BCtheMag Fall '23

We’re honored that U.S. News has ranked Hackensack University Medical Center the number one adult and children’s hospitals in New Jersey, with national rankings in six specialities:

J Neurology & Neurosurgery - NJ’s only nationally ranked program

J Urology - NJ’s only nationally ranked program

J Pulmonology & Lung Surgery - The best in NJ

J Orthopedics - Ranked Top 50 in the nation

J Geriatrics - The best in NJ

J Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery - The best in NJ

To learn more visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Rankings.

Whether you need a routine visit with a primary care doctor or want to have something checked out by a specialist, the Englewood Health Physician Network has you covered. Our team of more than 600 providers welcomes patients at more than 140 office locations throughout northern New Jersey.

Bariatric Surgery

Behavioral Health

Blood Disorders

Breast Surgery

Cancer

Cardiac

Electrophysiology

Cardiology

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Colon and Rectal Surgery

Dermatology

Diabetes Education

ENT Head & Neck

Surgery

Emergency Medicine

(adult & pediatric)

Endocrinology

(adult & pediatric)

Gastroenterology

(adult & pediatric)

Geriatric Medicine

Gynecologic Oncology

Gynecology

Hematology

Infectious Disease

Integrative Medicine

Interventional Cardiology

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Men’s Health

Neonatology

Nephrology

Neurology

Obstetrics

Orthopedics

Pain Management

Palliative Care

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Podiatry

Primary Care

Pulmonology

Rheumatology

Sleep Medicine

Surgery

Surgical Oncology

Thoracic Surgery

Urgent Care

Urology

Vascular Surgery

Vein Disease

Women’s Health

Wound Healing

SERVICE AREAS: Find a physician: Call 833-234-2234 or visit ehpn.org

A Letter from the Editor

He leaves his dry-cleaning tags all around the house, and I leave my hair in the shower drain. He squeezes the death out of his toothpaste tube, and I bought myself my very own toothpaste so I can roll it systematically. He packs for vacation the morning we’re set to leave, and I am packed and ready at least a day in advance. He stops for a stranger strained on the side of the highway to render assistance (it’s the volunteer firefighter in him), and I speed by convinced that they are a serial killer in waiting.

Somehow these two people found each other at 16, got married, had two sons, and are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary.

For 10 years, my groom’s gestures of romance have shown up in everyday things, like returning home from an early morning fire call with a cup of Starbucks coffee in hand for me or taking our sons out back to play baseball to allow me some quiet time to enjoy my current read. It’s not that my expectations have been lowered in the 10 years we’ve been married, it’s just that they’ve changed in a way that suits my life now.

It’s taken me some time to realize that marriage isn’t meant to look the same through every phase. Raising little children changes it; building careers changes it; growing changes it. I think we often feel like we’re struggling because our expectation is to always feel the same in every phase, and I’ve come to the conclusion that that’s just not humanly possible.

So, as we celebrate 10 years, cheers, to my groom. Cheers to every phase we’ve concurred and every phase that’s yet to come. Cheers to more little moments where our children get to watch us love each other. I want them to see how much I love you. I want them to see how fun you are with their mom. I want them to see us laugh, play and lean into each other. Here’s to more small moments that are the biggest.

Always yours,

JessiCa huMphrey-Cintineo

Fall 2023

Publishers

Sharon & Steven Goldstein

Associate Publisher

Brandon Goldstein

Editorial Director

Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo

Art Director

BMG Marketing

Fashion Director Candace Kristin

Contributing Writers

Courtney Gilroy

Soneca Guadara

Susan Larson

Richard Posluszny

Kimberly Redmond

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) 694-5196. 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.

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

Coronary Bypass Surgery

Surgical Valve Repair and Replacement

Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Stenting

TAVR Procedures

WATCHMAN™

Procedures and Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

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

For more information scan

Advancing Heart Care. Here.

