Northwest Bergen, NJ June 2021

J U N E 2 02 1

BE RGE N C OUNT Y’ S UN ITE D WAY PRE S I DE NT TOM TORONTO BUI LDI NG C OM MUN IT Y

Selected to Super Lawyers

BARRY M. PACKIN

Selected to Super Lawyers

Selected to Super Lawyers

JAN K. SEIGEL

JONAS K. SEIGEL

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S 2 0 2 1 S U P E R L A W Y E R S H O N O R E E S

FOR 45 YEARS, O N LY P E R S O N A L I N J U R Y. A L L D AY. E V E R Y D AY.

M A N H AT T A N | M I L L B U R N | P R I N C E T O N | R I D G E W O O D | S E A G I R T 2 0 1- 4 4 4 - 4 0 0 0 | WW W. S E I G E L L A W. C O M

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2021 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Community Leaders, Musicians, Entrepreneurs, and a Local Business for Men

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Lauren Cali STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sarah Flannery, Barry Houldsworth, Mike Malandra AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe

CELEBRATING THE MEN IN NORTHWEST BERGEN!

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Following our women's issue is certainly a tough task, but we're going to do our best!

Kelsey Proctor

Dads, granddads, uncles, mentors...thank you for the role you play in raising the kids in our community. Whether you are coaching a sports team, helping out with homework, building or fixing something around the house, working extra hard (certainly that's the case this past year) to take the family on a trip, we want you to know that we celebrate your efforts.

Check out June's stories on some great guys in Northwest Bergen. Community leader Tom Toronto, President of Bergen County's United Way, is building quality homes that empower individuals and families to live independently and thrive in the communities of their choice.

Did you know that one of your neighbors is a talented, award-winning guitarist? As an international "fingerstyle" guitar champion, Mark Sganga has played across the world from Stockholm to Kuala Lampur with artists like Herbie Hancock and Les Paul.

Our Editor, Kris Pepper, had the opportunity to sit down with Artur Pilat and his wife Margareta, co-owners of OVVO Optics, a technology company that manufactures the

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

most durable and beautiful eyeglass frames available on the market. Take the journey

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

from Poland to northwest Bergen County with Artur; it's not just the American dream;

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

it's dedication and hard work.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

And last but certainly not least, we can always count on Sal Lauretta for Men to

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

inform us about the latest in men's fashion trends...and YES...suits, sports jackets, and

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

tuxedos are back with a vengeance. All of those postponed weddings, communions, bar and bat-mitzvahs, and social events are planned and ready to go. Are you?

Here's a great reason to shop local in June: Our local non-profits receive much greater support. Here in northwest Bergen County, local business owners donate to local charities much more than non-local (national) businesses.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

My final request to you is to continue the pledge with Northwest Bergen Lifestyle: SHOP LOCAL | EAT LOCAL | SPEND LOCAL | SUPPORT LOCAL | ENJOY LOCAL As always, keep safe, be careful, and most importantly, stay healthy.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

Marc Schwartz, Publisher

NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen ON THE COVER Tom Toronto of Bergen County's United Way PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARRY HOULDSWORTH 6

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northwest Bergen areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Steven W. Tarta, Esq. Current Market Value of your assets (approximate) Total Value of all real estate: Total Value of any/all investments (stocks & bonds): Total Value of any/all profit sharing, IRA's & 401K's: Total Value of any/all businesses you own: Total Value of any/all bank accounts (checking, savings): Total amount of money owed to you: Total amount of life insurance payable upon your death: Total value of miscellaneous and other assets: Total Assets: Debts you owe (approximate) Current Market Value of your assets (approximate)

Before Estate Planning $1,125,000.00 $29,000.00 $1,400,000.00 $0.00 $88,000.00 $7,600.00 $444,000.00 $0.00 $3,093,600.00 After Estate Planning

