Issuu

The Road To The Body You Want Starts Here!

JA N UA RY 2 02 3

D O E S Y O U R L A W Y E R U N D E R S TA N D Y O U R I N J U R Y ?

Douglas Grossbart does. As both a physician and an attorney, Dr. Grossbart is uniquely equipped to serve our clients as Medical Director.

January 2023 PUBLISHER

Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

January Health & Wellness For many of us, this time of year is full of excitement. It presents us with a reset, new horizons and goals to pursue. But for others, January can be a reminder of failed attempts from years past and the burden of expectation that this year will be different. We approached this issue of Wayne Lifestyle from a mindset of not supplying quick fixes to check boxes in the short term but valuing what is sustainable over the long haul. We wanted to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to your physical, emotional and mental health. Many times I have been the victim of attempting short term fixes, only to watch them fall by the wayside. I think one of the main reasons is that they weren’t my fixes. They were pointed out by someone else. Sometimes I have even followed the path of people who never met me and had no idea of my own limitations or capabilities. Change can only come when you are not only at the helm for driving those changes but also when you are emotionally ready to make them. The best thing we can do for ourselves is remain mentally and emotionally agile. Be ready to pivot, change and adapt. When it comes to anything in life - business, finance, food, home and personal health – It’s not the sometimes choices we make, it’s the most of the time choices...for better or worse! For instance, taking a vacation every day would be financially and practically unfeasible, but taking a trip a few times a year is doable. Having a beautiful steak dinner with a few cocktails and crème brûlée every night for dinner isn’t best for your health, but doing so once in a while might be fine! So plan the vacation AND work to establish more regular rest in your work week. Join a fitness community or gym AND enjoy that crumb cake you’ve been wanting to try at Packanack Bakery. Remember, it’s not what you do some days - it’s what you do most days that will lead to a more peaceful, fulfilling and fabulous 2023. Here’s to you! I’m rooting for you.

PHILLIP BARONE, PUBLISHER @ WAY N E L I F E S T Y L E M A G

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E .C O M / WAY N E |

EDITOR

Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

Lindsay Bernero | lindsay1833@yahoo.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Don Seaman, Phillip Barone CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

John Agnello, Thomas Salus, Manny Liwanag, Phillip Barone, Don Seaman, Ken Ginefra

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 Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Wayne Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Wayne area’s 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 Wayne Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Waistline Bulge? A Breakthrough Red Light Technology is Now Here in Wayne!

➤

FDA-Cleared

➤

Body Contouring & Fat Cell Reduction

➤

Skin Rejuvenation

➤

Energizes & Detoxifies

➤

Inflammation Reduction & Pain Management

➤

Non-invasive, Non-surgical

➤

Safe & Painless

Most individuals

" Lose 2 after ONE session!

*Individual patient results will vary.

Special New Year’s Resolution Offer!

TRIAL ONLY$ SESSION

Expires 2/28/23, So Hurry!

It’s booking up fast, so call us today! (973) 633-0117 Relaxing, 30-minute Sessions!

Dr. Henry Madalian, DC NJ TopDoc ’21

MADALIAN WELLNESS

www.MadalianWellness.com

The Latest Technologies + The Care You Need 573 Valley Road, Suite 3 • Wayne, NJ 07470

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 25 Heroic Years of Building Bodies and Community

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Healthy Lifestyle

Local Limelight

Culinary Creations

Get Active

Must See

How To

The “Jeff and Gina Show” Makes Totowa’s Gold’s Gym a Haven For Heroes, Housewives, and Everyone In Between

18 Wayne Lifestyle Student Photo Contest Show Off Your Photography Skills - and Win a Place in the Magazine

26 Swim for Life

Water Safety is for Everybody at the Wayne YMCA

30 It’s Not Just Medical Care, It’s Human Care Wayne Surgical and Elite Surgical Center are Redefining What Healthcare Can And Should Be O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: John Agnello Jeff And Gina Mortman, Owners Of Gold's Gym In Totowa, Will Make You Feel Like Part Of Their Fitness Fam!

FI T NES S

A RTS + C U LTU R E FO O D + B E V E R AG E

HEA LT H + WELLNES S

LI FE + C U LT U R E

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. DON SEAMAN

PHILLIP BARONE

4 7

THOMAS SALUS

PHILLIP BARONE

1: Musicians Ted Wyman and Pete D'Angelo, featured last February, played Totowa's "In The Drink" together. 2: The Wayne YMCA's Multigenerational Show (Spongebob) Was A Smash Hit! 3: Colony Media's Grand Opening Of Their New Office Had Everyone In Smiles. 4: Teresa Harrison Monahan And Her Mobile Juiceplus Shop Really Caught Our Attention. 5: Catherine Rabidis Was All Smiles At The Mid-Atlantic Association of Women In Law Enforcement Conference. 6: Members Of The Italian Group, Ragazzi, Felt Their Bond With "The Old Country" at Pallazone! 7: Now We Understand How Pallazone Did That To Them.

