PUBLISHER
Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com
I have always loved May. Flowers are blooming, base ball/softball is in full swing (pun intended) and Mother’s Day is here. I’ve told you all my dad is my hero, my inspiration. On the other side of that was my mom…my conscience. She was there for everything growing up: homework, school projects, studying for tests, Sunday School (CCD), soccer, wrestling, jobs, Boy Scouts, trouble with friends, rejections by crushes, you name it. She used to pitch to me in the backyard and even coached some of my baseball teams. Through everything, she was there, seeing all my moments. Helping me to understand how I should feel and react to the successes and failures in my life, big and small. What a special woman.
As I reached early adulthood, I lost my mom and that happened before I was able to get to know Jamey Barone, so I only ever knew her as mom. I never learned Jamey’s flaws and so she remained perfect to me. No woman could live up to her. But then I met LeLane, my wife and mother of my children. Then Janet, whom we were all lucky enough my father met years later and married. She’s my second mother. Then I started Wayne Lifestyle and I started to meet all of you.
Part of my marketing pitch is that I connect my readers to the “lights of the community”. Those lights are typically special people. I have met and gotten to know so many amazing women over these last several years and it honors me to share their stories with you.
In this issue, you meet Evita Scoccia. Fashion model, swimsuit designer, founder of NY Swim Week and literally one of the hardest working people I have met. She is an inspiration to young women everywhere. She shows that, with hard work, you don’t have to wait for success.
Read about Tammy Varga- a woman who puts her all into every aspect of her life and her community.
Justine Schepis, our resident dentist who I’ve told you all before makes you smile with her warmth and personality shared some tips on how to get that smile to look its best.
In honor of our Ladies’ Issue, I even included a recipe for lady fingers.
I urge you all to look around and see the special women in your lives. Appreciate them. Appreciate that you’ve gotten to know them..and then tell them how you feel.
Happy Mother’s Day!
PHILLIP
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Officially Social | Alison@officiallysocial.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Don Seaman, Alessandra Guarneri, Evita Scoccia, Justine Schepis
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Agnello, Tammy Varga, Evita Scoccia, Phillip Barone
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
f a c t o r y
A u t h o r i z e d
ARTICLE BY ALESSANDRA GUARNERI PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAMMY VARGA, PHILLIP BARONE
Imagine you’re finally sitting down for a meal with your beau, ready to debrief a week that seemed to never end, but something interrupts your relaxation - a siren that there’s a nearby fire and you’re needed elsewhere. You dash out, leaving your significant other behind, and head to the emergency, unclear when or if you’ll be able to return to your dinner plans. This is a constant reality for one selfless community member, Tammy Varga, a Butler resident who’s a volunteer firefighter in Bloomingdale.
By day, Varga is a manager for Precision Garage Door Service. Yet she’s on call to her community, 24/7, with no way to predict when she’ll be needed next, yet that’s being all-in to her. She joined the fire academy in 2017 — a bit later in life than usual — but welcomed with open arms, and voted as Class President and Team Leader by her peers for each level of training.
“That was an experience like you wouldn’t believe,” Varga explains. “I was like the mom of the largest class. They all looked up to me.”
Varga was constantly outside of her comfort zone while training, especially due to her fear of heights - a fear that she has (nearly) overcome. She’s proven to herself that it’s never too late to do something that you love.
Now, her reaction to responding to emergencies comes as second nature.
“The tones go off and we run,” Tammy notes. “It is such an adrenaline rush.”
Despite volunteering, each firefighter must meet annual requirements, with a mandatory number of meetings and a certain number of fire responses to maintain their spot on the team.
Exceeding requirements has never been a challenge for Varga.
“I’ve always wanted to be a first responder,” Varga explains. “My children are grown, so there’s no responsibility for taking care of little ones. After my day job, I could come home and do nothing - but I choose to do this instead. It’s for me and my community.”
Varga also helps with local fundraisers, constantly focused on what more she can do to give back. She wants to remind others that involvement doesn’t have to be something as big as becoming a volunteer firefighter. Every act of kindness counts.
“The little things add up, even if it’s donating to a fundraiser,” Varga explains. “Pitching in somehow to the ‘community family’ moves the needle. No matter how small the action isyou’re still helping.”
Outside of volunteering, she enjoys hiking, fishing, and camping with her family. She has three children, two stepchildren from a previous marriage, and two grandchildren who she absolutely adores. The local hero also helps her husband, Jon, with his business, Varga Construction.