Before Estate Planning

After Estate Planning

$1,125,000.00 $29,000.00 $1,400,000.00 $0.00 $88,000.00 $7,600.00 $444,000.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00 $1,400,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $7,600.00 $0.00 $0.00

Total Value of all real estate: Total Value of any/all investments (stocks & bonds): Total Value of any/all profit sharing, IRA's & 401K's: Total Value of any/all businesses you own: Total Value of any/all bank accounts (checking, savings): Total amount of money owed to you: Total amount of life insurance payable upon your death: Total value of miscellaneous and other assets:

$1,125,000.00 $29,000.00 $1,400,000.00 $0.00 $88,000.00 $7,600.00 $444,000.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00 $1,400,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $7,600.00 $0.00 $0.00

Total Assets:

Total Assets:

$3,093,600.00

$1,407,600.00

$3,093,600.00

$1,407,600.00

Mortgages: Credit Cards: Other:

$50,000.00 $1,200.00 $0.00

$50,000.00 $1,200.00 $0.00

Mortgages: Credit Cards: Other:

$50,000.00 $1,200.00 $0.00

$50,000.00 $1,200.00 $0.00

Total Debts:

$51,200.00

$51,200.00

Total Debts:

$51,200.00

$51,200.00

$3,042,400.00

$1,356,400.00

$3,042,400.00

$1,356,400.00

$0.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00

Debts you owe (approximate)

Your Total Estate Value:

Your Federal Taxable Estate Value: Your Estimated Federal Estate Tax: Your State Taxable Estate Value: Your Estimated State Estate Tax:

Your Estimated Total Estate Tax: Your Estimated Probate Costs (3% of estate value)

Debts you owe (approximate)

Your Federal Taxable Estate Value: Your Estimated Federal Estate Tax: Your State Taxable Estate Value: Your Estimated State Estate Tax: Your Estimated Total Estate Tax: Your Estimated Probate Costs

Your Total Estate Value:

$0.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00

Your Federal Taxable Estate Value: Your Estimated Federal Estate Tax:

$1,042,400.00 $86,131.20

$0.00 $0.00

Your State Taxable Estate Value: Your Estimated State Estate Tax:

$86,131.20 $91,272.00

$0.00 $40,692.00

The NJ Estate Tax has been repealed on Jan. 1, 2018. This example will estimate the NJ Estate Tax for informational purposes only based on a NJ gross estate in excess of $2,000,000.00.

Mortgages: Credit Cards: Other: Total Debts: Your Total Estate Value:

Current Market Value of your assets (approximate)

After Estate Planning $0.00 $0.00 $1,400,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $7,600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,407,600.00

Before Estate Planning

Total Value of all real estate: Total Value of any/all investments (stocks & bonds): Total Value of any/all profit sharing, IRA's & 401K's: Total Value of any/all businesses you own: Total Value of any/all bank accounts (checking, savings): Total amount of money owed to you: Total amount of life insurance payable upon your death: Total value of miscellaneous and other assets:

$1,042,400.00 $86,131.20

$0.00 $0.00

$86,131.20 $91,272.00

$0.00 $40,692.00

Your Estimated Total Estate Tax: Your Estimated Probate Costs (3% of estate value)

The NJ Estate Tax has been repealed on Jan. 1, 2018. This example will estimate the NJ Estate Tax for informational purposes only based on a NJ gross estate in excess of $2,000,000.00.

$50,000.00 $1,200.00 $0.00 $51,200.00 $3,042,400.00

$50,000.00 $1,200.00 $0.00 $51,200.00 $1,356,400.00

$0.00 $0.00 $1,042,400.00 $86,131.20 $86,131.20 $91,272.00

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $40,692.00

The NJ Estate Tax has been repealed on Jan. 1, 2018. This example will estimate the NJ Estate Tax for informational purposes only based on a NJ gross estate in excess of $2,000,000.00.

