BC the Mag Early Spring '23

BC THE MAG |SPRING 2023

SPRING 2023

BCTHEMAG.COM

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| SPRING 2023

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SPRING 2023 Publishers Sharon & Steven Goldstein Associate Publisher Brandon Goldstein Editorial Director Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo Art Director BMG Marketing Fashion Director Candace Kristin Contributing Writers Kevin Czerwinski Courtney Gilroy Dr. Michael Gross Soneca Guadara Marilyn Katzman Megan Montemarano Richard Posluszny Kimberly Redmond Stefanie Sears

Bergen County The Magazine is published six times a year. Mail all editorial and advertising materials to 297-101 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 135, Oradell, NJ 07649 or email materials to steven@bcthemag.com.

For advertising and information, please call (201) 694-5197 or (201) 694-5196. For subscription information or to contact us, go to www.bcthemag.com.

Copyright 2023. All materials are the property of Bergen County The Magazine, LLC. and may not be copied or reproduced without written consent from the publishers.

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| SPRING 2023

A Letter from the Editor

“W

hy do you say that all the time?” my son asked.

“Say what?” ”I love you,” he responded.

“Because I do,” I answered. “Do you get tired of hearing it?”

“Never,” he smirked.

I say I love you when he and his brother wake up in the morning.

When they’re playing together, and I look up from the page of my book I’m engrossed in.

When they make me laugh over a silly question.

I indeed do say I love you a lot.

Not because I don’t think they know but because I want them – my boys – to be able to vocalize their love too. I want them to go out into the often-scary world and know deep in their soul that they are loved, and valued, and cherished because somewhere along the way someone or something is going to try to make VJGO DGNKGXG FKǢGTGPVN[ So, on holidays – like St. Patrick’s Day or Easter – and on their birthdays, I’ll cut their food into the appropriate shape or number, and I’ll treat them to gifts. I’ll make sure the leprechaun leaves tricks around our house; I’ll order their favorite cake; I’ll cover them in kisses before bed; and, you better believe, I’ll say I love you more than typical – even for me.

With love,

JESSICA HUMPHREY-CINTINEO

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| SPRING 2023

Table of Contents

14 14

22

32

36

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Building Female Leaders J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares and Wonder Girls Teach Young Women Paths to Success

46 58 46

Have You Heard The Buzz?

Holy Name Medical Center Produces Honey From Rooftop Hives

58

EATS Girl From Empanada

64

THE SPORTS DOCTOR Sports Nutrition Eat To Compete, Eat To Achieve

70

AUTO The All-New Range Rover Reimagining A Classic

76

ESCAPES From Alpine To Mykonos: Mourkakos Family Opens Luxurious Report in Cyclades Islands

Putting Pen To Paper Teaneck’s Author Chana Stiefel Standing on the Roof of Africa John Ebanietti Shares His Journey From The Top of Mount Kilimanjaro

36

STYLE BY SONECA Back To Basics

40

BEAUTY Beauty Buys To Try

76

EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC CARE FROM HEAD TO TOE Whether you are a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, young or young at heart, our orthopedic specialists have got you covered. Offering advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments, we work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle... and your schedule.

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Social

Reno’s Pre-Holiday Networking Party Reno’s Appliance held their annual pre-holiday get-together at their beautiful showroom.

For more information, visit www.renosappliance.com.

Jason Sherwood, Tim Potocki

Carmen Zampino, Marilyn Cosoi, Chris Patrick

Anthony Mazzeo, Rich DeVanna

Joe Morris, Pat Slacke

Marissa Panecki, Mark Ferraro, Carol Mazsen, Kathi Laino

Don Silver, ,QJP 0GFGTǣGNF

$TKCP /CǥC Michele Leepard

Thomas Petersen, Gina Scampone

Sue and Chris Madden

Deborah Grinwis, Michael Laidl

John Cioletti, Chris Gorra, Chris Patrick

John Cioletti, Robert Budelman

Gary and Maria Stapperfenne, Rebecca Witte

Donna Rana, Ashley Downey, Diane Zehnbauer

John Cioletti, Joe Morris

Donna and Rich DeCandido

10

| SPRING 2023

Social

200 Club Casino Night The 200 Club of Bergen County held their Casino Night event at the Bergen County Harley-Davidson Dealer. For more information visit: www.200club.org.

Debbie and Russ Paulsen

Phil Arfuso, Jolee Matone

Bob Torre, Andrea Betancourt, Joanne Rinaldi Sutzer, Tom DeSalvatore

Angelo Lefer, Serina Lancia

Ingrid Perez, Jim Minihan

Sergio Graziano and Family

Joseph Chinniti, Victoria Bruce, Kheira Sanjuanelo, &WNEG CPF ,GǢ -QPVak

Pam Graziano, Caitlyn DiGennaro

George Rosario, Jessica Malone

Brian and Dan Goldrick

Matt Harkin, Cassie Finno

Teddy, Daniela and Alex Riviera

Bob Lamorte, Barbara Sapner

Jack Terhune, Peg Coolick

Andrea Betancourt, Liz DiGennaro

Phil and Liz DiGennaro, Jack Terhune

12

| SPRING 2023

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Building Female Leaders J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares and Wonder Girls Teach Young Women Paths To Success

14

BY MARILYN KATZMAN

| SPRING 2023

B

ergen County teens and young women are DWKNFKPI EQPǣFGPEG NGCTPKPI DWUKPGUU UMKNNU and participating as community volunteers YKVJ VYQ ITQWRU VJCV UJCTG VJGUG IQCNU (TQO *CEMGPUCEM VQ /CJYCJ , ' 5 5 + % # %CTGU CPF 9QPFGT )KTNU QǢGT FKXGTUG RGTURGEVKXGU VJCV VGCEJ CPF inspire young women on paths to success.

5VWFKGU JCXG HQWPF VJCV IKTNU JCXG OWEJ NQYGT UGNH GUVGGO KP VJGKT VGGPCIG [GCTU RCTVKCNN[ CVVTKDWVCDNG VQ UQEKCN OGFKC 1XGT C VYQ [GCT RGTKQF VJG /KNNGPPKWO %QJQTV 5VWF[ NQQMGF CV VJG YGNNDGKPI QH CP GUVKOCVGF [QWPI RGQRNG YJQ YGTG DQTP CTQWPF CPF HQWPF VJCV VJGTG YCU C FKUVKPEV FTQR KP IKTNƷU UGNH GUVGGO CPF UGPUG QH UGNH DGVYGGP VJG CIGU QH CPF 9JGP #UK[C 0CUKT 5JCJGGF ETGCVGF , ' 5 5 + % # %CTGU KP UJG PCOGF KV CHVGT JGT DKTVJ PCOG QH ,GUUKEC $CNNGY DWV HQWPF VJCV CP CETQP[O EQWNF DG URGNNGF QWV YKVJ KVU KPKVKCNU TGǤGEVKPI KVU IQCNU HQT [QWPI YQOGP C ,QWTPG[ VQ DGEQOKPI CP 'ZVTCQTFKPCT[ 5VTQPI 5WEEGUUHWN +PFKXKFWCN YKVJ %QWTCIGQWU #URKTCVKQPU 6JG *CEMGPUCEM DCUGF PQP RTQǣV QǢGTU EQWPUGNKPI YQTMUJQRU TGVTGCVU CPF QVJGT CEVKXKVKGU CKOKPI VQ FGXGNQR UGNH GUVGGO CPF HQUVGT EQPǣFGPEG KP HCEKPI EJCNNGPIGU WNVKOCVGN[ CǢGEVKPI FGEKUKQP OCMKPI #EVKXKVKGU CNUQ HQEWU QP QXGTEQOKPI PGICVKXG KOCIGU [QWPI YQOGP ECP HCEG KP VJG OGFKC YKVJ CP WNVKOCVG IQCN QH EQOOWPKV[ KPXQNXGOGPV #UK[C JCF DGGP KP VJG DCPMKPI KPFWUVT[ HQT [GCTU YJGP UJG VQQM C VTCKPKPI EQWTUG VJCV KIPKVGF C URCTM ƹ+ YKUJGF VJGTG YCU UQOGVJKPI NKMG VJKU YJGP + YCU [QWPIGT ƺ UJG UCKF ƹ+ YCPVGF VQ JGNR [QWPI YQOGP YKVJ C LQWTPG[ QH GORQYGTOGPV VJCV YQWNF EQPVTKDWVG VQ VJGKT HGGNKPIU QH UGNH YQTVJ #V VJG GPF QH VJG FC[ KVƷU JQY [QW XKGY [QWTUGNH )KXG [QWTUGNH VJG ITCEG VQ YQTM QP KORTQXKPI ƺ 5QOG $GTIGP %QWPV[ VGGPU CPF [QWPI YQOGP RCTVKEKRCVG KP QPG FC[ YQTMUJQRU YKVJ VQRKEU UWEJ CU ƹ6JG 2QYGT QH + #O ƺ TGEQIPK\KPI WPJGCNVJ[ XU JGCNVJ[ TGNCVKQPUJKRU CPF KPPGT XU QWVGT DGCWV[ #P GKIJV YGGM UGTKGU QH YQTMUJQRU HQEWUGU QP FGXGNQRKPI VJQWIJV RTQEGUUGU VQ JGNR OCMG FTGCOU C TGCNKV[ #NVGTPCVKPI RTQITCOU KPENWFG DQQM ENWDU CPF C RTQ-

ITCO VQ JGNR RCTVKEKRCPVU UWEEGGF KP VJG YQTMRNCEG KPENWFKPI KPVGTXKGYKPI UMKNNU VQ PGVYQTMKPI CPF TGUWOG DWKNFKPI #P CPPWCN TGVTGCV HGCVWTGU UGUUKQPU YKVJ IWGUV URGCMGTU 2TQITCOU CTG RTQOQVGF VJTQWIJ UQEKCN OGFKC CHVGT UEJQQN RTQITCOU JQWUGU QH YQTUJKR CPF YQTF QH OQWVJ %QNNCDQTCVKQPU YKVJ QVJGT QTICPK\CVKQPU RTQvide volunteer opportunities to read to pediatric hosRKVCN RCVKGPVU JGNR UGTXKPI OGCNU CPF EQCV FTKXGU ƹ+V JGNRU VJGO VQ UGG VJCV JCXG YJCV VQ DG ITCVGHWN HQT CPF VJQWIJ VJG[ OC[ JCXG C UVTWIING YKVJ UQOG CURGEV QH VJGKT NKHG KVƷU PQV CNN DCF ƺ UCKF #UK[C ƹ6JQWIJ O[ DGKPI /WUNKO CVVTCEVU OCP[ /WUNKO [QWPI YQOGP VJG RTQITCOU CTG QRGP VQ CNN ƺ UJG PQVGF ƹ9G JCXG IKTNU QH CNN HCKVJU ǣPF EQOOQPCNKV[ KP VJG VJKPIU VJG[ FGCN YKVJ ƺ

Empowering Future Female Leaders #HVGT OGGVKPI CV C I[O UKZ [GCTU CIQ VJG EQ HQWPFGTU QH 9QPFGT )KTNU 0CVCNKG /CPKUECNEQ CPF +TGPG <GTXQWFKU DGECOG KPXQNXGF YKVJ C YQOGPƷU PGVYQTMKPI ITQWR HQT YQOGP GPVTGRTGPGWTU 6JG[ HQWPF VJGOUGNXGU VCNMKPI CDQWV FQKPI UQOGVJKPI UKOKNCT HQT [QWPI IKTNU CPF NCWPEJGF C YGDUKVG KP VQ HQEWU QP QRRQTVWPKVKGU VQ DWKNF EQPǣFGPEG NGCFGTUJKR EQOOWPKV[ CPF DWUKPGUU UMKNNU Continued on page 16

“We’re both nurturing and teaching educators at JGCTV ƺ UCKF 0CVCNKG ƹ9G YGTG UGGKPI VJG GǢGEVU QH UQEKCN OGFKC CPF VJG RCPFGOKE QP QWT QYP HCOKNKGU ƺ 6JKU HCNN IKTNU KP ITCFGU JCXG RCTVKEKRCVGF KP VGP YGGM CHVGT UEJQQN RTQITCOU KP VQYPU UWEJ CU *KNNUFCNG 4KXGT 8CNG CPF %NKǢUKFG 2CTM 9QTMUJQRU CTG NGF D[ HGOCNG OGPVQTU HTQO XCTKGF DCEMITQWPFU and careers. ƹ+ CNYC[U YCPVGF VQ DG QH UGTXKEG CPF CU VJG OQO QH VJTGG VGGPCIG IKTNU KVƷU KORQTVCPV HQT VJGO VQ DG exposed to strong women,” said Irene.