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @waynelifestylemag

PHILLIP BARONE

KEN GINEFRA

8: The Triboro Chamber Hosted Their Wine Tasting At Gary's Wine-What A Great Night! 9: Ricky Singer Listens When People Speak- That's Why He Brought Us Our Favorite Soda! 10: You Better Have A Steady Hand - Don't Touch The Sides!

You work hard to protect your loved ones. Now, you should simply enjoy them.

You deserve a retirement worthy of a lifetime of love. Let’s talk about a solution that works for you and your goals.

Catherine Rabidis, CLTC Agent, New York Life Insurance Company 250 Pehle Ave. Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 862-254-0878 crabidis@ft.newyorklife.com

Insure. Prepare. Retire.

Your life plan guides your financial plan. It’s time to plan different. Investment Management | Financial Planning | Risk Management Business 401k Plans | Estate & Elder Care Planning

SMRU1848301 (Exp.01/22/2024) ©2021 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. All rights reserved. NEW YORK LIFE and the NEW YORK LIFE Box Logo are trademarks of New York Life Insurance Company.

Brandon Pergola

Vice President, Wealth Management

brandon@lifelonginvestments.com | 973-317-2831 lifelonginvestments.com | 155 Passaic Ave, Suite 310, Fairfield, NJ 07004 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Advisors, LLC, a registered broker-dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity.

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 3

NOW OPEN

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Senior Living American Hero and Fashion Icon Host "Fashion & Finance"

GORGEOUS COMMUNITY. VIBRANT LIFESTYLE. CHOICE AND INDEPENDENCE. At Brightview, upscale apartments, amenities, and gourmet dining combine with opportunities for lifelong learning, wellness, and recreation to inspire and entertain. Residents enjoy the freedom to explore new interests, unwind with daily happy hours in our pub, relax in our outdoor spaces – anything and everything that brings them joy.

Lynn Cohen of Interplay Couture (Featured in our September Issue) is hosting "Fashion and Finance" on January 14th at 1 pm with Catherine Rabidis. This will be a frank and judgment-free discussion on attitudes and trends in fashion and finance. Come join us for fun and information, bring your questions, and get the answers you need at Interplay Couture, 15 Water Street, Newton, NJ.

Most of all, Brightview provides expert assistance and care you can count on as needs change, right here at home.

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Want to be featured?

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

What’s Your Look?

Robotic arm assisted total knee & hip replacements with Stryker Mako TM Robot

8 WHITEHALL ROAD T O WA C O , N E W J E R S E Y 0 7 0 8 2 973.692.9900 W W W. C H A R L O T T E S W E B N J . C O M

Cyber Security Concerns?

PROVIDING

SAME DAY TOTAL JOINT SURGERIES

Partial Knee Replacement (Uni) Total Knee Replacement Total Hip Replacement

CALL THE TRUSTED EXPERTS

307 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne NJ 07470

973.790.7700 elitesurgicalctr.com CCS-NJ.com

973-942-8000

504 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 106, Wayne JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

PROTECTING YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET We are here to help families move to a happy, healthy new beginning. We will help you with divorce, custody, support, business dissolution; whatever your family is faced with, we move you from the difficulties you are currently challenged by to a solid footing to build your next chapter on.

EVEN DOGS AND CATS HAVE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS:

Melissa Cipriano, Esq. Call for a Consultation: 973-403-8600

Evening and Weekend Phone Consultations Available 175 Fairfield Ave, 4C-D, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-403-8600 www.ciprianolaw.com

It’s the Clear choice

“I want to be one of the lucky ones to see Alexandra and Ann Marie”

We Carry Most Major Design Lines We Also Offer Eye Exams For Glasses & Contacts

We Treat Your Pet Like They’re One Of Our Family

CERTIFIED DOG & CAT GROOMING Mother and Daughter Team

Complimentary HOMEMADE Dog Treat with Every Groom (862) 228-4300 | beautifiedbreeds.com V@beautifiedbreeds

583 Newark Pompton Turnpike Pequannock Township, NJ 07444

973.633.1617 | cleareyesrx.com 1595 State Route 23, Wayne (In Brentwood Plaza)

Kevin, Gina, and Cydney

WELCOME 2023 It May Be Cold Outside But It Will Be Nice & Cozy In Your New Home!

