kurt Breitenstein
Anita DaSilva, Teri Capparelli, Sonja Clark, Adela Wekselblatt, Roxanne Camejo
Suzanne Tanajewski, Lisa Holton
Allie Graff, Teri and Frank Capparelli, Lindsey Cinque
Teri Capparelli, Tracy Sur
CENTER FOR HOPE AND SAFETY
The Center for Hope and Safety held their annual Awards Dinner at Seasons. For more information, visit www.hopeandsafetynj.org.
Marie Sullivan, Debbie Cibelli, Shelley Rothstein
Albert Vittianese, Diane Baviello
Maryrose McInerney, Maureen Keating
Stan Kowalski, Carol Cuttita
Alvin and Paula Star
Thomas and Nicole Grace, Ana Puello, Stephen Palmer
Neethu Chapelle, Lindsay Maraviglia
Anita Allen, Nancy Kennedy
Evalyn Collins, Joseph Daniele
Hedy and Scott Reddin
Liz Campbell, Dan Meredith
Alyssa Corcoran, Elizabeth Asencio
Denise Spell, Diane Heilman, Gail Steinel
Marta Levy, Desirae Harden
Kimberly Cella, Suzy Kaye-Marana
Sarah Ricca, Brent Tignor, Joe Ricca, Heather Tignor
CARL INSERRA LEUKEMIA FUND VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION
The Carl Inserra Leukemia Fund Golf Outing held their annual VIP Cocktail Reception at White Beeches Country Club. For more information, visit www.carlinserraleukemiafund.org.
Joe Asaro, Jim Dorey, Anthony Ienna
Joe Padovano, Ryan Auld
Heidi Rispoli, Theresa Larsen
Craig Tomat, Dave Wolf, Richard Chamberlain Jr., Carl Inserra Jr.
Frank Siclari, Vera Kovalski, Anthony Guzzo
David Perlin, Joyce Hendricks, Amy Perlin
Steven Pilavin, Richard Chamberlain, Kevin Walker, Benny Ewerton
Lina and Rich Colloca Tom Alvarez, Lindsey Inserra
Heather Thompson, Marie Tevis
Bonnie and Lawrence Inserra
Lawrence Inserra Jr., Larry Inserra
Frank Siclari, Kyle DuPont, Marie and Michael Inserra, Michael Inserra Jr.
Pat Sullivan, Craig Tomat, Gregory Schmidt, Eileen Sinatra, Rich Kunz
Kathy Davies, Larry Inserra
Carl Inserra Jr., Laura DuPont, Brad Smith
I Dream of Jewels
Trendy Accesories At Dream-Like Prices
By KiMBerly redMond
Katie Krol didn’t initially set out to start a jewelry business.
When she arrived in New York City 22 years ago, she was a rising senior at the University of Nebraska with an internship doing public relations at a major fashion and accessories showroom for the summer.
At the end of the program, the Lincoln, Neb. native was offered an opportunity she couldn’t turn down – a full-time job.
“Realizing that my pursuit of a fashion career was suddenly underway, I felt compelled to take the position while completing my college degree,” Krol recalled. “I was able to complete my coursework at The Fashion Institute of Technology and successfully graduate with my degree in fashion merchandising and marketing.”
Krol went on to spend five years at Fragments, a renowned New York City jeweler in SoHo where she ultimately became director of public relations. She then took her talents uptown to Madison Avenue to lead PR for luxury watchmaker Raymond Weil and Italian fine jewelry brand Di Modolo Milano.
While in the industry, Krol oversaw press, promotion and brand development for many top designers. She also assisted celebrities, stylists, fashion editors and influencers by providing jewels for countless red carpets, award show appearances, photo shoots, editorial features and fashion shows.
“Working with celebrity stylists, fashion editors and photographers for editorials, ad campaigns and runway models was definitely the highlight of my job. A few standout memories were walking the red carpet, going to the Oscars and the Grammys, attending photo shoots and being on set with the likes of Beyoncé, Pink, Giselle, Alicia Keys, JLo, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Usher and Catherine Zeta-Jones, to name a few,” said Krol.
All those experiences helped Krol develop extensive jewelry-based knowledge, including a natural eye for design and trend forecasting.
After a decade of dazzle in Manhattan, Krol decided to step away from corporate luxury accessories to pursue her own jewelry venture.
The Edgewater resident recalled, “I was always the kid who was interested in fashion and accessories. I remember preparing to attend one of my sorority formals and couldn’t find a necklace that I had envisioned to wear with my gown. So, I decided to just make it.”
“The next thing I knew my sorority sisters started ordering the necklaces. I then got my collection into a few local boutiques and soon found myself having to juggle my coursework with jewelry design and production,” said Krol, adding, “It was at this time my love affair with accessories began.”
For Krol, those pieces represent “the height of unique self-expression” and a way to transform a simple black dress or classic white shirt and jeans with a statement necklace or a bold beaded clutch.
In developing the concept for her brand, I Dream of Jewels, Krol knew she wanted to offer on trend, fun and chic items for all ages at an accessible price point. Besides original designs, Krol features some of her favorite fine and costume jewels.
As Krol gears up to mark the 10th anniversary of her business in July, she said she’s never looked back after departing the corporate world and has remained “laser focused on my own dream of jewels.”
I Dream of Jewels’ collection included slouchy totes, wristlets, beaded bracelets, crossbody bags, clutches, pendants, charms, medallions, gold plated initial necklaces and phone charms.
“Being a stone’s throw away from the fashion capital of the world allows me to stay current and relevant with the ever-changing and evolving trends in fashion accessories,” said Krol. “I pride myself on truly knowing my customer and delivering products that they want.”
Some of the jewelry pieces are self-created by Krol. For others, she comes up with the design and works with vendors to make them a reality.
“A lot of designs start in my head as a concept but come alive during the sourcing and production process, which may include outsourced vendors,” she explained. “For example, I recently designed a line of beaded bags and worked with our factory partner in India to produce the pieces.”