Social Englewood Health Foundation Golf Outing

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

Bill Barretta, Jordan Love

Alonzo Adams, CC Sabathia, Emmet Dennis

Fran Weingast, Debbie Setnick

David Kay, Erik Chi, Ajay Jetley

Javier Santos, Paul Shyposh

Damon Ponce de Leon, Ryan Barbon

Burrell, TJ Rose

Michael Beauvais, Richard Lerner, Michael Gutter

Matt and Zach Wasserlauf, Marc Blatt, David Moyer

Scott Farnum, Mike Muschiano, John and John Rizzi

Bill McLaughlin, Debra Lieberman, Jacqui and Joseph Canney, Mark Arzoomanian, Edward Salzano, Brian McLaugh-

Greg Alessi, Robert Gross

Bruce Feldman, Alan Wormser

Social

Center for Hope and Safety

The Center for Hope and Safety held their annual golf outing at Edgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.hopeandsafetynj.org.

Erez

Tim

Betsy

Hackensack Meridian Health Golf Outing

Hackensack Meridian Health held their annual golf outing at Ridgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.

Charles Matar, Bill McLaughlin

Al Wechsler, Shane Sullivan, Dr. Peter Berger, Mario Marghella

Kevin McMillan, Frank Vuono, Frank Fekete

Ralph Corrado, John and Steven Salemme

Keith Banks, Joseph Sanzari, Joyce Hendricks, Robert Garrett

John Schleer, Stephen D., Kevin and Stephen J. Martinez

Dr. Howard Ross, Dr. Rick Winters

Carmen Cangialosi, Paul Ebert, Nick Cangialosi

Chris Rotio, Josh Thompson, Joe Sanzari, John Salemme, Art Rotio, Joe Ciambrone, Sam Wright

Rich Chamberlain, Larry Inserra, Rich Chamberlain Jr., James Dorey

Larry Inserra, Joe Sanzari, Mark Sparta

Jerry Iannone, David and Dave Potack, Jr., Trae Minicucci

Social

Valley Hospital Auxiliary Golf Outing

The Valley Hospital Auxiliary held their annual golf outing at Ridgewood Country Club. For more information, visit www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org.

TOGETHER ON YOUR CANCER JOURNEY

Social Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation

The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation held their annual gala at Montammy Golf Club. For more information, visit www.tnbcfoundation.org.

Dinerman, Ann Arnold

Wendy Ward, Samantha Diliberto

Jon and Shelly Block, Karen Luks, Karen Block

Michelle Anderson Benjamin, Trevis Michelle, Erin Perkins

Eric Vanderpool Ohman, Lenora Galvanes, Dori Friedrich, Emme

Valley Leadership Reception

The Valley Hospital Foundation held their annual Leadership Reception at the Indian Trail Club. For more information, visit www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org.

John Vivenzia, Sandy Carapezza, Elizabeth Vivenzia

Drs. Rashid and Roia Baddoura

Dennis and Patricia Sullivan

Bettina Daly, Janet Hunt, Andrew Gatto

Paul Hollander, Robin Goldfischer

Diane and Dr. John Chuback

Angela Spinella, Sharon and Craig Tanis

Ed and Deany Rubin, Rich Keenan

Deany and Ed Rubin, Audrey Meyers, Andrew Gatto

Elaine and Stan Heimberger

Peter and Ann Swist

David Bohan, Audrey Meyers

Nancy Davidson, Barbara Mills

Lori and Dr. Seema Shekari, Jean Flanagan, Megan Fraser

Susan Homann, Toni Modak

Dr. Suneet Mittal, Dr. Edward Self, Dr. Tom Rakowski

A Place Unlike Any Other Institute For

Educational Achievement

Unlocks Youngsters’ Potential

By KiMBerly redMond

For nearly three decades, the Institute for Educational Achievement has been changing the lives of youngsters with autism, helping them unlock their potential so they can become independent, productive and happy.

Located in New Milford, the private, non-profit educational program provides highly individualized instruction based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, an evidence-based approach designed to help children on the spectrum learn critical academic, language, play and social skills.

Within its educational program for those between the ages of three and 21, IEA serves 28 students, all of whom are matched with a trained instructor

so they can work on a one-to-one basis, according to Executive Director Dr. Eric Rozenblat.

Each instructor also receives additional training from three trainers, as well as Rozenblat and Principal Dr. Donna De Feo, on working with students.

The school’s adult life skills program – which was launched about five years ago for learners over the age of 21 – has 11 individuals enrolled, as well as an assistant director, trainer and seven life skills coaches.

Given the level of support, commitment and dedication the IEA’s staff and administration provide, Rozenblat said students are hitting milestones, big and small, on an almost daily basis.