6JG YQTMUJQRU KP UEJQQNU CPF EQOOWPKV[ EGPVGTU KPENWFG QPG FC[ C OQPVJ FGXQVGF VQ EQOOWPKV[ UGTXKEG YKVJ C NQECN QTICPK\CVKQP UWEJ CU /GCNU QP Wheels where girls can experience careers in the PQP RTQǣV UGEVQT 1PG JQWT XKTVWCN YQTMUJQRU XKC <11/ CTG CNUQ CXCKNCDNG

16

“It’s important that at a young age, girls learn a HQWPFCVKQP QH JQY VQ DWKNF UGNH GUVGGO CPF EQPǣ dence to be leaders,” said Natalie “We want them to HGGN VJCV VJG[ ECP ǣPF C ECTGGT VJCV KU RTQFWEVKXG + NQXG UGGKPI VJG IKTNU VTCPUHQTO HTQO PQV MPQYKPI what they want to do, to dreaming big. We tell VJGO ƶ$G VJG %'1 QH [QWT QYP NKHG Ʒƺ ƹ/[ HCXQTKVG VJKPI CDQWV 9QPFGT )KTNU KU VJCV VJG[ YGNEQOG CP[QPG CPF GXGT[QPG CPF + JCXG DGGP CDNG to connect with so many other girls and women who want to support each other and help girls NKMG OG ǤQWTKUJ ƺ UCKF %CKNC $CTTKGTQU C UGPKQT CV Lyndhurst High School.

(QT OQTG KPHQTOCVKQP XKUKV YYY LGUUKECECTGU QTI and www.wondergirlsusa.org.

| SPRING 2023

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Social

Bogota Savings Bank Holiday Party $QIQVC 5CXKPIU $CPM JGNF VJGKT CPPWCN JQNKFC[ RCTV[ DGPGǣVVKPI VJG NJ Pajama Program. For more information, visit www.bogotasavingsbank.com.

Angela Li, Caren Farrelly

Steven Goldberg, Joe Coccaro

Laura Labetti, Theresa O’Leary

Taylor Smith, Matt Langer, Monica Rivera

Kevin Pace, Brian Kohles, Susanne Hartmann Silva, Brian McCourt

Rodney Baldera, Jose Orellana

Nick Yanni, Richie Mason

Darlene Malaney, Melissa Walsh, Vincenza Percontino, Jackie Setser

Bibi Singh, Lindita Peci

Kyla Harrison, Leonia Hardial

Taylor Smith, Joe Coccaro

Jackie Setser, Kristy Collins, Jim Brown, Melissa Walsh, Joe Coccaro

Brian McCourt, Matt Langer, Joe Coccaro, Steve Goldberg, Kevin Pace

Nina Persaud, Jhonny Farfan

Karen Calderon, Ralph Saxton, Madeline McGrath

Rose Alvarado, Kristen Inglesby

18

| SPRING 2023

When minutes matter, rest assu ured that the most advanced heart care is available e right here. Close to home.

Coronary Bypass Surgery Surgiccal Valve Repair and Replacem ment Cardia ac Catheterization and Coronary Stenting TAVR Procedures WATCHMAN™ Proced dures and Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation n

In the event of an emergencyy call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Social

Englewood Health Breakfast Club The Englewood Health Breakfast Club held their fall event at Montammy Golf Club.

For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

The Englewood Health Breakfast Club Committee

Sara Spinnell, Laurie Kaiden, Sari Perrino

Lyndsley Capuano, Warren Allison Di Staulo, Nicole Geller, Jaime Braunstein, Claisse, Denise Rosenberg Marisa Menzel

Janet Dardik, Norma Wellington

Dr. Ana Burga, Ben and Dr. Alexa Gottdiener, Michael Gutter

,GPPKHGT /CZǣGNF 'XGN[P Ashley Alvillar, Meghan Ostfeld, Brandy Rubin Cutler, Morgan Friedman

,GPPKHGT /CZǣGNF <CKPC Dana and Nick Matahen

Kacey Siegel, Jennifer Glodowski, Lindsay Skulnik, Erica Park

Colette Peteet, Maryelen Brusco

Dr. Ulrike Berth, Asali Ude

Bonnie Fendell, Jennifer )TCH ,GPPKHGT 5EJKǢOCP

Robin Epstein, Mary Beth Lawlor

Viktoria Anske, Emiky Ho, Marisa Menzel, Bridgette Grant

,GPPKHGT /CZǣGNF Natalie Pasquarella

20

| SPRING 2023

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ART

Putting Pen To Paper

Teaneck’s Chana Stiefel Publishes Another Round of Books

BY STEFANIE SEARS

W

hether she is at home, at the library or waiting on line at ShopRite, chances are Teaneck resident Chana Stiefel is writing, and she has been doing so ever since elementary school with the encouragement of her wonderful parents and teachers.

22

| SPRING 2023

Now having authored over 30 books, it was actually journalism that ultimately led her to creative writing. She earned her master’s in science, health and environmental reporting at NYU School of Journalism.

While interning at Scholastic, she became an editor at Scholastic’s Science World magazine. It was here where she discovered her NQXG HQT YTKVKPI DQVJ ǣEVKQP CPF PQPǣEVKQP books for children.

Stiefel’s most recently released books are one of each. Mendel’s Hanukkah Mess Up KU ǣEVKQP YJGTGCU 6JG 6QYGT QH .KHG *QY ;CǢC 'NKCEJ 4GDWKNV *GT 6QYP KP 5VQTKGU CPF 2JQVQITCRJU C ,WPKQT .KDTCT[ )WKNF )QNF /GFCN 5GNGEVKQP KU PQPǣEVKQP What makes Mendel’s Hanukkah Mess Up unique in comparison to Stiefel’s other YQTMU KU VJCV VJKU KU VJG ǣTUV VJCV UJG JCU written with her husband, pediatrician .CTT[ 5VKGHGN ƹ.CTT[ CPF + JCXG DGGP OCTTKGF HQT CNOQUV 30 years and we say that we have one brain.

9G NKVGTCNN[ ǣPKUJ GCEJ QVJGTƷU UGPVGPEGU though we still might argue about who’s the funnier one… it’s me,” Stiefel laughs. #NUQ C YTKVGT .CTT[ JCU YTKVVGP HQT JKU QYP UJQTV UVQT[ DNQI ECNNGF 6JG /CIIKF QH $GTIGPǣGNF # OCIIKF KU C ,GYKUJ UVQT[VGNNGT Chana explains) and Mendel’s Hanukkah /GUU 7R YCU KPURKTGF D[ QPG QH .CTT[ƷU UVQries.

“One Hanukkah, while I was traveling to XKUKV HCOKN[ .CTT[ EJCNNGPIGF JKOUGNH VQ write eight stories, one for each night of the JQNKFC[ 6JG ǣTUV UVQT[ YCU ECNNGF ƶ/KTCENG QP 4QWVG Ʒ CPF + NQXGF KV ƺ UC[U 5VKGHGN about the story behind the book. “Years later, it occurred to me that the story would make a great picture book. It had a fun, loveable but hapless main character and a lovely story arc.”

Mendel’s Hanukkah Mess Up is about a teenage Jewish boy named Mendel who always manages to mess up his family’s Hanukkah traditions, whether it is frying latkes incorrectly, placing sparklers instead of candles in the menorah, or accidentally leaving jelly FQPWVU QP 4CDDK -NGKPƷU EJCKT #U C TGUWNV /GPFGN then decides to stay in the background to avoid causing anymore trouble. However, to Mendel’s surprise, 4CDDK -NGKP EJQQUGU /GPFGN VQ FTKXG VJG /KV\XCJ /QDKNG C XCP YKVJ C IKCPV GNGEVTKE OGPQTCJ QP KVU TQQH CTQWPF VQYP VQ KPXKVG GXGT[QPG VQ 4CDDK -NGKPƷU Hanukkah bash and spread the good news of HanukMCJ 'XGT[VJKPI IQGU YGNN VJCV KU WPVKN CPQVJGT OGUU up occurs, and Mendel teaches everyone about the true meaning of the holiday. ƹ.CTT[ CPF + YGPV QP C NQPI YCNM VQ XKUKV CP GNFGTN[ HTKGPF CV %CTG1PG KP 6GCPGEM CPF QP VJG YC[ YG worked out the storyline,” Stiefel explains. “We conLWTGF /GPFGN CU VJG ENCUUKE NQXGCDNG ƶUEJNGOKGNƷ YJQ KU CNYC[U OGUUKPI WR 4CDDK -NGKP KU C EQPINQOGTCVG QH VYQ URGEKCN TCDDKU YJQ JCXG RCUUGF CYC[ 4CDDK 5CO -NGKP O[ DTQVJGT KP NCYƷU HCVJGT HTQO %JKECIQ CPF 4CDDK 5JC[C -KNKOPKEM O[ EQWUKPƷU HCVJGT KP NCY HTQO 4QEJGUVGT 6JG[ YGTG DQVJ EJCTOKPI NQXKPI CPF XGT[ HWPP[ +P VJG DQQM VJG EJCTCEVGT QH 4CDDK -NGKP NQQMU XGT[ OWEJ NKMG VJG TGCN 4CDDK -KNKOPKEM 6JG KORQTVCPV VJKPI KU VJCV JG JCU HCKVJ KP /GPFGN no matter what.”

At the end of the book, Stiefel includes educational tidbits about Jewish culture, such as a glossary of Jewish terms, the story of Hanukkah’s history, instructions on how to play Dreidel, lyrics to “Oh, Hanukkah,” and the recipe for potato latkes. Stiefel aims to contribute to Jewish representation in literature with her writing. ƹ# YTKVGT + CFOKTG QPEG UCKF ƶ1PN[ [QW ECP VGNN [QWT story.’ While some of my other books touch on Jewish XCNWGU NKMG IKXKPI EJCTKV[ 6JG 6QYGT QH .KHG CPF /GPFGNƷU *CPWMMCJ /GUU 7R CTG VJG ǣTUV WPKSWGN[ Jewish books I’ve published,” says Stiefel. “As Dr. 4WFKPG 5KOU $KUJQR JCU UCKF ƶ$QQMU ECP DG OKTTQTU YKPFQYU CPF UNKFKPI INCUU FQQTU Ʒ 9KPFQYU QǢGT XKGYU of worlds that we may be unfamiliar with. Mirrors CNNQY WU VQ TGǤGEV QP QWTUGNXGU CPF QWT QYP EWNVWTGU Continued on page 24

And sliding glass doors allow us to step into other worlds, experience empathy, and hopefully be transformed by the experience. I believe that children should be exposed to a wide range of books from all cultures, to learn from each other and to share our life experiences.

