BC the Mag Summer '21 by Bergen County the Magazine

WHO BETTER THAN NEW JERSEY’S PREMIER CANCER PROGRAM

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When it comes to your cancer, there’s no question. New Jersey’s premier cancer program is Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center.

See or speak to an expert within 48 hours. Call 833-CANCER-MD.

Summer 2021

Publishers

Sharon & Steven Goldstein

Associate Publisher

Brandon Goldstein

Editorial Director

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

Art Director

BMG Marketing

Fashion Director

Candace Kristin

Photographers 4 Eyes Photography

Contributing Writers

Kristin Favaloro

Brandon Goldstein

Dr. Michael Gross

Soneca Guadara

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

NJ Sharing Network

Richard Posluszny

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.

A Letter from the Editor

Iwas sitting on a park bench as I watched my two sons running around the playground when all of a sudden, I overheard my 4-year-old ask another little boy, “Do you want to play with us?”

And, just like that, my boys made a friend, which lead to my epiphany: We are designed for friendship.

Do you have your person? The friend that you can go to at two in the morning when you need to talk? Do you have that friend that knows you at your very worst and loves you not despite it but for it?

I’m truly blessed to have found a couple girlfriends that are indeed my people. Some have been on most of life’s journey with me, while others were the most pleasant addition. There’s no judgement, no shame, no fear of being ourselves. We can laugh and cry together – all usually within the same conversation. We love each other’s children and are committed to their growth. They are beyond wonderful to have.

Recently, after years of talking about it, we went on a weekend long girls’ trip. We rented a farmhouse in upstate New York, packed our bags, piled our fully vaccinated selves into the car and hit the road, waving goodbye to our

husbands and children after over a year of pandemic life. It was glorious. A weekend full of nothing but encouragement and love.

Shortly after returning from the girls’ trip, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dominique Racanati Macri, who is sharing her infertility journey via 9 Months with Courteney Cox, a Facebook Watch series. Throughout the over 4 years that I’ve been the editorial director for BC The Mag, I’ve shared bits and pieces of my infertility journey with you, our readers. It’s a subject near and dear to my heart, so speaking with Dominique was a bittersweet joy.

You know the scene in Step Brothers when they rapid fire questions, answering with the identical response at the very same time? The stepbrothers share a laugh and the famous exchange of, “Did we just become best friends?! Yup!” My discussion with Dominique felt a lot like that. It made me feel connected to her, thanks to our shared experiences. I hope the pages of this issue are filled with stories that resonate with you, that make you feel as if you too have just been engulfed in a hug from a friend.

Once you’d read this issue, I hope you question your own life-giving friendships that are deserving of nurturing. Do you have a friend that blesses your life? Are you that friend for someone else? If you have a mutually beneficial friendship, cultivate it, cherish it. If you don’t, start being the kind of friend you need, and see what happens.

Sending you love and virtual hugs, Jessica Humphrey Cintineo

Fun

SHE GETS IT.

You want your kids to eat healthy foods; they want macaroni and cheese. And the battle begins, especially when concerns about a child’s weight enter the picture.

Dr. Sherry Sakowitz-Sukkar can help make mealtime healthy and fun for the whole family.

Her goal: to help patients be healthy, feel good about themselves, and develop healthy habits.

Spring Lake Toys Foundation annual Spring Gala

Spring Lake Toys Foundation held their annual Spring Gala at the Indian Trail Club. For more information, visit www.springlaketoysfoundation.org.

Joe Stephens, Sandra Zotti, Stephen Fahy

Maryanne Jefferson, Kristin Schaffner

Devika Manchanda, Sonal Parikh

Lynn and Anthony Barravecchio

Tracy Hartgers, Rebecca Amoroso, Colleen Barrett

Sandra Zotti, Paulette LaurenziLori Eilers, Victoria Pescatore, Maria Ruggiero

Payal Jain, Janvi Mehta

Beverly Mancini, Joe PedoneMeagan Giunta, Chela Papaccioli, Kara Veenstra, Monique Ruberto

Robyn and Jon Ditkoff Noelle and Mary Ann Silberbauer

Marisa Helek, Torill LorenzoDavid and Adi Green, Jeff RubinRosemarie Ranuro, Dyana Thompson

Steven Goldstein, Candace Kristin

Your Healthy Summer Checklist

This summer, get back to doing the things you love with the ones you love. Make the commitment to playing an active role in your health care.

Englewood Health reminds you to:

� Schedule your annual physical.

� Speak with your physician about important screenings and preventive care services, including:

• Diabetes screening

• Lung cancer screening

• Mammogram

• Pap smear and HPV screening

• Skin cancer screening

• Screening for other cancers based on your risk factors, including stomach and prostate cancers

• Bone density testing

• Cardiology exam

• Hepatitis screening

• Joint and spine check-up and care

• Pulmonary function testing

• Smoking cessation

• Vascular screening for stroke and neurological conditions

• Vein screening

Get your COVID-19 vaccine. Visit englewoodhealth.org/vaccine to schedule an appointment.

Need help finding a physician? Call 833-234-2234 or visit englewoodhealth.org

SocialSocial

The Englewood Health Foundation held their annual Golf Outing

The Englewood Health Foundation held their annual Golf Outing at the Ridgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.englewoodhealthfoundation.org.

Amy Shirvan, Fran Weingast, Amy Zagin, Debbie Satnick

Andrew Shick, Brad Zaikov, Craig Zaikov, Mike Emhardt

Erica Park, Gia AlvarezJared Siegel, Brian Marcus, Victor Alvarez, David Hong

Jason Vincent, Grant Knaggs, Jeffrey Brown, Chris Davis

John Finnegan, Brian Buckelew, Bridget Murphy, Steve Landers

Josh Weingast, Mark Shirvan, David Drapkin, Alex Chung

Mark A. Spivack, Eric Kleiner, Kevin Yao MD, Barine Tee

Martin and Lynn ZaikovMichael Backer, Thomas Senter, Harry Singh, Y.T. Hwang

Michael Wilderman MD, Neil Piekny, Jared Cohen, Michael Gutter

MK Ko, Inn Park, IJ Choi, HJ Lee

Pat Mazzola, Eric Morrison, Jill Morrison MD

Robert Fornes, Brian McCourt, Kevin Pace, Joseph Coccaro

Val H. Massar, Mike Francois, John Massar, Mike Connors

Young Kil Kim, Harold Lee

SocialSocial

St. Joseph’s Health Foundation golf classic

St. Joseph’s Health Foundation partnered with the NFL Alumni Association for their annual Golf Classic held at Ridgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.givetostjosephs.org.

Frank Inserra, John Cioletti

Stephen Winikoff, James Whang, Pablo Figueroa

John Thomas, Donna Viable, Tom Kirczow

Bob Garrett, Kevin Slavin

Carlos Ortiz, Robert Douglas, Joe Amico, Dean Emmolo, Tank Daniels, Dereck Faulkner

Tom Limberg, Dean Emmolo, Jorge Barraque, Frank Peragallo

Sister Patricia Codey, Robert Budelman, Dr. Jai Parekh

Kevin Slavin, Steve Maneri, Robert Budelman

Jeff Jacobson, Bob Dazi, Rich DeCandido, Kevin Wurst

Dr. Luis Marrero, Dr. Adel Zauk

OJ Anderson, Steven Baker

Mitch Schlesinger, Sean Slavin, Josh Deuel

Steve Liebezeit, Chris Rotio, Lou Romano, Joe Ciambrone, Frank LaViano

Bart Oates, Jim Kirkos

Bob Garrett, Bart Oates Roman Oben, Tricia Paolucci, Rob Budelman, Sean O’Hara

Can’t get to a health care provider right now?