NEW YEAR = NEW HOUSE

Let Me Help You MAKE THIS THE YEAR

Kevin M. Klemens

Century 21 Gemini LLC, 87 Berdan Avenue, Wayne, New Jersey 07470 Klemensrealestatec21@gmail.com · Office 973-696-1111

Sales Associate | 973-886-2661

Do Your Vitamins Work? Only if they absorb. Spray Vitamins have up to 4x higher absorption than pills, caps, gummies and patches. SCAN FOR NEW YEAR SAVINGS!

SUPER EFFECTIVE FOR:

CALL 800-964-0650

WAIT!

That Kid Made Honor Roll And Mine DIdn’t? How?

All Topics Tutoring...That’s How!

Math, English & More | Test Prep For: SAT & ACT Group Tutoring With A Friend

REACH FOR SUCCESS Alltopicstutoring.com | Please TEXT 973-519-0179 or email info@alltopicstutoring.com JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

25 Heroic Years of Building Bodies and Community Jeff Mortman was never a gym guy. He’d been in shape as an E7 Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, but “Marine shape” is more cardio than iron pumping, so gym life wasn’t his. But it soon would be. After 16 years, Jeff had left the Marines to lead the family business as a mechanical contractor in NYC. 14 years later, he sold the business, looking for his next passion. Meanwhile, his wife Gina, who had been a high-powered fashion buyer for Liz Claiborne and Donna Karan for years, was now a mom at home but ready to take on more again.

With his business networking lifestyle, Jeff found himself up to 300 pounds and needed to make a change. The Wayne resident joined Gold’s Gym in Totowa for convenience - it’s literally at a Route 80 exit, so close to Route 23 and 46 that you can see it from their parking lot. Gina joined him shortly afterwards. They fell in love with the place because of the spirit —camaraderie, purpose, community. As a facility it was desperate for reinvention. Jeff and Gina saw an opportunity to transform their devotion to the place to make it a showplace. They bought the

GOLD'S GYM'S “JEFF & GINA SHOW”: A HAVEN FOR HEROES, HOUSEWIVES, AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FI TNE S S

"People choose a gym because it's convenient. Convenience is why I first came here. But you stay - and keep coming back - because of the vibe, the people, and what you get from it. Here, you get a family."

franchise in 2017, throwing their energy and resolve into everything about it. The potential they saw manifested itself into something transformational. Gone was the old-school view of what a “Gold’s Gym” was, as they made it into everything they’d envisioned — and more. It became a modern, full-service health club with a true family atmosphere. As their marketing and PR guru, Gina is quick to point out all that makes it unique. There’s an enormous amount of modern and classic strength equipment,

dozens of new state of the art cardio machines, a full time cleaning staff that keeps things spotless and uber-sanitary, an indoor basketball court, a women’s only equipment room, a brand-new functional turf training area, and so much more. All of it’s contained in a sprawling, 40,000 square foot facility. “It’s everything you can imagine a gym could be and then some.” “People think we’re a large, corporate business, but in reality, we’re a local, veteran-owned small business, just sitting in a ‘Big Box’ with a huge brand,” explains Jeff. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

Lt. Lex DeLuccia (Wayne Police Dept.) Knows This Is THE Place To Be.

The gym’s been so successful in such a short time, they were honored as the "Best Gold's Gym in North America 2019/2020”. Typically, it takes about twenty years for Gold’s to bestow their top franchisee honor on a gym. They won the award about two years after they took over. Much of the appeal of the gym comes from “The Jeff and Gina Show”. They banter like it’s their second home (it is), and Gina throws off a vibe of a real Real Housewife (she’s not, even though she was asked to be). As stewards of the gym, they’re an eternal presence there, taking the roles of the “mom and pop” shop literally. They throw all their passions into the place, from the giant flag in the parking lot to the pictures of their most successful members on their wall of honor. They’re proud of their patriotism, their community, and their family. How they run their gym is a symbol of both their gratitude and who they are. “We made it into something for people. It’s about the members, making it a community base, family-oriented, younger, and a place

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FI TNE S S

for women. It was important for us to add a whole new dynamic that made this gym flourish in a very short period,” Jeff says with pride. As a veteran, Jeff understands the meaning of the word “hero”. The people who serve the community and the country have real value here - police, firefighters, military, EMTs; this is their home. It’s a genuine priority for them. Because of this commitment, you’ll see Jeff and Gina’s presence all over the area: at fundraisers, community events, you name it. That’s because it’s such a bedrock piece of who they are and what they believe. Gold’s Gym as a company has been around for almost 60 years. This gym has been in Totowa for 25 years. Jeff and Gina have been at it more than five. During their time there, they’re redefining what that legacy brand can be, and demonstrating the power of surrounding ourselves with heroes. Gold’s Gym is at 18 Furler Street, Totowa, just off Exit 54 from Route 80 and the Union Blvd exit from Route 46.