“Many people aren’t aware that Jews make up only two percent of the U.S. population,” she continued. “In addition, Jewish people come from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. I would love to see all children reading books that include accurate, non-stereotypical portrayals of Jewish people, life, culture, holidays, history and Jewish joy. Jewish books should be included in all conversations and collections of diverse books.”

Though Stiefel enjoys writing lighthearted and humorous stories like Mendel’s Hanukkah Mess Up, The Tower of Life is “the book of my heart,” as she puts it. The Tower of Life is the true story of Holocaust survivor and historian ;CǢC 'NKCEJ YJQO 5VKGHGN ǣTUV NGCTPGF CDQWV YJGP UJG read her obituary in The New York Times in 2016. ;CǢC YCU DQTP KP C UJVGVN C small Jewish town) called 'KUJ[UJQM CPF JGT )TCPFOC Alte was the town photographer who would capture the joyful moments of the townspeople. On the eve of the 24

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6JQWIJ 5VKGHGN JCU YTKVVGP UQOG HTGGNCPEG CTVKENGU HQT CFWNVU UJG KU UVKEMKPI YKVJ EJKNFTGP CU VJG RTKOCT[ CWFKGPEG HQT JGT DQQMU ƹ%JKNFTGP JCXG C VTWG UGPUG QH YQPFGT CPF EWTKQUKV[ CDQWV VJG YQTNF VJCV KU UKORN[ LQ[HWN 4KIJV PQY +ƷO YQTMKPI QP C JKUVQTKECN ǣEVKQP OKFFNG ITCFG PQXGN DCUGF QP O[ EJKNFJQQF ITQYKPI WR KP /KCOK ƺ ;QW JCXGPƷV UGGP VJG NCUV QH 5VKGHGN 5JG LWUV TGNGCUGF VJG EQXGT QH JGT PGZV DQQM ƹ$TCXQ #XQECFQ ƺ KNNWUVTCVGF D[ #PPC 5WUUDCWGT EQOKPI HTQO *CTRGT%QNNKPU QP /CTEJ ƹ+VƷU C HWPP[ RWPP[ UVQT[ YKVJ VJG UQEKCN GOQVKQPCN VJGOGU QH FGXGNQRKPI UGNH CYCTGPGUU FKUEQXGTKPI YJCVƷU KPUKFG WU VJCV OCMGU WU URGEKCN CPF WRNKHVKPI QWT HTKGPFU ƺ UJCTGU 5VKGHGN Learn more online at https://taralazar.com/2022/11/04/bravo-avocado/.

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The Jessie Banks Foundation The Jessie Banks Foundation held their 18th Annual Scholarship Awards Gala at The Marriott at Glenpointe. For more information, visit www.jessiebanksfoundation.org.

Cindy Taylor, Cheriese Pemberton, Denice Dixon, Sharon Mahn

Bobby Banks, Sharon Mahn, Lily Flast

Raymond Bruce, Taylor Young

Thomas George, Sharon Banks, Mary Lee, Sylvester Tate

Colette Caesar, Lisa Johnson Grange, Chandy Campbell

Jaqueline Arecena, Rafael Bicioso

Janice Johnson, Bobby Banks, Nyla Thomas

Jim Gray, Ella Hamlin

Maria Baez, Daya Burton, Cleiry Castro

Daya Burton, OJ Anderson

Demond Hervey, Mary McDaniel, Belinda and Anthony Tate

Bobby Banks, Colette Caesar, Ella Hamlin, Tonya Hall

Tina Samuels, Mya Banks

Eon and Christina Savory

Marcus Hopper, Dyshon Mitchell

Janice Johnson, Heather and Dr. Minghi Choi, Lily Flast

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| SPRING 2023

Social

Holy Name MS Center Gala The MS Center at Holy Name held their annual gala at The Venetian.

For more information, visit www.holyname.org/mscenter.

Janice Mitchell, Pat Sullivan, Maria Sweeney-Tevis

Joe and Tina Coccaro

Dena Wrafter, Julie Korich, Melissa Skillman, Camille Juzwik

Chris Vergano, Andre Sayegh, Leon Temiz, Michael Maron

Michael Maron, Inez and Larry Inserra

Eva and Raul Pena

Amro Elhelw and Nicole Faccone

Claire Garcia, Alexandria Garcia, Dr. Marissa Oller, Alexis Garcia

Susan Zurndorfer, Larry Inserra

Fernando Garip, -GNNKG $GTMQǢ

Tamar Kalina, Christal Radburn, Andrea Greene

Colleen Kiely, James Deslauriers, Dr. Mary Ann Picone

Tom Alvarez, James Dorey, Pat Sullivan, Richard Chamberlain Jr. and Richard Chamberlain, Phil Sorrentino 28

Marie Inserra, Laura Dupont, Teresa Ficca

Erica Giuliano, Jared Rodriguez

Tracy Sparacio, Medhat Hermina, Aline Frankian

| SPRING 2023

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00

Standing on the Roof of Africa John Ebanietti Shares His Journey and Lessons From The Top of Mount Kilimanjaro

BY MEGAN MONTEMARANO

"I

'm sittin' on top of Kilimanjaro, I can see a new tomorrow. I'm sittin' on top of Kilimanjaro. I cast away all my sorrows."

These familiar lyrics sung by the famous South African band Juluka, couldn’t ring any truer for Bergen County resident John Ebanietti, who recently achieved the extraordinary feat of climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Standing at a mighty 19,341 feet above sea level and about 16,100 feet above its plateau base, this volcanic hiking destination is awe-inspiring.

"The mountain is a place for vision, inspiration and a new beginning," comments Ebanietti. "And when you hit the peak, you immediately realize what once seemed impossible in your life might just be doable."

Ebanietti grew up in Pearl River, N.Y. before eventually moving to Mahwah with his wife, Lori, and two daughters, Arielle and Blaise. As a wealth advisor at a bank, he often looked to adventure and “the Great Outdoors” as an outlet away from his desk job.

“I always seek opportunities to test myself both physically and mentally, especially in nature. Nature presents unthinkable volumes of unknowns and chances to fail and succeed, which motivate me to take on new challenges.”

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| SPRING 2023

This motivation was certainly put to the test during his latest endeavor - to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, despite the harsh weather conditions and staggering altitudes. Ebanietti chose to take the Northern Circuit along with another hiker from Amsterdam and guides. This is not only the newest route, but also the longest. Traversing the quieter northern slopes of the mountain, it took the group FC[U VQ EQORNGVG HTQO UVCTV VQ ǣPKUJ Their days typically began at sunrise with a very light breakfast. Because Ebanietti is a pescatarian, his food options were limited, which, combined with the arduous activity, contributed to his 14-pound weight loss over the course of the journey. They averaged UGXGP VQ OKNGU RGT FC[ HQT VJG ǣTUV half of the trip, the bulk of which they covered in the mornings, saving recovery periods for after lunch.

"We would usually set up camp at around 3 p.m., followed by a brief nap, and then dinner at 5:30 p.m. We'd always make sure to be in our tents by 6:30 p.m. so we'd be energized and ready for the next day."

As they ascended to higher altitudes above 13,000 feet later on in the trip, they dialed back their daily mileage due to the thin air and increasingly adverse weather conditions.

Training for such a journey requires rigorous workouts and dedication.

"No one climbs Kilimanjaro by heart alone (physically or metaphorically),"explains Ebanietti. "We use our legs to get to the top, so making sure my legs were strong was key."

Kilimanjaro climbs include six-to-eight-hour days of ascending hikes for eight days, followed by a very long descent. In knowing this, Ebanietti set aside two sessions per week for leg strength training. He Continued on page 34

also understood the importance of diversifying his workouts to include back, chest and arms, ensuring all his muscles were toned and ready to go - especially given the 35-pound backpack he would be carrying during the trek. Weight training, coupled with hikes up in the Ramapo Reservation and mountains in Arizona near the Ebanietti family's winter home, supplemented his preparation for the climb.

"Be prepared and do not take the climb lightly" is the advice Ebanietti would give to others thinking about embarking on a similar journey. He also shared a few valuable life lessons gained along the way - "go slowly, being tired is not an illness, don't let tough situations wear you down, and, perhaps most importantly, remember that fear is a good thing."

Despite his intense training regiment, Ebanietti still faced numerous challenges, including frigid rocky camps, lack of sleep, minor frost bite, freezing hydraVKQP RCEMU CPF CNVKVWFG GǢGEVU 0GGFNGUU VQ UC[ VJG journey was not easy, but it was well worth it. Ebanietti hit the peak of the mountain on Aug. 29, 2022 and then made it home to his wife in time for their 31st wedding anniversary on Sept.1 to enjoy a double celebration.

"Reaching the summit was one of the best experiences of my life. All the training and hard work JCF ǣPCNN[ RCKF QǢ + HGNV C UGPUG QH CEJKGXGOGPV CU + F CEEQORNKUJGF YJCV + JCF UGV QWV VQ FQ VQ stand on the roof of Africa and see the world a different way."

34

Already thinking ahead, Ebanietti hopes to target Peru's Machu Picchu as his next adventure.

| SPRING 2023

Style by Soneca

Back To Basics Personal Stylist Soneca Guadara Shares Her Wardrobe Essentials For Timeless Style

R

eady to get back to basics? While trends come and go, there are 12 wardrobe essentials that’ll last a NKHGVKOG +VƷU CNN CDQWV VJG DCUKEU VJG MKPF VJCV YKNN JGNR [QW DTKPI [QWT QWVǣVU VQIGVJGT HTQO UVCTV VQ ǣPKUJ YKVJQWV JCXKPI VQ URGPF C UKPING UGEQPF YQTT[KPI CDQWV YJCV VQ YGCT These are 12 wardrobe essentials you should add to your closet stat.

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| SPRING 2023

A TRANSITIONAL BLAZER

BUTTON-UP SHIRT

A blazer is essential for every capsule closet, as it’s a chic go-to staple that can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It’s worth investing in a variety of styles and fabrics that suit warmer and colder months, and I always advise my clients to have a combination of neutral and bright color options in their wardrobe.

Borrowed from the boys but in better prints and colors, the button-up shirt always strikes a balance between looking casual and polished. Wear it with jeans or a pencil skirt depending on where you need to be. Want to take your button-up up a notch then choose one in a luxe material like viscose or silk.

STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS When it comes to straight-leg jeans, you can’t go wrong. Find a pair that suits your needs. Whether they be low- mid- and/or high-rise styles in various cuts, colors and fabrics that are suitable for all shapes and sizes. Good American is one of my favorKVG DTCPFU HQT C IQQF XCTKGV[ # JKIJ TKUG ǣV KU KFGCN for comfort and practicality, as it can be styled with a crisp shirt and sneakers for a smart-casual daytime look or dressed up for an after-dark event with strappy sandals, a handbag and jewels. I recommend having a few key pairs of straight-leg jeans in your wardrobe: lighter denims for the day, darker washes for the evening, plus glossy leather pairs, which also work well as timeless foundation pieces.

CRISP WHITE TEE 5VCTV [QWT QWVǣV QǢ YKVJ C ENGCP UNCVG 6JG UVCRNG white tee is versatile, cool and a piece that you can wear any day of the year. Put your white tee to work.

It anchors statement pieces like printed shorts, colored denim and layers perfectly under sweaters.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS No explanation needed. When looking for the LBD, look for one with a high neckline and a semi-modest length for maximum versatility from day to night.

6JG ǣTUV UVGR VQ ǣPFKPI [QWT RGTHGEV FTGUU KU VQ MPQY your body type, then pick your silhouette.