Tammy has undoubtedly made her mark on the local community with countless acts of selflessness, a reminder that bravery has no bounds. Soon, the sirens will go off and she’ll be on her way to save the day again.
“After my day job, I could come home and do nothing - but I choose to do this instead. It’s for me and my community.”
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO, EVITA SCOCCIA
There are people who you could look at and you might think, “They should be a model.” It’s usually a snap judgment about their look, their poise, their aura. There’s the “it” factor that can be hit upon simply with a glance.
Evita Scoccia certainly has that. But it’s what is inside that makes her positively transcendent.
Most people in their mid-twenties aren’t willing to take on as much – or as driven to persevere – as Evita. She has a full-time job as an event planner, a swimsuit designer, founder of New York Swim Week, and, yes, a model.
It’s not a bad list of accomplishments for a young woman from a small town near Pittsburgh who had no intention of heading to New York. But Evita has never been one to stop at “not bad.” Can’t is simply not in her lexicon.
In fact, one of her main motivations throughout has been to help people push past the idea of “can’t.”
New York Swim Week is her baby and swimsuit design is her passion project. Yet the underlying thread is to be an influence for young women, particularly those who don’t have the correct support systems to help them maximize their potential – or their dreams.
“It’s not about having all the answers. You’re staring into the abyss, but you keep hustling despite what people might think,” explains Evita. “Persistence makes the impossible possible.”
Evita launched her swimwear brand, Evita Luxury Swimwear, straight out of high school, before she ever even thought of one day attending Parsons School of Design in NYC. It started a chain of events that led her to the biggest stage in the world, although her humble beginnings didn’t presage where she would end up. She first unveiled her swimsuit designs at Pittsburgh Fashion Week, but New York is where some of the biggest fashion schools in the world are. It was her family who suggested that she take on that challenge if she was going to be a success. And it was their example that she followed that set the tone for her future.
“My mother is really my rock, my right hand,” she says. “She helps with the packaging of my swimwear from Pittsburgh.” Her father’s own efforts in giving back inspired her to devote a portion of her profits to charity.
It’s this commitment to a greater cause that has Evita seeking out speaking engagements. She was invited to sit in on a panel at this year’s NY Fashion Week where she once won the award for Best Petite Model. She’s had her own Times Square billboard. However, her NY legacy will likely be built away from the runway.
Before Evita, there was no New York Swim Week. It was an idea that came to her simply considering her apartment’s pool. Soon, she took her trademarked concept and built it into an annual event, now poised to host its fourth show in July of 2024. She took it all on entirely by herself, with no mentor or guide to help bring her ideas to fruition.
“It’s not about having all the answers. You’re staring into the abyss, but you keep hustling despite what people might think. Persistence makes the impossible possible.”
“I’ve always had the drive to be self-sufficient and take things on,” she says. Her experience in event planning was an advantage, while her swimsuit design life told her what was important for success. There was no blueprint to guide her, yet she’s created something that’s having a lasting, far-ranging impact.
The idea of Swim Week is now being held in cities across the country, inspired by the indomitable spirit of one smalltown girl who’s conquered Manhattan.
Evita is simply someone who will upend any preconceptions you may have about models. Her beauty comes from her mind, her heart, her spirit. She’s an articulate, driven businesswoman who brightens the world simply by what she says and what she does. It’s what’s inside that makes her radiant.
Her New York Swim Week website explains her modus operandi and why it’s so important to her: “…empowerment to all female entrepreneurs to never stop the hustle until you walk into a room with everyone knowing your name.”
Evita Scoccia is special. Yet, it’s just as important to her that others know that they are, too.
Wayne Lifestyle was invited to cover 2024’s New York Fashion Week, and we were fortunate to engage with such a bona fide, down-to-earth star as Evita. For more information about her show, go to nyswimweek.com . To browse her swimwear, go to www.Evita.shop and visit her on Instagram @evitascoccia
Bikini top features a ruched bra top with non-padded cups, adjustable straps, and back clasp fastening. The matching ruched bikini bottom is designed with oversized side straps to allow adjusting to your preferred coverage.
A bra-style top with super high-waist bottoms in blue lurex. Includes a non-padded cup, adjustable shoulder straps, and back clasp fastening. Hand-sewn Swarovski crystals adorn the underwire.
