Wayne, NJ June 2023

Men's Issue This One Is

Before I get into my thoughts on fathers, I want to point out how exceptionally cool the Star Wars photo shoots were for this month.  The passion and creativity that the community has is impressive but, more than that, the ability to take a childhood joy and turn it into a lifelong love is inspiring.  I had so much fun talking with and meeting the various SW fanatics.

Should I say it? Yes, right? As a transition to the next paragraph, I think I have to say it.

I am your father.

Now that I got that out of my system - Have you ever wondered, “Do fathers matter?” or “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!

My father has made such a difference in my life that not only do I unfairly judge my own parenting scorecard vs his (something I could never hold up against) but I have actually adopted the thought WWDD (What Would Dad Do).

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-changing 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 the father 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 you and need you, as well as the community around you.  Now go make our wing recipe we shared with you and soak in the love. Happy

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Lindsay Bernero | lindsay1833@yahoo.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Jasmine Matulewicz | wayne@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Don Seaman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Agnello, Phillip Barone, Julian Huarte, Judy Rosen

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 Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Proverbs 3:5-6

Father’s Day!

PHILLIP BARONE, PUBLISHER @WAYNELIFESTYLEMAG

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: The Wayne Hills Photo Gallery Fundraising Night displayed some serious talent- you all should be proud! 2: Dave Faccone has judged that you need to join the beSure networking group 3: Teacher Pam Stomel (2nd from right) led the team in putting the fundraising night together- great job everyone! 4: The school even provided great music to complete the night! 5: Many came out to celebrate the grand opening of the new Dina Drew Duva Studio. 6: Kira (First Female 4-time NJSIAA wrestling champion) and Robert Pipkins (former US Luge Olympian) attended. 7: The event went so great, even Dina's daughter was proud of her!

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @waynelifestylemag

Photography by Phillip Barone

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

VIBRANT

LIFESTYLE.

JUST WHAT ACTIVE SENIORS NEED TO THRIVE THIS SPRING. Gorgeous Community.

Spring is the perfect time to clear the daily hassles from your life and add more of whatever it is that makes you shine.

Learn how a move to Brightview will help you do both. Come meet our team and see how our resort-like amenities, services, and specialized support inspire bright, carefree days for residents – and peace of mind for families.

Wayne YMCA Summer Concert Series

The Wayne YMCA announces an exciting lineup of concerts for its 2023 Summer Concert Series. The lineup of talent is extraordinary. The series kicks off July 6 and includes music of the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, The Grateful Dead, Broadway and so much more!

Girl Scouts Women of Achievement 2023

account options options:

New job, new retirement account options

New job, new retirement account options

Changing jobs? Consider these 401(k) options:

• Leave the money in your previous employer’s plan

Changing jobs? Consider these 401(k) options:

The Girl Scouts of Northern NJ held their Women of Achievement Awards at Westmount Country Club on April 20th. Honorees were  Dr. Jabeen Ahmed,  Medical Director, Sheefa Pharmacy and Wellness Center;  Colleen Fay, CPA, MST,  Tax Partner, Withum;  Samantha Plotino, Elinor J. Ferdon Young Woman of Promise Award, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation;  Danielle Nebres,  Mitzi Golbek Spirit of Girl Scouting Award,  Service Unit Manager, Madison and Harding Townships, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

• Leave the money in your previous employer’s plan

• Move it to your new employer’s plan

• Roll it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

• Move it to your new employer’s plan

• Cash out the account subject to early withdrawal penalties

• Roll it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

• Cash out the account subject to early withdrawal penalties

We can talk through your financial goals and find the option that works best for you.

Planning for college can be as exciting as planning a family vacation.

Conan F Ward Financial Advisor

We can talk through your financial goals and find the option that works best for you.

Let’s

500 Valley Road Suite 108 Wayne, NJ 07470 973-872-1616

Conan F Ward Financial Advisor

500 Valley Road Suite 108 Wayne, NJ 07470

973-872-1616

40,000 Meals Prepped For The End Hunger

3.6 Event

Essex Valley School, local district Rotarians, and over 100 volunteers from Morris and Essex counties packed more than 40,000 non-perishable meals to be distributed both domestically (to local food pantries) and internationally (to the Ukrainian Cultural Center).  1 in 5 children go hungry but people coming together like this can help end that!

Photography by Julian Huarte, Orchard Street Studio

Photography by Judy Rosen

THE FORCE WILL BE WITH THEM. ALWAYS.

For the alliance of Star Wars creators and collectors, there is no try.