PUMPS A classic pair of black pumps will never fail you or [QWT QWVǣVU + CNUQ TGEQOOGPF QYPKPI C PWFG RCKT as well. Pumps are the perfect shoe option to wear for your 9-to-5, happy hour or a weekend date night with jeans. Pointed-toe styles are pure magic when it comes to making your legs look longer (and leaner).

WRAP DRESS 6JG OQUV WPKXGTUCNN[ ǤCVVGTKPI FTGUU QH CNN C YTCR dress looks good on everyone. Pair yours with pumps for a dressy occasion or dress it down with fashion sneakers.

JEAN JACKET A jean jacket is a timeless layering piece that can be worn season after season. A classic medium wash is the most versatile option. A style tip I tell my clients KU VQ NQQM HQT C LGCP LCEMGV VJCV ǣVU UPWIN[ QP [QWT shoulders, but still has some room for sweaters in the fall and sundresses in the summer.

SIMPLE FLATS # UKORNG ǤCV KU C LCEM QH CNN VTCFGU UJQG CPF NCPFU the right look for anything from a board meeting to a grocery run. Go for a cap-toe style for preppy polish that’s at the top of the trends this season.

A GREAT BLACK BAG Color pop accessories have been trending lately, but a classic black handbag will never go out of style and is a wardrobe essential.

ANKLE BOOT 6JG CPMNG DQQV KU VJG UJQG HQT CP[ UGCUQP that’s way easier to slip into (and pack) than their taller sister. Go for a peep-toe style in the warmer months and a closed-toe style in the cooler months.

5V[NG 6KR 'ZRGTKOGPV YKVJ JGGN JGKIJVU HTQO NQY and blocky to taller and stiletto-esque to land a VQVCNN[ FKǢGTGPV XKDG YKVJ [QWT CPMNG DQQV Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who helps women HGGN DGCWVKHWN CPF EQPǣFGPV +H [QW YCPV OQTG VKRU IQ VQ YYY UV[NGD[UQPGEC EQO QT HQNNQY JGT QP +PUVCITCO "UV[NGFD[UQPGEC

Social

New Jersey Honor Legion The New Jersey Honor Legion held their annual casino night at the Venetian.

For more information, visit www.members.njhl.com.

Bobby Brown, Michael Cebulski, Rob Giudetti

Michael and Ted Cebulski

Joseph Hakim, Michael Saudino

Nick, Debbie and Len Fabiano

Matt Carroll, Fred Pulice

Chris and Erika Kelley, Kim and William Diedtrich

Donnalee Corrieri, Rosemarie Klie

Father Larry Evans, Paul Siemon, Jon Umanzor, Amit Vaidya

Alex and Stephanie Kaplan, Cassidy Wilson, Matt Lind

Kim Elphick, Chris Dupars

Elliot Colon, Amit Vaidrya, John Henderson

Khaled and Danli Coubhei

Nancy Hamstra, Marion Troise

Pasquale DeRito, Vinny Konvovski, Theo Abdallah, Ali Huda, Abe Malki

Wayne and Tara Jennings

Jon Umanzor, Rob Giudetti, Jeremy Levy, Pete Caminiti

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| SPRING 2023

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Contact us for a Private Tour: membership@edgewoodnj.com 201.666.1200 x273 449 Rivervale Rd. River Vale, NJ 07675 www.edgewoodnj.com

BEAUTY

New Season, New You? Beauty Buys To Try

BY COURTNEY GILROY

A

new season is here. It’s time to prioritize your health, happiness and overall well-being! Trying out new products and services as part of your beauty regimen is always a quick way to boost your self-esteem. Here are my top 10 beauty buys you should try this spring.

40 40

| SPR PRING P RIN ING 2 2023 023 02

Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set (Amazon: $20) This set is a staple in any beauty kit. + WUG KV FCKN[ VQ TGFWEG G[G RWǥPGUU KORTQXG N[ORJCVKE ǤQY CPF IKXG O[ face a natural lift.

Paw Paw Beauty Blender (Amazon: $9.95) $GCWV[ DNGPFGTU ECP IGV RTKEG[ 6JKU XGTUKQP KU CǢQTFCDNG CPF C OWUV JCXG HQT HQWPFCVKQP CRRNKECVKQP CPF RQYFGT UGVVKPI

Slip Silk Pillowcase (Sephora: $89) 6JKPM RKNNQYECUGU CTG LWUV HQT EQOHQTV! 6JKPM CICKP 2KNNQYECUGU ECP ECWUG JCKT DTGCMCIG CPF HTK\\KPGUU # UVCPFCTF RKNNQYECUG YKNN CDUQTD JCKT CPF HCEG QKN ƴ PQV UQOGVJKPI [QW UJQWNF DG OCTKPCVKPI KP QP C PKIJVN[ DCUKU +PXGUV KP C UKNM UGV and you’ll be able to start your day YKVJ UKNM[ UOQQVJ J[FTCVGF JCKT and prevent breakouts for acneprone skin.

Morphe X Arielle Face & Eye Brush Set (morphe.com: $98) This set has all the essential brushes for your face and eye makeup routine. They’re also incredibly soft and fantastic quality.

Oribe Gold Lust Collection (oribe.com $115) Looking for the ultimate hair care set? Oribe’s Gold Lust Treatment will keep your scalp nourished and your hair hydrated, giving it the shine and body it needs to look like you just walked out of a salon with a fresh blowout.

Vanity Planet - Aira Ionic Facial Steamer (vanityplanet.com: $125) Prefer a spa day from the comfort of your home? This UVGCOGT KU RGTHGEV HQT CP CV JQOG HCEKCN +V KU CP CǢQTFable yet high-quality steamer that can help open your pores, allowing skincare products to penetrate deep into your skin. Bonus: Use discount code TalkcurlyVQOGA HQT QǢ

Dyson Airwrap (Sephora, Dyson or Ulta: $599) Don’t let the price point deter you from this product.

Whether you’re a hairstylist or just someone who wants a good blowout without going to the salon, this blowdryer is a game-changer. The set comes with a few changeable pieces that are easy to master.

Laser Hair Removal at Farkas Plastic Surgery (Full Legs: $875/Brazilian $750 per session) Address unwanted summer hair now. Daily shaving, painful waxing and ingrown hairs can be a thing of the past. Call for a free consultation to discuss how this service can work for you. Bonus: Mention this article and my name for a special discount code.

Airbrush Tan from Glow Commando (GlowCommando.co: starting at $95) A nice summer glow on a gloomy, rainy spring day – talk about a mood booster! Consult the Glow Commando team to learn what mix of sun-kissed services works best for you.

I’d love to hear from you!

DM me on Instagram (@TalkCurlyToMe_) for the beauty steals and splurges you plan to explore in the coming months.

Social

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. Casino Night RBARI held their annual casino night at The Estate at Florentine Gardens.

For more information, visit www.rbari.org.

Kyla Driscoll, Steven Goldstein, Gina Hirth

Alex, Rob and Caryn Schulsinger

Carlye and Steven Goldstein

Colin Heafy, Pat Drewes, Laura and Frank Parker

Monica Rivera, Matthew Langer, Taylor Smith

Donnalee Corrieri, Rose Mary Klie

Roe Wellman, Steven Goldstein

Tina and Kevin Smith

Charles Matar, Jennifer Matar, Maurice Montefalon

Lucille Rosenblum, Debbie Cangialosi

Cindy, Philip and Fabiola Santos

Sanjeev Patel, Jeremy Levy, Brandon Goldstein

#PPC 5MXKT #WTGNKC 5JCǣT Candace Arslanian, Rob Kosar, Marianne Clancy, Randi Grunstein

Michele Conte, Dina Abbale, Sharon Goldstein

Sharon Goldstein, Brad, Nicole and Diane Chessin

Michael Schwartz, Carlye Goldstein, Schevone Johnson, Paul Irwin-Dudek

44

| SPRING 2023

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*Includes: Locker Room, Driving Range, Beverage Stations, Brunch, Dinner, Open Premium Bar & Chances To Win Prizes On 6 Holes Throughout The Golf Course.

All proceeds to benefit Bogota Savings Bank Charitable Foundation supporting impactful progress in the Bank’s community in affordable housing, education, arts, health & human services.

Scan the QR code to the left to be taken directly to the Golf Outing page where you can learn more or make any payments.

RSVP to (551) 243 - 0764 or Foundation@BogotaSavingsBank.com www.BogotaSavingsBankCharitableFoundation.com

HAVE YOU HEARD THE BUZZ? Holy Name Medical Center Produces Honey From Rooftop Hives

BY KIMBERLY REDMOND

T

here’s some serious buzz lately around Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck.

that reinvests 100 percent of its proceeds to support RTQITCOU CPF UGTXKEGU VJCV DGPGǣV RCVKGPV ECTG

High on the rooftop of the hospital, there are between 60,000 and 70,000 honeybees living comfortably in two hives set up and maintained by Rod Donovan, a recently retired Holy Name employee and professional beekeeper.

Steve Mosser, Holy Name Medical Center’s executive vice president of operations, said the hospital is “thrilled” with how successful the pilot project went.

ƹ6JKU KU VJG ǣTUV VKOG YG JCXG JCF DGGU RTQFWEG honey on our rooftop, but it won’t be our last,” said #HVGT C UWOOGT ǣNNGF YKVJ VJG NQXGN[ UKIJVU CPF Mosser, who added that Donovan will collect honey sounds of bees, the colonies have yielded 120 pounds seasonally and that the hospital is excited to conof raw honey, which has been jarred and made avail- tinue its partnership with him. able for purchase at Holy Name’s gift shop, a venture 46

| SPRING 2023

A professional beekeeper for nearly two decades, Donovan would often bring honey he produced to Holy Name, where “it quickly became a coveted item” among employees, according to Mosser.

After Donovan retired from Holy Name’s maintenance department in February, the hospital chatted with him about starting and managing an apiary near the hospital’s rooftop garden as a way to promote sustainability and health.

Since the hives were added in mid-May, Donovan has regularly maintained them to keep track of the population and harvested honey on two separate occasions.

“I think it’s been a home run experience to see how quickly those bees adapted to the hospital. I’ve never had a hive on the fourth ǤQQT VJG[ƷXG CNYC[U DGGP QP VJG ITQWPF level, so it’s just been amazing to see how productive the bees were,” Donovan said.

“Also, the honey we extracted was just specVCEWNCT +V JCU ITGCV EQNQT CPF ǤCXQT ƺ 9JGP VJG 1NFYKEM TGUKFGPV ǣTUV DGICP DGGkeeping in 2004, he remembers how captivated he was by the inner workings of the hive.

“It’s incredible what the queen does and how they all work together to keep the hive alive,” he said. “It’s really, really amazing.”

Through his beekeeping practice, Donovan manages several apiaries across the state, which, he admitted “is a lot of work” but has a very sweet reward.

“I don’t want to put down store-bought honey,” he said. “But, there’s just someVJKPI CDQWV VJG ǤCXQT QH [QWT QYP JQPG[ that makes it so interesting!”

Now, he is in the process of getting hives prepared for the winter when bees will be left on their own inside the colonies until about February.

Continued on page 48

Although quite small, bees are intensely connected to the environment and play an important role in the pollination cycle. And, if they aren’t doing well, it isn’t a good sign for the rest of the ecosystem.

Between increased development, climate change and the continued use of harmful pesticides, the worldwide bee population is on the decline.

our dedication to sustainability, such as recycling, green construction initiatives and reducing our carbon footprint,” Mosser explained.