In addition to her e-commerce site, I Dream of Jewels can be found in several retail locations, including SeeSaw Boutique in Englewood Cliffs and various boutiques in Manhattan.
Additionally, Krol is regularly out and about raising brand awareness at special events, exclusive retail pop-ups, in-home private parties and school fundraisers.
Krol admitted that owning and operating her own
venture can be challenging because “it means you wear all the hats – finance, PR, design, sourcing, production and sales.”
But, she said, North Jersey has been “a wonderful place to do business” because of the client base of “amazing women that call Bergen County home.”
“I’ve been enthusiastically supported by a stylish, chic, yet playfully fashion forward community of customers who I now call friends,” Krol said.
I Dream of Jewels is also a socially conscious brand as Krol has made a point of working on several curated collections aimed at raising awareness.
Following the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023 in Israel, Krol partnered with Lyss Stern, a New York entrepreneur, author and founder of Diva Moms, a direct-to-mom marketing company, on an Israeli pride-themed collection of charms, bags, necklaces and bracelets.
Continued on page 32
“Two women from different parts of the country, different backgrounds and religions, yet we shared a common desire to create something special to help raise awareness and money to support those in need. Thus, the Hero Collection was born,” she said.
Ten percent of proceeds from Hero Collection purchases are donated to #EndJewHatred, a non-partisan international grassroots civil rights movement dedicated to fighting antisemitism.
Krol also teamed up with The Youth Mental Health Project, a Connecticut-based non-profit that seeks to educate, empower and support families and communities to better understand and care for the mental health of youth.
For that collaboration, Krol designed True You Links, a collection of interchangeable link bracelets and necklaces designed to promote mental health awareness. Each of the six vibrantly colored links symbolize a category of mental health: ADD/ADHD (orange), suicide prevention (yellow), mental health/ depression (green), anxiety (teal), eating disorder (purple) and love and acceptance (pink).
“The customer can mix and match each of the interlocking colorful links, creating a personal mental health story or one of support, thus designing a look that is uniquely your own!” Krol said.
For more information on I Dream of Jewels, visit idreamofjewels.com or email idojinfo@gmail.com.
Social NEW JERSEY FRIENDSHIP HOUSE
The NJ Friendship House held their 60th Annual Gala at The Venetian. For more information, visit www.njfriendshiphouse.org.
Joe and Liz Rucci Summi Guglani, Tara Hickson-Parks, Lisa Kramer, Diane Scriveri
Kathy English, Dinorah Dauria
Cody and Marie Fredrickson
Marily Gonzalez, Brian Fitzgibbons
Kathy Hedenberg, Tony and Marlene Laino
Rose Mary Klie, Donnalee Corrieri
Edem and Janine O’Connor
Tamar Asayan, Colleen Kelly
and
Mala Spivack, Kathleen Demarest, Eileen Gruber
Anthony Guzzo, Dennis Mikula, Bob Kilroy, Jim Kirkos
Katie Kirkpatrick, Joanne McKendry, Audrey Newman, Douglas McKendry
Christine and Joe Simeone
Joe and Courtney Angelosante
Charles and Jennifer Matar
Patrick
Kelly Fox
Social OAKLAND EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Oakland Education Foundation held their annual Casino Night at Portobello Banquets. For more information, visit www.oaklandschoolsnj.org.
Kelly and JR Mongelli, Stephanie Edelstein
Damiano and Lisa Conforti
Suzanne Higgins, Robyn Parenti, Vicki Salge, Kristin Diaco
Katrina and Thomas Larsen
Kelly McDonnell, Tyrin Puglisi, Kristin Diaco
Jay and Jessica Gretkowski
Nicole Malizia, Jim Folkerts
Kelsey and Jeffrey Palmer, Jill Ruebenacker
Mike and Christina Lazar
Jessica Gretkowski, Alyssa Spector, Christina Lazar
John and Lisa Ciappi, Sabrina and Matthew Coppola
Christina Barbour, Ryan Pascarella, Mark Barbour
Dave and Rosemarie Furnari, Cass and Andrew Roy
Anthony Malizia, Ivana Rodriguez,
Laura Magnus, Kelvin Rodriguez
Michelle Wighard, Kelly Mongelli
Bianna Eskin, Yvette Calvert, Jennifer Enright
The Weight of Beautiful
How RHONJ Jackie Goldschneider Overcame an Eating Disorder
By Megan MonteMarano
Cover & inside Photography provided by Alyson Barrow Photography, LLC
Many know her as the devoted mother of two sets of twins on Bravo’s hit reality TV show The Real Housewives of New Jersey. A former real estate attorney with a second career in journalism and real estate management, Jackie Goldschneider has certainly seen her share of success. But what some may not know is that with this success also came a share of personal obstacles. Jackie bravely opens up to the world about these struggles in her latest endeavor – The Weight of Beautiful, a memoir that delves into her longtime battle with anorexia.
Jackie’s eating disorder started at the young age of 13, after moving to a remote neighborhood in a new state.
“I was incredibly lonely,” she explains. “I didn’t make friends and I was alone a lot, so I relied on food because there was little else that made me happy.”
As a result, Jackie gained a lot of weight – and fast. Just before graduating high school, she recounts her doctor shaming her for being obese and recommending Weight Watchers. It’s here that Jackie first learned to count points and exchange food.
“I became obsessed with dieting, and I yo-yoed through extreme weight fluctuations for a decade,” she adds.
through vacations, and eating the same few foods over and over.”
Jackie stayed this way, trapped by her personal struggle with anorexia, for the next 18 years – through marriage, pregnancy and eventual fame.
“It makes me sad to think of all the ways I hurt myself. All the experiences I missed out on because I was scared of food, or too hungry to enjoy them.”
By the age of 26, Jackie was still using the techniques she learned at Weight Watchers to compulsively count her calorie intake, which eventually spiraled into anorexia.
“I lost so much weight so quickly that I was terrified of eating anything I couldn’t count, which meant staying away from restaurants, starving
But she also notes the positive side. She feels lucky to have stopped this deadly disease before it took any more precious years of her life.