Rozenblat, who became executive director in 2015, described the school as “a place unlike any other.”

“It is a warm environment where it is the perfect blend of intervention based upon the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) paired with compassion and care. Our staff are very hard-working individuals who care greatly about each learner we serve. I am proud of the hard-working staff who work tirelessly to ensure each learner leads a happy, productive, and independent life and is willing to put in the extra effort to ensure each learner meets his/her maximum potential,” he said.

“Each learner is successful; whether that learner graduated from IEA and was able to transition back

into the public school setting and go on to graduate college or whether that learner remained with us through their adult years, the memories of each goal that was achieved, no matter how small it may seem to others, makes each day at IEA memorable,” he added.

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New Jersey now has the third highest rate of autism in the country. In 2020, 1 in 34 children, or 2.9 percent of 8-year-olds, were identified with autism spectrum disorder, while 1 in 40, or 2.5 percent of 4-year-olds, were diagnosed, the CDC found.

A lifelong disorder with no cure, autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.

Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some people with ASD require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and some live independently.

In recent years, Rozenblat believes the public is starting to gain a greater understanding of autism, thanks to a combination of better education by those who diagnose, better diagnostic criteria and parents that are educating themselves. It’s also leading to better outcomes due to intervention being received earlier, he said.

A real turning point occurred in 1980, when autism was first officially recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Then, as newer editions of the DSM were published, the criteria of meeting the autism diagnosis broadened and was further defined.

Rozenblat explained, “Today, there are much better-defined criteria and tools/markers used to identify autism. By way of comparison, in 2000, the rate of autism was 1 in 166 nationally. Today, that rate is 1 in 36 nationally.”

Continued on page 24

However, the journey towards awareness, acceptance and advocacy for all individuals with autism is a continuing effort.

During the 1990s, there were not only fewer educational opportunities for children with autism, but educational services were not individualized to meet the needs of each child, Rozenblat said.

“I stress the term ‘individual’ because each person because each person is an individual with individual strengths and goals and education should be tailored to that person. Back then, children with autism were sometimes not properly diagnosed or even misdiagnosed, which often lead to them being grouped together with other individuals (what we now refer to as a multiply disabled classroom), which did not result in individualized instruction,” he explained.

Due to the scarcity of dedicated programs for children with autism – and an even smaller number that provided the level of intervention their children needed – in 1995, a group of parents from Bergen County decided it was time to take matters into their own hands.

Diane Lento, a founding parent of IEA, said after her daughter, Kate, was diagnosed with autism a year prior, the educational programs in existence were “primarily ‘catch all’ to serve children with a wide variety of disabilities” and “very few were specifically designed to serve children with autism.”

“Very few were specifically designed to serve children with autism. Even fewer offered the proven science-driven intervention, based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, that could provide the help and the outcomes our children deserved in order to live their best lives possible,” added Lento, a current member of IEA’s board of trustees.

“Moreover, those very few schools that did offer this specialized type of education, had waiting lists for openings that would have taken years. We knew that with any diagnosis, early intervention was the key, and we could simply not afford to wait,” she explained.

For the Fisher family, Jeffrey and his ex-wife Michelle had limited educational options for their son, James. After hiring a private teacher special

Continued on page 26

izing in applied behavioral analysis after learning more about the approach, the Fishers were astonished at the change in their son’s behavior after only a month.

“I paid $50,000.00 per year for three years for James’s private ABA sessions since Oxford insurance did not cover that expense at that time. We then tried to get James admitted to the only ABA school in existence at that time, the Alpine Learning Group, but James was rejected by…the director, citing his severe aggressive behavior,” said Dr. Fisher, who also serves as a board trustee.

After becoming connected with each other through Dr. Arthur Rothman, a Hackensack neurologist, and his wife, the Lento, Fisher and Brady families decided to start a new ABA school in the area. From there, the three families dove into a lengthy and complex approval process with the state.

Lento said, “Once we had cleared many hurdles and passed many of the requirements, we still needed a facility in which to house the school. At that point, finding a place to rent that also met the safety requirements was an almost insurmountable task. Rentals were scarce, and were either unsuitable, or astronomically priced for our fledgling school.”

It was then that they approached the First Congregational Church of River Edge to inquire about church school space that was underutilized during the week, she recalled.