6JG DGGU HQTCIG HCT CPF YKFG RQNNKPCVKPI ǤQYGTU CPF plants up to two miles from their hives. Then, they return to the colony to begin honey production.

Holy Name Chief of General Surgery Dr. Ron White +P CP GǢQTV VQ VT[ CPF TGUVQTG VJG DGG RQRWNCVKQP said, “As a healthcare leader, we are always looking the practice of beekeeping has been on the rise and for new opportunities to enhance the health and wellrooftop apiaries have sprung up in many cities, like being of our community.”

New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

“With honeybee numbers decreasing worldwide, we’re Hospitals have also been doing their part to improve proud to not only help the honeybees but harvest a honeybee health, and, in turn, the environment. sweet, healthy treat for our employees and community,” he said. “Beehives can also serve as a welcome A growing number of hospitals across the country distraction for our hospitalized patients, many of have joined the rooftop hive movement in recent whom have a view of the hives. The distraction and years, including several across North Jersey: The connection with nature also assist in healing.”

Valley Hospital, Chilton Medical Center and MorWhite went on, “Also, bees are one of the most importristown Medical Center. ant pollinator species for our ecosystem and honey “Establishing the rooftop beehives is in line with EQPVCKPGTU DGPGǣEKCN RTQDKQVKEU VQ CKF KP JGCNVJ Continued on page 50

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| SPRING 2023

Natural honey has so many antioxidants, minerCNU CPF GP\[OGU VJCV JCXG OCP[ JGCNVJ DGPGǣVU Honey’s antibacterial properties can soothe sore VJTQCVU CPF JGNR ǣIJV QǢ DCEVGTKCN CPF XKTCN KPHGEVKQPU ƺ #NVJQWIJ VJG RWDNKE ECPPQV XKUKV VJG CRKCTKGU they can certainly taste the fruits of all their NCDQT *QN[ 0COGƷU IKHV UJQR KU UGNNKPI JQPG[ RTQFWEGF HTQO VJG TQQHVQR JKXGU HQT QWPEG LCT CPF QWPEG LCT Located in the main lobby of the hospital, the IKHV UJQR KU UVCǢGF D[ XQNWPVGGTU CPF OGODGTU of the Holy Name Medical Center Foundation )WKNF #NN RTQEGGFU CTG TGKPXGUVGF KP VJG JQURKVCN VQ UWRRQTV XCTKQWU RTQITCOU CPF UGTXKEGU VJCV DGPGǣV RCVKGPV ECTG 9JKVG UCKF ƹ9GƷTG NQQMKPI HQTYCTF VQ UJCTKPI QWT NQECN JQPG[ CPF CNN QH KVU JGCNVJ DGPGǣVU YKVJ QWT GORNQ[GGU CPF VJG EQOOWPKV[ ƺ

BUZZWORTHY HONEY RECIPES Debbie Besson, a registered dietitian nutritionist with Holy Name, developed a series of healthy recipes with honey.

HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP AND BROCCOLI Prep Time: Total Time:

5 mins 30 mins

Ingredients • • • • • •

ƾ • • • •

ƾ

1 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup onion, frozen, chopped 2 tsp garlic, frozen, minced (2 frozen cubes) 1 tsp ginger, frozen, grated (1 frozen cube) 1 1/4 cup vegetable broth, low sodium 2 cup brown rice, frozen Q\ DTQEEQNK HTQ\GP ǤQTGVU 1 lb shrimp, frozen, peeled and deveined 2 tsp honey 1 1/3 Tbsp soy sauce, low sodium Salt and pepper 4GF RGRRGT ǤCMGU QRVKQPCN

Directions 1) Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium JGCV #FF VJG HTQ\GP QPKQP EQQMKPI WPVKN UNKIJVN[ VTCPUNWEGPV CDQWV OKPWVGU #FF VJG ICTNKE CPF IKPIGT CPF EQQM until aromatic, about 1 minute.

2) Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Add the frozen rice, broccoli, and shrimp.

Reduce heat to a simmer and cover for 1 minutes. The UJTKOR YKNN DG C DTKIJV RKPM EQNQT YJGP KV KU FQPG EQQMing.

9JGP VJG UJTKOR KU HWNN[ EQQMGF TGOQXG VJG pot lid and stir in the honey and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with optional red pepper ǤCMGU

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| SPRING 2023

TURMERIC ICED TEA Prep Time: Total Time:

15 mins 30 mins

Ingredients • • • • •

2 cup water 1 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 orange, juiced honey, to taste

Directions 1) Place two cups of water in a saucepan over high heat. Add turmeric and cinnamon and whisk.

2) After boiling, reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes.

3) Remove from heat and let cool.

4) Whisk again and pour over ice. Add orange juice and honey.

5) Stir occasionally to keep sediment from sitting on the bottom.

BANANA GINGER SMOOTHIE Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins Ingredients • 4 bananas, sliced • 4 cup yogurt, plain, non-fat • 4 Tbsp honey • 1 Tbsp ginger, fresh Directions 1) Grate ginger. Slice banana.

2) Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

QUINOA AVOCADO SALAD Prep Time: Total Time:

10 mins 15 mins

Ingredients Salad • 6 cup kale, baby • 1/2 avocado, chopped • 1 cup quinoa, dried or frozen, cooked

ƾ EWR UWPǤQYGT UGGFU • 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled (optional) Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing • 1 lemon, juiced and zested • 1 tsp honey • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard • 2 Tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper Directions 1) Wash and chop all vegetables.

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56

| SPRING 2023

EATS

Girl From Empanada Joyce Fragoso’s Business is Just Getting Warmed Up

BY RICHARD POSLUSZNY

58

| SPRING 2023

H

ere in Bergen County, we’re rich with diversity, which manifests itself in FKǢGTGPV YC[U #PF [QW FQPƷV JCXG VQ NQQM VQQ HCT VQ UGG KV 5KORN[ YCNM CTQWPF 1XGTRGEM 2CTM QT XKUKV )CTFGP 5VCVG 2NC\C CPF [QWƷNN JGCT C EQNQTHWN CTTC[ QH NCPIWCIGU #PQVJGT YC[ VQ GZRGTKGPEG VJG XCUVPGUU QH EWNtures is through the variety of cuisines availCDNG HQT [QW VQ GPLQ[ UJCTG QT GZRGTKOGPV YKVJ 6JGTGƷU LWUV QPG VJKPI +VƷU CEVWCNN[ FKǥEWNV VQ RKP FQYP VJG DGUV GZCORNGU QH EQQMKPI VJCVƷU CWVJGPVKE +P C FC[ CPF CIG YJGTG HWUKQP EWKUKPG KU RQRWNCT VJGTGƷU DGGP FKNWVKQP QH VTCFKVKQPCN JQOG EQQMGF OGCNU #U C UGNH FGUETKDGF ƹHQQFKG ƺ VJKU KU YJCV + CO CHVGT #NVJQWIJ O[ NCUV PCOG OC[ JCTMGP DCEM VQ O[ HCOKN[ƷU 'CUVGTP 'WTQRGCP TQQVU VJG QVJGT UKFG QH O[ NKPGCIG KU GZENWUKXGN[ .CVKP #OGTKECP 5Q KVƷU QPN[ PCVWTCN VJCV +ƷXG ITQYP WR UCORNKPI CPF CRRTGEKCVKPI FGNGEVCDNG *KURCPKE DCUGF VTGCVU NKMG SWGUKNNQ CPF VQUVQPGU Over the years, though, I’ve been in search QH VJG RGTHGEV GORCPCFC 9JKNG VJG ǤCM[ RCUVT[ KU SWKVG RQRWNCT VT[KPI VQ ǣPF VJCV EGTVCKP CWVJGPVKEKV[ KU PGCTN[ KORQUUKDNG 9GNN VJCV KU WPVKN + OGV ,Q[EG (TCIQUQ YJQ KU VJG RTQRTKGVQT DGJKPF )KTN (TQO 'ORCPCFC NQECVGF KP 2CTM 4KFIG # RNC[HWN PCOG KPURKTGF D[ VJG HCOQWU UQPI ƹ6JG )KTN (TQO +RCPGOC ƺ ,Q[EGƷU DWUKPGUU FQGUPƷV PGGF VQ TGN[ QP IKOOKEMU VQ IGV D[ 5KORN[ RWV KVƷU DGGP EWNVKXCVGF QXGT VJG EQWTUG QH OCP[ FGECFGU *QYƷU VJCV RQUUKDNG KH KV QPN[ launched recently, you ask? .GV OG GZRNCKP )TQYKPI WR KP C EWNVWTCNN[ FKXGTUG JQOG Joyce’s ancestors on her maternal side had $TC\KNKCP QTKIKPU *GT HCVJGTƷU UKFG JCKNGF HTQO (TCPEG 6JKU VTCPUNCVGF KPVQ C EQWRNG VJKPIU (KTUVN[ VJGTG YCU C ITGCV GORJCUKU QP ICVJGTKPIU VJCV DTQWIJV RGQRNG VQIGVJGT HQT LQ[QWU QEECUKQPU 5GEQPF HQQF YCU CV VJG EGPVGT QH GCEJ CPF GXGT[ JCRRGPKPI Continued on page 60

Starting when Joyce was a little girl, she would observe — and eventually participate in — the food preparation. Joyce says she was lucky that her mother was a wonderful cook that taught her about the love of food and family. During those gatherings, her mother, aunts and grandmother would be humming with activity in the kitchen. This served as her training grounds. For example, this is where ,Q[EG ǣTUV NGCTPGF CDQWV UQHTKVQ CPF JQY VQ EQQM CU she describes, using “layering” techniques. By doing so, it adds more dimensionality to her respective dishes.

This was merely the start though. That’s because Joyce also spent time with her relatives in France.

She fondly remembers summers outside of Avignon and preparing food with her grandmother.

6QIGVJGT VJG[ƷF IQ VJTQWIJ VJG ǣGNFU RKEMKPI YKNF rosemary and wild thyme, placing the herbs in her grandmother’s folded apron. Something tells me this likely inspired Joyce’s use of the freshest possible ingredients for her empanadas — more on that later.

But, that’s not all. Joyce’s father was an aspiring baker, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given that some of the world’s best pastry chefs call France home, and the country’s well known for its delicious desserts.

Although he was not able to successfully bootstrap his own bakery once he made it stateside, that didn’t stop him from pursuing his burning passion. For family gatherings he would meticulously prepare the most wonderful treats, says Fragoso.

With this type of upbringing and emphasis on bringing joy to people via delightful dishes, it makes sense why Joyce was driven to open Girl From Empanada.

Simply put, it’s in her DNA. Although Joyce took a detour as a teacher for many [GCTU KV DGECOG CRRCTGPV VJCV UJG PGGFGF VQ HWNǣNN her lifelong desire. After all, she had been incubating the idea of her own food-related business for nearly three decades. The catalyst: The COVID-19 pandemic.

Although it was a devastating situation across the globe, for Fragoso, it was a watershed moment that gave her the push to pursue her dream.