Move Better. Feel Better

Live better

With Regular Massage Call or go online to book an appointment today. (973) 256-7700 elementsmassage.com/totowa 650 Union Blvd, Totowa Village, NJ 07512 Please use/mention code TWWayne when calling to book or booking online.

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

ARTICLE BY PHILLIP BARONE

STUDENT PHOTO CONTEST

SHOW OFF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS AND WIN A PLACE IN THE MAGAZINE WAYNE LIFESTYLE ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST-EVER PHOTO CONTEST! Students - send in your best photo and win a chance to see your picture in a special layout in our magazine. Winners will also have their work displayed at the Wayne YMCA. To be eligible for the contest, entrants must be 13 years of age or older and must be current middle school, junior high school, high school, or private school students (grades 6-12) within the Wayne, Fairfield, Montville, or Towaco towns and/or school districts. Each individual photo will need its own model and photography release form signed by all individuals who are personally and substantially identifiable in the photo (including crowds, landscapes, and illustrations) as well as by the photographer and parent or guardian authorizing Wayne Lifestyle to display and advertise the submitted photos. Any photos submitted without a completed model and photography release form will not be accepted in the competition. Model and photography release forms will be sent to each

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

of the schools listed and are also available to download at tinyurl.com/wlsphotos. The content of the photos must be family-friendly and are not limited to any distinct subject. There will be 3 winners chosen in each of the following categories: 1) “straight” photography and 2) digitally manipulated photography. Winning photos will be digitally displayed on social media as well as in an upcoming issue of Wayne Lifestyle. Maximum 1 winning photo per student. Winners will be chosen by a panel appointed by Wayne Lifestyle. There is no cost to enter the contest and each contestant can submit up to 2 photos for consideration. (1 "straight" photo and 1 digitally manipulated photo.) Original digital files, along with model and photography release forms, must be sent via email to wayne@citylifestyle.com All photo entries, along with model and photography release forms are due by March 1, 2023.

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Investing is about what’s next At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you: “Where do you want to be, years from now?” A real understanding of your future goals can help us build a strategy to get you there.

Investing is about what’s next

Investing is toabout what’s Get in touch today discuss what’s reallynext important: your plans for the future.

esting is about what’s next

At Edward Jones, we stopwhat’s to ask you: “Where do you want to Investing is about next 500 Valley Road Suite 108 A real understanding oftoyour future goals help us build a Get touch today to07470 discuss important: plans fordo thecan future. Wayne, NJ AtinEdward Jones, wewhat’s stopreally ask you:your “Where you want to be, years fr Conanwe F Ward At Edward Jones, stop to ask you: “Where do you want to be, years from now?” Financial Advisor A real understanding of your future goals can help us build a strategy to get you there.

Investing is about what’s next 973-872-1616

Conan F Ward

A real understanding of futurewhat’s goals can helpimportant: us build a strategy ward Jones, we stop to ask you: “Where do you want years Advisor from now?” Financial Get inbe, touch today toyour discuss really your to pt At to Edward Jones, we stop to ask you: “Where do you want 500 Valley Road Suite 108 understanding of your future goals can help us build a strategy to get you there. Wayne, NJ 07470 to discuss what’s really important: your plans for th Get in touch today

Conan F Ward A real understanding of your future goals can help us build 973-872-1616

the future. touch today to discuss what’s really important: your plans forConan F Ward Financial Advisor Get in touch today to discuss what’s really important: your Financial Advisor Investing is about what’s next Conan F Ward 500 Valley Road Suite 108 MKD-8652D-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD 500 Valley Suite do 108 At Edward Jones, we stop to askRoad you: “Where you want to be, years from now?” Financial Advisor Wayne, NJ Conan F 07470 Ward 500 Valley Road Suite 108 Wayne, NJ 07470 973-872-1616

Wayne, 07470 A real understanding of yourNJ future goals can help us build a strategy to get you there. 973-872-1616

Financial 973-872-1616

Advisor

Get in touch today to discuss what’s really important: your plans for the future. Conan F Ward 500 Valley Road Suite 108 Financial Advisor

Wayne, NJ 07470 973-872-1616

AECSPAD

The Social Media Content Manager Your Fashion or Food Business Needs Reels Blogs Reviews & More

First Time Homebuyer… That One House Would Be Perfect If It Only Had: A New Bathroom, A New Kitchen. A New Roof, A New Deck Or Even A Whole House Renovation. We Are THE 203K FHA General Contractor. Talk To Your Mortgage Rep and Talk To Us. Have The House You Want!