“At a specially called meeting, we posed the idea to members of the congregation of renting us several of their classrooms. They unanimously welcomed us with open arms and were thrilled to be a part of not only helping the school get off its feet, but also helping children with autism. Had it not been for their acceptance, generosity and willingness to take a leap

of faith, IEA would not be here today. They gave us our start, and our first home, for which we are forever grateful,” said Lento.

“With much help and support from family, friends, and community members, we were able to open our doors and begin serving students in September 1996 –approximately 9 months after beginning the approval process,” Lento said.

Five years later, IEA began the 2001-02 academic year in a brand-new facility in New Milford on River Road. The school hit another milestone in 2018, when IEA opened a building on campus to serve students who “aged out” of educational programs.

Rozenblat explained, “The Founding Executive Director, Dr. Dawn B. Townsend, and the Board of Trustees recognized the importance of the continuity of services those who needed such services in their adult years. As a result, the Adult Life Skills Program was formed and is now entering its 12th year of operation. The goal of the program is for each learner to gain and sustain meaningful employment, while still focusing

on expanding their repertoires across every area of life.”

IEA’s educational program is funded through the New Jersey Department of Education, while the adult program is supported by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. However, those resources do not fully cover the costs associated with operations, which makes fundraising “a critical component of our program because of the type of individualized instruction each learner receives,” Rozenblat said.

As a result, IEA hosts several events a year, including a casino night each spring and a mail campaign during the holiday season, to help raise money.

The school is also gearing up for its 28th annual fall golf outing, which is scheduled for Oct. 2 at Hackensack Golf Club in Oradell.

Rozenblat said, “Every dollar raised directly impacts each learner in the program, and as such, donations are vital to the success of IEA and the students who rely on our services. Through the

of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available. Special financing available for properties located in Essex, Union, Hudson and now Bergen County

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generosity and support of our contributors, IEA will continue to help individuals with autism overcome the challenges they face every day.”

As IEA prepares to mark 30 years, its founders are confident in the direction the school is heading.

Michelle Densen Fisher, a founding parent and trustee emeritus, praised “the highly skilled leadership and commitment to ongoing professional training and development” as qualities that set IEA apart from other autism intervention programs.

“IEA’s founding executive director emeritus, Dr. Dawn Townsend, and executive director, Dr. Eric Rozenblat, are prominent leaders in autism intervention,” she said. “These two exceptional professionals have a fierce commitment to supporting individuals with autism, their families, and the autism community at large.”

Densen Fisher also applauded the school’s staff members, describing them as “highly skilled and well trained.”

“Like the students and adults IEA serves, skill acquisition and mastery are an ongoing goal,” Fisher said. “The program is learner-focused and all curriculum is individualized. If a skill isn’t being mastered, IEA staff ask, ‘How can I teach this better?’ There is an extraordinary growth mindset and feedback model in place to ensure success.”

“We have been blessed with two world-class Executive Directors, Drs. Dawn Townsend and Eric Rozenblat. They exemplify the very best in the application of scientific behavioral techniques to modify dysfunctional activities and educate individuals of all ages afflicted with autism. The staff is mesmerized by their clinical and scientific skills applied with loving humanism, and far-reaching, extraordinary management abilities,” said Dr. Fisher.

“I am rewarded by seeing our students and learners acquire social, practical and academic skills which enrich their lives and that of their families,” he went on, adding, “On a personal note, my heart soars like an eagle when James spontaneously says, ‘Dad, I love you’ and when he kisses me hello and goodbye.

While she is “admittedly bias,” Lento believes “there is no place like IEA.”

“You can feel it from the minute you walk into the building and see the teachers and staff with the children,” she explained. “The teaching is based on cutting edge science and is highly individualized to fit each student’s needsbut it is much more than that. The love, compassion and caring that the staff have for the students is obvious.”

Dr. Fisher echoed the sentiment, saying that IEA’s “consummate professionalism and dedication” to its mission makes it standout.

“All the great science in the world would be meaningless without the love. At IEA, they see our children for all they can do, not just their deficits, and commit themselves to doing whatever it takes to help them gain the skills they need to succeed every day,” she said.

Lento continued, “IEA has changed Kate’s life, and that of our entire family, forever. It has been a Godsend and a lifeline to us. That said, the best thing about being a founder of IEA, and our continued involvement in this amazing organization, is that Frank and I get to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves.”