Estate Planning At Its Best

HONEST PHILOSOPHY • PERSONAL APPROACH • PROVEN SUCCESS

201.444.8448 | tartalaw.com 700 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ

INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2021

FEATURES 12 United Way's Tom Toronto Holding the Keys to Providing Supportive Housing

18 The Fabric of Good Style Sophisticated Comfort Suits the Summer Season

22 A Musical Tapestry Mark Sganga's Guitar Weaves the Music

22 28

28 OVVO Optics The Framework of an American Dream

12

18 DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

10

Around Town

12

Inspired By

18

Local’s Choice

22 Back Stage 28 Local Limelight 34 Trend Setter

AROUND TOWN

MODERN ROOTS SCRATCH KITCHEN AND CATERER OPENS IN RAMSEY

Arugula Salad, Chicken Koobideh wraps, and Falafel wraps along with an array of sandwiches,

Modern Roots Scratch Kitchen & Caterer started small and grew organically just like the food they serve.

They use local and organic products as much as possible, with no artificial or processed ingredients

soups, seafood, and desserts.

They also offer online ordering for carryout or delivery and are open daily from 11-10. parisapersiangrill.com

and no GMO's. Modern Roots Catering offers a variety of services and cuisine to quell any cravings from buffet-ready artisan party platters for gatherings to a formal plated dinner at your home or venue. Their innovative culinary fare creates a nextlevel experience for every event.

Located at 112 E. Main Street in Ramsey, Modern Roots Scratch Kitchen is a casual take-out eatery bringing farm-to-table inspired menus along with a commitment to family, friends, and community.

They take pride in crafting menus from the season's harvest of farmers and local artisans, and they accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan guests. They also provide family-style dinner meal options served hot and ready for pickup as well as pre-packaged meals.

JUNE EVENTS AT THE RIDGEWOOD LIBRARY

modernrootscatering.com

GEARBLOCK BREWING COMING SOON Waldwick's

first

craft

brewery,

"The Ridgewood News Digitized" (Virtual) will

Gearblock

be held on Tuesday, June 8 at 10:30 am. Love local

Brewing Company, is under development to open

history? Now you can search The Ridgewood News

soon at 140 Franklin Turnpike. The brewery's mis-

from 1891-present day on Newspapers.com. Learn

sion is to provide high-quality beer to the local

how to find that obituary, sports news, or headline

community using only the finest ingredients to

from different time periods.

provide the freshest, most flavorful beer in the area.

Gearblock

will produce

several

styles

"Always Bee Curious" (Virtual) will be held

of

on Wednesday, June 16 at 7 pm. This program

high-quality ales, lagers, and stouts. Selections will

features local author, Frank the Beeman and his

range from a pale ale and Vienna lager designed

celebrated new book "Bee People and the Bugs

to be an introduction to craft beer, to exciting and

They Love." Learn why bees are important, and

diverse assortments of experimental and trendy

how to protect them.

styles of traditional favorites. Specialty and sea-

ridgewoodlibrary.org

sonal beers will also be available.

Gearblock's tasting room promises to be stocked with small-batch, high-quality, hand-crafted ales, lagers, stouts, sours, and more. New beers will be rotated in regularly. Customers will be able to enjoy relaxing with a glass of their favorite beer in the tasting room, or bring it home via crowler or growler fills. gearblockbrewing.com

PARISA PERSIAN GRILL OPENS IN RIDGEWOOD

10

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

Parisa Persian Grill has opened at 24 Chestnut

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Street in Ridgewood. Their Mediterranean-style

NorthwestBergen using the Get In Touch link and

menu features Middle Eastern cuisine, including

let us know what you think.

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

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INSPIRED BY

U N IT E D WAY ’ S TO M TO RO N TO

Constructruction on the former Sealfon's building

HOLDING THE KEYS TO PROVIDING SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY BARRY HOULDSWORTH

12

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

IF

YOU’VE EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CON-

STRUCTION OR RENOVATION OF A HOME OR OFFICE BUILDING, YOU UNDERSTAND THE LEVEL OF ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND THE INTRICACIES INVOLVED IN SITE PLANNING, REMEDIATION, PERMITS, VARIANCES, AND LAND USAGE. But, imagine building or renovating over 30 structures in different areas of northern New Jersey, requiring zoning and building compliance, and then customizing each for a specific special needs population.