9 73 .74 6 .10 3 1 . picco par tne r s.co m

Lindsay’s Lookbook Is Here To Shine Light On Your Business Follow On Instagram @lindsays_lookbook Lindsay1833@yahoo.com 20

Hey Business Owner!

Looking To Build Your New Restaurant, Medial Space Or Financial Center? We Have The Experience You Need For Your Commercial Construction. Let Us Build Your Location So You Can Build Your Business

Some Resolutions Are More Important Than Others Keeping Mom Safe, Happy And Healthy Are Three Of The Biggest. Call Me To Help Make That Happen.

Earl Schick

Generational Lending Specialist Lincoln Park / Hackettstown Direct: 973-670-5233 Email: eschick@crownhm.com NMLS #210732

www.eschick.crownhm.com

Absolute Home Mortgage Corporation, dba Crown Home Mortgage. 330 Passaic Avenue, Suite 204, Fairfield NJ 07004. NMLS ID # 176743 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org ); Please visit https://absolutehomemortgage.com/statelicensing/ for full state licensing information. Equal Housing Lender.

Drive home the savings. Derek Vannelli, Agent 1212 Route 23 North Butler, NJ 07405 Bus: 973-838-0220 derek.vannelli.pa98@statefarm.com

0901133.1

Car and home combo. Combine your homeowners and car policies and save big-time. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

Myster y Celebrit y Chef 's Tortellini Soup TRANSPORTING YOU FROM NEW JERSEY TO BOLOGNA, THE BIRTHPLACE OF TORTELLINI We have all been given a gift. A world-famous celebrity chef has provided us with a gem from her own family cookbook. At this time, she has decided to remain anonymous but I am hoping we can soon change her mind. As no pictures accompanied the recipe, I turned to the celebrity chef of our family, my wife, to set about making this so we can include some photos for you. FYI- It was sooo good.

This hearty, cozy, and delicious soup is made with flavorful herbs and ground beef and is best when made with fresh tomatoes, vegetables, and, when all possible, fresh tortellini. Not only does it make 13 cups, but it also makes you happy. Cooked tortellini doesn’t usually store well in a soup in the fridge but I don’t think I’ve had too many leftovers to prove this point.

ARTICLE BY ANONYMOUS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILLIP BARONE

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Myster y Celebr it y Chef ’s Tor tellini Soup Chef’s Note: I never cook in silence. Put on some music and enjoy the journey.

Ingre di e nt s: • 1 Tbsp olive oil • 1 lb. lean ground beef • 9 oz fresh cheese tortellini (substitute with frozen if fresh is not available) • 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion • 1 cup each of diced carrots and celery • 2 cups (2 oz) spinach, roughly chopped

• • • •

1 Tbsp minced garlic 1 (14.5 oz) can of petite diced tomatoes 3 (8 oz) cans of tomato sauce 3 (14.5 oz) cans of low-sodium chicken broth • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning • 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

D i re ct i on s: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble in chunks of beef and cook until it's browned on the bottom, (roughly 3-4 mins).

5. Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, and tomato sauce plus add back in the cooked beef and the Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper to taste.

2. Turn the beef and break it apart while continuing to cook out all the pink. Transfer beef to a paper towel-lined plate but leave 1 1/2 Tbsp of fat in the pot (or drain off the fat and then add 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil).

6. Bring the pot to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are nearly soft (14-16 minutes).

3. Add in the onions, carrots, and celery. Saute until they start to soften (about 7 minutes). 4. Add in the garlic and saute for another minute.

7. Add in the tortellini (I hope you made it yourself or bought it fresh) and let it simmer for 4-6 minutes. 8. Stir in the spinach and parsley. Serve warm. Chef’s Note: Grate some ParmigianoReggiano on top once it’s in your bowl- it really finishes it off! JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

Wayne-Based Mobile Solution for

ALL of Your Locksmith Needs! Automotive / Commercial / Residential / Safe Work

Hey Mechanics! We specialize in lost key generation for luxury automobiles. 24

Ask about our Mail-In-Module Program!

www.DuvallLockAndKey.com

24/7 Emergency Calls Available for car, home, and business lockouts.

Want to OWN your OWN BUSINESS?

A sandwich shop like no other!

Over 500 Franchise Opportunities

Complimentary Guidance for individuals researching franchise ownership.

Call 973.303.6112 Find Your Future Live Your Dreams!