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.

Going forward, Lento knows IEA will continue to help so many families.

In an effort to try and restore the bee population, the practice of beekeeping has been on the rise and rooftop apiaries have sprung up in many cities, like New York, San Francisco and Seattle.

“It is that knowledge that makes us feel so grateful to be even a small part of something that will give hope and help to families who, like we once were when our precious daughter was diagnosed, desperate for both those things,” she said.

Hospitals have also been doing their part to improve honeybee health, and, in turn, the environment.

For Tim and Suzanne Crowe, IEA has given their 4-year-old son Trent “an opportunity to thrive and reach his own full potential – gaining life skills,

A growing number of hospitals across the country have joined the rooftop hive movement in recent years, including several across North Jersey: The Valley Hospital, Chilton Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center.

social skills and pre-academics to prepare him for his journey in education and for life outside of school.”

“One of the most challenging parts of having a child with autism is finding ways they can safely be included in family outings, community events and day-to-day activities,” the Oradell parents said.

The bees forage far and wide, pollinating flowers and plants up to two miles from their hives. Then, they return to the colony to begin honey production.

As part of its approach, IEA staffers incorporate regular home visits to support the entire family, as well as help them “find ways to navigate all aspects of family life more successfully with effective communication and managing challenging behavior,” said the Crowes, who added, “We are grateful to be part of this small community that makes such a difference in the lives of families like ours.”

Holy Name Chief of General Surgery Dr. Ron White said, “As a healthcare leader, we are always looking for new opportunities to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community.”

“With honeybee numbers decreasing worldwide, we’re proud to not only help the honeybees but harvest a sweet, healthy treat for our employees and community,” he said. “Beehives can also serve as a welcome distraction for our hospitalized patients, many of whom have a view of the hives. The distraction and connection with nature also assist in healing.”

White went on, “Also, bees are one of the most important pollinator species for our ecosystem and honey containers beneficial probiotics to aid in health.

“Establishing the rooftop beehives is in line with our dedication to sustainability, such as recycling, green construction initiatives and reducing our carbon footprint,” Mosser explained.

Continued on page 50

The Valley Hospital Auxiliary Saddle River Valley Branch

The Valley Hospital Auxiliary Saddle River Valley Branch presented Fashion For Philanthropy, their annual luncheon, at The Tuxedo Club. For more information, email auxiliary@valleyhealthnews.com.

Rosemarie Ranuro, Kathy Nardella

Stitching From the heart

Michelle Fleischer Crafts Custom Clothing & Accessory Keepsakes

By KiMBerly redMond

From hats to jackets and baby blankets to backpacks and clutches to sweatshirts, there’s almost nothing that Michelle Fleischer can’t transform into something special and unique.

Over the past year, the Haworth wife and mother of two has built a bustling e-commerce venture turning ordinary clothing and accessories into customized keepsakes with handsewn embroidery, appliques and patches.

After learning hand embroidery as an outlet during infertility treatment, Fleischer fell in love with the craft and wound-up starting Embroidery Babes on a whim. Now, she has become the go-to for anyone looking to make a gift extra memorable.

While taking on the role of entrepreneur wasn’t necessarily a direction she expected to go, Fleischer, a self-described risk taker, couldn’t be more excited over how it’s evolved and where it’ll go.

After the she and her husband Scott had their first son, the couple was unable to get pregnant again after a year of trying and began pursuing fertility testing. However, the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak put that on hold for a few months.

As a perfectionist, Fleischer recalled feeling lost, confused and hurt, especially when she’d see other women becoming pregnant.

“This is one thing where no matter how much you try and how many different tools you use, it just doesn’t happen. It was really heartbreaking and difficult to deal with, so I needed an outlet for that,” she explained. “I’ve always been super crafty, and I was painting at the beginning of COVID. But I’d never done any embroidery before, and I picked up a kit online. Once I started, I found it was really cathartic for me.”

“My first kit was a rainbow, for my miscarriage… After I finished it, I knew I wanted to do more because it helped me slow down by brain and focus on something else besides all the things that I couldn’t deal with,” Fleischer said. “I became kind of addicted to it. Then, we started doing IVF and once we found out we were pregnant and we were far enough along, I started making embroidery hoops for my daughter’s room.”