“Supportive affordable housing has been traditionally underserved.”

That’s the business model for Bergen County’s United Way. President Tom Toronto is at the helm of the organization and, along with his team, provides supportive housing for individuals with varying needs including intellectual and developmental disabilities. A recognized diagnosis such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis is required to be eligible for state subsidies for special needs housing. Accommodations include group homes that require roundthe-clock supervisory support as well as independent living apartments, where the residents do not require such close oversight. “Each project has its own distinct application process,” says Tom. United Way also builds housing for veterans, seniors, and low-income families, keeping with their mission to build quality homes that empower individuals and families to live independently and thrive in the communities of their choice. “Affordable housing is needed because costs are so high. So far, we’ve completed 34 projects which house over 600 people,” says Tom. Many projects become combined living communities, blending group home accommodations and independent living apartments with adjacent senior and veteran residences. “Everyone lives quite happily together,” says Tom. “It’s a nice, blended model. Seniors become adjunct grandparents in some cases. Supportive affordable housing has been traditionally underserved.”

Clinton Avenue interior

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

13

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Thanks to the past success of these mod-

staff makes sure folks are involved and com-

will house two group homes and six inde-

els, projects are being welcomed into local

fortable in their community and ensure the

pendent apartments, accommodating 16

communities. “People see what we build

care-giving and service relationships are

people while retaining its lower-level com-

and say, ‘why not here?’ We are also check-

as they should be.” Group homes are con-

mercial use. United Way has also recently

ing the boxes for municipalities’ affordable

tracted with a service provider which man-

completed 85 units of senior housing in Fair

housing requirements,” states Tom.

ages the day-to-day care of the residents.

Lawn, special needs housing in Wyckoff, and

Some properties require significant envi-

“The United Way also offers a Compassion

ronmental clean-up before being approved

Fund which provides a social safety net for

If it sounds like the United Way has

for residential use. “We are remediating the

people who have nowhere else to turn,” says

changed its mission and focus over the past

property to a residential social standard for

Tom. “It covers the immediate needs of peo-

twenty years--it has. If you worked in a large

the betterment of the neighborhood and

ple facing eviction, medical bills, child care

corporation a couple of decades ago, you

then building affordable housing. This rep-

bills, and funeral expenses. People spend up

might remember a yearly appeal to donate to

resents a win-win for the state,” he says.

to 60-70% of their income on rent. When an

the United Way through payroll deductions.

emergency arises, they need assistance.”

“Our past legacy of raising and distributing

The United Way finds the sites and builds

has a site in Ho-Ho-Kus under construction.

the homes, but it doesn’t stop there. “We’re

One of their current housing projects

money was changing,” says Tom. While

not service providers,” says Tom, “but we

under construction is the former Sealfon’s

local corporations used to canvass employ-

offer service coordination. Our United Way

building in Ridgewood. When completed, it

ees for pledge commitments each year, HR

Clinton Avenue, Wyckoff 14

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

“Whether it’s seniors, supportive housing, or family housing, the bricks are nice, but it’s really about the individuals.”

departments began leaning toward a more customized approach and cause-related giving. “After 9/11, the world changed rapidly, and we were left working with corporate purchasing departments.

We were becoming processors, and that wasn’t our purpose. We decided to choose a social issue and focus on it—that issue was affordable housing.”

“Sometimes the municipality will donate land, and various state departments or governmental entities will help mitigate costs. There are still gaps in the funding, so we subsidize with fundraising and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations like KPMG and UPS. What we raise, we invest back into housing.”