“Gaining weight, especially the initial weight gain at the beginning of my recovery, was extremely hard to deal with,” Jackie adds. “Being a public figure meant I received tons of comments saying how good I looked ‘with some extra meat on my bones,’ and how I looked younger ‘now that there’s fat on my face’ – comments that I knew were meant to be supportive but hit me so hard.”
Jackie attributes much of her recovery to therapy, where she learned to separate how her body looks from her selfworth.
“Now I love myself no matter what size pants I wear and I’m immune to the comments. I love myself unconditionally, which is an extraordinarily freeing feeling.”
Through it all, Jackie traversed the ups and downs of her recovery journey with courage and grace.
“Looking back, I feel strong,” says Jackie. “I was not only able to recover, but made the conscious decision to do so publicly so that others struggling with eating
disorders would feel empowered to do the same.”
Being on The Real Housewives of New Jersey also played its role in the process – and quite an important one. As Jackie says, “It saved my life.”
“Recovering so publicly held me accountable to millions of people instead of just myself,” she adds. “I knew that if I started the process on camera, I wouldn’t let the world watch me fail. I wouldn’t show people it’s too hard to recover, because I knew from my own journey that people with eating disorders need to see a success story from a public figure. Their loved ones need it as well. Knowing I had the platform to educate, inspire, and change people’s lives was part of what made me want to recover.”
It was with this mindset that Jackie decided to take her platform a step further and pursue her lifelong dream of writing a book. Determined to continue sharing her story to help others going through the same battle, Jackie got to work. She found a literary
agent, put together a proposal, and sure enough, her dream publisher – Simon and Schuster – gave her a book deal.
“Once I got the book deal, the chapters poured out of me,” says Jackie. “All those horrible memories of what I’d done to myself were toxic. I wanted to get them out of my head. And when I did, they turned into a beautiful memoir.”
Countless readers continue to feel personally connected to The Weight of Beautiful. Jackie’s biggest goal – for people to find themselves in her story, find hope in their recovery, and know they’re not alone – has certainly been fulfilled.
“I’ve received so many messages from readers telling me they were inspired to start their own recovery after reading my book,” adds Jackie. “That is what I am most proud of.”
In addition to her book, Jackie is the co-host of a
new podcast – Two Jersey Js – with her RHONJ castmate and close friend, Jen Fessler.
“She’s 55 and I’m 47,” says Jackie. “Those are the years when women sometimes become invisible in society. We wanted to give voice to all the things women experience in mid dle age – the good and the bad.”
The iHeart Radio podcast welcomes var ious guests and hits on topics ranging from sex and marriage to empty nesting, menopause and everything in between.
There’s no question that Jackie’s acceptance and perseverance paid off. Her future as a public figure, but most importantly, a loving wife and mother, now shines even brighter.
“Let people in. Tell someone you love you need help. No matter how far gone you think you are. No matter how old you are, how sick you are, or how terrified you are of food, you can abso lutely find your way back to health. It’s never too late to choose recovery.”
Although Jackie is still actively recovering, she describes living without anorexia as a gift.
“I love trying new foods, enjoying new experi ences and, most of all, sharing things with my children. I just went to Rome and ate pizza with my oldest son for the first time in his life. It was a moment that neither of us will ever forget.”
Social BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF
NORTHERN
NEW JERSEY
BANNJ held their annual golf outing at White Beeches Country Club. For more information, visit www.bannj.org.
Hubert Wong, Anthony Mazzeo
Frank and Eric Gormeley
Billy Procida, Michael McGeary
Ariel Friedman, Anthony Delgaudio
Steve Ferreri, Eric Flanagan
Salvatore Orsillo, John Cioletti
Kizmann, Joe Saverino
Kelly Matthews, Vivian Farro, Erin Budwin, Johna DeAngelis
Stephen Lee, Spencer Blatt
Mathis,
Jared Lans, Seth Roland
Marcin Plichcinski, Rob Krakowiak
Louis and Charles Baldanza
Anthony Ceccon, Michael Sean McGeary, Bill Brown, Matteo Fontana
Jason Sherwood, Mark Preli
Mike Westphal, Tony Zaffarese
Rich
Kyle
Brian Foley
Home
Is Where They Are Together
Teen Pens Book Following Poland and Ukraine Mission
By Jennifer Bonazzo PeterS
When a 17-year-old high school student decides to forgo a spring break trip to Florida, you know he means business. In March of 2022, Trevor Ostfeld did just that. He forwent his family trip to Florida and instead chose to travel beside his father, Scott, and several other volunteers from their synagogue on a journey to Poland and Ukraine.
“Once my dad and I heard about the opportunity in Poland and Ukraine, we were compelled to help because we saw the humanitarian impact of the war and we wanted to help the people affected,” said Trevor, an 11th grader at Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, N.Y. “We also have a personal connection to the region because in what is now Ukraine my great-great grandfather was murdered for being Jewish. My great-great grandmother had to leave with four children for safety and one of her children was my great grandfather, Samuel, who I am named after [Trevor Samuel Ostfeld.]”
Trevor and the 11 other synagogue volunteers led by Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner from Closter’s Temple Emanu-El carried over 9,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to aid women and children who were then fleeing from war. They also distributed goods at the Poland-Ukraine border. Included in the materials were over 4,000 diapers along with multiple personal essentials to support the impacted families.
“We brought thousands of pounds of supplies, and the supply we brought the most of was diapers,” recalls Trevor.
The 2021 graduate of Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood also thanks his alma mater for his humanitarian heart.
“We always learned about the 4Cs – courtesy, cooperation, consideration and compassion,” said Trevor, who attended Elisabeth Morrow from age 3 through eighth grade. “The 4 Cs, especially compassion, were another driving factors for me to want to make this trip. Having compassion for these people in need and seeing yourself in them is something that was fostered at EMS and is essential for anyone that wants to get started or do any [humanitarian] effort.”
“That tells you a lot about who was affected by the war. It was babies; it was children; and it was women.”