Holy Name has you covered with North Jersey Telemedicine. You get the care you need, right from home—or wherever you may be. Not sure if it’s allergies or a cold? Worried that scrape or burn might be infected? Need a medication reﬁll? Our primary care and specialty physicians and nurse practitioners are ready to see you, safely and conveniently. Visit NorthJerseyTelemedicine.com to learn

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

In New Jersey, there are nearly 4,000 residents currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, and one person in New Jersey dies every three days waiting for a transplant. Just one organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people. Transplantable organs include heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and intestine. Transplantable tissue includes corneas, heart valves, skin and bone grafts, ligament and tendons.

Locally, NJ Sharing Network is the federally designated non-profit organization responsible for recovering organs and tissue for transplant. With headquarters in New Providence, the organization is also part of the national recovery system, serving the 110,000 people on the national waiting list.

Gina Westhoven of Lodi and Melissa Messina of Northvale are just two Bergen County residents personally touched by NJ Sharing Network. Here, we share their stories.

“I thought I was going to die in a matter of days,” said Westhoven.

The cardiac experts at Chilton Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center managed Westhoven’s condition. Westhoven was first supported with a defibrillator and medications. A cardiomems electronic device was implanted to help monitor her heart, and it soon became apparent that Westhoven needed a milrinone pump for short-term treatment. An LVAD (left ventricular assist device) was then attached directly to her heart with an external battery pack to pump her damaged heart.

Westhoven’s family and friends love her energetic personality and zest for life. She takes pride in her life-saving work as an EMT with Englewood Volunteer Ambulance Corp and as a business owner. She has a great love for travelling to some of the world’s most-beautiful beaches and enjoys chilling with her mom, family, friends and her 70-pound pit bull Micki.

But four years ago, Westhoven’s began to face serious health issues for the first time in her life. She constantly felt zapped of energy, and, at times, she struggled to breathe and could barely walk. She went from specialist-to-specialist in search of answers. One diagnosed asthma, another pneumonia. Her symptoms got worse. Ultimately, the medical staff at Chilton Medical Center diagnosed Westhoven with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Westhoven knew a bit about heart disease – from her father, who died of it at age 45 – and from the patients she saw as an EMT.

“Thanks to the LVAD, I was able to walk and breathe again,” said Westhoven. “I was able to do my daily activities without it being a huge struggle.”

While Westhoven felt extremely blessed, she was eager to get a heart transplant with hopes that her health would be fully restored.

“For two years with the LVAD, in some situations it felt like I was sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else live life to its fullest,” said Westhoven. “The LVAD kept me alive, but there was so much more that I wanted to do – international travel, swim, have children. I was debating on whether or not it was the right time for me to get a transplant or stay on the LVAD. I remember my primary doctor asking me, ‘Are you living to survive or are you living to live life?’ I realized at the time that I was only living to survive. I was now determined to be listed for a heart transplant for a better quality of life. My family, friends and medical team encouraged me every step of the way.”

On Dec. 14, 2020, Westhoven received the phone call that a heart was available. The next day, she underwent a successful transplant surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

“When I first woke up from transplant, I remember crying because I was happy to be alive but at the same time felt guilty because somewhere a family was putting their loved one to rest,” said Westhoven. “I am forever grateful to my donor – there’s just not enough ways to say, ‘thank you.’ My donor wanted to give the gift of life, and God chose my donor for me. Because they both said ‘yes,’ it makes me feel less guilty.”

Now several months post-transplant, Westhoven continues to honor her donor as she grows stronger and healthier each day.

“My heart is my new best friend – to honor my donor I know I must protect it,” said Westhoven. “Sometimes it feels like this has all been just a dream. But when I look in the mirror, I see my scar and it reminds me that I am truly alive.”

Westhoven jokingly admits that she’s aware that her feisty spirit is also getting back on track.

“I keep telling my family, friends and co-workers that ‘Gina Version 2.0’ will be better than ever,” said Westhoven. “My cardiac rehab team has not quite cleared me yet for all activities yet. But I can’t wait to try jet skiing for the first time.”

While Westhoven was blessed with a lifesaving organ donation, Messina was hallowed to be able to provide the lifesaving organs themselves.

On April 18, 2019, Messina and Joey Rodriguez faced unthinkable tragedy when their six-month-old son Kash unexpectedly passed away after suffering multiple strokes and a brain stem herniation.

“Our world was absolutely flipped upside-down,” said Messina. “We were crushed, and we questioned how this could ever happen.”

Although their hearts may never fully heal, Messina, Rodriguez and Kash’s older brother and best friend, Roman, are honored that Kash’s donated organs answered the prayers of three other families. Kash’s heart saved the life of a two-month-old boy, his liver saved the life of a 9-month-old baby girl and his kidneys saved the life of a 45-year-old wife and mother.

“We realized that we would never want another family to go through this pain,” said Messina. “We knew that somewhere there was a family holding their baby praying for a miracle. Kash had the opportunity to be that miracle through donation. His little body couldn’t fight hard enough to come back to us, but he fought hard and long enough to become an organ donor and give the gift of life.”

Messina and Rodriguez are thankful for the caring support of NJ Sharing Network’s team who helped create a silver lining during a time of great sadness for their entire family.

“We gained a guardian angel in heaven, but also gained close friends from NJ Sharing Network that have taken care of us every step of the way,” said Mes-

sina. “Their love and compassion is something we will always cherish and never forget.”

Brittany Jacobson, manager of clinical specialists, NJ Sharing Network, believes that supporting Messina and Rodriguez changed her outlook on life and her career.

“I remember feeling a sense of calm during my drive to the hospital. It felt like something was telling me that I needed to be there,” said Jacobson. “We honor Kash every single day doing the work we do at NJ Sharing Network. Each family leaves their special imprint on my heart, and that’s what makes our work so rewarding.”

Six months after Kash’s untimely passing, Messina, who has a BSN degree, joined the NJ Sharing Network team as a clinical donation specialist. She now plays an important role in saving and enhancing lives every day, continuing to care for families and giving hope to others.

On Feb. 19, 2021, the family was blessed with the birth of their baby boy Phoenix Joseph, PJ for short. Together, the family has found a sense of peace and hope for a bright future ahead – with their guardian angel watching over them.

And, the peace and hope is in part thanks to NJ Sharing Network too. NJ Sharing Network has a program called “Wrapped in Love.” Through the Wrapped in Love program, donor families are honored with handmade shawls and blankets that are tangible expressions of comfort and compassion.

“We received ours around the 2-year mark of Kash’s death. It’s so nice to know that after all that time, he is still honored, loved and remembered and that we as his family are still supported,” said Messina. “I love being able to wrap the boys up in it like a big hug from their angel brother. It opens up a path of conversation with them about their brother and the miracles he created. It makes them feel a little closer and helps them through on those tough days.”

NJ Sharing Network has received many accolades for its role in helping to increase organ transplantation in the Garden State by 31 percent over the last decade.

In addition, the number of organ donors in a single year reached an all-time high as 222 generous individuals in New Jersey gave the gift of life in 2020, an 8 percent increase over last year’s previous record.