After the family welcomed their new arrival, Fleischer jazzed up some of her son’s old clothes with embroidery and patches to make them more suitable for a baby girl.

“That’s when people started asking me where I bought it,” she said. “Then, I made an Instagram and started posting things I was making for my daughter. I think the first order I had was somebody who followed me on social media and said, ‘I need a baby gift; can you do a jacket for me?’”

Following that first order in August 2022, more and more customers began asking Fleischer for customized items.

Within a month, the organizers of Haworth Day contacted Fleischer to see if she’d be interested in having a booth at the annual event, which, of course, she agreed to.

“It’s been really cool how I’ve been able to put it all together, but it wasn’t anything I really thought would become a business,” said Fleischer, who spent about

a decade in corporate training, holding positions for companies including Buzzfeed and Macy’s. After becoming a stay-at-home mom, she picked up work as a paralegal for her father and then doing social media management for women’s apparel retailer Tapestrie in Westwood and Englewood.

Growing her business in Bergen County has been a great experience, as well.

“People are super supportive of hyperlocal and super supportive of mom-owned, women-owned businesses. There’s a lot of people who come here from the city – a lot of families with young kids, which I’d say is definitely my market. Parents and grandmas, too,” said Fleischer, with a laugh.

Among her favorite aspects of running Embroidery Babes is getting to know her customers, as well as collaborating on the designs to make sure “everybody absolutely loves everything that they get.”

“I always hold my breath every time I ship something out because I hope they love it as much as

I love it,” said Fleischer, who admitted, “It is hard sometimes to part with something after you’ve made it if you really, really love it. But you know it’s time to part with it and give it to somebody who’s going to love it and enjoy it.”

While it can be challenging at times to be a onewoman show, handling everything from customer service to packaging to shipping to supply chain management, Fleischer said it’s worth it if her creations make people happy.

“It’s such a nice thing to think about what the items could wind up meaning for people. I once did a newborn hat and they sent me a picture of the baby in the hospital wearing it. And I thought it was so cool – I’m part of that crazy memory for them,” she shared.

She’s also been blessed with an “amazing” community of customers who keep returning, as well as referring others, to Embroidery Babes.

One customer praised Fleischer’s creations as

“incredible,” saying, “Her attention to detail and her love that goes into each piece she makes is wonderful,” while another expressed gratitude over her “kindness, efficiency and high-quality work.”

SAY GOODBYE TO NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND LIMITING BELIEFS

Probably my favorite element of my test E450 All-Terrain was how well it handled NVH. Equipped with an inline six-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces about 360 horsepower and nearly 370 lb.-ft. of torque, you wouldn’t know it. That’s because the engine is silky smooth. While you will hear the motor spin up if you push it, the sound is not overly intrusive into the cabin.

REJUVENATE YOUR HEALTH

discuss the struggles she faced with conceiving and connect with other women in similar situations.

We all have that voice in our heads. The little voice that tells us we are not good enough, smart enough or deserving enough. When you get a negative thought, take note of it, dismiss it, forgive it and let it go. Next reach for a new positive thought. One that makes you feel good. Focus on what is good and what is working well in your life. Surrounding yourself with positive people who lift you up and support you is also key.

miles on dirt roads. In most vehicles this isn’t exactly a brilliant situation since you can damage the underside of your car. But with the All-Terrain, the button to raise the vehicle’s ride height came in handy. Phew!

"It is so hard to keep them reading. Reading has become a challenge in the modern age. There are so many places you can go to not read. It has fallen out of favor and because they [students] have access to so much technology, reading pales by comparison. So film is a great platform.”

“I also do a lot of pop-ups and collaborations with local businesses, which I really like because it’s great to help each other out,” said Fleischer, who launched a networking group with fellow small business owners.

The hip joint and groin muscles are susceptible to injury due to the mechanics of the skating stride. Some of the most common soft tissue injuries in hockey players include a groin strain and a hip flexor strain. Off-season strengthening and dedicated stretching before and after practice are important to prevent these injuries. In addition, a direct blow to the outside of the hip can cause a hip pointer or trochanteric bursitis. Hockey pants with reinforced padding over these vulnerable areas may help protect them.