While in Warsaw, Poland, Trevor met Iryna Chernyak. Iryna, according to Trevor, was most focused on the recent loss of her pet.
“Once I heard the story, I thought about it for days about how astonishing it was and how the impacts of the war were encapsulated in this little girl’s search for her cat,” said Trevor. “What was super impactful about her story is it wasn’t like everyone else’s, it was an individual story about the impact of war on a little girl, on a kid just like me.”
He decided to bring her story to life shortly thereafter. Through research and Zoom calls with Iryna, who became is coauthor, Trevor crafted his book, “Finding Messi – The Miracle Cat From Kyiv.” The summer after his sophomore year, Greenleaf Book Group, his publisher, connected him with Katherine Blackmore, an illustrator, who brought Messi, Iryna and her mom in Kyiv to life. From starting his research to publication, it took 18 months.
The true story of “Finding Messi – The Miracle Cat From Kyiv” is a moving children’s book told from an 11-year-old girl’s viewpoint amongst the terror of the attack on Ukraine. Readers can hear what an innocent child experienced at the heart of not only this traumatic event – but of the precious bond between her and her beloved cat, Messi, which she fought to save. In the compelling story, Iryna is determined to be reunited with Messi and rallies assistance when the cat is sadly lost amid the war.
Iryna is now a 13-year-old, seventh grade student in Warsaw, Poland. She enjoys contemporary dance and playing the guitar. Iryna resides in Warsaw with her mother, stepfather, baby sister and, of course, her cherished cat, Messi. Trevor is personally an avid reader and lives in Northern New Jersey with his parents, two sisters and his dog, Rocket. He loves to spend time outdoors with his dog and running an Alternative Assets Club at his high school.
The book is truly a vulnerable and powerful inside look of how the attack affected so many people of all ages, on multiple levels. “Finding Messi: The Miracle Cat From Kyiv” is now an Amazon bestseller. It is available online and in stores as well. All proceeds from this book will be donated to charities which support the victims of the Ukraine war.
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.
“Part of what I realized in Poland and Ukraine is that kids are just kids,” said Trevor of his experience.. “Even when they are escaping from their homes… All kids can relate to the feeling of losing your pet and wanting to be with your pet. There’s not a lot of children’s books for children to understand war in a way that they would feel the impacts directly, like losing your pet or missing a dance competition. I thought there needed to be a story that did that. It’s very relatable for kids because it’s talking about things they could understand.”
That said, you do have to be mindful of the engine you select and the trim levels as pricing reaches into
Visit www.findingmessi.com for more information.
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.
BERGEN NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center held their Legacy Dinner at Seasons. For more information, visit www.newbridgehealth.org.
Dr. Monica Dhingra, Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Dr. Navaid Khan, Dr. Gian Varbado
Dr. Ayme Frometa, Dr. Hanif Ramay
Marion Troise, Nick Laganella, Deborah Visconi, Joe Conte
Malika and Faiz Cheema Dr. Karine Aireptian, Deborah Visconi, Dr. Anna Harutyunyan
Dr. Monica Dhingra, Dr. Karine Aireptian
Dr. Vandana Kethini, Dr. Shahan Sibtain
Deborah Visconi, Donnalee Corrieri
Erica Schifffman, Dr. Yuliya Dementyeva
Dr. Mohammed Iqbal, Deborah Visconi Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Executive Leadership
Dr. Gian Varbaro, Katie Richardson, Dr. Karine Airapetian, Dr. Sirkanth Reddy
Dr. Karine Aireptian, Deborah Visconi, Dr. Anna Harutyunyan, Dr. Sirkanth Reddy
Dr. Monica Dhingra, Dr. Mohammed Iqbal, Dr. Karine Aireptian, Dr. Srikanth Reddy, Dr. Asgar Hossain Sukaina Rizvi, Mohammed Rahman, Terrence Wang, Tess Kukaj
Social ENGLEWOOD HEALTH PHYSICIAN PARTNERS
Englewood Health held a Reception for their Physician Partners at Edgewood Country Club. For more information visit: www.englewoodhealth.org
Amy and Mark Shirvan, Dr. David Abramson, Karen Abramson
Clarice May Jacobson, Dr. Gregg and Deborah Lobel, Warren Geller
Dr. Celines Morales-Ribeiro, Dr. Joseph Kim, Dr. Jingjing Sherman
Dr. Ana Burga, Dr. Tracy Scheller, Dr. Jingjing Sherman
Inderpal Kohli, Dr.Ritu Suri
Dr. Jeffrey and Melanie Cohen
Carolyn Shapiro, Deborah Label
Dr. James and Sandra McGinty
Dr. Lawrence Davis, Ladan Boushehri Davis, Aleeza Nemirof, Dr. Dmitry
Steven Kaplan, Michael Gutter, Dr. John Stabile, Dr. Peter Symington
Dr. Peter Symington, Dr. Mikhail Tismenetsky
Michael Rhee, Warren Geller, Bonnie Rhee
Dr. Mikhail Tismenetsky, Dr. Alfred Steinberger, Dr. Marc Arginteanu, Dr. Omar Syed, Steven Kaplan, Michael Gutter, Dr. Peter Symington
Dr. James and Sandra McGinty, Aleeza Nemirof, Dr. Dmitry Nemirovsky, Kristin Geller
Dr. Joseph Kim, Dr. Jingjing Sherman, Dr.Linda Wang, Dr. Louis Jan
Lance Hutchins, Dr. Madhuri Bewtra, Dr. Adam Arnofsky, Susan and Daniel Zausner
Serving Up Summer Looks
How To Wear Tennis Core On and Off The Court
By Soneca Guadara
Are you ready to rock summers chicest trend from “On The Court” to “Off The Court?” Tennis Core is a fashion trend that celebrates the classic and preppy style of traditional tennis. Many claim this style of aesthetic embodies the essence of quiet luxury.