“We realize our goal of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation by working closely with our local transplant centers and hospital partners, medical examiners and funeral directors in the identification, referral and care of potential organ and tissue donors,” said Joseph Roth, president and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “An increase in awareness about donation, the growth of New Jersey’s donor registry and advances in transplantation medicine have all contributed to a significant growth in lives saved by donation.”

It is now easier than ever for New Jerseyans to register in any of the following options: online at www. NJSharingNetwork.org; through the iPhone Health App; and in-person at your local Motor Vehicle Agency.

Emergency

The

Bobbi

The

Journey To A Family 9Months Star Aims To Spread Infertility AwareNess

By Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

Floods of holiday cards framing picture-perfect families arrived in our mailboxes daily last Christmas. For many, it’s “the most wonderful time of year,” however, there’s equally as many that welcome the season with a renewed sense of isolation and loneliness.

“During Christmas, when everyone was sending the Christmas cards, I could not open the envelopes,” shared a slightly embarrassed Dominique Racanati Macri. “I couldn’t open them and see all the families – something I wanted so badly.”

Macri, 33, of Lyndhurst, is just one of the many women throughout Bergen County and beyond that is experiencing infertility. She’s also part of the three-fourths of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s participants that reported feeling more anxious and/or depressed during the holiday season.

Last Christmas she was gearing up for her fourth frozen embryo transfer after recently completing an endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA), a test that evaluates over 200 genes that play a role in the endometrium becoming receptive, thus determining the optimal time for embryo transfer.

After 4 years of trying to conceive naturally juxtaposed with her in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey, Macri finally received a diagnosis other than “unexplained.”

“The ERA was my doctor’s Hail Mary. He [My doctor] was grasping at straws,” she explained. “The result was that I was early receptive, meaning [I was transferring too early and] I needed 12 more hours of progesterone.”

With a “real” diagnosis, Macri and her husband Angelo, also 33, headed into their fourth frozen embryo – their last embryo left from their initial egg retrieval.

“I remember thinking, ‘I’m at the end of my story,’” recalled Macri. “Wouldn’t that be cool to get pregnant with my last embryo?”

As the world learned on 9 Months with Courteney Cox, a Facebook Watch series that features 13 new families – including Macri – that share their extraordinary journeys to and pregnancies, their fourth frozen embryo transfer did not work.

“It’s really hard to have someone else tell your story,” said Macri of the show, which has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Short From Daytime Non-Fiction Program. “There’s so much more to my story than what has been told.”

For example, Macri has endured countless injections, pills, doctor visits and blood draws. She’s suffered a miscarriage, polyps in her uterus and being diagnosed with COVID-19 during a cycle.

In the 15-minute episodes, Macri’s story is told in short segments on 9 Months with Courteney Cox. New episodes are released on Facebook Watch every Sunday and Thursday at 2 p.m. PT.

Macri applied to be on the show, during one of her lowest moments, after learning about it in an infertility support group on Facebook.

“I was in bed and just crying to myself,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘I’m just going to record myself and just send it in.’ It was literally just me, being me going through what I was going through.”

Following a few Zoom interviews, her and her husband were cast on the show. She has a producer who she meets with from time-to-time; however, a vast majority of the show’s content is filmed by herself and her husband.

“This show has been an outlet for helping me get through this, and now that we are wrapping up, my anxiety is through the roof,” she said.

9 Months of Courteney Cox is scheduled to air its finale on July 15. At press time, Macri was scheduled to meet with her producer in early June. A fourth season of 9 Months is anticipated; however, Macri did not know if she’d have the opportunity to continue her story.

But this is her life – not just a TV show.

“This is my life. This is what I’m living,” she said. “It’s me trying to manage my IVF/infertility life with regular life. It’s hard to manage. Trying to live as normal a life as possible while going through this. That’s been so difficult.”

Macri recalled attending a baby shower hours after learning her third frozen embryo transfer didn’t work. She remembers doing a trigger shot during her sister’s engagement party in the restaurant bathroom, where she ended up having a mishap with the medication that led to an hour car ride at 10 p.m. to a pharmacy that re-opened for her so she could get the proper timely medication.

“I’m just sad. I’m depressed at times, but you know the world is still spinning and life is still going on and you just have to suck it up,” she said. “You can be so happy for someone but sad for you and sometimes that sadness can overwhelm you.”

Macri has come to realize now more than ever that her marriage is her “saving grace.”

“Angelo has been so supportive and even him just saying, ‘If it’s just me and you, Dom, I’m content with that.’ He literally would just be happy with me,” she said of her husband of 5 years. “That’s a hard thing to wrap my head around, that he’d give up having a child. This has really strengthened our marriage.”

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has made it so that Angelo attends doctor’s visits via FaceTime from his car, if at all.

For Macri, the unknown is the worst part.

“Will I have a child?” she questioned. “I just don’t know what is in store for me.”

Despite it all, Macri is proud to represent the one in eight couples that suffer from infertility in the United States – that’s about 6.7 million people each year who have trouble conceiving, according to the CDC’s National Survey of Family Growth.

“Doing this show and even speaking to you [Editor’s Note: Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo endured a fertility journey and is ultimately an IVF mom to two boys.] helps me have another purpose,” Macri shared. “To bring another life into this world is one of the most important things in this world. To think I can’t do that. It makes me wonder what my purpose in life is. Speaking out helps me deal with it and makes me think it’s not all for nothing.”

“Overall, I just want people that feel those emotions [of feeling sad, defeated, lonely, triggered, etc.] too to know they aren’t the only ones struggling,” she concluded. “I hope to look back and have a happy story to look back on.”

Art Painting with Emphasis

Laura Paray Captures The Variety of Lights

By emphasizing the light effect of a subject, Laura Paray looks to convey the prismatic flow of light to her subjects. Paray’s landscape inspiration comes from such varied places as Monhegan Island, Maine; the Catskill Mountains, N.Y.; Southern France; and the Italian Alps. Her still-lifes are personally put together with an emphasis on color, composition and light effect.

Growing up in Ho-Ho-Kus, Paray was fortunate to be close to the Ridgewood Art Institute where she took her first oil painting class at age 10. In her early 20s, she was mentored by the late Arthur F. Maynard, one of the first instructors of the Institute. She later continued her studies with John Phillip Osborne. After moving back to Bergen County to raise her family, she began teaching at The Ridgewood Art Institute where she first fell in love with oil painting as a child.

The process of creating a painting, specifically a landscape, starts with a plein air sketch, a French term for painting on location out of doors. Bringing that initial inspiration into the studio is a springboard for recreating the scene and working out the composition.

“This process helps to keep the same feel of the day that first evoked a certain emotion in me,” said Paray.

“All the while, I’m hopeful my viewer experiences the same emotive reaction when in front of my painting. Oil painting is my preferred medium. There is freedom with the medium – layering, brushwork and the flexibility to change something in the painting, if I wish to.”

Paray has won awards for her work, and she has many local collectors. She most recently exhibited her work at The John Fell House in Allendale.

“The process of creating a painting, specifically a landscape, starts with a plein air sketch, a French term for painting on location out of doors.”

To keep posted on future events or learn more, visit: www.lauraparay.com. Paray may also be followed on Facebook and Instagram: @parayfineart.

Family-Friendly Ideas for Summer Fun

Warm, sunny days are the perfect setting for making family memories, but they’re also ideal opportunities to encourage kids to get creative and let their imaginations soar.

These ideas for summertime activities encourage family interaction, and the more kids get to help plan and organize the details, the more engaged you can expect them to be.