“Our biggest reward is when it’s move-in day,” says Tom. “It’s the sense of joy when someone gets the keys to their own place. Over time, they learn to live independently, and you watch their skills develop. It’s amazing. Parents can embrace their child’s independence when they have a strong local network of support. Whether it’s seniors, supportive housing, or family housing, the bricks are nice, but it’s really about the individuals.” bergenunitedway.org CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

15

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

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MIDLAND PARK CURATES THE FINEST LOOKS WHICH CAN ELEVATE THE WEEKEND WARRIOR IN YOUR LIFE TO A FRONT-LINER OF FASHION! Store manager, Ralph Lauretta shares his recommendations on the styles and silhouettes for this spring and summer.

“After nearly a year of selling very few suits, they are back with a vengeance this spring. Wedding, communions, and a combination of other social events that have been postponed are the driving

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH FLANNERY

force in the return of tailored clothing. The most popular tailored clothing items have been custom tuxedos in all shades of blue, very clean and dressy suits, as well as louder explosive plaids in sport jackets.

On the casual side, we’re still staying very casual.

1. Hickey Freeman sport jacket with Loro Piana “Sunset” silk and cashmere fabric $1,795

Tech shorts, knit shorts, and joggers have become very popular along with all types of knit tops. As

2. Good Man Brand Pro 2 Crossover hoodie in

far as patterns and colors go, we’re seeing camo

Aloha Fern Camo pattern $198

patterns everywhere. Believe it or not, tie-dye has even infiltrated the men’s market. The color palettes

3. Greyson Camo G Thing 4-way stretch polo $110

have either been very saturated like jewel tones or very soft dusty colors.”

4. Psycho Bunny rainbow camo swim trunks $95

The store’s clothing consultants can lend their expertise to anyone looking to refine their

5. Tateossian leather, wood, and sterling silver

look while allowing their individuality to shine

bracelet $350

through with style.

18

Check out Ralph’s top summer looks!

6. Brackish Monarch bow tie crafted with goose,

https://sallauretta.com/

guinea, and pheasant feathers $195

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1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

21

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL MALANDRA

BACK STAGE

A M U S IC A L TA PE ST RY 22

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

MARK SGANGA'S GUITAR WEAVES THE MUSIC

MARK SGANGA WEAVES AN INTRICATE TAPESTRY OF MUSIC WITH HIS FINGERS. As a musician whose imagination transcends typical musical genres and classification, the international fingerstyle guitar champion’s performances consist of smooth, rhythmic guitar played using only the fingers (not picks) and without additional accompaniment, as played in classical or Spanish arrangements.

“The technique uses one guitar to create a complete and beautiful musical idea. It’s like you are your own accompanist,” laughs Mark.

“I’m a musician who improvises. By definition, that would make me a jazz musician, but I don’t feel that way. I don’t like categories, I like blending all of the influences together.” Mark notes that there is a lot of cross-over between fingerstyle and classical guitar, and he encourages his guitar students to find current songs and interpret them in their own way with the fingerstyle technique.

Originally born in Brooklyn, Mark’s family moved to Waldwick when he was ten and then moved to Ramsey when he started high school.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

23

BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)

He now lives in a home on Crystal Lake in Oakland. “I moved here when I was working on my first album, and this area has become part of my roots,” he says. “I’m thrilled to have Ramapo Reservation on both sides of me, and Crystal Lake is a special place.”

During the quarantine, Mark took to his dock to play for his lakeside neighbors.

“People would pull up in their boats to listen, enjoy the outdoors, and make the best of the situation,” says Mark.

Watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan inspired Mark to want to become a musician. “I started guitar lessons at 8,” he says.

Mark and his mom have a running disagreement over whether she initially insisted on music lessons or he did. Nonetheless, the guitar was the instrument of choice.

The Beatles’ music made a significant impact on Mark. “They still loom large for me,” he says. James Taylor and Andrés Segovia have also inspired him. “When I was a boy, Segovia had a Master guitar teaching program on Channel 13. He was amazing. I saw him at Lincoln Center when I was in high school, and I was quite a rock-and-roller at that point. But, when I heard him live at an age when I had an appreciation for what he did, it made me seek out the classical guitar.”