Tennis Core has always been a fashion style; its roots began in the 1920s when tennis outfits symbolized athleticism and upperclass leisure. Style legends Rene Lacoste, who introduced the classic polo shirt, and Billy Jean King and Arthur Ashe, who brought tennis into the forefront, brought Tennis Core to everyone’s attention. Even Princess Diana was caught wearing tennis outfits off the court!
After the pandemic there was more of a renewed interest in athleisure wear and with this summer’s film sensation “Challengers,” featuring style muse Zendaya, Tennis Core surely seems to be the new fashion rage for the summer. The trend emphasizes comfort without the sacrificing style.
Tennis Core serves up the crisp sportiness of Serena Williams, fused with the effortless elegance of court side spectators. With pickle ball now in the running as the latest sport everyone is playing, there is no wonder why there is an uprise in this fashion trend.
You can find Tennis Core fashion from high end designers, such as Louis Vuitton, to stores like Walmart and Target all getting into this fashion trend. Let’s not forget the tennis brands like Wilson and Prince who are also trying to capitalize from this trend and offer it to those who don’t necessarily play a racquet sport.
Don’t sweat it if you’re not sure what to wear. Anyone can pull these looks. It’s just a matter of obtaining some key items that defines Tennis Core.
How to Get the Look
Polo Shirt
Look for breathable fabric and a structured collar.
Pleated Skirts
A staple in women’s tennis attire. The flowing style allows for movement on and off the court.
Knitwear
Look for lightweight fabrics, such as a cable knit in a V-neck style. Adding knitwear to your outfit will complement the look by adding a layer of preppy and sophistication.
Sneakers
White sneakers are a must. From traditional court sneakers or a fun pair of trainers for off the court. Sneakers must be comfortable and if they have a bit of color, your outfit will stand out.
Visors
A visor is a must to protect you from the suns elements but also it adds a sporty touch to your ensemble.
How to Style
1. Begin building your outfit around classic tennis core items like a crisp white polo or a pleated skirt. These pieces are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
2. Add a lightweight cable-knit sweater or vest over your polo shirt for a touch of preppy elegance. This is especially effective in transitional weather or for creating a more refined look.
3. Sneakers are a natural fit for tennis core styles, but for a more polished look, consider loafers or ballet flats. These can elevate your outfit while keeping the comfortable, sporty vibe.
4. A visor or a sporty watch can enhance the tennis vibe, while a simple tennis bracelet or a pair of pearl earrings add a subtle hint of luxury without overpowering the outfit.
5. Combine materials like cotton polos with silk scarves or cashmere cardigans with nylon visors. This mix helps balance the sporty roots of tennis core with a more luxurious or casual aesthetic, depending on your destination.
Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who helps her clients feel confident and stylish. Follow her on Instagram at @stylebysoneca.
IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT
THE DANGERS OF WARM WEATHER EXERCISE
By dr. MiChael l. groSS
The hottest days of summer are upon us. While your head won’t pop open with steam, special care should be taken while exercising to avoid the hazards of overheating. As the temperature and humidity rise, so does the incidence of environmental heat-related exertional illnesses.
Understanding hot weather dangers and precautions is very important for elite athletes, recreational exercisers and weekend warriors. Some of the dangers include sunburn, dehydration, hyponatremia, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and, at the most, extreme heat stroke.
Exercising in hot weather puts extra stress on your body systems. If you don’t take proper steps when you exercise in the heat, you risk serious injury or illness. Both the exercise itself and the air temperature increase your core body temperature. To help keep cool, your body pumps more blood to circulate near the skin. This leaves less blood to pump to the muscles, which are already working hard, so this increases your heart rate. If you are exercising in humid conditions, this causes another problem. Evaporating sweat from your skin is a major tool for cooling your body. Because sweat doesn’t readily evaporate from your skin in humid weather, your body faces further stress. This pushes your body temperature even higher.
Under normal conditions, your skin, blood vessels and perspiration level adjust to the heat. Normally, sweating regulates our body temperature. However, several factors can limit the sweat mechanism, including intense exercise in high temperatures or high humidity, age, obesity, fever, dehydration, illness, medications and alcohol. When an athlete develops a heat illness, it usually occurs after prolonged exertion and excessive sweating that leads, first to dehydration and then to electrolyte imbalances. But, if you are not in shape or if you have any of the above risk factors, this process can develop quickly. In addition, the hotter and more humid it gets, the greater the risk.
Natural cooling systems will fail if you’re exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long, especially if you sweat heavily and you don’t drink enough fluids. The result may be a heat-related illness. Heat-related illnesses occur along a spectrum, starting out mild but worsening if left untreated.
Heat illnesses include: Sunburn. Sunburn decreases your ability to cool yourself and causes fluid loss. Repeated sunburn increases your risk of permanent skin damage, premature aging and skin cancer.
Dehydration. Dehydration refers to an inadequate amount of fluid in the body. Among athletes who participate in endurance sports or long workouts, dehydration can occur quickly. In general, a person is considered dehydrated when they have lost more than 2 percent of their body weight during exercise. Athletes need to stay hydrated for optimal performance. Studies have found that a loss of two or more percent of one’s body weight due to sweating is linked to a drop in blood volume. When this occurs, the heart works harder to move blood through the bloodstream. This can also cause muscle cramps, dizziness and fatigue and even other heat illnesses.
Hyponatremia. This is most commonly associated with prolonged exertion during sustained, high-intensity endurance activities, such as marathons or triathlons. In most cases, it is attributable to excess free water intake, which fails to replenish the sometimes massive sodium losses that result from sweating. Symptoms of hyponatremia can vary from light-headedness, malaise, nausea, to altered mental status. Risk factors include hot weather, female athletes/ exercisers, poor performance and possibly the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Heat cramps. Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions, mainly affecting the calves, quadriceps and abdominals. Affected
muscles may feel firm to the touch. Your body temperature may be normal.
Heat exhaustion. With heat exhaustion, your body temperature rises as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and you may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, fainting, weakness and cold, clammy skin. If left untreated, this can lead to heatstroke.