STRATEGIC FRANCHISE CONSULTANTS Kevin Doyle

Franchise Consultant

kevin@sfcnj.com www.sfcnj.com

On top of all your favorites, we feature weekly, unique exotic dishes such as:

Kangaroo Loin | Smoked Duck Sausage Camel Burgers | Alligator Andouille Sausage

Come On In...You’ll Be Glad You Did! (973) 396-2500 | www.eatbabbits.com 28 U.S. 46 W Pine Brook, New Jersey 07058 V eatbabbits | B eatbabbits JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

SWIM FOR LIFE

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANNY LIWANAG

WATER SAFETY IS FOR EVERYBODY AT THE WAYNE YMCA

G E T ACT IV E | HEA LTH + W E LLNE S S

If you’ve ever seen a kid in your neighborhood with the words, “Eat my bubbles!” written in Sharpie somewhere on their body, they’re not an enthusiast of soapy water and plastic wands. That’s full-on swim team trash talk, and in Wayne, there’s no shortage of teams to taunt. One of those teams, the Blue Streaks, calls the pool at Wayne’s YMCA home. Swimming goes way back in Y history. In fact, the first organized swim lessons were created at a YMCA in 1909 (Some quick math — if you were a member of that first swim lesson, you’d be very, very old today). All the swim lessons seen today are based on what the Y started. That history lives on today. At the Wayne YMCA, they call it “Swim for Life.” Swimming is indeed a life skill, and it’s one that they take very seriously at the Wayne Y. Aquatic Director Sam Hassan is quick to point out what sets their program apart. “We go from 0 to 100. We start from the very, very beginning — you’re never too old, never too young to get into the water. We’re the one-stop shop for everybody.”

The end goal is to have zero drownings. They start with Safety Around Water Week, a free program for anyone who’s never been around water or been in a pool before. It began with schoolage kids, but they’d found that there were a number of adults who were in the same situation, out of fear, thinking that they were too old, etc. So they added an adult week to their program. At the Y, their motto is that you’re never too old — for anything. “Getting into the water is the best thing you can do for your body,” Hassan explains. “It’s the least strenuous for the bones.” What they’re doing in their swim program goes beyond water safety, the swim team, and even physical fitness. They’re helping those in the community save lives. Not only do they do lifeguard certification, they also have training classes in CPR and first aid for first responders, teachers, and anyone who wants to be certified. They even have a babysitter certification program. They were named “Best Training Facility” by the Red Cross three years in a row, even during the COVID years. They’re aiming for their fourth now. Nearly all of the lifeguards in town received their certification at the Y. It really is the local lifeguard training center. And those first responders? The police or firefighters who might need to rescue someone from a flood zone? They all need training and certification. In those cases, calling for backup while waiting for someone who can swim just isn’t an option.

Head Swim Coach Vlad Popel

Olympic Hopeful Sarah Rodrigues

NEXT STOP — THE OLYMPICS? Head swim coach, Vlad Popel, has had success across the globe training swimmers for decades. His latest charge has her swimming goals aimed pretty darn high. Sarah Rodrigues, Wayne Valley student and Packanack Lake resident, spent a week at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs this fall with her sights set on making the Olympic team. Granted, not everyone on the Blue Streaks is on a path to the Olympics. Not everyone in the swim program is on the swim team (in fact, the Blue Streaks is only open to swimmers from ages 6-18). Many belong to other teams in the area and use the pool at the Y for additional practice. Sometimes, the pool is used for something entirely different. They do a lot for seniors in the area — the Y is a stop on the town’s Senior Bus route, and the Y has recently started working with some assisted living facilities in town that will bus residents there to use the pool for low-impact aquacise. “I know we keep saying it,” the Y’s Erin Gilgur says. “But it really is swim for life. It starts with safety around water — the Square One basics (if you can’t swim and fall into the water, that sort of thing), then swim lessons, swim team, health and exercise. It’s not just for kids. It’s for everybody.” “We believe that everybody and anybody should learn to swim,” Hassan advises. “The hardest part is just getting here. We do the rest.” JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

GERMAN MOTORS, your local performance shop, is now showing what goes into the work they provide for our vehicles. You can now check them out through the comfort of your own home. Go on YouTube and you will see what these guys bring to the table for your European vehicles.

