Northwest Bergen, NJ June 2023

The Gentlemen's Issue

HEALTH + WELLNESS

SAMIR C. SODHA, MD

SPORTS + RECREATION

MARK BRAFF - SONS OF BASEBALL

FITNESS

NICHOLAS GALITSIS - KICKING OFF ELITE MOTIVE

JUNE

Happy Father's Day

Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter? What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous! Fathers make countless differences in their homes and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!

When it comes to my father, I remember many happy times, and many lessons learned. The words with which he lived and taught me, were to "do the right thing."

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their homes:

• A father’s strength can be powerful

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

• A dad’s physicality can be challenging

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

EAT LOCAL | ENJOY LOCAL | SHOP LOCAL | SPEND LOCAL | SUPPORT LOCAL

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Sammi Tatarsky | sammi.tatarsky@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Donna Gould | donna.gould@citylifestyle.com

Lucy Probert | lucy.probert@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Lucy Probert

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Natasha Chiaviello

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Proverbs 3:5-6

MARC SCHWARTZ, PUBLISHER @NORTHWESTBERGENLIFESTYLE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @NorthwestBergenLifestyle

1: Community member donates blood at the Shane McCooe Blood Drive. 2: Natasha Chiaviello shows support for Shane in his battle against cancer. 3: Local first responders stand with Shane McCooe to show support at his blood drive. 4: Local first responders provide toys for Shane McCooe at his blood drive. 5: Shane McCooe stands with a signed Barkley jersey gifted to him. 6: Community members show their support at the Shane McCooe Blood Drive. 7: Shane’s parents show his strength at the Shane McCooe Blood Drive.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

SkyFi Audio is now an Official McIntosh dealer

SKYFI IS NOW A MCINTOSH REFERENCE PLATINUM LEVEL DEALER! SkyFi Audio is proud to announce that they are now an official McIntosh dealer. There are only four Reference Platinum level dealers in the USA. This means they have the biggest and baddest products on display, along with the special facilities and staff to match. SkyFi Audio is now able to offer you current products along with the restored vintage pieces they are known for.

Surreal Creamery Opens in Ridgewood

Maincrew Barbershop Opens in Ridgewood

Sip on a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a good glass of wine while you wait for your haircut at Maincrew in Ridgewood. Additional services include kids’ haircuts, gray coverage, hot towel straight-razor shave, beard trimming, and eyebrow waxing. In need of some self-care? Treat yourself to a cut and shave with a menthol-infused hot towel. Their straight-razor technique will outline your hairline with exceptional precision. maincrewbarbershop.com Scan

Easy on the eyes, even easier on the tastebuds. Surreal Creamery opened its third NJ branch in Ridgewood, bringing seriously epic frozen treats just in time for the incoming heat. Choose from a variety of ice creams and milkshakes in their Signature Mason Jars, or sip on your choice of bubble teas, lattes, and slushies. Its name precedes itself—these frozen treats are truly surreal!  surrealcreamery.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

Gregg, Jason, and Mark Braff

John and Boog Powell

ARTICLE BY KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MARK BRAFF

Sons of Baseball

GROWING UP WITH A MAJOR LEAGUE DAD

Several years ago, Glen Rock resident, Mark Braff, decided that writing a book would be his “retirement project.” Having spent 40 years as a public relations professional and consultant, Braff began his career as a reporter for the Ridgewood Newspapers and later joined the Madison Square Garden Sports Network. Although he wrote various press releases, op-eds, and speeches, he had never written a book. Since it’s almost Father’s Day, we thought it was only fitting to spend some time with Mark to learn about his new book, Sons of Baseball: Growing Up with a Major League Dad.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BOOK?

Yes. I’m 67, so I figured it was now or never!

WHAT LED YOU TO WRITE THIS TYPE OF BOOK?

I’ve always been a huge baseball fan, so the genre was natural for me, and the book-writing process was a labor of love. I don’t recall what specifically triggered the idea, but I remember thinking about the great memories I have of playing catch with my dad when I was a young boy and wondering what it must be like for the sons of major league baseball players. I mean, would that dad really want

to toss the ball around on his day off from playing the game—especially because he travels all spring, summer, and into the fall as a pro ballplayer? And what happens when the young boy plays organized rec ball or Little League, and everyone unfairly compares him to his dad? The pressure to be a great athlete must be enormous!