Heatstroke. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency condition that occurs when your body temperature is greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Your skin may be hot, but your body may stop sweating to help cool itself. You may develop confusion and irritability. You need immediate medical attention to prevent brain damage, organ failure or even death.
During hot-weather exercise, watch for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. If you ignore these symptoms, your condition can worsen, resulting in a medical emergency. Signs and symptoms include muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, weakness, headache, dizziness and confusion.
If you develop any of these symptoms, you must lower your body temperature and get hydrated. Stop exercising immediately and get out of the heat. If possible, have someone stay with you who can help monitor your condition. Remove extra clothing or sports equipment. Drink fluids (water or a sports drink). If possible, fan your body or wet down your body with cool water. If you don’t feel better within 30 minutes, contact your doctor. If you have signs of heatstroke, seek immediate medical help.
Once you’ve had heatstroke, you’re at a higher risk of getting a heat illness again. Get cleared by your doctor before you return to exercise if you’ve had heatstroke.
When you exercise in hot weather, keep these precautions in mind:
Watch the weather. Pay attention to weather forecasts and heat alerts. Know what the temperature is expected to be for the duration of your planned outdoor activity. More important than temperature alone, is the heat index, the combination of air temperature and humidity that gives a description
of how the temperature actually feels. This is not the actual air temperature. Most weather reports include the heat index along with the temperature. When the heat index is at or over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, extreme caution should be considered before exercising outdoors.
Get acclimated. If you’re used to exercising indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first when you exercise in the heat. As your body adapts to the heat over the course of one to two weeks, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts. Acclimate to exercising outdoors, altitude and physical condition. General rule of thumb is 10-14 days for adults and 14-21 days for children (prepubescent) and older adults (> 60 years). Children and older adults are less heat tolerant and have a less effective thermoregulatory system.
Know your fitness level. If you’re unfit or new to exercise, be extra cautious when working out in the heat. Your body may have a lower tolerance to the heat. Reduce your exercise intensity and take frequent breaks.
Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is a key factor in heat illness. Help your body sweat and cool down by staying well-hydrated with water. Hydrate your body before, during and after your workout. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If you wait until you’re thirsty, it’s usually too late. Monitoring your weight loss and ingesting chilled volumes of fluid during exercise at a rate equal to that lost from sweating is a better method to preventing dehydration. If you plan to exercise intensely or for longer than one hour, consider a sports drink instead of water. Sports drinks can replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating. Avoid alcoholic drinks because they can actually promote fluid loss. During hot weather training, dehydration occurs more frequently and has more severe consequences.
Rapid fluid replacement is not recommended for rehydration. Rapid replacement of fluid stimulates increased urine production, which reduces the body water retention.
Individuals involved in a short bout of exercise are
Continued on page 54
generally fine with water fluid replacement of an extra 8-16 ounces. A sports drink (with salt and potassium) is suggested for exercise lasting longer than an hour, such as a marathon, and at a rate of about 16-24 ounces an hour depending upon the amount you sweat and the heat index.
Replace fluids after long bouts of exercise (greater than an hour) at a rate of 16 ounces of fluid per pound of body weight lost during exercise.
Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing helps sweat evaporate and keeps you cooler. Try cotton or “wicking” fabrics, which move sweat away from your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb heat. If possible, wear a light-colored, widebrimmed hat.
Avoid midday sun. Exercise in the morning or evening when it’s likely to be cooler outdoors. Hit the streets before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. Another staycool tip: Run or walk on dirt paths instead of sun-absorbing pavement. If possible, exercise in shady areas or do a water workout in a pool.
Wear sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF-15 dependent upon skin type, even on cloudy days. Re-apply every 2 hours. Use an oil-free formula that won’t interfere with your body’s ability to cool itself down and select a sweat-proof variety to prevent sunscreen from irritating your eyes. Clothing with tight weaves, sunglasses and a lightweight hat
with a brim can also help block the sun’s harmful rays.
Listen to your body. If you notice any symptoms of heat illness, stop your workout. It’s not a good idea to “push yourself” in extreme heat. If you feel bad, use common sense and discontinue your workout.
Know your choices. If you’re concerned about the heat or humidity, stay indoors. Work out at the gym, walk laps inside the mall or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building.
It is important to prepare ahead of time for exercise in extreme heat. Wear clothes that are lightweight, light-colored and breathe easily to allow for proper ventilation of the skin, apply sunscreen on any exposed skin and drink lots of water. If possible, avoid the peak hours of the day as the temperature is at its highest, and when you do begin, start slowly and gradually pick up the pace to allow your body to get accustomed to the heat. On extreme days stay indoors and stay cool. When the weather gets hot, we all want to exercise outside. A little knowledge and care can prevent serious injury and keep us fit.
Michael L. Gross, MD is the founder of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Hackensack. He is the section chief of sports medicine at Hackensack/Meridian University Medical Center and an assistant professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
The All-New Lexus GX
Luxury, Gone Fishing
By riChard PoSluSzny
Imust get something off my chest, right out of the gate. I prefer cars. It’s not a bad thing. It’s not a good thing, either. But one thing is certain: I am in the minority. Simply put, an overwhelming percentage of consumers want sport-utility vehicles. And, in many cases, they want full-on trucks.
Yes, there is a difference.
SUVs are typically spawned from car-based platforms and feature all-wheel drive (AWD) systems. Essentially, SUVs feel like a car on stilts. Trucks, on the other hand, are based on heavy duty chassis, which are purpose built for offroad adventures and equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD). They’re entirely different animals.
To me, there’s a time and place for SUVs and trucks. After many years of driving all sorts of vehicles, I can finally say, “I get it.”
So, when I found out that Lexus was readying a replacement for its GX, I was intrigued. The first- and second-generation GX was based on the incredibly capable Toyota Prado truck, which set a high benchmark.