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO & PHILLIP BARONE

The automatic doors whoosh open as Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper lead Princess Leia down a stark white hallway. Along the way, small eyes peer out, taking in the dramatic scene.

It’s the best day of their lives.

Michael Maloney proudly dons his Imperial Officer, Stormtrooper and X-Wing Pilot costumes- just a fraction of his created treasures.

Maloney’s hard work and ingenuity has paid off with his own, homemade R2-D2, complete with all the noises, movements and lights a droid could hope for.

Michael Maloney, his daughter, and a small group of friends had made another visit to a children’s hospital in full Star Wars regalia. “You can't put a price on seeing that joy, that excitement when kids see R2-D2 or a Stormtrooper coming down the hall. It's priceless,” the occasional Stormtrooper admits. And having his young daughter by his side (as Leia) allowed him to demonstrate a life lesson: what giving back is all about. “l vowed then and there that I’d always go with a full-face covering mask. The kids wouldn’t want to know that their Stormtrooper had tears welling up.”

It’s a shining example of why Star Wars can be a positive force (forgive me) in our world, from a certain point of view.

Like the movies, the Star Wars fan universe includes a wide swath of different groups. You’ll find collectors, creators, cosplayers, fan fiction writers — all devoted to that galaxy far, far away.

Michael is a creator. He’s built his own R2-D2 that’s so realistic that you almost imagine he has a clone of Kenny Baker inside. It’s been certified by Lucas Films as “screen authentic” and registered with them so they can dispatch him off to charity events with R2 in tow.

Although technology and social media have vastly improved the creators’ capabilities, there’s still a high price to be paid for parts, sometimes so authentic you’d swear they weren’t made on this planet. So Michael has taught himself to solder, sew, and any other skill necessary to create his fully scaled Star Wars droids and costumes. “It’s allowed me to skip buying a specific piece for a droid that would probably cost well over $1,000. I can make the same thing for a hundred bucks if I do it myself.”

It's an investment that pays off for the joy it brings him — and others — when he brings them out to conventions, charity events, and just plain showing off with some national Star Wars creator groups he belongs to, like the 501st Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, R2-D2 Builders, and Droid Builders. This is serious fandom where realism is not only expected, it’s sanctified.

That fully functional lightsaber or Millennium Falcon might still take more than just 3D printing and other 21st Century technology breakthroughs. But if it’s possible, this devoted set of humans might just make that jump to hyperspace. After all, what’s AI if not a droid without a body?

Collectors in this universe might have thousands of figures and models that may have taken years to acquire. They might have started with a giveaway from a McDonald’s Happy Meal and progressed to a deep dive into eBay, scouring flea markets, and conventions to find rare pieces of Star Wars memorabilia. Some have so much that their homes are bursting with figures, displayed everywhere, spilling out far beyond their mancave. The perfect example of this is one reader, Bill, who collects 6-inch Star Wars figures with his son, TJ (names obviously changed).

Another local collector has a remarkably supportive and patient wife. In Joe’s house, his Star Wars collection is even part of their dining room display. There’s nothing confirmed that his dinner music includes a playlist from the Mos Eisley Cantina Band, but it would certainly set the proper mood. His collective set of lightsaber hilts, statues, and movie props probably fits in well with decorative place settings.

That fully functional lightsaber or Millennium Falcon might still take more than just 3D printing and other 21st Century technology breakthroughs. But if it’s possible, this devoted set of humans might just make that jump to hyperspace. After all, what’s AI if not a droid without a body?

In this universe, you’re not always just a creator or only a collector. There isn’t a Star Wars version of Ying/Yang, Jedi/Sith dynamic. Joe happens to be both. “I belong to certain online forums that discuss what the real-life parts are, and what was used to make certain weapons and tools from the movies. If there’s something I’m really interested in and can do it, I’ll make it. Sometimes, though, a company will come out with such a great, screen accurate item that I just have to buy it.”

No matter which side you fall into — Empire, Rebellion, Jedi, Sith, creator, collector, cosplayer, reenactor,  Wookie… there’s a place for anyone who might be on a journey to complete their own Kessel Run in this universe. Here, nobody’s too short to be a Stormtrooper.

Just don’t ever say “Luke — I am your father.” They’ll find your lack of faith…disturbing.

Bill, and his son, TJ, have collected over 300 six-inch figures, vehicles, creatures, ships and building. Plenty had to be left out of the photoshoot as there was no more room on the tables.

Joe’s collection (only partially shown here) of statues, lightsabers and movie props is the stuff kids dreams are made of.