I thought this topic would make a good book, but it just wasn’t realistic for me to travel around the country for interviews. However, after Covid hit, I realized I could do all the interviews via Zoom. That’s when I decided to give it a try.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROCESS IN RESEARCHING THESE “INTIMATE” STORIES BETWEEN PLAYERS AND THEIR SONS?

There were many challenges in writing this book; the first and most critical one was connecting with the sons of former players. When I started working on the project, I did not know one single “son.” Fortunately, I found a couple of leads that panned out into more connections. In the book’s acknowledgments section, I describe, step-by-step, how this entire process played out. I think this summary has value as a great example of the power of networking.

WHICH STORY TOUCHED YOU THE MOST?

I found a couple of stories in the book to be particularly moving. One was that of Vada Pinson Jr., whose dad was an outstanding player--a borderline Hall of Famer-- mostly for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1960s. Vada Jr.’s parents divorced when he was young, and he never quite understood it or why his dad had become estranged from his kids afterward. Junior tells a very poignant story about when, as an adult, he visited his dad on his deathbed.

Another story is told by David Rodriguez, the son of Henry Rodriguez, an outfielder who mainly played with the Dodgers, Expos, and Cubs in the 1990s. David is gay, and he talks wistfully about how his dad, who is divorced from David’s mom, has never acknowledged David’s sexual orientation. David says that his dad is a good guy and that the two of them have a relationship, but that there’s this barrier—”the pink elephant in the room,” in David’s words-that has never been overcome and prevents them from being truly close.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONVEY TO YOUR AUDIENCE THROUGH THESE STORIES?

Sons of Baseball gives readers a look at pro baseball players not just as athletes, but also as fathers, and in some cases, grandfathers. We get to hear about the pressures and perks of being the son of a major-league baseball player. It provides insights into the family lives of these men, and I think the primary takeaway is that their lives are remarkably like ours. There are triumphs and tragedies, love and estrangements, complications, and normalcy. However, the backdrop is different. For example, most of us don’t have family dinners at restaurants interrupted by autograph seekers. It’s a unique way to grow up.

DO YOU HAVE SONS? WHAT HAS THIS WRITING PROCESS TAUGHT YOU RELATIVE TO THEM?

I have two sons, who are adults with families of their own. As I was told some of the sadder stories during my interviews for the book, it reinforced my thankfulness and appreciation for the fact that I am close to my boys.

Sons of Baseball is available on Amazon, target.com , and bn.com

“Sons of Baseball gives readers a look at pro baseball players not just as athletes, but also as fathers, and in some cases, grandfathers.”

Robby and Bobby Richardson

Dusty and John Wathan

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY

Ethan and the Bean works to increase the employment rate for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. Visions shares their commitment to provide an empowering environment that supports individuals in the workplace that’s part of community growth. Visions supports hundreds of causes like Ethan and the Bean with donations to fund good works, employee volunteers who pay it forward, and sponsorships that support community events. Because Visions Cares, where you bank can help you and your community.

PAMELA DONOVAN

Founder, Ethan and the Bean

Samir C. Sodha, MD

Helping Hands Heal

ARTICLE BY LUCY PROBERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA CHIAVIELLO

Samir C. Sodha, MD

From an early age Samir Sodha had an extraordinary inspiration for becoming a doctor: “My mother was not able to finish medical school because she got married,” says Dr. Sodha, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery. “She became a respiratory therapist but never fulfilled her dream of being a doctor. Growing up I had a predilection for science and biology so it was always in the back of my mind that I would follow her and complete her quest,” he says. Before joining Rothman Orthopedic Institute in 2018 he had a practice in the New York Hudson Valley and for 10 years directed the hand and elbow trauma service of their regional hospital.

When it came to choosing his field of orthopedics, Dr. Sodha was drawn to the intricate surgery performed on hands. “In orthopedics, spine surgeries, for example, work on big parts with big tools, but with the over 300 procedures that can be done on hands, you have to be very proficient as well as intricate because you’re dealing with complex combinations of bones, ligaments, nerves, and tendons.” He says about 30-40% of his practice is injury cases, such as cuts from glass or knives and falls and breaks in wrists or hands.

“These are the traumas of everyday life,” he says. The rest is primarily elective procedures including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, arthritis, and a nerve problem in the elbow called cubital tunnel syndrome.