Continued on page 62

Gift baskets & Custom Cookies for all Occasions Shower and Wedding Favors Gourmet Cookies and Treats by the Pound Personalized Cookies and Cakes Corporate Logos and Gifts New All Natural Dog Cookies CONTACT US: wekneadthedoughcookies.com (201)888-2222 wekneadthedoughcookies@gmail.com

60

| SPRING 2023

The Fashion Show That Gives Back

Enjoy a lavish cocktail hour, gourmet food-stations and a tantalizing, tented runway show featuring the hottest 2023 Spring & Summer styles from:

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 • 5:30 - 10 PM Bottagra Restaurant 80 Wagaraw Road, Hawthorne, NJ A Premier Charitable Event Founded By:

To Purchase Tickets Or Sponsorships: Call Joey Mazza: (973) 314-1352 Email: Events@EvasVillage.org Go online: EvasVillage.org/BehindTheSeams Scan the QR Code

PROCEEDS BENEFIT

With the support of her husband, Joyce dove in JGCFǣTUV But rather than take an aggressive approach to get her empanadas to market, Joyce decided to take a FKǢGTGPV RCVJ +PUVGCF UJG YCPVGF VQ DWKNF UQOGVJKPI VJCV YCU ITCUUTQQVU KP PCVWTG CU UJG NGCTPGF VQ UECNG VJG RTQFWEVKQP QH JGT UYGGV CPF UCXQT[ DCMGF IQQFU #U JGT ǣTUV GPFGCXQT KP VJG HQQF YQTNF VJKU UGNH VCWIJV EJGH MPGY UVTCKIJVCYC[ VJGTGƷU C OCLQT FKǢGTGPEG DGVYGGP EQQMKPI HQT C HCOKN[ UV[NG GXGPV CPF OCUU RTQFWEVKQP ,Q[EGƷU VQR RTKQTKV[ 'PUWTKPI VQR PQVEJ SWCNKV[ KP GCEJ CPF GXGT[ GORCPCFC UJG UJKRU 7UKPI QPN[ VJG ǣPGUV CPF HTGUJGUV KPITGFKGPVU ,Q[EG FQGUPƷV UQWTEG JGT TCY OCVGTKCNU HTQO VJG V[RKECN TGUVCWTCPV UWRRNKGTU 5JG EJQQUGU VQ WUG KPITGFKGPVU FKTGEVN[ HTQO $TC\KN CPF 2QTVWICN +H VJCV YCUPƷV GPQWIJ UJG CNUQ VCMGU VJG LQWTPG[ VQ 0GYCTMƷU +TQPDQWPF PGKIJDQTJQQF VQ ǣPF CFFKVKQPCN CWVJGPVKE 2QTVWIWGUG KVGOU 6CMG HQT GZCORNG DGGH ,Q[EG is quick to point out that the meat she sources has a EQORNGVGN[ FKǢGTGPV VGZVWTG VJCP VJG DGGH VJCV ECP DG HQWPF TGCFKN[ CXCKNCDNG GNUGYJGTG Ƶ VJG NCVVGT JCU C ITCKP[ ITKVV[ EQPUKUVGPE[ 0CFC FG DQO 62

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| SPRING 2023

Now empowered with the help of an assistant and a fully dedicated space for Girl From Empanada, Joyce is excited about ways to potentially expand VJG HCUV ITQYKPI GCVGT[ 6JKU EQWNF KPENWFG QǢGTKPI lunch specials and adding more items to the menu.

Aspirationally Joyce would like to see her empanadas eventually make their way to a grocery store near you but, she’s quick to keep herself in check.

What’s top of mind today, and into the near future, is keeping her customers happy with a high-quality product.

At the end of the day, Joyce wants to continue doing what she’s loved all along: Bringing people together through the power of great food.

Look out for Girl From Empanada at Tarrytown’s Saturday TaSH Farmer’s Market, which is located in Patriot’s Park.

Additionally, you can visit the shop, which is located at 133 Kinderkamack Road in Park Ridge. For hours, check out its website at www.girlfromempanada.biz.

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The Sports Doctor

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Sports Nutrition

1. Stick with a Balanced Diet.

Eat To Compete, Eat To Achieve

BY MICHAEL L GROSS MD

W

hen most people think of dieting or nutriVKQP OQUV RGQRNG VJKPM ǣTUV CDQWV YGKIJV NQUU QT CV NGCUV CDQWV YGKIJV EQPVTQN $WV VJG VTWVJ KU RTQRGT FKGV KU PGEGUUCT[ VQ CEJKGXG [QWT DGUV TGUWNVU KP CP[ GPFGCXQT 9JGVJGT [QW CTG VTCKPKPI HQT QXGTCNN ǣVPGUU IGVVKPI TGCF[ VQ EQORGVG KP C OCTCVJQP QT UKORN[ RNC[KPI KP C YGGMGPF UQEEGT NGCIWG KV CNN DGIKPU YKVJ [QWT FKGV 2TQRGT PWVTKVKQP ECP OCMG VJG FKǢGTGPEG DGVYGGP YKPPKPI CPF NQUKPI TGCEJKPI VJG ǣPKUJ NKPG CV C RGTUQPCN DGUV CPF LWUV ǣPKUJKPI QT JCXKPI UQOGVJKPI NGHV VQ UEQTG VJG YKPPKPI IQCN KP QXGTVKOG 5RQTVU PWVTKVKQP CRRNKGU VQ VJG GNKVG CVJNGVG CPF VJG YGGMGPF CVJGNQKF GSWCNN[ # YGNN VJQWIJV QWV URQTVU PWVTKVKQP RNCP YKNN UWRRQTV [QWT VTCKPKPI CPF KORTQXG [QWT RGTHQTOCPEG YKVJ VJG CFFGF DGPGǣV QH RTQOQVKPI JGCNVJ CPF YGNNPGUU 'CVKPI TKIJV YKNN CNNQY [QWT DQF[ VQ CFCRV VQ VTCKPKPI KV YKNN JGNR [QW TGEQXGT OQTG SWKEMN[ CHVGT GZGTEKUG CPF KV YKNN JGNR [QW CEJKGXG 64

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| SPRING 2023

(olive oil, dry roasted almonds/walnuts, avocado, etc).

Saturated and trans-fats should be avoided. Strength athletes believe more protein is important to build muscle.

Many strength training athletes believe they must consume diets high in protein. It turns out that strength athletes actually require high carbohydrate intake and adequate glycogen stores to fuel their workouts. It is the strength training workout itself that leads to increased muscle mass and strength.

This is because all high intensity, powerful muscle contractions (such as weightlifting) are fueled with carbohydrates. Neither fat nor protein can be oxidized rapidly enough to meet the demands of high-intensity exercise. Therefore, enough dietary carbohydrate must be consumed daily to restore adequate energy levels.

All athletes need protein after vigorous exercise.

Protein helps repair and rebuild muscle tissue that is broken down during hard exercise. Because protein is the basic building material for muscle tissue, if you strength train or want to increase muscle size, you need to consume more protein than sedentary individuals or non-athletes. However, most strength athletes may overestimate their protein needs. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recommends that the average person requires about 0.4 grams per pound per day. Sports nutritionists recommend that strength athletes consume about 0.6 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day, not to exceed 1 gram/pound/day.

2. Timing Your Meals.

Timing your meals, before and after training or comRGVKVKQP ECP OCMG VJG FKǢGTGPEG DGVYGGP UKORN[ doing the best you can, and doing your best. Training on an empty stomach is never a good idea. According to Carry Kelly: “As a general rule, I do not think you should go any longer than 3 hours without eating; it keeps your blood sugar levels in check and keeps your metabolism burning. It is equally important to make sure you eat something about 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to a workout in order to ensure that your body has enough energy/fuel to optimize your training session.”

6TCKPKPI ǣTUV VJKPI KP VJG OQTPKPI ECP DG GURGEKCNN[ challenging. But, it is especially important to eat a light meal before exercise to fuel your workout in the morning. Remember, you haven’t eaten since before you went to bed, running on fumes is not a good idea. Fill your tank for your best results. %QORGVKVKQP KU PQ FKǢGTGPV HTQO FCKN[ VTCKPKPI 2GTformance depends largely on the foods consumed during the days and weeks leading up to an event, not necessarily what you eat right before the event.

If you regularly eat a varied, carbohydrate-rich diet you are in good standing and probably have adequate energy stores to fuel activity. The purpose of the pre-competition meal is to prevent hunger and to provide the water and additional energy the athlete will need during competition. Be sure not to eat foods that will make you feel sluggish, or upset your stomach.

3. Eat the right foods both pre/post-exercise.

Carbohydrates are the #1 source of energy for our body. When you are exercising, dietary carbohydrates are a readily available fuel, and they are quick to burn. As such, it is important to make sure your pre-workout meal is adequate in carbohydrates. A simple carbohydrate, like a glass of orange juice, is a good choice if you are in a rush (5-10 minutes prior to workout), but if you have more time (30 minutes to 1 hour) it is even better to have some complex carbohydrates (whole grain cereal, oatmeal, rye toast, etc). Dairy may upset your stomach if you consume it too close to a workout, and the same goes for high ǣDGT HQQFU (QQF CǢGEVU FKǢGTGPV RGQRNG FKǢGTGPVN[ UQ KV KU DGUV VQ GZRGTKOGPV [QWTUGNH CPF ǣPF YJKEJ foods work best for you. Although carbohydrate loadKPI OC[ DG DGPGǣEKCN HQT CVJNGVGU RCTVKEKRCVKPI KP endurance sports, which require 90 minutes or more QH PQP UVQR GǢQTV OQUV CVJNGVGU FQPƷV PGGF VQ YQTT[ about carbohydrate loading. Simply eating a diet that derives more than half of its calories from carbohydrates will do. Finally, don’t forget to drink 8-12 ounces of water before you work out.

The foods you choose to eat after a workout are just as important as the foods you choose before. A good mix of carbohydrate, protein and fat is important for refueling and rebuilding.

Continued on page 66

Some people are not hungry after a hard workout, but it is important to refuel. An easy option is low fat organic chocolate milk. It’s delicious, you don’t have to be hungry to drink it, and your body gets all the key nutrients needed post-work out. Recent studies suggest that consuming a protein rich meal within 30 minutes of exercise will optimize muscle TGDWKNFKPI OQTG GǥEKGPVN[ VJCP VJG UCOG OGCN UGXeral hours after training.

4. Determine your calorie needs.

This one involves a little math, but nothing too difǣEWNV UQ UVC[ YKVJ KV 6JGTG CTG VYQ VJKPIU VQ ǣIWTG out, your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and then your daily calorie needs.

Women: BMR = 655 + ( 4.35 x weight in pounds ) + ( 4.7 x height in inches ) - ( 4.7 x age in years) Men: BMR = 66 + ( 6.23 x weight in pounds ) + ( 12.7 x height in inches ) - ( 6.8 x age in year ) Once you know your BMR, you can calculate your Daily Calorie Needs based on your activity level using the second formula, known as the Harris Benedict Equation.

Harris Benedict Formula To determine your total daily calorie needs, multiply your BMR by the appropriate activity factor, as follows: • If you are sedentary (little or no exercise): Calorie-Calculation = BMR x 1.2 • If you are lightly active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week): Calorie-Calculation = BMR x 1.375 • If you are moderately active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week): Calorie-Calculation = BMR x 1.55 • If you are very active (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days a week): Calorie-Calculation = BMR x 1.725 • If you are extra active (very hard exercise/ sports & physical job or 2x training): Calorie-Calculation = BMR x 1.9 1PEG [QWƷXG ǣIWTGF QWV [QWT GUVKOCVGF FCKN[ ECNQTKG needs, and then decide on your goal. If you want to maintain weight, eat the desired amount of calories while maintaining a balanced diet. If you want to lose weight, take in fewer calories than you burn per day. As a general rule, it is best not to limit your 66

intake by more than 500-1000 calories per day, and not to go below 1200 calories per day in any case.

5. Stay hydrated.

Water, water, water. Water is the best way to keep your body hydrated. It is important to drink throughout the day; hydration is cumulative. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already a little dehydrated.