No matter which side you fall into — Empire, Rebellion, Jedi, Sith, creator, collector, cosplayer, reenactor,  Wookie… there’s a place for anyone who might be on a journey to complete their own Kessel Run in this universe.

The Cool Way To Avoid the Injured List

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN RZUCIDLO

MAKING SURE YOUR FIELD OF DREAMS ISN'T YOUR FIELD OF SCREAMS

We’ve all been there. It’s a great day out and summer’s peaking around the corner. Your buddies call you up for a quick round of golf or your softball team is having their first real game of the season. Despite your promises to yourself, you haven’t prepared yourself adequately to be athletic. Again.

You come home and your knee is killing you. You’ve got another game on Thursday night. What are you going to do now?

First, let’s go over some things that Johns Hopkins suggests to prevent injury in the first place: developing a fitness plan that includes strength training, cardio, and flexibility; stretching properly; cooling down twice as long as warming up; using the right equipment and supportive footwear; learning the right techniques for your sport; and rest when you’re tired. You’ve maybe done one of these. Two, max.

And it gets worse as we inevitably age but still try to do the same things with the same intensity as we did when we were younger. Studies show that it takes a 45-year-old about 15% more time to recover from the same injury than a 30-year-old. This news is unlikely to make any of us feel any better as we drop more Advil on the problem.

“Most of these injuries are due to inflammation,” explains Brian Rzucidlo of RZ Health. That’s why doctors recommend icing an injury, pushing blood away from the affected area to reduce swelling. And that’s the reason that cryotherapy is becoming a science-forward, evolutionary way to help athletes recover from their injuries and just plain overdoing it.

Pete DeAnda (competitive bodybuilder, softball player and owner of 3 Evolve Supps n' Nutrition stores) knows what it takes to stay in on the field.

Brian’s company is a big proponent of cryotherapy. “These are treatments that can be done in 5 to 10 minutes for a relatively low cost. It’s isolated on the affected area, so you’re going to see some instant relief that will feel even better during the next few days as new blood and nutrients come back to help heal the injury.”

The process works effectively enough that many schools have used cryotherapy to help their student-athletes to not only speed up the healing process for injuries but also to recover faster and improve overall mobility. “We have a mobile setup so we can go to the school to offer our service. The coach will have us set up next to the weight room so the kids can come in and we can get entire teams done in one session.”

They also have high-profile athletes as clients, including UFC fighter Nick Diaz, former MLB pitcher Vin Mazzaro, and Mr. Olympia competitor Victor Martinez.

Brian has found that this treatment isn’t simply for athletes and people with injuries. Cryotherapy can also be used to relieve arthritis, post surgery, and for facials. In fact, one unexpected positive impact of cryo-facial treatments came to light after he’d heard from six different people who’d undergone recent treatments. “They all said ‘I can finally breathe again.’ The cryotherapy treatment had reduced the inflammation in their sinuses, so it was effective for them as a side benefit as well.”

Nobody’s saying that you should avoid the Advil or turn down a massage when you’re sore. But this is a quick, affordable therapeutic process that will speed up your recovery and get you back out onto the field again far quicker than statistics say you will.

Never turn a cold shoulder to science — unless that’s where you need it.

RZ Health is located at 148 Hamburg Turnpike in Bloomingdale. You can learn more about the benefits of cryotherapy on his website, rzhealth.org.

Playing like a kid is easy. Recovering as an adult is hard. But what if it wasn't?

Butler high school senior Wyatt Frawley (1st team all-conference in football & wrestling) puts his trust in Brian's cryotherapy.

Insidiously Raise Better Humans

Bringing up teenagers has always been hard. But if you try really hard to screw things up, you’ll find that in the end it’s all been worth it. Here are six ways to successfully make their lives productively miserable.

TEACH THEM SOMETHING.

This can run the gamut from how to properly make a soft-boiled egg to how to hang shelves in their room. Teaching them how to do yard work, such as mowing the lawn or trimming the shrubs, can be a real morale-buster, although they’re likely to

find some joy in doing the gardening version of “donuts” with the weed wacker in the middle of the lawn.

CELEBRATE THEIR FAILURES.

Struck out to end the game? Got a C- on that exam that they studied really hard for? Still can’t ride a bike after your 16th trip to the deserted parking lot? Order their favorite pizza and take them for ice cream.

Knowing that you still love them even though they’re not perfect is like a dagger in the heart.

HOW TO RUIN YOUR CHILDREN’S LIVES IN 6 EASY STEPS

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

LEARN ABOUT THEIR FRIENDS.