This Brazilian one-piece swimsuit features a halter neckline with tie straps, detachable padding cups, front hollow-out trimmings, an open back design with back clasp, and high-cut cheeky fit bottoms in shiny gold material.
You can purchase the suits at www. evita.store and check out the latest excitement on their social media platforms: @evita.store.
This bikini takes inspiration from vintage silhouettes with an underwire design and wide supportive straps.
Ruched bra top with high-rise bottoms, snake print, non-padded cup, adjustable straps, and back clasp fastening. The perfect stylish staple-piece everyone needs in their closet.
Now is the perfect time to say goodbye to daily hassles and hello to whatever makes you shine at Brightview.
Come meet our team and learn more about how our resort-like amenities, services, and specialized support inspire bright, carefree days for residents – and peace of mind for families.
Teeth do more than help you chew.
They create your smile.
A smile is more than just a way to express emotion. It’s often the first thing people notice. Studies show that a first impression happens in less than 10 seconds.
Women juggle so much in our society and success in life is enhanced by a strong, healthy smile. Healthy smiles create confidence, allowing us to connect with others and self-advocate. That kind of confidence allows us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Here are tips for a strong, beautiful, healthy smile for yourself and your family:
Tooth decay not only leads to broken teeth, pain, and infection but can permanently affect your smile’s aesthetics. Red, puffy, bleeding gums are bad for overall health and a signal of self-neglect. Periodontal disease can lead to bad breath and tooth loss, linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Brushing and flossing are critical for your daily routine. Brush twice a day, floss once. Before bed for both is most important - with proper technique. Your hygienist can give you instructions to ensure you’re doing it correctly – sure, it’s simple, but are you positive you're doing it right? Ask. It’s important to see them every six months to evaluate your progress and tweak if necessary. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue – bacteria sits there and can cause bad breath. As for flossing, there are many types and tools available, customized for what works for you.
Sugar in food and drinks is what the bacteria in your mouth needs to create acids. Those acids break down your teeth, causing cavities. But it’s not realistic for most people to completely eliminate sugar from their diet. I never could!
Limit the time sugar sits in your mouth – about five minutes, max. Clear it by rinsing with water if you can’t brush. Wait 20 minutes for the pH in your mouth to return to neutral before reintroducing any sugars to minimize your cavity risk.
Although most people associate these as sleeping issues, clenching and grinding can happen throughout the day. They're destructive and shorten teeth, causing wear and fracture lines that can stain over time. They're also linked to dangerous sleep apnea. If a dentist suspects it, you should see your physician right away for testing. Most people are unaware they do this, going undiagnosed for far too long. Once the destruction is apparent, it’s too late. Using a night guard can protect your teeth from clenching and grinding wear.
Once you’ve established good habits and aren’t happy with your smile’s esthetics – like color, shape, size, spacing, or crowding - each can be addressed by your dentist. Cosmetic dentistry can make a healthy mouth beautiful, from whitening to straightening to veneers.
There are a lot of approaches to cosmetic dentistry, as simple or comprehensive as you desire. Cosmetics is all about what makes you feel good, while creating and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It should make you confident in your smile - and what makes you feel and look good is all that matters!
As a woman, wife, mother - and a dentist - my healthy smile helps me to feel good, helping me succeed in my day-to-day life. It is not the only thing of course, but it is a building block that drives me and helps shape who I am.
To have JSC Dentistry help with your smile or any dental needs, call 973-633-1200 or book online at jscdentistry.com.
• 3 large egg whites
• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Separate the yolks and egg whites.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed into soft peaks (the peaks droop over slightly after lifting the beaters). Gradually add half the granulated sugar (¼ cup) while continuing to beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form (holding their shape and don't flop over). Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with remaining granulated sugar and vanilla until thick and pale yellow.
5. Sift the flour and salt over the yolk mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet using a spatula until just combined.
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN6. Gently fold meringue into the yolk mixture in two batches. Be careful not to overmix, or you'll deflate the batter.
7. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip. If you don't have a piping bag, you can spoon batter onto the baking sheets, but piping creates the signature finger shape.
8. Pipe or spoon the batter onto baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each one.
9. Dust baking sheet with powdered sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until ladyfingers are firm to the touch and lightly golden brown.
10. Let cool completely on baking sheet before dusting with more powdered sugar.
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