Most athletes do not require carbohydrate containing beverages (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.) during exercise unless they are exceeding 60 minutes (this varies based on intensity of exercise, body size and percentage water weight lost). It is interesting to note that about 50 percent of morning exercisers begin their workout with some level of hydration. If you workout in the morning, make sure to drink something before you begin. A nice rule of thumb is to drink at least 50-75 percent of your weight, in pounds, in QWPEGU QH ǤWKF RGT FC[ &QPƷV HQTIGV YCVGT KU QHVGP the best sports drink out there. Read the labels and avoid drinks high in sugar and sodium.

6. Vitamins and supplements play a role.

I always recommend a daily multivitamin to all my patients. Nobody eats a perfectly balanced diet all VJG VKOG CPF VCMKPI C OWNVKXKVCOKP JGNRU WU ǣNN KP the gaps. Protein supplements are as popular as ever, DWV VJGTG KU NKVVNG FCVC UWRRQTVKPI VJGKT DGPGǣVU +V is really easy for most people to consume an adequate amount of protein from diet alone. Any protein ingested that exceeds our daily requirement can be excessive. On the other hand, adequate protein intake is needed to maintain muscle mass as we age, or to rebuild muscle and tissue after exercise.

It is also important to note that supplement manufacturers do not need to prove that their product is safe to consume. It is up to the FDA to prove something unsafe. FDA testing is a long and costly process and often a product causes harm to the public before the FDA takes action. I’m not a big fan of supplements.

Michael L. Gross, MD is the founder of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Hackensack. He is the section chief of sports medicine at Hackensack/Meridian University Medical Center and an assistant professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. | SPRING 2023

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Show Me Your Heart Foundation The Show Me Your Heart Foundation held Holiday with Heather, their annual event, at The Capital Grille. For more information, visit www.smyhfoundation.com.

Dr. Mingi Choi, Josh Baty

Dr. Mingi and Heather Choi

Lily and James Downs

Daya Burton, Inson Wood

Tina Wynn, Carter Borden

Charles and Geri Oppler

Dr. Sharon Banks, Lloyd Williams

Lara Naltchayan, Cheryl Haggerty

Heather Choi, Yedeun Park

Joe Cupoli, Josh Baty

Ragini Dunn Jaimie Fay, Kat Flanders, Dory Chambers

Joe Cupoli, Kat Flanders

Connor Hong, Cathy Zahn

Beata Savreski, Susan Azarman

Soneca and Dr. John Guadara

Magdalini Makridis, Andy Nunez

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AUTO

The All-New Range Rover Reimagining A Classic

BY RICHARD POSLUSZNY

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f there’s one thing that’s true in the automotive kingdom, it’s Heraclitus’ philosophy: “The only constant in life is change.” Looking back to the origins of the automobile, it has evolved dramatically. From the raw materials vehicles are made of, to the seating position, to the operational EQPVTQNU GXGT[VJKPI KU XCUVN[ FKǢGTGPV HTQO VJG XGT[ ǣTUV ECTU FGXGNQRGF KP VJG NCVG U (TCPMN[ VJKU is positive news as I like to think that everything’s getting better all the time.

That said, there’s only a handful of vehicles that have aged gracefully from their humble beginnings.

6CMG HQT GZCORNG VJG 2QTUEJG 1TKIKPCNN[ EQPEGKXGF KP VJG GCTN[ U KV JCU KORTQXGF IGPGTCtion-over-generation to become one of the best sports cars on the planet. In the domain of sport-utility vehicles (SUV), the Range Rover follows a similar arc; it is annually recognized as one of the leading luxury SUVs. And, it has drastically improved since VJG NCVG U YJKEJ KU YJGP KV YCU DKTVJGF Although Land Rover’s Range Rover arrived in the 7 5 OCTMGV KP VJG NCVG U KV OCFG C URNCUJ D[ DGEQOKPI C OWUV JCXG UVCVWU U[ODQN KP VJG U NGCFKPI KPVQ VJG U +VU EWNVWTCN KORCEV JCU DGGP massive, especially as it’s the vehicle of choice for Type A executives as well as the celebrity/jet set crowd. So, when an all-new generation is launched, it is a big deal. I knew I had to get behind the wheel.

Here’s the funny thing though: Unless you’re a car nut, 95 percent of the population won’t notice the changes to the Range Rover. That’s because its familiar silhouette, which is what most people focus on, remains the same. The details within it, however, have been thoughtfully revised, top-to-bottom.

Essentially, what Land Rover has done is soften all the lines across the body. Some have speculated that by doing so, the automaker has improved the Range 4QXGTƷU EQGǥEKGPV QH FTCI KP CPVKEKRCVKQP QH C HWNN[ GNGEVTKE XGTUKQP YJKEJ KU UNCVGF HQT C FGDWV Additionally, there’s neat touches found with the OQVQTK\GF FQQT JCPFNGU VJCV UKV ǤWUJ YKVJ VJG DQF[ when the vehicle is in motion or locked, and the lack of excessive weather stripping on the SUV’s Continued on page 72

exterior. It’s a cleaner, more streamlined look. The biggest change most folks will pick up is around the truck’s hind quarters. That’s where you’ll see a blacked-out, upside down horseshoe strip that integrates the Range Rover’s taillights. It’s meaner.

Overall, it’s a more minimalist approach that evokes a greater level of sophistication for design geeks. Personally, I am a fan of this departure from the more blocky and utilitarian Range Rovers of the past.

Where the magic happens though is inside this luxury SUV. When you open the door, you’re welcomed by fragrant, leather hides. Sliding into the driver’s seat, it’s immediately clear that this vehicle was built for comfort. That’s because the optional 24-way adjustable, heating/cooling/massaging chair is quite literally the perfect mix of soft yet supportive. If you’ve ever sat in a Herman-Miller Eames chair, you know what I mean.

Front and center is a 13-inch, touch-sensitive display using an infotainment system that Land Rover calls Pivi Pro. Taking inspiration from today’s latest mobile devices, it is a major upgrade from previous-generation products. The software works in a ǤWKF YC[ NCI KU PQV C RTQDNGO CPF KV KU GCU[ VQ WUG That said, you do have to get acclimated to where certain functions are located. For example, it took OG C EQWRNG QH OKPWVGU VQ ǣPF VJG RCTMKPI UGPUQTU cameras while pulling into a spot. What’s usually a button on a center console or stack was relegated to an overlooked icon on the bottom right-hand cor-

ner of the infotainment screen, located next to the Settings symbol. Odd considering it is a vital feature.

Behind the steering wheel is yet another 13-inch display that serves as your instrument panel. Like other luxury automakers, this screen is entirely customizable based on your preferences. You can set it up to show traditional gauges, you can fully display the map to ditch the tachometer and speedometer, or you ECP VKPMGT YKVJ KV VQ RTQXKFG VJG KPHQTOCVKQP [QW ǣPF most critical to your driving experience. The world’s your oyster in the Range Rover.

Elsewhere inside, it is a beautifully trimmed cockpit. The extended leather is supple, the metal bits are real, and tiny details like the releases to open the door exude quality you don’t typically see or feel in other autos. Then there’s neat surprises like the dual glove box and hidden compartment in the center console – slide back the cupholders to reveal a deep storage area.

Although the all-new Range Rover packs a ton of features and technology, it’s clear that its designers and engineers wanted to continue its emphasis on minimalism. In some über luxury vehicles, the cabin can feel overwhelming with buttons and switches that are often confusing. In the Range Rover, however, there’s harmony.

Before we move on: One thing worth noting is that VJGTG CTG VYQ FKǢGTGPV YJGGNDCUGU CXCKNCDNG 5JQTV wheelbase (SWB) models are standard. Optional long YJGGNDCUG .9$ 4CPIG 4QXGTU DGPGǣV HTQO CP CFFK-

tional eight inches in length. LWB variants can be GSWKRRGF YKVJ ǣXG QT UGXGP UGCV EQPǣIWTCVKQPU OGCPKPI VJKU KU VJG ǣTUV 4CPIG 4QXGT VJCV QǢGTU C third row.

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(KTUV VJG UGCVKPI RQUKVKQP RWVU [QW SWKVG JKIJ KPUKFG VJG VTWEM YJKEJ RTQXKFGU GZEGNNGPV XKUKDKNKV[ Ƶ [QW ECP UGG CNN HQWT EQTPGTU 5GEQPF VJGTGƷU CP QRVKQPCN TQQH OQWPVGF ECOGTC VJCV VWTPU VJG TGCT XKGY OKTTQT KPVQ C UETGGP CV VJG ǤKEM QH [QWT YTKUV 6JKU IKXGU [QW C EQORNGVGN[ WPQDUVTWEVGF XKGY DGJKPF VJG XGJKENG CPF KU JGNRHWN KH [QW JCXG VYQ OQTG TQYU QH RGQRNG QXGT [QWT UJQWNFGT .CUV DWV PQV NGCUV VJG CNN PGY 4CPIG 4QXGT DQCUVU CNN YJGGN UVGGTKPI YJKEJ OCMGU NQY URGGF FTKXKPI UWRGT GCU[ CU KV KORTQXGU [QWT VWTP ing radius. Now getting around a parking lot in a 4CPIG 4QXGT KUPƷV C JCUUNG QT JCKT TCKUKPI 9JKNG VJGTGƷU UKZ FKǢGTGPV FTKXKPI OQFGU CV [QWT FKU RQUCN + TGEMQP OQUV HQNMU YKNN UVKEM VQ GKVJGT %QOHQTV 'EQ QT &[PCOKE %QOHQTV KU VJG DGUV QH VJG DWPEJ CU VJG XGJKENG TGOCKPU RNKCDNG CPF EWUJ[ HQT RCUUGPIGT EQOHQTV $WV CU [QWT URGGF VKEMU WR QP VJG JKIJYC[ CPF [QW CRRTQCEJ VTKRNG FKIKVU [QWƷNN YCPV VQ UYKVEJ KV KPVQ &[PCOKE VQ IKXG VJG EJCUUKU C DKV QH UVKǢPGUU CPF VQ DGVVGT EQPVTQN VJG DQF[ƷU OQXGOGPVU 5KORN[ RWV [QW YQPƷV EQPHWUG VJG 4CPIG 4QXGT HQT C URQTVU car.

9JGTG + YKUJ VJGTG YCU UQOG KORTQXGOGPV VJQWIJ YCU DGVVGT KUQNCVKQP QH RQVJQNGU CPF QVJGT KORGT HGEVKQPU KP VJG TQCF +V FQGUPƷV JGNR VJCV O[ VGUVGTU YGTG UJQF YKVJ KPEJ CPF KPEJ YJGGN CPF VKTG RCEMCIGU DWV + UVKNN YCU JQRKPI HQT KORCEVU VQ OQTG CDUQTDGF VJCP VJG[ YGTG )KXGP VJG XGJKENGƷU UK\G CPF RTKEG VCI VJKU YCU C DKV QH C NGVFQYP -PQYKPI VJKU + YQWNF DG UWTG VQ QTFGT VJG UOCNNGUV RQUUKDNG YJGGN UK\G KPEJ Continued on page 74

All things considered, there’s no question at the end of the day: The new Range Rover is a top-tier competitor with wonderful tech, solid powertrains, and an excellent cabin — in terms of quality and space.

That said, you do have to be mindful of the engine you select and the trim levels as pricing reaches into

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the stratosphere, fast. It’s easy to go north of $165,000 if you’re not paying attention. Frankly, if it were my hard-earned dollars, I’d invest in a six-cylinder long wheelbase SE. That’s because the six’s engine feels NKMG C OQTG PCVWTCN ǣV KP VJG DKI FCFF[ 4CPIG CPF the added space gets two thumbs up from me.

| SPR PRING RIN I G 2 2023 00223

Escapes

FROM ALPINE TO MYKONOS Mourkakos Family Opens Luxurious Resort in Cyclades Islands

BY KEVIN CZERWINSKI

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K

yriakos [Eric] Mourkakos never envisioned that he’d one day be working in the service industry let alone see his family own an establishment that prides itself on its service.