INCORPORATE A DAILY MEDITATION PRACTICE

KNEE INJURIES

Helping this was the fact my test vehicle had the Acoustic Comfort Package, meaning, it boasted additional sound deadening insulation as well as thicker glass to reduce noise. It really pays off as at speed it sounds as though you’re traveling at 20-30 mph when in reality you’re doing three times that. You won’t stress your vocal cords in this E, that’s for sure. Once again, this is a trait found in the flagship model.

Additionally, Fleischer has become known for her workshops, which range from “Sip & Stitch” events to charity fundraisers to home parties to private groups. She plans on launching kid-friendly programs, including birthday parties, bar mitzvahs and graduation celebrations, this winter.

Add in the extra utility provided by having a long roof and I quickly found myself examining this E450 even closer. Frankly, I am considering adding one to my fleet.

most common soft tissue injuries in hockey players include a groin pull and a hip flexor pull. A severe strain can be a nagging injury that limits performance throughout the season. A direct blow to the outside of the hip can cause a bruise (contusion) of the iliac crest (hip pointer) or trochanter (trochanteric bursitis).

Why, you ask? Well, it’s this simple: It can do anything and it flies under the radar. For me, that’s as close to perfect as it gets.

“To be honest, it’s not just about the money – it’s the art, the connections and feeling like I’m doing something meaningful,” Fleischer said. “Sharing my story is so important to Embroidery Babes because it wouldn’t have been anything if it wasn’t for the pain and the breakdown I went through.”

Part of creating better mental health can be found in what’s on our plate and how we move our bodies. Small steps like taking a walk around your neighborhood, signing up for a yoga class or dancing around the house can increase serotonin, the feel good hormone. Eliminating sugar, incorporating more seasonal fruits and vegetables and drinking more water are simple steps to enhancing your health and relieving anxiety.

Make mine black on black, fully loaded and optioned with the 19-inch AMG wheels, please.

Avoiding injuries in hockey has to do with properly fitted equipment, making smart plays, following the rules and a lot of luck because hockey is inherently risky. Understanding how the injuries occur, recognizing them when they occur and seeking the best treatment will help you enjoy the game at whatever level you are playing.

All in all, I was extremely impressed during my time with the All-Terrain. Not only did it deliver with space, comfort and excellent control of NVH, it also did the unexpected.

Like any practice, you must want to do it in order to achieve results. It’s really very simple and easier than you think. Beginning a meditation practice requires only your slight willingness. Your desire for more peace in your life, less stress and better focus and so many other benefits is all you need to get on the path. Start by taking 5-10 minutes each morning to close your eyes, focus on your breath and be still. The thoughts will come and that’s natural, just let them go and return to your breath. Try counting four breaths in and four breaths out through the nose. You can also try repeating a mantra like “om” or “peace begins with me.” Start a daily meditation practice and stroll into this season with a spring in your step.

The medial collateral ligament is most susceptible to a sprain because of the leg position – pushing off the inside edge of the skate blade – and contact to the outside of the knee. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disruption and meniscus tears (torn cartilage) can also occur but are less common in hockey than in other sports such as football, soccer and basketball.

Loccke said one of her inspirations for using film in the classroom is to provide her underclassmen with a reward. Her students are always asking her if there is a film that corresponds with the book so she uses the film as a payoff once the students have finished reading the novel. She shows as many as three movies a year to her underclassmen. Time constraints – her classes are 40 minutes long – usually prevent her from showing more.

The classes are quickly becoming popular, with attendees finding it a fun way to socialize and learn a new skill, as well as support a Bergen-grown entrepreneur.

“It’s a reminder of that, every day, you can see something really challenging and turn it into this wonderful vehicle to help other people,” she said. “I have a lot of people reach out to me, whether it’s on Instagram or after class…reach out to say they were going through the same thing and wanted to talk. I didn’t know anyone who had gone through it, and we were in a pandemic, so there was no support group really for me and it was so isolating. I just don’t want anyone to feel that way if I can help it.”

“A lot of what they read they read on their own [and not in class],” Loccke said. “The movie is a great way to provide a communal feeling and it provides something they can share together. You can have a discussion and share it and the movie is something we all experience at the same time so it is very unifying.”

Tracy Flaherty is a certified integrative health and lifestyle coach; meditation teacher; and the author and founder of Be Well Nourished. She integrates meditation into her health coaching practice as well teaching meditation one-on-one and in-group settings. You can find her meditations on the Insight timer app and on her Instagram page @wellwith_tracy.