Visit Your Local Park

Pack all the kids’ favorite snacks and beverages to keep cool and hydrated. Choose your spot under a big shady tree and spread out for an impromptu picnic. Be sure to bring along outdoor toys for a game of catch or lighten the load and create a nature scavenger hunt with different types of leaves, rocks and flowers for kids to discover. If they come across an unfamiliar plant or animal, snap a picture with your phone so you can do some research on it when you get home. Encourage the kids to draw or design a piece of art reflecting the things they saw.

Create Watercolor Paintings

Away from the school setting, kids sometimes have fewer opportunities to practice expressing their ideas and getting creative. Fun tools can make an artistic session more exciting, so look for unique methods like blending Zebra Pen Mildliner Brush Pens with water and a paint brush to create fun, pastel watercolor paintings with minimal mess. The pens are conveniently double-ended with a paint brush-like tip on one end and fine marker tip on the other so you can precisely draw a design then create softer swirls of color using water and a brush.

Make Oven Smores

On a rainy night (or any night) make a s’more by putting it in the oven. They turn out just as melty and gooey as the campfire version but with easier prep and cleanup. This is a tasty way to get those creative juices flowing. Experiment with different candies, such as peanut butter cups in place of chocolate bars. Or add different ingredients and have other family members guess the flavors.

Water Sponge Challenge

Cool off wiFirst grab sponges, or water sponge balls, and a full bucket of water. The sponges are reusable so you can use them all summer long. Make it extra fun by organizing teams with kids against adults or everyone fending for themselves. Encourage kids to devise their own blockades and targets or adapt a classic game like baseball or dodgeball using water sponges in place of the usual balls. You could also do a sponge scavenger hunt to load up everyone’s buckets before the dousing begins.

Find the Animals

Visit your local Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo or aquarium and have your kids find as many animals as they can from the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction species list. It’s a good opportunity to talk about the concept of extinction and why these animals are on the list. Follow up the visit with an activity that reinforces how everyone has a role in conservation and look for ways to help protect each family member’s favorite animal.

Safety First

Swimming Safety Tips for Summer

Playing in or around water is one of the joys of summer, but this treasured seasonal pastime comes with some serious risks. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, many families will have informal gatherings and take trips to the beach, increasing the potential for children to have unsupervised access to water. Because of this, it’s important for children to take swimming lessons to learn water safety skills and create safer habits in and around water. As swimming lessons begin across the country, many are being conducted safely with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Protect your family’s safety around water this summer with these tips from the Make a Splash Tour, presented by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation.

Designate a Water Watcher and Closely Monitor Children.

Designate a water watcher when you are in, on or around water. Watch all children and adolescents swimming or playing in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Keeping young children or inexperienced swimmers within arm’s length at all times can help ensure you’re able to provide assistance if and when it’s needed.

Learn to Swim

Wear a Life Jacket.

Anyone participating in any boating, paddling or towed water sports, regardless of swimming ability in pool or open water situations, should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Preschool-aged children (5 years old and younger), who are not protected by touch supervision, in particular, should always wear a life jacket. Swimming aids and water toys – such as water wings, inflatable water wings and rings – are not intended to be life-saving devices.

Research has shown formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of childhood drowning by 88 percent. Through the annual Make a Splash Tour, the USA Swimming Foundation, with the support of Phillips 66, encourages children’s swim lessons. By equipping your child with the skill of swimming, you’ll open doors to a lifetime of safety, fun, fitness and even employment opportunities.

While lessons progressively teach a variety of swimming strokes, some of the most important things swimmers learn – even in beginner classes – are breath control and how to float. These basic skills are essential for staying above water should someone find himself or herself unable to touch or too tired to swim to safety. Children can participate in swimming lessons before they can walk, and parent-child swim lessons provide bonding opportunities along with water safety education.

New Mother & Baby Unit

Your family is expanding, and so has ours! The newest arrival to the St. Joseph’s Health Women’s and Children’s Pavilion at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center is a completely renovated, state-of-the art Mother & Baby Unit, featuring all private rooms.

Your baby’s birth is one of life’s most precious moments, and you deserve a special place. Our new unit provides a beautiful and spacious environment, supported by an unparalleled team of doctors, nurses and specialists. Peace of mind… delivered.

Swim in Designated Areas and Obey Posted Signs and Flags.

Ropes, buoys and flags in larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans are commonly used to mark off safe swimming areas and provide visual cues about changes in depth, underwater surfaces and currents. Teach children what these signs and markers mean and that they’re in place as safety tools, not toys to play with or float on.

If the unthinkable does happen, knowing how to perform CPR allows you to take immediate action, which has been shown to significantly better the outcome for children with submersion injuries. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, you could save someone’s life. Seconds count; the quicker CPR is started, the better the chances of recovery.

There are many places that offer CPR training, including community organizations and nonprofit groups. Remember to keep your certification current once you have completed the initial requirements. Make safety a priority for your summer water fun. For more information, including swim lesson providers in your area, visit usaswimming.org/makeasplash.

Learn CPR.

The 22nd Annual Family Promise Golf Outing

The 22nd Annual Family Promise Golf Outing was a record-breaking year, as they welcomed a total of 110 golfers to the beautiful Edgewood Country Club in River Vale – the most registrants to date. For more information, visit www.bergenfamilypromise.org.

Joe Coccaro, Steve GoldbergKate Duggan, Joe Coccaro, Paul Shackford, John Masterson

Remy Rembecky, Harry Ferguson

Ray Kim, Andrew Bloom

David Oaten, Kyle WongJeff Hamon, Howard SchreiberAndrew Burkhardt, Charles Matar, Andrew Lucchesi

Sam Zona, Ralph Lauretta

Frank Skuthan, Joseph Ruhl, Armin Tobaccowala, Chris Mangan

Michael, Suzanne, Kelsea and Matthew Masterson

Mark Goykhmin, Brad Treichler, Rick Mueller Anthony and Donnett Verley, Patrick Barnett

Matt Langer, Kevin PaceBrian McCourt, Michael FallonScott and Gail Nimmo, Kellie and A.J. Baldwin

Chris Burns, Daniel Friedman, Brian Heytink, Andy Trilling

BEACH READY AND BEAUTIFULLY BRONZED

By Kristin Favaloro

Summertime skincare and makeup is all about being bronzy, beach ready and hydrated. These products are perfect for traveling to the beach, or just to your backyard! From a great blow out and manicure to the perfect summertime scents, I have you covered for when the weather heats up.

THE POLISHED PUB

For an Instagram worthy experience, head to this beautiful blow out bar for their signature “Headicure,” which is a fabulous blow out while simultaneously getting a manicure. They only use the best products, including Oribe haircare, which is one of my favorites. Located at 40 Park Ave., Park Ridge.

Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self-Tanner

I discovered this product and now I can’t live without it. It is an instant self-tanner, but it gradually gets deeper. I love using this when I don’t have time for a full self-tan session. Just spray on wait a few minutes and you are good to go. Available at Amazon.com.

Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Light weight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

Address visible signs of aging and enjoy weightless daily hydration with this ultra-sheer, fragrance-free sunscreen. Perfect for all skin tones. It is one of my favorites all year long. Available at Sephora.com.

Tower 28 Shine On Milky Lip Jelly Gloss

These juicy glosses are perfect for summertime to give you tons of shine and moisture without over doing it. I love the shade range for the perfect lip tint. Available at Sephora.com.