Yet, the 28-year-old Alpine native is the face of Cali Mykonos, one of the newest and most luxurious resorts in the Cyclades Islands.

The Mourkakos family, led by patriarch Othon Mourkakos, has created a paradise within a paradise on the southeastern shore of Mykonos, an island in the Aegean Sea just about the midway point between Greece and Turkey. Cali Mykonos, a luxury hotel and resort which had a “soft opening” NCUV UWOOGT QǢGTU RCVTQPU VJG QRRQTVWPKV[ VQ GZRGrience the island and its rich history without the hustle and bustle of traditional tourist spots on the Mykonos’ coasts that face Greece.

The resort, which is slated to have more of a “grand opening” this spring, features seaside villas and UWKVGU VJCV QǢGT GZSWKUKVG XKGYU QH VJG #GIGCP YJKNG providing a level of privacy that can’t often be found in the more touristy spots on the island. The whole project sprung from an idea that Othon Mourkakos, who is Eric’s father and a native of Greece, had nearly a decade ago.

Eric Mourkakos, who is the property’s general manager, spends the majority of the year on the island and continues to oversee a large portion of the work, often pitching in wherever needed, from construction to cleanup to customer service. It’s a RQUKVKQP KP YJKEJ JG PGXGT ǣIWTGF JGƷF DG DWV VJGP again, he never imagined his family owning a luxury resort.

Mourkakos graduated from Columbia University with a degree in mathematics before earning a master’s there in biotechnology. He spent several years working in a cancer research lab and now also owns his own company that focus on the digital side of healthcare [records, monitoring etc.]. That remains a venture in which he is actively involved.

His involvement with the resort, however, came about when his father couldn’t travel to Greece because of COVID so he “kind of stepped in and haven’t stopped since.” Mourkakos added that he always wanted to work with his father and be Continued on page 78

involved to an extent but never imagined that he’d be living on Mykonos full-time from April to October as well as every two weeks during the winter.

JQVGNU VJCV JGNF VJG UVCPFCTF YG FQ HQT C ǣXG UVCT hotel. He found this property on the other end of the island where people don’t usually go to.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise, though. Mourkakos said his father, who is 65 and has owned and worked in a variety of businesses, “has a motor that doesn’t stop.”

“This was a mountain before we bought but it had an intimate beach. He looked at other hotels on the island and this was unique both in size and because it was on the water. For him, he’s always been exceptional at looking ahead. He saw a mountain and pictured what could be. Everyone told him he was crazy, family, friends, architects. The whole thing was planned out after he saw the property.”

“All he does is work,” Mourkakos said. “It’s truly his passion. I think the hotel has given him a refreshed purpose. It drives him in a way that I haven’t seen.

He’s the healthiest and the happiest he has ever been.”

That drive and passion was never more evident than YJGP 1VJQP /QWTMCMQU ǣTUV UCY VJG RTQRGTV[ QP which Cali Mykonos would someday sit. That was eight years ago when he visited Mykonos with his wife [Kally] on vacation. He and business partners Dr. Thomas Scilaris and Argyrios Mavrogiorgis then went to work.

The property’s design drew inspiration from the traditional architecture of the Cyclades. Simple, small, white volumes rest atop stone walls while the contours and movements of the of the property’s raw terrain have been followed closely, resulting in very few accommodations being parallel or perpendicular to each other.

“Growing up, I spent summers in Greece and eight years ago he saw how popular and populated the island is and that the number of visitors was increasing every year,” Eric Mourkakos said. “He recognized that there were no international or American-owned

The name Cali draws its inspiration from the ancient Greek muse Calliope, which means “beautifully voiced.” Greek mythology tells of how she presided over poetry, song, arts and sciences and elements QH OWUKECN EQORQUKVKQP CTG TGǤGEVGF KP VJG JQVGNƷU design with notes and pauses, white marble and stone walls.

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+V VQQM PGCTN[ ǣXG [GCTU VQ DWKNF VJG TGUQTV KP CPF CTQWPF VJG OQWPVCKP %CNK /[MQPQU YCU CPF EQPVKPWGU VQ DG DWKNV KP RCTV YKVJ VJG TGRWTRQUGF UVQPGU VJCV YGTG HQTOGTN[ VJCV OQWPVCKP 5VQPG HTQO VJG RTQRGTVKGU KPKVKCN GZECXCVKQP KU HGCVWTGF VJTQWIJQWV VJG TGUQTV CPF RTQXKFG UVTWEVWTG VQ VJG DWKNF 0CVWTCN OCTDNG YCU WUGF QP VGTTCEGU KP RQQNU CPF HQT ǤQQTU CPF YCNNU ETGCVKPI C UGCONGUU NQQM DGVYGGP VJG QWVFQQT CPF KPFQQT URCEG 6JGTG CTG EWTTGPVN[ YJKVG UWICT EWDG UWKVGU CPF XKNNCU =GCEJ YKVJ KVU QYP RTKXCVG JGCVGF UGCYCVGT RQQN? VJCV UKV CVQR QNF UVQPG YCNNU HQNNQYKPI VJG PCVWTCN VGTTCKP VQ CNNQY OCZKOWO KPVGITCVKQP YKVJ VJG NCPFUECRG 'CEJ XKNNC TQVCVGU VQ IKXG C FCPEKPI GǢGEV [GV CTG CTEJKVGEVWTCNN[ FGUKIPGF VQ QǢGT VJG WNVKOCVG KP RTKXCE[ 6JGTG CTG CNUQ CP CFFKVKQPCN UWKVGU CPF XKNNCU VJCV CTG UVKNN EWTTGPVN[ DGKPI DWKNV KP VJG RTKOG NQECVKQP QH -CNCHCVK $GCEJ ƹ(QT FCF CPF OG EQOKPI DCEM VQ )TGGEG VJG[ =VJG NQECNU? XKGYGF OG CU CP #OGTKECP ƺ /QWTMCMQU UCKF ƹ+PKVKCNN[ VJGTG KU C YC[ VJCV PCVKXGU XKGY QWVUKFGTU CPF YG YGTG QWVUKFGTU 9G YCPVGF VQ FQ VJG GPVKTG JQVGN KP OCTDNG CPF VJG[ XKGYGF KV CU C FWOD #OGTKECP VJKPI C YCUVG QH OQPG[ $WV YG JCF C XKUKQP CPF YG UVWEM D[ KV 0QY YG CTG VJG VCNM QH VJG KUNCPF CPF YG CTG OWEJ DGVVGT TGEGKXGF VJCP YG YGTG KPKVKCNN[ ƺ 2CTV QH VJCV XKUKQP KPENWFKPI UQWTEKPI VJG RTQRGTV[ƷU YCVGT HTQO VJG UWTTQWPFKPI OQWPVCKPU 6JCV PCVWTCNN[ UQWTEGF YCVGT CNQPI YKVJ CP QPUKVG FGUCNKPK\CVKQP HCEKNKV[ RTQXKFGU VJG EQORNGZ YKVJ C UGNH UWUVCKPCDNG YCVGT U[UVGO VJCV YKNN PQV RWV C UVTCKP QP VJG TGUV QH VJG KUNCPFƷU YCVGT UWRRN[ 6JGTG KU CNUQ C VJKTF FGITGG YCUVGYCVGT VTGCVOGPV VJCV VTCPUHQTOU YCUVG KPVQ RWTKǣGF YCVGT YJKEJ KU WUGF VJTQWIJ VJG RTQRGTV[ƷU KTTKICVKQP U[UVGO 6JCV YCVGT KU JGCVGT XKC C UQNCT RCPGN U[UVGO Continued on page 80

“Over eight years ago, together with my family, I had a vision to create a transformative luxury hotel experience for travelers in Mykonos,” Othon Mourkakos said. “What started as a dream turned into a reality, with the help of an exceptional team of partners in design, architecture, food and beverage, and hospitality. I’m so proud to be on this journey with my family and my children, who all play a vital role in the success of Cali Mykonos; their commitment to deliver a hotel experience unlike anything else on the island is unmatched.

We are thrilled with the positive guest response this past summer and look forward to opening for QWT ǣTUV HWNN UGCUQP KP /C[ ƺ 6JCV QRGPKPI YKNN CNUQ CǢQTF IWGUVU the opportunity to view the incredible landscaping, which features HTWKVU CPF XGIGVCDNGU UWEJ CU ǣIU olives, pomegranates, etc. that are drawn upon daily, providing ingredients in the property’s restaurant.

“It’s a hotel but we’re not selling hotel rooms,” Eric Mourkakos said.

“We’re selling the experience. We have a private dock, three private yachts that will take you to UNESCO sites. This is an experience.

We look for every aspect of your stay that we can twist in a unique way. Everything is unique.”

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Town Title 20th Anniversary Celebration Town Title held their annual holiday party and celebrated their 20th anniversary at the Venetian. For more information, visit www.towntitle.us.

Chris and Art Rotio

George and Josh Thomson

Frank, Dina and Joe Caimbrone

Jackie Dasilva, Joe Caimbrone

Frank Lapari, Adrian Ciambrone

Kristen and Anthony Davis

Chris Rotio, Jerry Iannone, Tre Minicucci

Chris and Nicole Mooney

John Salemme, Jerry Iannone

Brianna and Steve Paino

The Town Title Team

Chris and Dawn Rotio

Jackie Dasilva, Joe Ciambrone, Sandi Celentano, Chelsea Palladino

Joe Sanzari, Paul Sarlo

Mike Duch, John Caliendrillo

Curt Geisler, Adrian Caimbrone, Barbara Geisler, Kaitlyn, Dina and Joe Ciambrone

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Valley Health Auxiliary Boutique The Valley Health Auxiliary held their annual holiday boutique and luncheon at Seasons.

For more information, visit www.valleyhealth.com/services/auxiliary.

Rosemarie Renuro, Mary DiMatteo

Kathleen Rahaman, Maria Carfello

Rosemarie Ranuro, Dr. Jean Holden, Maria Carapezza

Helen Kim, Mariliza LaCap

Darcy Linares, Claudia Sanchez

Linda Cennerazzo, Kathy Wakile

Anzhela Krimer, Heidi Wlosek

Jumana Chalabi, Krystal Choi

Suzanne Laceste, Fariba Shahamat, Sevgi Coban

Theresa and Jim Maurer

Candace Kristin, .KPFC $GTPUVGKP 6KǢCP[ Ramirez, Lisa Herrmann

Fariba Shahamat, Nancy Bush, Tammy Roberts, Maria Harper

Jean Weng, Alisa DiGirolamo, Helen Kim, Maria Yale, Yasmin Elshami, Dr. Jean Holden, Dr. Mariliza Lacap, 82 Enza Spina

Fariba Shahamat, Nancy Bush, Tammy Roberts, Maria Harper

Nina Boral, Caryl Kourgelis, Nancy Bush

Michele Halloran, Tracey Ingrasselino

| SPRING 2023

Our team of elite cardiac specialists doesn’t just listen to your heart.

They listen to you.

Everything medicine can do. A few things medicine can’t.

Valley Health System’s leading–edge heart care starts with a team of specialists and a full scope of cardiac services. Including advanced treatments for atrial fibrillation, the latest techniques in heart imaging, breakthrough procedures for valve replacement, and a team approach to care that always includes you.

To make an appointment with our heart care team, call 1-800-VALLEY 1.

ValleyHealth.com/Heart

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