“Some procedures can now be done endoscopically with a much smaller incision and the use of a tiny camera, so it’s minimally invasive,” he says. He recently

worked with Jordan Jackson, a baseball player who grew up in Little Ferry, played for Ridgefield Park High School, Bluefield University, and the Somerset Patriots, a Double A affiliate of the New York Yankees. “Last summer while playing for a team in California I injured a nerve swinging the bat,” says Jackson. “Dr. Sodha operated on my hand to release the pressure on the nerve and I had minimal pain after the surgery. He did an incredible job and after resting it for about three weeks I was back!” Dr. Sodha is also glad that he’s playing again. “Jordan has been shooting me Instagram pictures of how well he’s doing,” he says.

Growing up in Cherry Hill, N.J., Dr. Sodha was active, playing tennis and soccer at Cherry Hill High School East. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, he went to medical school at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He then completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and followed with a fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery at the Harvard Program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Sodha is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a certificate of added qualification in hand surgery. He is currently chief of Orthopedic Hand Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, as well as an assistant professor of Orthopedic Surgery there, and is affiliated with The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. He sees patients with hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow conditions at Rothman Orthopedics’ offices in Paramus and Montvale.

Living in Ridgewood with his wife Tina and their two daughters, Dr. Sodha and his family enjoy skiing together in the winter and the many activities the girls participate in. “Our older daughter Raina is 15 and is very involved in dance as well as volleyball,” he says. Younger daughter Niva, who is 10, also loves dance as well as swimming. “Our weekends are always full,” he says. And summer plans include camps and programs centered around their interests.

Dr. Sodha has recently become involved with Sakhi for South Asian Women, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting domestic violence survivors. “I’m the father of two daughters which makes this charity extra special to me as a supporter; my plan is to have a more active role in the near future,” he says.

One of the best parts of his work is seeing patients of all ages. “From kids at 6 falling off their bikes to 85-year-olds doing the same, I see people from all walks of life.” But with 27 bones in the hand, with all of their complexities, no matter what the age, hands are invaluable to us. “It’s really a quality-of-life issue,” says Dr. Sodha. “People don’t like to be immobilized, unable to drive, use their computer or phone, or play their favorite sport. It can be incapacitating, so the faster we can get them back to their regular lives the better. Helping people in this way embodies everything I wanted to achieve in my medical practice.”

“People don’t like to be immobilized, unable to drive, use their computer or phone, or play their favorite sport. It can be incapacitating, so the faster we can get them back to their regular lives the better. Helping people in this way embodies everything I wanted to achieve in my medical practice.”

Saddle River’s Nicholas Galitsis

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMMI TATARSKY

Kicking Off Elite Motive

From a young age, Nicholas Galitsis knew two things for certain. One, he wanted to be an athlete. And two, he wanted to own a business. There is something to be said about the determination it takes to carve reality out of dreams and face obstacles with the faith that you will prevail.

Through trials and tribulations, Galitsis has persevered with the idea that if he doesn’t quit, he won’t fail. When asked about

his mindset as he rehabbed multiple injuries during his collegiate athletic career, he said, “I truly believe everything happens for a reason.” It is precisely those months, focusing on regaining his strength, that allowed him the time to focus on launching his new business—Elite Motive.

“If you wear Elite Motive, you’re a part of our team,” Galitsis stated. The concept for the apparel company was inspired by the

idea that being a college athlete is a job in its own right. This notion is the thread that ties all college athletes together—regardless of location, position, or sport. Elite Motive is meant to cultivate a sense of community and instill the idea that if you’re a college athlete, you’re all playing for the same team, and in the end—each other. You’re there to train, play, and hopefully get recruited into a professional league. But you’re also there to support, motivate,

and connect with other athletes. No matter where you are in the world, when you wear Elite Motive you feel a sense of being a part of something bigger.

Growing up in Saddle River, Galitsis had no shortage of access to various sports. His first two loves were baseball and hockey, though it wasn’t until he kicked his first football and switched schools his junior year that it all clicked into place. He was destined for football. As a child, he recalls his grandfather having dreams of Nicholas being a kicker—it all felt full circle for him when he realized his grandfather’s dreams would become his reality. “Everyone has their calling,” he said. “We might think it’s one thing, but later you come to find it’s something you didn’t expect. That was football for me.”

Nicholas credits Coach Alexander, from Pascack Hills High School, for giving him a chance at football. Ricky Krautman, Galistsis’ current kicking coach, has also been with him from the start. Krautman grew up in Saddle River and played for Syracuse University. The Bergen County community of athletes and coaches provided a solid foundation for Galitsis. Nicholas has fond memories of his recreational sports days, stating that “You grow up with the same guys. We’d all play one sport in the winter together and another sport in the spring together. It created a close sense of community.”