Mix:Bar Scents

I discovered this brand of hair and body fragrances at Target, and I am hooked. For only about $9, you can get the perfect light scent for those hot summer days. I love Coconut Palm for a day at the beach. Available at Target.com.

Ouai St. Barts Scalp & Body Scrub

Summer skin is dry skin so I love to exfoliate a lot during this time of the year with this scrub. This can also be used as a scalp scrub, which really detoxes and cleans the scalp. The limited-edition St. Barts scent smells like summertime. Available at Theouai.

Olaplex

NO.

8 Hair Mask

One of my favorite hair care brands has come out with the best hair mask. It’s especially great during the summer when our hair is exposed to lots of sun, the ocean and the pool. This mask moisturizes and adds body and shine. Available at Bluemercury, Closter.

Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

One of my obsessions is bronzer and this duo is by far one of the best. I love that it comes with a cream for contouring and a powder to finish the look. Available at Sephora.com.

Milk Makeup Lip & Cheek Cream Blush

Perfect for the warmer months, this cream blush gives the perfect dewy fresh glow to your skin and it can also be used on your lips so it is perfect for traveling. Available at Sephora.com.

FASHION

PHEEL’IN GOOD, LIKE I SHOULD

8years ago, Pheel, a Tenafly-based sports apparel company, first debuted in our premiere issue of BC the Mag Health, Beauty & Fitness.

Today, their looks can be seen on confident women worldwide. The following pages are just a preview of the Pheel ‘21 Summer Line. To see more, head to Pheel.com and look out for their men’s line coming late 2021.

All photography courtesy of 4 Eyes Photography

Style by Soneca

Sizzling Summer Styles For Men

By Soneca Guadara

We’re re-emerging from our small spheres of self-imposed isolation to being able to move around freely and enjoy each other’s company – finally! The sun is definitely warmer, the days are longer and, yes, we can finally go outside and be able to dress up and enjoy summer.

The following are essentials every man should have in his closet to look stylish in the summer.

Linen Shirt

Every man should own a linen shirt. The linen shirt looks as good casually with shorts as it does paired with chinos or white jeans. Stick with classics, such as the color white, light blue and even pink. The linen shirt not only looks awesome but it’s also lightweight and breathable making it a great summer essential. When choosing one, choose a long sleeve shirt, so you have the option to roll up the sleeves. This gives you the opportunity to dress it up or down.

Swim Trunks

I am not talking about the tight Speedo or ones that are too bulky. Men, you want to choose a swim trunk that hugs your legs properly. You want a pair of trunks that look like they were tailored to your body. If they appear too big, then try a to find another pair, as long as they are not too long. Pyscho Bunny bathing suit available at Sal Lauretta’s, Midland Park.

Floral shirts

Not just to be worn to a luau, floral shirts add color and, most importantly, they say you’re a fun person. It adds character; it’s a perfect way to change things up and look stylish.

Slides/& Flip/Flops

Going to the pool, beach or even to a social gathering, slides and/or flip-flops are a great accessory. You can find them in all price points, but if you want to splurge Gucci makes a nice pair.

White Chinos

I love white trousers on men. It’s a great way to lighten up your wardrobe, level up your fashion and get away from the same old classic beige color. So, guys, get out of your comfort level and go for the white pair.

White Sneakers

White sneakers are a must have, no questions asked. You want all white so you can mix and match. You can wear them with your jeans, shorts, swim trunks and even your chinos.

Sunglasses

Not only do sunglasses protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, but they really do also refine and make your outfit stand out. I suggest going to store and trying on a whole bunch of glasses to see which frames suit your face nicely. There are so many choices to choose from as well as all different price points.

Watches

Men’s watches are as much for telling time as they are for making a statement. It’s the only accessory that a man can wear every day – no wonder men love having a collection! For the summer, I recommend that you match your watch to your outfit. Light colors are preferable.

Protective Hat

Any type of hat will do – whether it is a baseball cap or a panama style hat. Every man should have a go-to hat in his closet. It will protect you against the sun’s elements and add a bit of style.

Weekender Bag

The importance of the weekend bag for summer travel and beyond cannot be overstated. You want something with just enough space.

Summer Scent

You definitely want a scent that is light for a hot summer day; you don’t want to wear something that is heavy and musky. Calvin Klein’s Eternity for Men and Paco Rabanne Invictus Legend are great scents.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist in Bergen County. When Soneca is not assisting her clients, she can be found working backstage at New York Fashion Week, working on location shoots and contributing as an on-air fashion/style expert and style writer. You can follow Soneca on her Instagram – @StyledBySoneca – for weekly tips.

The Sports Doctor

What Is Hip?

Surely Not Hip and Pelvis Injuries in Athletes

By Dr. Michael Gross

Hip pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a wide variety of problems. Sometimes, the key feature to determining the cause of hip pain is understanding the anatomy and knowing where the hip joint is.

The hip joint itself is located deep in the groin. Out to the side, in the area that most people commonly refer to as their “hip,” is the edge of the hipbone, or femur, known as the greater trochanter. Towards the back is the sacroiliac joint; this is usually considered part of the lower back, or pelvis. Sometimes understanding where the pain comes from can help make the diagnosis.

Your hips are strong and stable when healthy, but injury and certain conditions – like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, both common in older – may affect the health of the hips. Arthritis is among the most frequent causes of hip pain in athletes and non-athletes alike, and because arthritis effects the joint itself, arthritic pain is usually first felt in the groin. People with arthritis often have stiffness and tenderness in their hips; this can make walking very uncomfortable. If the arthritis is severe, it can also make sitting, standing and lying on that side uncomfortable. High impact activities on an already arthritic hip that is asymptomatic may exacerbate the pain and cause a sudden onset of symptoms. For athletes, playing sports, running, falling, heavy impact and overuse can lead to hip strains, hip pointers, hip bursitis and something called femoroacetabular impingement.

Bursas are small sacs of lubricating fluid located at various joints in the body. The sacs are particularly important in the elbow, shoulder, knee, heel and hip joints. They act as shock absorbers and cushions between bones and tendons. If the sacs become irritated or inflamed, the condition is called bursitis. Trochanteric bursitis is an extremely common problem that causes inflammation in the bursa over the outside of the hip. This pain takes place over the outside of the hip. Trochanteric bursitis can be very tender and can make it difficult to sleep on that side. Hip bursitis is the most frequently reported cause of hip pain. It is more likely to affect middle-aged and older adults rather than younger athletes and exercisers, and women more often than men.

Snapping hip syndrome is a term used to describe three distinct hip problems. The first is when the IT band snaps over the outside of the thigh. The second occurs when the deep hip flexor snaps over the front of the hip joint. Finally, tears of the cartilage, or labrum, inside the hip socket can cause a snapping sensation. Snapping hip syndrome is often caused by tight muscles and can be treated with rest from aggravating activities, appropriate stretching exercises, and occasionally anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery is rarely necessary.

Labrum tears, or torn cartilage, in the hip are a cause of hip pain that we are learning more about every day as hip arthroscopy becomes more common. The acetabular labrum is a small band of tissue located along the rim of the socket of the hip joint. The labrum looks and feels like a rubber band.

It acts as a cushion as the ball of the hip comes into contact with the cup in extremes of motion.