“So, who were you on the phone with?” is a great ice-breaker. Chances are, they’ll instantly retreat into their cocoon of teen silence. Don’t let that stop you. Eavesdropping is a powerful tool, although probably unnecessary with a 14-year-old girl — there are no doors thick enough to dampen those sessions. If it’s a 14-year-old boy talking to a girl, you’ll probably need to be a bit more direct, like unlocking the door to his room “to get something” while he’s Facetiming. It really tests their reflexes.

Sleepovers are a necessary evil, although you’re far less likely to find out anything useful about their friends (they’ll be on their “best” behavior, usually). but you’ll probably learn a bit about your child, particularly if they’re getting a little older. But there’s a good chance that you’ll find out a bit about that whiny friend who announces to you at 2AM that he can’t sleep without a white noise machine.

LAUGH WITH THEM.

Never underestimate the usefulness of an inside joke. It’s insidious. When unleashed during a tense period, these can be Mjölnir-like tools for cracking a hardening exterior.

Another hidden gem is the “don’t tell mom” things that you do with/around them to tie some invisible strings. They will enjoy my having some unspoken “power” over you that they believe is an advantage. They have been duped. Mom knows that you snuck those cupcakes. But she doesn’t care because it will help you get through 7th Grade.

But really, there’s nothing quite like doing something stupid that will get them to laugh can be disarming. That’s when you have the tactical advantage. Don’t be afraid to be stupid. Embrace it. Own it. It will serve you well.

BE PRESENT DURING THE HARD TIMES.

If they’re having problems with a friend - listen to them as they complain and tell you about their struggles. It’s not like they’re “coming” to you or anything, they’re just venting and you happen to be a human in the room. “Fixing” their problems by relating and giving them solid examples of the same exact thing happening to you and how you got through it is just evil. You clearly know nothing.

RESPOND WITH LOVE.

This one really gets them.

You may remember that very first nerve-wracking ride home from the hospital with your newborn, this person who changed your life and mindset so fundamentally that you can’t imagine life before. But they certainly don’t. All they know is that you’re a means, not a solution. And you obviously know nothing about being a teenager.

Completely ignoring their feelings is the way to go here. They’ll pull back from your hugsjust hold on for another 10 count. You’ll charge their phone for them at night when your every instinct tells you to just take it away from them. But since they’re safer with it than without it, you just can’t do that.

It’s probably the hardest thing to do when you’re higher up that wall than they’ve ever pushed you. But it’s still the most powerful weapon in your arsenal.

Keep teaching those lessons, even though you’re probably teaching yourself more than you’re teaching them. At least for the moment. Over time, the lessons will seep in, despite themselves. You’ll find your kids are screwing up less, making better choices, doing better in school, and excelling in ways that you never could’ve predicted.

All because you chose to ruin their lives.

It’s going to take some special insanity to get through some of their phases, but all the boundary-pushing is survivable.

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

Perfect Outdoor Oven Chicken Wings

The Easy Method That Changes Everything

We own an Ooni pizza oven at home and besides the ability to make delicious, welldone pizza, I’ve come to find that you can make some incredibly good chicken wings in there too.  They are quick to cook (4-5 minutes), end up crispy with a little char and cause nowhere near the mess they would if you were to cook them in the kitchen.  Cook in an Ooni or any outdoor oven with overhead flames.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 dozen (about 2 lbs) chicken wings

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil

• Pinch of Kosher salt

• 2 cups of your favorite wing sauce

• Celery and carrots: cut into finger-length pieces (optional)

• Blue cheese dressing (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

01. Place a cast-iron skillet in the oven and turn it to its medium-high setting. Preheat for 15 minutes (aim for 900°F).

02. Cut the wings and drumsticks at the joints. Dry the wings thoroughly.

03. In a large bowl, toss the wings with vegetable oil until completely coated then season them with salt.

04. Using a protective oven mitt, remove the skillet and set it on a heat-resistant surface.

05. Use tongs to place the wings on the skillet, laying them down so they splatter away from you. Place them about an inch apart then return the skillet so it’s just inside the oven.

06. Cook for 2 minutes then carefully remove the skillet to a heat-resistant surface and turn each wing over, swapping the front and back wings.

07. Cook for another 2 minutes then check the temperature of the meat (not the bone) with a digital thermometer. Once they’ve reached 165°F remove and toss in a large bowl with at least 1/3 cup of wing sauce.

08. For some extra flavor, return them to the oven for 1-2 minutes after saucing.  Remove, sauce again and serve (with optional celery/ carrots/blue cheese dressing).

09. Lastly, ask yourself why you haven’t invited me over to share some wings.

ARTICLE BY PHILLIP BARONE