Seeing it for the first time, it’s a bit surprising. That’s because the 2024 GX 550 is a very large vehicle and my trim level, Overtrail, features a more rugged look with 33-inch, all terrain tires. Adding to this, its all-new design is blockier and squared off. Seemingly taking some inspiration from popular autos like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the GX makes its rugged presence known. That said, when looking at its “face,” Lexus retained what it calls the spindle grille. Shaped like an hourglass, it is unmistakably Lexus if you’ve seen any of its late model year products.
If you weren’t already shocked by the departure of this Lexus’ design, well, that may change when you get behind the steering wheel. That’s because it’s unlike any other Lexus cabin. Once situated, there’s a ton of visibility in all directions and you can place each corner of the vehicle — it echoes Land Rover/Range Rover. If you prefer cameras, they’re available at low speeds and when off-roading for reassurance. What really stuck out to me though was the rake of the windshield. Because the angle is steep, it feels like you’re wearing it, like a pair of glasses.
Additionally, you’ll notice two distinct things about the cockpit.
First, technology is placed front and center, literally and figuratively. Behind your three-spoke steering wheel is a 12-inch display that serves as your instrument panel. It is extremely customizable and provides a variety of vehicle information that is useful whether you want to track your fuel economy, see a map or plenty of other details. Adding to this, located in the center of the dashboard is a 14-inch infotainment display. The lower third of the screen is dedicated to the vehicle’s climate controls, while the top is available for your
typical infotainment needs. Even better news: The software Toyota has developed is excellent. It’s fast, responsive and easy to use. The days of poor Lexus and Toyota infotainment systems are over.
Second, after getting more familiar with the interior space, I have to say I am a bit disappointed. That’s because, to me, this GX’s interior isn’t as nice as the previous generation vehicle. It’s a noteworthy departure. The plastics are harder and there’s a lot of it, frankly. While it is utilitarian and built for off-roading and what comes with it (e.g., muddy boots), the finishes aren’t nearly as special as the second-generation GX. All that said, Lexus’ team delivered on the more important elements, like plentiful storage cubbies, extremely comfortable seating and an optional third row (not available on the Overtrail trim).
One thing’s crystal clear at this point: This is a different kind of Lexus. Historically speaking, when the brand has stepped outside of its comfort zone before, it’s delivered one-of-a-kind experiences. Take, for example, the LFA sports car. It remains one of my favorite cars I’ve driven.
So, how does the GX drive? Let’s get into it.
Ditching the previous GX’s V8, now this truck comes with a twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 349 horsepower and a staggering 479 lb.-ft. of torque. Although there’s always debate about whether a vehicle should drop cylinders, in this case it’s undoubtedly the smart move. That’s because performance has improved thanks to the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. While the GX 550 weighs about 5,700 pounds, it sprints to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Not bad, considering this is more than a second quicker than the previous gen product.
But the plot thickens. It’s still a bit thirsty, earning a meager 16.5 mpg after a week of driving. There is a silver lining, though. Lexus has confirmed a GX hybrid is coming to the U.S. market, although its timing is a bit vague now (estimated to arrive by the end of 2024).
Getting moving, it quickly becomes apparent that the GX’s seating position is essentially perfect. Even though this is a large truck, any driver will be put at ease since outward visibility is excellent. And its maneuverability is car like once you adjust to how a 4x4 prefers to be operated at low speeds. You can’t say that about all body-on-frame trucks as some can be downright cumbersome.
Power is adequate whether running errands around town or motoring at highway speed. In fact, I was impressed with the GX’s ability to pass on the highway. You feel the torque propelling this Lexus down the road when you really step on the throttle.
Where the Overtrail shines is with its ride quality. Given that it’s a truck, which is purpose-built for offroad duty, its suspension is tuned on the firmer side. But I will say that Lexus’ engineers didn’t overdo it. And, when driving in Comfort mode, it’s compliant and enjoyable. There is a catch, however. If you’re getting a bit zesty with the gas pedal, you’ll feel the GX’s weight, particularly in the turns. There is a fix, though. Dial up the Sport or Sport+ drive modes and all of that will be quelled immediately. Frankly, I’ve driven a lot of heavy SUVs and trucks, but Lexus is doing some black magic here without the aid of an air suspension. This is welcome news as air rides can be prone to failure. By simply adjusting the drive modes, the GX became much tidier at highway speeds, around cloverleafs and on country roads — it felt like a completely different truck. Super impressive engineering.
That said, it isn’t all roses.
As you pick up speed, its boxy shape doesn’t help its aerodynamics. That means as you start seeing your speedo climb, you will hear a bit of wind noise. Another thing I didn’t love was, at highway speed, I could see the hood visibly flexing. Now, I will note I was testing a pre-production vehicle, but it was just a bit surprising to see on a Lexus. For eons, the brand has been producing some of the most sophisticated vehicles and this struck me as an oversight. This isn’t the original Lexus LS with champagne glasses delicately balancing on the hood.
I think that hints at what I felt walking away from the all-new GX. It’s a very good truck that takes the Lexus in a more Spartan and rugged direction, more akin to a Jeep Wrangler. To me though, it may be a step too far for my taste. I was hoping for a balance that was closer to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Here’s the rub. You can do only so much while keeping a truck affordable. For this Overtrail trim, pricing starts at just under $68,000. And, from my perspective, that makes it a relative bargain.
I just wish it had more Lexus in its DNA and less Toyota.
There’s Nothing ‘Fine’ About Boschetto
Montclair-Based Restaurant Excels At Fine Fast Casual
By Kevin CzerwinSKi
There is something warm, inviting and even familiar about Boschetto.
The Montclair-based restaurant, which sits at the corner of Grove and Walnut Streets, even has familiarity in its address. Boschetto is Italian for Grove.
Throw in the sleek interior, the big windows and the patio, which allows passersby to get a good look and a good whiff of the excellent Italian cuisine that is served, and it all adds to a distinctive feel. That feel is only enhanced when you meet Boschetto’s co-owners Ryan Held and Robert Spina, brothersin-law who have created an upscale neighborhood joint in one of North Jersey’s toniest towns.