The labrum can be torn by a twisting or slipping injury, or over time by repetitively compressing the labrum between the femoral head and cup. An athlete with a labral tear will usually complain of pain to the anterior groin. The pain is often worsened with certain motions, especially hip flexion. Sometimes a quick sharp pain or catching sensation can be felt with certain motions. As the condition worsens, pain can be felt with walking and sitting for long periods of time. If a labral tear is suspected, physicians will usually order a special type of an MRI of the hip, called an MRI arthrogram. Small labral tears can be treated with physical therapy, but larger tears usually require surgical treatment.

Femoroacetabular impingement is a condition in which abnormal bone growth causes bone spurs on both the femur and the acetabulum The constant rubbing damages the articular cartilage on the round head of the femur and the labrum, the cartilage rim around the hip socket.

The hip is a ball and socket joint. For reasons not completely understood, some people develop excessive bone tissue at the top of the femur and around the edge of the hip socket. These people are not born with FAI. It appears to develop early in life as the person grows. The movement that aggravates FAI is a forceful rotation of the core, including the hips. The longer that repetitive rotational movement occurs over a period of years, the more irritated the area becomes, the more pain can be felt because of bone to bone contact,

and the more likely osteoarthritis will develop. When enough cartilage has been worn away from the top of the femur, the athlete will feel the pain.

FAI comes in two forms – cam and pincer. Most patients have a combination of the two. Cam impingement results from excess bone located at the neck (top) of the femur. Pincer impingement is caused by excessive bone tissue on the acetabulum/socket of the pelvis. If a physical therapy program is unsuccessful, removal of the spurs and repair of the damage can be successfully performed arthroscopically as an outpatient with excellent results.

A hip pointer is one sports injury in which you, the athlete, can probably make a diagnosis as quickly and accurately as a physi-

cian. You’ll know it has happened when you get hit or fall on your side, and the first thing that absorbs the blow is the outer part of what most people would call the hip bone, which is a misnomer. Actually, a hip pointer is a deep bruise, or contusion, on the top portion of the pelvis that can be felt on either side of the waistline. The distinguishing characteristic is hip pain, plain and simple.

It’s not a career-ender, but it is a painful injury that can keep you out of action for days or weeks if you don’t take care of it and if you rush back into training or competition before it has healed. It is difficult to manage because the strong muscles that attach put constant stress on the area.

Muscle strains are common cause of pain and spasm around the hip

and pelvis areas. The most common strains are in the groin and hamstring. Hip flexor strains can range from mild to severe, or in medical terms, from first to third degree. A first degree hip flexor strain means one of the hip flexor muscles has been stretched or slightly torn. A second-degree strain refers to a partial tear of the muscle or tendon, and in a third-degree sprain, the muscle or tendon is completely severed– a rare event. When a tendon is pulled off the bone at the place where it is attached, it is called an avulsion fracture. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery time ranges from a few days to months.

Fractures can occur in the hip area. Some are a result of stress fractures and some are acute fractures. Stress fractures of the

hip are most common in athletes who participate in impact sports, such as runners, and occur over time from over training. Acute hip fractures are most common in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Treatment of broken hips usually requires surgery.

Many back and spine problems can cause symptoms around the buttocks and hip. The most common problems that refer pain to the hip region are herniated discs, sciatica and sacroiliac dysfunction. A sports hernia is caused by a tear in the muscles of the lower abdomen where they attach to the pelvis and can cause pain that initially feels like hip pain. Sports hernias are more common in male than female athletes. Athletes with a sports hernia usually complain of pain in the lower abdomen or groin. The pain is worsened with

coughing, sneezing or quick motions in sports such as sprinting or sidestepping.

X-rays and occasionally an MRI may be used to rule out other conditions. Initial treatment consists of resting from aggravating activities, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Surgery is occasionally required when symptoms have failed to improve with extensive non-surgical treatment.

Any hip pain that persists more than a few days, keeps getting worse, starts to keep you awake or wakes you up, makes you limp or unable to walk is serious and should be seen by a doctor. A sports medicine the physician with a comprehensive joint and cartilage preservation program is probably your best bet. This way

you be able to take advantage of the most up-to-date non-surgical and surgical methods to keep you in the game.

Dr. Michael Gross is the founder of Active Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, now a Summit Health company. He is the clinical director of Orthopedic Surgery for Summit Health, the chief of Sports Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center and the chairman of Orthopedics at New Bridge Medical Center. He is also an assistant professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

Aston Martin DBX

A Storied British Marque Goes Into Uncharted Territory

By Richard Posluszny

Whenyou’ve been covering the automotive industry for over a decade and everyone within your orbit knows you as “the car guy,” you tend to get asked a certain question set repeatedly.

“Which car has been your favorite?”

“What should I buy,” then the person goes and purchases what they originally wanted anyhow. And then, “Which company builds the best cars?”

There’s more but I won’t bother to create an extensive list. Then, I’d just bury the lead. What this all boils down to is simple: These questions don’t come with simple answers.

What I can tell you, however, is that I do have a favorite manufacturer. That would be Aston Martin. The storied, British marque has a tumultuous history but the vehicle’s it’s been churning out in recent years have been stunning. Both, visually and from a driving perspective.

On my list of cars to own — before I die — is the V12 Vantage S. But, we’re going to talk about something quite different today.

That would be the all-new Aston Martin DBX. It doesn’t have the company’s lovely 6.0-liter V12 engine nor is it a grand touring coupe. What it is though is something all-new for Aston. It’s a sport-utility vehicle.

Following on the heels of successes like the Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, it makes perfect sense for Aston to follow suit. Frankly, it’s where the money is and Aston has always had a bit of a struggle financing its operations. The thinking is if this succeeds like the aforementioned, it should make life a bit easier as it operates a product portfolio consisting of sports cars.

So, how does it do? Let’s see.

Upon taking delivery of the DBX, I was struck by its appearance. Frankly, this Aston is unlike the others in that it doesn’t photograph particularly well in this new-to-Aston form factor. But when you see it in person, there is something there. Its dominant front grille, the squat stance and the minimalist, yet purposeful, dual exhaust sets the tone.

While the “duck bill” on the vehicle’s rear hatch seems oddly executed in studio pictures, in real life it distinguishes this SUV from the pack in a unique way that serves as a call back to the Vantage sports car. I like it.

Then there’s the little details that stand out. The door handles are flush with the body, so, you push them in on the front side and the handle presents

itself. And then when you open the doors, they angle upwards, which is something the brand has made a staple among its fleet. These “swan doors,” as they’re called, remind you each time you enter that you’re about to experience something different. Lastly, the doors have frameless windows, which is something you typically see in sporty coupes. It’s a far more stylish approach than your typical, clunky SUV.

Getting better acquainted inside, it’s a lovely cabin. Everything appears to be upholstered in plush, full grain leather and where it’s not, you can expect real metal trim, wood veneers or suede. But where Aston speaks to me is with the little details the designers clearly put there for the geeks.

That would include things like the leather speaker covers and the leather-wrapped storage pockets behind the front seats that are executed unlike any other vehicle I’ve seen. My personal favorite touch is the stitching on the seats. Rather than replicate what many other manufacturers are doing with a diamond-quilted pattern, Aston took a unique turn with swooping lines that gather at the bottom. What surprised me about the cockpit is just how much space and usable storage there is. As a

mid-size SUV, it doesn’t have a massive footprint but inside Aston really opened it up to maximize roominess. Whether in the front or back, you will travel in comfort. Helping it feel even more airy is the panoramic, glass roof that’s revealed at the touch of a button.