Drive By With German Motors GermanMotorsNewJersey.com V @German__Motors B German Motors

F German Motors 28

B E CO M E A PA RT O F O U R D E N TA L FA MI LY

Jules Fine Jewelry

Keep Your Valentine’s Heart

beating

( 97 3 ) 6 3 3 -12 00 js c d e n t i s t ry. c o m

o n l i n e s ch e du li ng avai lable for you r c onve nienc e

87 Be rdan Aven ue, S uit e 1 B , Way n e, N ew J e r s ey

JUSTIN E SCHEPIS, DDS

(973) 808-1515 w w w. j u l e s f i n e j e w e l r y. c o m 8 Whitehall Road, Montville, New Jersey at Rail s in Towaco Cro ssing JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

I T ’S N O T J U S T MEDIC A L C A R E , I T ’S HUMAN CARE WAYN E

SURGI CAL

AN D

E L ITE

S U RGICA L C EN TE R ARE RE D E FIN IN G WH AT

HEA LTHCARE

CAN

S H OULD BE

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO

M UST SE E | HEA LTH + WELLNE S S

AN D

A medical procedure can be a life-altering event. No matter how prepared you are, you’re still facing a void of the unknown, not to mention a sea of red tape, probable insurance nightmares, overworked staff, recovery, and a mountain of questions that might never be answered to ease your mind. That’s not even taking into account the hospital experience, which can be intimidating, bureaucratic, and generally overwhelming. It’s not even out of the question that a hospital stay can be harmful for your health, between the strain of recovery, understaffing, emergencies, and the risk of post-surgical infection. Let’s face it: despite their best efforts, hospitals might not be the best places to try to get well. There is a better way, and it’s local. You get the same care from top-level doctors that you’d get at the hospital. But it comes from a place that’s far more human-based. Actually, it’s two locations, both on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne. Wayne Surgical and Elite Surgical are two outpatient surgical facilities that radically change the experience of going through a surgical procedure. Not from a medical perspective — that remains the same — but in a holistically human way. The starting point is the CEO of the organization, Dennis Simmons. Although he’s not a doctor himself, Dennis has led the team that’s performed about 178,000 procedures since their opening in 1999 (“Anything but eyes,” Dennis explains). To get a better perspective about Wayne Surgical and Elite Surgical, Dennis suggested we talk to a few of the doctors affiliated with them for their thoughts. We spoke with Dr. Dhar Shreepada, Dr. Christo Klele, and Dr. Anthony Festa, all of whom make up the board, the executive committee that run the centers. The three doctors were quick to deflect credit for their success there. “There are 50 doctors here. Yeah, they’re all excellent doctors. They’re all in the community. That’s the biggest thing. All of the doctors, the nurses, the staff, they’re all from around here. We know the people who come here. We see them in the supermarket, our kids play on the same soccer teams. We need to make sure that they get through everything OK.” says Dr. Shreepada. Dr. Klele is eager to give the credit for the human side of things to the staff there. “They’re really the ones that create that friendly, far less stressful experience. People are far less anxious and stressed coming into this facility — with this level of care — without the intimidation factor of the hospital.” Dr. Shreepada concurs. “It’s the nurses, the staff, the way they talk to the patients, calm them down, they’re all kind to them — it’s experience and empathy. To all of us here, all that matters is the person sitting in front of them. The staff here have all worked at hospitals, most for years, so they know how they’d like to make it a different experience for people who come here. We try to hang on to every little bit of humanity we can.”

Anthony Festa, Christo Klele, Dennis Simmons, Dhar Shreepada

“IT’S THE N UR SE S, THE STAFF, THE WAY T H E Y TA LK TO T H E PATIEN TS, CA LM THE M D OW N , THE Y ’ RE ALL KI N D TO T H E M — IT’S EX PERI EN CE AN D E MPATHY. TO AL L OF U S H E R E , A LL T H AT MATTERS IS TH E P E RSON SITTIN G IN FRONT O F T H E M .”

Of course, there’s one additional detail that really needs to be considered beyond the human care of this outpatient system — cost. There’s no overnight stay, no additional fees associated with hospitalization. There’s no corporate bureaucracy. When you factor in the exceptional level of care that you get at these facilities, it’s hard to imagine opting to pay more simply to get a more stressful experience as a result. And it can sometimes be vastly less expensive to have procedures done in their outpatient facilities rather than in a hospital. There’s one hidden key to the human side to these offices, according to Dr. Shreepada — and echoed by the staff. “If we look to one person that gives us the humanity of Wayne Surgical Center, it’s Dennis. He’s the heart.” Wayne Surgical Center is at 1176 Hamburg Turnpike and Elite Surgical is at 307 Hamburg Turnpike, both in Wayne.