Currently, Elite Motive is awaiting its next product launch for the season. His intention is for his company to become a household name like other major sporting apparel brands. To chase this goal, Elite Motive is sponsoring 7+ athletes from all over the U.S. and beyond. Via Instagram, Elite Motive announces its partnership with each college athlete, introducing them to the Elite Motive digital community. From there, the ambassador shares content on their own social channels in the provided apparel to help expand Elite Motive’s mission for all college athletes.

As for Galitsis, he is currently training and working towards being signed by another school. With hard work and dedication, he knows he will make it to the NFL while continuing to grow his business. Everyone should adopt Elite Motive’s motto and find their mental paradise. That mindset will take you further than ever before.

shopelitemotive.com

“We’d all play one sport in the winter together and another sport in the spring together. It created a close sense of community.”

Nicholas Galitsis

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 11TH

Bob Dylan Retrospective with The Hambones

MAHWAH PUBLIC LIBRARY | 2:00 PM

The Hambones consists of a four-piece band, performing classic country, rockabilly, and uptempo blues from The Great American Songbook. They cover artists from Elvis and Johnny Cash to Tom Petty and Zac Brown. They will be celebrating Bob Dylan’s influential contribution to the music industry. Enjoy his poetic and meaningful lyrics and the unique musical palette of The Hambones. mahwah.librarycalendar.com

JUNE 12TH

Christian Health’s 34th Annual Golf Classic

THE GOLF CLUB AT MANSION RIDGE - MONROE, NY

Christian Health’s Annual Golf Classic sells out fast! Enjoy a hearty breakfast, 18 holes of golf, and a barbecue lunch in a beautiful setting with scenic views. Proceeds from the event benefit Christian Health’s 2023 Annual Fund to expand and enhance mental health services, especially for children and young adults. This includes support for Christian Health’s Good Samaritan Fund. christianhealthnj.org/foundation/special-events-fundraisers

JUNE 17TH

Wyckoff Franklin Lakes Triathlon

830 FRANKLIN LAKE RD - FRANKLIN LAKES | 6:30 AM

The Wyckoff Franklin Lakes Triathlon is excited to host this fun tradition that helps to promote friendly competition, health, and wellness. ‘Tis the season to get out and get moving! Gear up for a half-mile lake swim, a 13-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run that circles Franklin Lakes. runsignup.com/Race/NJ/FranklinLakes/WyckoffFranklinLakesTriathlon

JUNE 19TH

2nd Annual Charlie Landers Golf Classic

UPPER MONTCLAIR COUNTRY CLUB | 11:00 AM

Get ready to golf for a cause! The mission of the Charlie Landers Foundation is to raise awareness, provide critical support to pediatric and young adult patients, and fund research to find a cure for Ewings Sarcoma. Play golf in honor of Charlie Landers, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and food stations, and jam out to live music.  thecharlielandersfoundation.org

JUNE 20TH

Ramsey New Resident Pool Party

RAMSEY MUNICIPAL POOL | 5:30 PM

Meet and greet other new Ramsey residents poolside at this free pool party! Bring your kids or go alone and enjoy refreshments, music, and an evening dip. This event is sponsored by the Borough of Ramsey, with the hope that new residents to the town feel a warm sense of welcome and mingle with others in their new community. ramseynj.com/Calendar

JUNE 24TH

TrailBound Project Medic Challenge

SKYLINE DRIVE - OAKLAND | 9:00 AM

In this unique event, organized by TrailBound Project, you can participate in a short hike, encountering staged medical emergencies. Participants will use materials they have in their packs to perform patient care and receive feedback from their instructor. The goal is to help prepare you with essential skills when faced with an emergency. eventbrite.com/e/medic-challenge-tickets

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

Their first years. Our first priority.

A child’s natural curiosity is boundless. By nurturing that with a thoughtful balance of play and structure, we spark lightbulb moments every day. Learn how our approach inspires a lifelong love of discovery. Enrolling Infants-Kindergarten

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER 2023

Picture yourself Picture yourself LIVING HERE ,

At The Vista, you can fill each day with uplifting experiences. Attend a concert, lecture, or art class. Get a manicure at the salon. Stay fit in an aquatic class or along picturesque walking trails.

Watch stunning sunsets while dining on the terrace with friendly neighbors. Enjoy all of this in a richly wooded Ramapo Mountain setting. Picture yourself inspired. Picture yourself at The Vista.

community that inspires you to discover, engage, connect, and grow.