Sliding behind the threespoke steering wheel, you’re confronted with a 12-inch TFT display that serves as your instrument panel. It’s a nice touch but poorly executed as there’s not much to customize to the driver’s liking. In the center stack there’s a 10-inch TFT display for your infotainment needs. Powered by a version of Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system, it gets the job done but is often frustrating to use for even the simplest of tasks.

If you get too hung up on the technology, you’re probably missing the point of any Aston Martin though. So, let’s get into what matters: The drive.

Firing up the Mercedes-sourced, 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 powerplant, you’re confronted with a helluva growl. Producing just over 540 horsepower and just over 515 lb.-ft. of torque, the DBX can sprint to 60 mph in just over four seconds.

Oddly though, it doesn’t feel particularly dramatic thanks to all-wheel drive and the vehicle’s demeanor. Sure, the revs climb and the V8 belts out its soundtrack, but the wide tires keep the DBX planted. Additionally, the nine-speed automatic transmission keeps gear changes smooth. Even when dialed up to Sport Plus, everything seems

to operate swimmingly.

Diving into corners, it is quite shocking how far you can push the DBX’s abilities. Even though it weighs in at nearly 5,000 pounds, it doesn’t feel particularly hefty. Thanks to a slew of technology from its adaptive air suspension to the electric anti-roll system, among other things, this SUV eggs you on to dip into the throttle just a bit more.

Thankfully, the British brand didn’t muddy up the steering. Although numb, which is to be expected, it tracks linearly and is weighted just right — not too heavy, not too light.

Frankly, after a long day at the office, it’s a hoot if you happen to take “the long way home.”

There’s just a couple areas where this vehicle stumbles.

First is ride comfort. While the suspension does a great job of providing a satisfactory ride on smooth surfaces, the dampers don’t isolate bumps and potholes well enough even when in the sedate Grand Touring (GT) mode. This wasn’t helped by my test vehicle’s 22-inch wheels.

Second is its price. The DBX starts at about $177,000, which isn’t chump change. When optioned with some of the things that help make this vehicle stand out, you may have a two in front of that number.

You see, the problem for me is that the DBX leverages a Mercedes engine as well as some of its last-generation electronics (e.g., the infotainment system). If its ride was more isolated over road imperfections it would be a no brainer. But it’s not.

So, that leaves me wondering if a Mercedes-AMG GLE63 would be a better fit with much better cabin technology and similar performance. Even better, it costs about $60,000 less. While the three-pointed star won’t even come close to matching the Aston’s styling and interior design, it is a strong product everywhere else.

That’s the decision you’ll have to make with the DBX: Is the exterior design and sumptuous interior really worth the extra jingle? If you have the means and you’re a design geek like me, the answer may very well be “Yes.”

The Great Summer Escape

Nearlyeveryone needs something to look forward to again, and few things can bring more joy than planning the perfect getaway. Many travelers have different ideas in mind when it comes to planning or dreaming about a summer vacation. Some are enchanted by spending time at a beach, others prefer to take in a rich arts or history scene and there are also those who prefer to stay closer to home.

According to polling conducted by Michelle Gielan, founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research and an expert in the science of happiness, 97 percent of respondents said having a trip planned makes them happier and 96 percent agreed getting to travel and feeling safe while doing it would bring peace of mind.

While there are seemingly countless resources available for assisting with travel plans, booking directly can provide valuable benefits. For example, when the time is right for you to start planning, booking on Marriott.com offers travelers flexibility with more than 7,600 properties, and Marriott Bonvoy members have access to special member rates and best-rate guarantees, free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in and checkout, the ability to chat with hotel staff and mobile keys at many hotels. Members also earn points which can be redeemed for free nights.

Consider these domestic destinations when you’re ready to start planning for summer travel.

Nashville, Tenn.

An option like the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is perfect for your summer adventure. Situated in the heart of Nashville, you can enjoy award-winning barbecue and line dance lessons at the Wildhorse Saloon or set sail for a lunch and dinner cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat then return to a lineup of amenities that includes a 4-acre upscale waterpark, indoor gardens and waterfalls, a full-service spa, more than 750,000 square feet of meeting space and restaurants ranging from steak and Mexican to Italian and Japanese, plus frozen yogurt and gelato for dessert.

Orlando, FLa.

Located adjacent to the Disney World Resort theme parks and Disney Springs in Orlando, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa brings modern luxury to Central Florida. The hotel offers inviting social spaces and amenities with two sparkling pools, including one with a splash pad, specialty restaurants and a rooftop terrace with nightly views of the Disney fireworks display.

Washington, D.C.

From downtown shopping at City Center, dining and nightlife to nearby attractions such as Mt. Vernon Square and the National Mall, an option like the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C., is a perfect place to relax and recharge after exploring the nation’s capital.

Spanning nearly a city block, it features vibrant rooms and suites with modern features and amenities, including club-level rooms, restaurants and bars, and a bi-level fitness center.

Seattle, WAsh.

With a vibrant live music scene, state-of-the-art fitness center and award-winning seasonal fare on-site, a luxury getaway like W Seattle can be your hub for exploring attractions just moments from the hotel, such as Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum and plenty of outdoor parks and recreation.

San Francisco, CAlif.

Surrounded by museums and tech titans, The Clancy, Autograph Collection is a destination for new discoveries near Union Square, where San Francisco’s beautiful views meet adventurous intellect. With easy access to attractions and culinary delights, the hotel is a welcoming beacon to visitors.

Maui, Hawaii

Discover timeless island luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this five-star resort complements Maui’s natural splendor with modern amenities such as contemporary rooms and suites, two championship golf courses, six distinctive restaurants and spa treatments steeped in Hawaiian culture, as well as access to nearby beaches and amenities within the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort.

Explore these travel destinations and more, and find exclusive member-only rates, at Marriott.com.

Fudge’n Perfect

How One of Bergen County's Top Bakers

Found Her Calling

By Richard Posluszny

“Is this it?” is a question that many young adults tend to find themselves asking. Whether they’re going through a rough patch or stuck in a profession that isn’t speaking to their passions, it isn’t uncommon for a person to have a realization that adulting isn’t exactly fun.

When people find they’re at this fork in the road, there’s essentially two paths. If you’re risk averse, you can take the high road and pursue a fairly normal existence in the corporate arena. Or, if you’re willing to take a leap of faith, you can dig deep and chase your dream.

For Despina Kontomanolis, the executive pastry chef of Despina’s Cream Bakery, which is based in northern New Jersey, the choice became obvious. It just took some persuasion for her to take on that risk.

Having graduated from Fordham in the late 2000s with a degree in business administration, Kontomanolis originally settled into a corporate career. Due to a macroeconomic downturn, she was grateful to have landed any job, frankly. But it’s safe to say that most people do not go to bed at night dreaming of property and casualty insurance. Maybe some folks dream of commercial real estate but not Kontomanolis.

Kontomanolis’s intellectual curiosity led her to learn more about the real estate, hospitality and restaurant industries because she “knew I wanted to work with and interact with people,” however, “I didn’t know exactly what it was at the time.”

The good news was during this period of experimentation she was picking up what would become an invaluable skillset for a small business owner. Things like developing her management abilities so she could adopt a player/ coach mentality where Kontomanolis could learn a skill and then pass it along to team members. And, by developing a high emotional intelligence quotient (EIQ), she could better manage a staff with a human touch. Most important though was learning to become adaptable. In other words, understanding how to recognize when certain elements in a business are working or are broken, and course correcting on the fly — this would become valuable down the road.