Mark studied jazz and classical guitar at William Paterson College and broke his way into several jazz ensembles while a student there. Popular jazz bands only need one guitarist, so the competition was tough. “Vying for positions in bands at school was a great experience; the level of musicianship was tremendous there.

I met Bucky Pizzarelli and studied with Harry Leahey, a brilliant jazz guitarist. I had classmates who played with Spyro Gyra, Miles Davis, and renowned orchestras and Broadway shows.

24

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

Having been featured on tours and recordings

more accessible to the listener, opening the doors

with Indian violin virtuoso Dr. L. Subramaniam,

to other musical genres and techniques via familiar

Mark’s also played alongside Herbie Hancock and

songs. I feel the audience is with me on a journey.”

opposite Taj Mahal and Les Paul. He passes on the

“My love for Brazilian music strongly influences

legacy as an adjunct faculty member at Ramapo

my original music. I get a lot of positive feedback

College, where he teaches guitar individually to

on it,” he says.

students and classes on guitar technique. He also teaches private lessons from his home for all ages.

Mark shares his time and talent with Music That Heals, a non-profit providing live music as therapy for

Fingerstyle is different than jazz guitar because

healthcare facilities. “Recently, we’ve done some vir-

the performer interprets the melodies with an indi-

tual programs due to the pandemic,” he says. “I’m so

vidualized arrangement. “There’s more rhythm in

blessed to be able to make music that soothes people.”

it,” says Mark. “I don’t just play jazz anymore. I play

See Mark perform on Wednesdays at the Old 76

Beatles, Sting, Guns N’ Roses, and Nirvana. I’ve

House in Tappan, New York. It’s a short trip to see

even mixed a samba tune with ‘Ode to Joy.’”

great live music in a historical setting within the

Mark loves taking a jazz piece and turning into something interesting. “It makes new musical styles

United States’ oldest restaurant. marksganga.com

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT THE FRAMEWORK OF AN AMERICAN DREAM

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH FLANNERY

OV VO O P TI C S Wood Carbon Fiber

OVVO OPTICS’ FOUNDER AND MAHWAH RESIDENT, ARTUR PILAT, FIRST VISITED AMERICA FROM POLAND AT THE AGE OF 18.

It was 1992, and he was part of a crew sailing a 140-foot Staysail Schooner along the original route of Christopher Columbus’ voyage – in commemoration of its 500th anniversary.

Poland was in the early stages of Democracy and participated in events like the worldwide regatta to promote unity and improve public relations. Along with their seafaring skills, crew members each possessed a performance talent as well. “Part of the agreement was that the crew put on traditional maritime folk shows at each port of call to help generate funds for the next part of the trip,” says Artur.

job offer from Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he worked

Upon their arrival in New York City, he and his

for four years. His career then led him to Barclays Capital Investment

crew were invited to perform at a welcome event

Bank, where he continued to gain expertise in the financial industry.

hosted by investment banking giant Goldman

During his tenure at Barclays, he began wearing glasses.

Sachs. Their hosts were interested in learn-

“My wife’s uncle owned a high-end frames manufacturing

ing about life in Eastern Europe after the fall of

facility in Poland, and we would pick up new glasses on visits.

Communism. “They understood that we could

My friends liked them and wanted to order them because they

provide an objective view of what life and business

couldn’t get any frames domestically with that kind of flexi-

were like in Eastern Europe at that time,” says

bility and strength. That was the initial spark to make this a

Artur. That event gave Artur the desire to return to

full-time business,” states Artur.

America one day and work on Wall Street.