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

$1 ENROLLMENT ALL MONTH LONG

Crush Your 2023 Fitness Goals with us at Gold’s Gym

Owners Jeff & Gina Mortman

Premier 40,000 Sq Ft Facility Local Family & Veteran Owned Proudly Voted the Best Gold’s Gym in North America

973.256.4653 | goldsgym.com/totowanj | 18 Furler St · Totowa, NJ B @goldsgymtotowanj | V @goldsgymtotowanj

10 Warning Signs You Should Meet With An Elder Law Attorney For Your Aging Loved One 1. Changing eating habits, resulting in weight loss, appetite loss, or missed meals 2. Neglecting personal hygiene, including clothing, body odor, oral health, nails, and skin 3. Neglecting the home, with a noticeable change in tidiness and/or sanitation 4. Exhibiting inappropriate behavior, such as being unusually loud, quiet, paranoid, or agitated, or making phone calls at unusual hours 5. Changing relationship patterns, causing friends and neighbors to express concern 6. Showing physical injuries, such as burns, which may have resulted from general weakness, forgetfulness, or misuse of alcohol or medication 7. Decreasing or stopping participation in activities that were once enjoyable, such as a bridge or book club, dining with friends, or attending religious services 8. Exhibiting forgetfulness, resulting in unopened mail, newspaper piles, unfilled prescriptions, or missed appointments 9. Mishandling finances, such as not paying bills or paying them more than once and losing or hiding money 10. Making unusual purchases, such as more than one subscription to the same magazine, entering an unusually large number of contests, or increasing purchases from television advertisements

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO CHOOSE? Franchising with us means making money and time for your life.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS

LOW FRANCHISE FEE

SET YOUR SCHEDULE

W O R K- L I F E BALANCE

S TA RT YO U R OW N P U B L I C AT I O N

CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FRANCHISE

JANUARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / WAY N E

Creating a Better Snowman A FEW TIPS TO GET YOU ROLLING

There’s probably no more quintessential symbol of winter than a snowman. We’ve all seen Frosty and are probably pretty familiar with Olaf. But if you want to install one into your own yard, you’ll have to put a little elbow grease into creating one without the help of world-class animators. Here are some tips to help give your yard a well-dressed frozen sentry sure to turn your neighbors’ heads.

TIP 1: NOT ALL SNOW IS SNOWMAN SNOW. It takes more than a flurry to build a snowman. Heavy, slushy snow won’t work, and if it’s too powdery dry it won’t pack together. If you can pack a good snowball, you can build a snowman. Bonus tip: Dry snow can be modified to workable snowman snow with a quick spritz of water from a spray bottle, or a light mist from that garden hose you really should have already put away for the winter.

TIP 2: ROLL TOWARDS YOUR GOAL — THE LONG WAY. Decide where to position your snowman and make that your finish line. Start with a well-packed snowball and get rolling, but don’t just go in one direction. Roll the ball to start accumulating snow, then roll back, then roll in a different direction. Pack and begin to shape your snowball as you go. Reinforce as necessary. Look to use a 3-2-1 ratio for the sections.

TIP 3: EVEN SNOWMEN CRAVE STABILITY.

TIP 4: SNOW IS HEAVY. ENLIST A BUDDY. A willing helper can help lift that heavier-thanyou-expect next stage into place. You can even roll it onto a tarp and lift from either side to get it up there. A third set of hands can help move it into place. Otherwise, use plywood as a ramp to roll

H OW TO | L IFE + CU LTU R E

it up yourself (braced well against the bottom with plenty of support underneath, so as to not damage the base). You might need an extra bowl of Wheaties to roll it up there alone.

TIP 5: PILOT HOLES ARE YOUR FRIEND. Simply jamming details into your snowman can mess with its integrity. Use a sharp stick to gently create some pilot holes for your features before you set them into place.

TIP 6: GIVE HIM SOME PERSONALITY. There’s always that classic snowman uniform of a scarf, hat, a carrot nose and coal (sure, we all have that lying around these days — river rocks might be easier to get your hands on). Or you could be a bit more creative, maybe with an old oversized Hawaiian shirt, a jazzy vest, or go all-out and channel your inner Martha Stewart, breaking out your Dremel to make something custom for your wintery lawn guest. You might need to use your imagination — not many of us have corncob pipes or top hats anymore, either. Pro tip: if you’re dressing your snowman, put any body clothing you might use on before adding the arms. Just remember. If you mess it up, it’s ok because he’ll be back again some day.

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

Once you get your base section in place, shore up the bottom with snow. Then at the top, create a bowl-shaped indentation to allow the next section to sit securely. Ensure each section is well-packed with added snow around the “joint” between the sections.

Could that little guy on the left really be our publisher?

Easier care

starts with connected care.

Whether it’s a yearly physical, an unexpected trip to urgent care, a hospital stay or home care, Atlantic Health System seamlessly connects our doctors to you, each other and your health records, making it easier to get and stay healthy. Visit atlantichealth.org/healthyeasier