Despina & Michael Kontomanolis

The bad news was that, overall, her initial years out of university were dreary. When you’re not fulfilled in your career or pursuing your passions, this is a reality one must confront.

It was during a 2014 trip to Los Angeles to visit her brother that Kontomanolis would start seeing some light at the end of the corporate tunnel. Michael Kontomanolis, the co-founder of Despina’s Cream Bakery, was a fresh college graduate bursting with ambition and enthusiasm. He would prove to be a key ingredient in Kontomanolis’s journey — no pun intended.

As siblings with a close bond, Michael noted that Kontomanolis was unfulfilled with her professional pursuits.

He was the first to point out that she had been baking desserts since she was a 10-year-old girl and that she found joy in creating tangible goods rather than shuffling paper. Even better, Kontomanolis’s cream pies, mousses, cookies and brownies were receiving praise.

Michael suggested it was time to switch gears to obtain fulfillment. Although he’s the younger brother, he brought forth some sagely advice, “If there’s any time to take a risk, now’s the time.” He was right as Kontomanolis’s hard work in the corporate sector had amassed her the capital to take a risky move.

Although Kontomanolis notes people had previously suggested, “‘You should go to into business,’ I took it as a bit of a cliché thing. I never thought about baking as a business or money-making endeavor.”

Two things were explicit before the operation was started: First, Kontomanolis didn’t want to be one dimensional, selling just cupcakes or just cake pops. Second, she wasn’t pleased with the desserts she came across. Quality was a top concern and their business would only use the finest ingredients. For example, her products only use pure Madagascar Vanilla and 100 percent sustainable, whole-bean roasted Belgian chocolate.

From here, Kontomanolis and Michael embarked on a partnership where the roles were clearly defined. Michael would take on the business and marketing components of this venture, and Kontomanolis would take on the baking and creation of artisanal goods.

Out of the gate, the business started out by gaining customers via wordof-mouth marketing. Following a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, those with a sweet tooth could log onto creambakery.com, place an order and take delivery of the treat of their choosing (e.g., brownies, cheesecakes, cookies, dessert bars, cream pies and custom event cakes).

This eventually progressed into the addition of a wholesale-specific line of products. This marked a significant turning point for the bakery, more specifically in 2016, when an Oradell-based café placed the company’s biggest wholesale order.

“I remember leaving in tears because they wanted everything,” says Kontomanolis. “It was nerve wracking at first because there were so many items to deliver, but it was so rewarding to get that vote of confidence.”

Soon, things went into overdrive. With both the retail and wholesale lines of the business humming, Kontomanolis says, “All of a sudden and all at once we had orders coming in, non-stop. I’ve never worked harder in my life.”

As a bakery in its infancy, these are good problems to have. This, eventually, led to the team’s expansion, which allowed Kontomanolis to return to the kitchen to experiment. Tinkering is what keeps things interesting for Kontomanolis.

For example, after a trip to Colorado with her significant other, Kontomanolis recognized a niche market for beer cookies. By taking spent grains, which would otherwise be trashed, she is able to make homemade, beer-based flour. Through a close relationship with her brewery partners, Kontomanolis taste tests the next generation of beers and can determine the flavor profile for the next batch of cookies. This way the cookies and beer can be paired if one so desires.

In parallel with these advances, Despina’s Cream Bakery expanded into a fully functional eCommerce operation that ships its products nationwide. This proved rather timely due to the global pandemic that put a halt to the events economy in 2020 and 2021.

To adjust to these socially distanced times, Kontomanolis pivoted the bakery’s operations to fully support the shipping of dessert bar gift boxes. At the time of this writing, this remains the focus of the businesses entire efforts. And as the bakery looks to expand its reach, don’t be surprised if you stumble across advertisements on social media or see the latest influencer indulging in one of their treats.

Throughout Kontomanolis’s meandering journey of being a small business owner, there’s been ups and downs, and everything in between. But, there’s a reason why when you Google or Yelp “top bakeries in Bergen County,” you’ll find her and Michael’s business: The pursuit of passion.

Additionally, one thing holds true: This is definitely not “it.”

Emmanuel Cancer Foundation Charity Bash

Emmanuel Cancer Foundation held their Charity Bash at the Indian Trail Club. For more Information, visit www.emmanuelcancer.org.

Mindy Dauber, Julia AlfanoValerie and Peter Jaclin Victoria Aronoff, Joann Passantino, Maryann Stoll

Jean Ciampo, Kay O’Connell

Barbara Preston, John CiccolettiJack Treacy, Caitlin Yanowitz, Patrick Treacy

Terry Levy, Jenn Boucher, Lisa Ullman, Jill Zames

Linda Kavan, Ed Petkus

Ralph and Karen Swanson Diaz, Inessa Rome, Patrick Treacy

Scott, Milly and Ervinas SosnaKaren Peck, Doug ScottDiane and Mark Seubert

Olga Plavnik, Maria VolkovaDebra and Ray RenshawBrian and Annie Cullinane, Kelly and Freddy Cavin

Inessa and Dr. Sergey Rome

Social

The Women’s Rights Information Center Annual Spring Dinner

The Women’s Rights Information Center held their Annual Spring Dinner at Dimora. For more information, visit www.womensrights.org.

Jenai Bacote, Kathy Maikis, Emily Gonzales, Sigrid Ceballos, Yornelis Tejada

Dawn Diaz, Nina Pineda, Theresa Napoletano, Cathy Pierorazio

Debra Albanese, Moira SullivanPaul and Lucy Malatesta, Lee Seham

Susan Del Rio, Jenifer IppolitoAlyssa Dawson, Holly Schepisi, Cathy Pierorazio

Haley Mazza, Maria Lewis, Erin Chung, Stacey Gill

Merrie Frisch, Clori Caminiti-Osso, Theresa Napoletano

Teri Capparelli, Susan Pappalardo

Lacey Tucker, Marsha Thornhill-Bauer, Cheryl Tucker

Jennifer Mayer, Sabrina ClaroJody Jacob-McVey, Ronny Jo Siegal, Lil Corcoran

CJ Griffin, Kathy DixonNina Pineda, Ronny Jo Siegal, Jennifer Maxwell

Tara Conmy, Cathy Pierorazio, Kim Boyle

Melisa Damcevska, Danielle Lambert, Deb Albanese, Jennifer Yanowitz

Don Bosco Prep Ironman Golf Classic

Don Bosco Prep held their annual Ironman Golf Classic at Upper Montclair Country Club. For more information, visit www.donboscoprep.org.

Bob Fazio, Charlie WonsowiczBob Zuppe, Glenn Skola, John Polster, Matt Lawrence

Justin Algor, Adam Hall, Luke Kottke

Michael Castrillon, Marcin Scorc

Joe Azzolino, Scott SuteraArt Ebert, Anthony Perone, Dori Calovic, Tom DeFrancesco

Carlo Chiaese, Justin BolasciChris Tolomeo, Scott Ritchie

Jake Crawford, Zach ChernalisJason Londrico, Brian McAleerMike Pender, Jordan Wright, Bob Fazio

Chris Zonghetti, Ken Danielsen, Gary Gould, Gino Zonghetti

Spencer Scannell, Scott FischerMike Mirda, Jerry LynchJohn Brady, Joe Furey, Jim Coyle

Kyle Stawacki, Bill McCarthy

VALLEY GE TS IT.

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