A friend suggested taking the first OVVO frames to the Vision

After the voyage, Artur returned to Poland and

Expo East Trade Show at the Javits Center to see if there was

won a green card lottery, but he decided to stay and

interest in the eyewear. “So, that’s exactly what we did,” says Artur.

get his degree before coming to America. While still

“We booked the last booth available—next to the restrooms. The

in Europe, he happened to meet a Goldman Sachs

location turned out to be perfect.”

employee who suggested Artur apply to Howard

Artur built an eye-catching display for the Expo, showing a

University School of Business, a historically black

10-kilogram weight suspended by a pair of frames to demonstrate

school, because Goldman Sachs frequently recruited

their extraordinary flexibility and strength. The booth gained impres-

there. Artur was accepted into the program and

sive attention, and he and his wife Margareta sold 400 frames in 3

offered a scholarship. Upon graduation, he accom-

days. Artur resigned from his position at Barclays in 2011. “I knew

plished his dream to work on Wall Street, receiving a

this was going to be a new and interesting venture,” he says.

CONTINUED >

28

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

Artur Pilat - Owner of OVVO Optics

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

29

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

“We don’t consider ourselves a frame company; we are a technology company that specializes in glasses,” says Artur.

Technology and innovation have always been at the core of the OVVO brand. Their military-grade surgical steel and titanium frames incorporate technology developed by Russian military scientists during the Regan-era “Star Wars” arms race. This proprietary metal alloy is strong, moldable, light, hyper-allergenic, and rust-proof. The Cold War ended before the material could be used, and Margareta’s uncle later purchased all the machines, which are still in use today.

Their Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) collection uses nanotechnology to bring the characteristics of diamonds to eyewear.

Each DLC frame is coated in a carbon film that is thinner than paper, harder than diamond, and stronger than steel.

OVVO’s Wood & Carbon Fiber collection fuses exotic, sustainably sourced woods onto carbon fiber, resulting in some of the lightest, thinnest wood frames ever created. Their DUO styles combine surgical steel and titanium with fine Italian acetate.

The company’s patented screwless hinges have become a signature feature of the brand. “Because of the strength and flexibility of the material, we were able to create a unique hinge mechanism rather than a screw,” says Artur.

The brand also works to champion local businesses. “We only sell to brick-and-mortar optical boutique stores,” says Artur.

“Eyeglasses are a medical device we often wear for 16 hours a day. They should be properly fitted and adjusted by a specialist.

It is important to support local businesses—American, family-owned operations, like ours—so we only work with private practices, not big-box stores.”

OVVO’s operation is also environmentally friendly. “We use sustainably harvested wood in our frames and recently invested in a closed-circle paint chamber so that no fumes will be released into the atmosphere. Even the frames are fully recyclable,” he says.

Artur’s affinity for the place where OVVO first found its success runs deep, and he appreciates the opportunities he discovered in America. “This is still the country of opportunities where business owners are open to trying new things and dreams can be realized,” he says. “Our opticians are the perfect example. Ten years ago, we were new to the business and the country was in the midst of a recession. Yet, they still gave us a chance by placing a small opening order. In Europe, it is a lot more difficult. This is the place in the world to be. If you make it in the States, you can make it anywhere!”

OVVOOptics.com

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

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TREND SETTER ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL MALANDRA

The Barber Room

ERIN KAPHAN'S STUDIO IS A CUT ABOVE

ERIN KAPHAN HAS BEEN A BARBER FOR

WHAT’S AN APPOINTMENT LIKE FOR

OVER 12 YEARS AND IS A THINNING HAIR

A FIRST-TIMER?

SPECIALIST. She’s been working in Bergen

Guests enjoy the calm of the space and the quiet,

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guest, private studio called The Barber Room

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and lowers for comfort. Our dual filtration nozzle removes all sediment in the water. After a wash and

WHAT LED YOU TO BE A BARBER RATHER

scalp massage, I cut the hair and follow-up with a

THAN A WOMAN’S STYLIST?

steamed towel, a straight razor clean-up, and style

Barbering and men’s grooming have always

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Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | June 2021

Everything medicine can do.

A few things medicine can’t.

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