Held, who lives in Wayne and is married to Spina’s sister, and Spina, who lives in Cresskill, have created a style of eatery that is best described as fast casual – an upscale restaurant with full-service food ordered at a counter, much like any other fast-food restaurant. This difference here is that this food is cooked by Chef Joey Sergentakis, the restaurant’s third co-owner.
“No one is doing this level of food with this style of service, fast casual isn’t a new concept but fine fast casual is and that’s what we are doing; a fast causal environment with fine dining quality food,” Spina, 45, said. “We had noticed some trends in the industry and had dabbled with this type of service.
We saw a niche and no one was doing quality service with this type of food. Who wrote the rule that we can’t serve Michelin-quality food in a fast-food environment? Everyone fought us and asked what is fast casual?
“It is a very different operating model than fast food. We decided to take our intellectual and monetary capital and invest in the back of the house while eliminating the variables that plague other restaurants. We under promise and over deliver. And the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We took a lot of chances with this tyle of service and the community has embraced it whole-heartedly. It works extremely well with our target audience of 18 to 45.”
Boschetto, whose interior was designed by Justin Odle of Justin Odle Design, opened without much fanfare near the end of August 2023. The soft opening was offset by word of mouth, which allowed the eatery’s reputation to swell in Montclair. Now, business is brisk and with the summer here, the outdoor patio figures to play a prominent role in Boschetto’s continued success.
Continued
Left to right, Joseph Sergentakis, Robert Spina Jr., Ryan Held
Additionally, the building has its own parking lot, which allows customers to get in and out without having to drive around looking for street parking. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday and is a walk-in, first come, first serve set up.
“We always talked about doing something together once I married his sister [Alexandra],” said Held, who graduated from NJIT with a degree in engineering. “My mother-in-law was sitting across the street [at another eatery] having lunch when she saw this place and called us to come take a look at it. Within a day, we knew that was exactly what we were looking for. That was in in June of 2022.
“This building was already built but we had to build out the space so everything is brand new. It was everything that we wanted between the dedicated lot and the patio.”
Held, 42, and Spina have been friends since they were young children. Their parents are also friends so their bond as business partners only enhances the Boschetto experience. The pair both went to Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey and have both worked in and around the food/restaurant industries for much of their lives.
Spina, who has owned and operated restaurants in places such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam, met Sergentakis while working on the other side of the world and became fast friends. That made it a no-brainer for both Spina and Held to bring him in as the chef partner when the situation arose. The results have been impressive.
“Boschetto means grove in Italian and the grove in Italian culture is historically a meeting place,” said Spina, who has been married to his wife Keri for a year. “It was just a coincidence that we are on Grove Street but the concept evolved. We were looking for an upscale European café situation and I think we achieved that.
“And we did this style of service and chose Montclair as a location for very specific reasons. We chose Montclair because of its diversity and it is an epicurean destination. We also wanted to take advantage of the exodus from New York City post-Covid and provide something that as sophisticated that you could get in and out quickly and have a high-quality meal.”
The plan moving forward involves opening other locations in Bergen [Ridgewood] and Morris [Morristown] Counties.
“This is a footprint to build out more from,” Held said. “We’d like to have a couple more in five years, starting off in New Jersey. But, we’d have no problem taking it out of state as well.”
HEEL THE SOUL
The Englewood Health Foundation held the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Heel the Soul at Montammy Country Club. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.
Doris Marino, Linda Marinuzzi, Renee Arp
Michelle Tesser, Mel and Helen Stock, Joanne Erhlich, Scott Tesser
Warren and Kristen Geller Cori and Barry Levine
Sari and Blake Albom Neil and Amy Katz, Melissa Ehrlich, Benjamin Laub
Angella Stefanakis, Tracy Fishel
Elle Rubach, Lori Aroesty
Jacqueline Gillman, Samantha Silverman
Andrea and Steven Siegel, Leslie Sarakin
David and Casey Lerner, Corey Isdaner
Stephanie Sosnik, Judy Taub Gold
Jennifer Peykar, Bari Baron, Daniel Peykar, Blake Baron
Michael Gutter, Inderpal and Preeti Kohli
Warren and Kristen Geller, Karina Malyshev, Erica West
Samantha Silverman, Jill Baltimore, Lindsay Wormser, Ryan Baltimore
HOLY NAME CONNECT AND COLLABORATE
Holy Name held a networking event with their partner physician groups at Hasbrouck Heights Hilton. For more information, visit www.holyname.org.
Dr. Benjamin Rosenbluth, Dr. James Park, Dr. Richard Aronson
Dr. Gerald Portman, Laura Elia
Michelle Diaz, Dr. Igor Kofman, Brendan Maron
Mike Maron, Dr. Payal Shah, Dr. Ohan Karatoprak
Mike Maron, Amit Mody
Dr. James Park, Dr. Jae Hee Cho, Dr. Daniel Feghhi
Dr. Yadra Rivera, Michelle Diaz, Dr. Payal Shah
Dr. Nicholas Bevilacqua, Dr. Rehan Shamim
Dr. Jean Cho, Dr. Zankhana Raval, Dr. Erina Kunwar
Rosemary Tallaksen, Dr. Stephen and Michele Sherer
Dr. Christina Seo, Dr. Shalin Desai
Ashley Roskos, Dr. Kim Hewitt
Dr. Jen Lee, Dr. Jake Zarah, Dr. Jonathan Archer, Dr. David Ryu, Megan Brugna, Dr. Mina Shaker
Diane Triolo, Dr. Vikram Premkumar, Dr. Alexander Vitievsky, Mike Maron
Dr. Dennis Pfisterer, Dr. Zankhana Raval
Dr. Mina Shaker, Dr. Victoria Costales, Dr. Yikram Premkumar
Everything medicine can do. A few things medicine can’t. At Valley Health System, our neurosurgical experts not only have a reputation for excellence, but the experience to back it up. By utilizing the least invasive brain and spine surgical procedures, avoiding an incision whenever possible, and never forgetting the human science of caring, we’re here to raise the bar for care in northern New Jersey.