Power was more than adequate, which says something coming from someone who regularly drives autos with more than 600 horsepower, and when in Sport mode you can have a giggle or two. During an Everglades excursion we had to slow down to travel for about five

The mechanics of the skating stride makes the hip and groin muscles susceptible to injury. Some of the

For Fleischer, the business has also enabled her to

Such was the case when Loccke addressed the largest classroom of her career on TCM.

Dr. Michael Gross is the founder and director of Active Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. He is the chief of sports medicine at Hackensack/Meridian University Medical Center. Dr. Gross has written numerous articles and book chapters on sports injuries. He has taken care of some of Bergen County’s finest athletes, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Dr. Gross can be reached by email at drgross@activeorthopedic.com.

For more information about Embroidery Babes – including placing an order and booking a private event, party or workshop, visit embroiderybabes.com or email embroiderybabes@gmail.com.

Social Behind the Seams

Eva’s Village held their annual Behind the Seams Fashion Show at Bottagra Restaurant. For more information, visit www.evasvillage.org.

Ryan and Stephanie DePersio

Joe Mazza, Rob Vicari, Darren Magaro, Ralph Lauretta

Paulina and Jorge Hernandez Lisa and Justin Rattner

Denise and Mia Stevens

Diane Sclafani, Dana Cardone

David and Nikki Brodsky Alyse and Laurence Liebowitz

Zinka Ramdedovic, Rachel Cusack, Meredith Hopken

Brookyn and Jamie Knott Rob Festa, Marilyn

Kevin Modica, Nick Biondi

Samantha, Olivia and Darren Magaro

Pietro and Laine Barberi Rob, Myriam, Roxanne and Sal Segona

Anthony

Up For The Task

Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Promotes A Safe and Secure Environment

By susan larson

Most of us who live in Bergen County already know it is one of the safest counties in the State of New Jersey. We enjoy low crime rates, state of the art forensic abilities, immediate 911 response and emergency care. This is due to the hard work and vigilance of law enforcement, and in particular, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, which enjoys a unique partnership with local law enforcement agencies and strong community relationships.

The BCPO performs a variety of functions, including investigating the most serious crimes in Bergen County through its Major Crimes, Special Victims, Cyber Crimes, Financial Crimes and Special Investigations Units, as well as working with local, state and federal agencies in its Narcotic Task Force and Counterterrorism and Intelligence Unit, and prosecuting difficult cases involving sexual assaults, homicides, drug trafficking, bias crimes and domestic violence.

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.

ited and comprehensive learning center for new recruits and current officers. The Academy graduates an average of 142 recruits each year, and each recruit is immediately ready to begin agency training. The recruits go through an approximately 22-week physically demanding and mentally challenging training program. In addition to the traditional recruit training curriculum, the all-day schedule includes classes in crisis intervention, defensive tactics, community engagement, use of force and officer resiliency. The training academy also offers professional development and compliance training programs to the nearly 3,000 active officers in Bergen County in one of the most successful and influential training institutions in the State of New Jersey and the nation today.

But that’s not all. It also runs the Bergen County Police Academy, a CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.) accred-

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

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 like a more natural fit in the big daddy Range and the added space gets two thumbs up from me.

Continued on page 46

The BCPO also operates the Bergen County Regional SWAT team, which is comprised of some of the most highly trained and technically skilled officers that its training and assistance is often sought after from other counties. The team is tasked with executing high-risk search warrants, responding to barricades, hostage situations and is on the forefront of active shooter training.

With such an enormous amount of responsibility and risk, who is taking care of these officers and the staff that supports them? Recognizing that the link between public safety and agency success is officer wellness, the BCPO leadership is pushing towards a more progressive work environment that assists officers in doing the job they need to while maintaining their health. This includes increased focus on worklife balance, physical and psychological support, job satisfaction and making people a priority. There is no doubt that the intensity, volume and inherently stressful nature of the work that is performed by the detectives, prosecutors and support staff can have a significant effect on mental and physical wellbeing. Statistics show officers report suicidal thoughts more than the general population, have a higher risk of a coronary event than civilians of the same age and abuse alcohol twice as much.

According to Chief of Detectives Jason Love, the BCPO is in the business of investigating and prose-

cuting crimes in addition to keeping our communities safe. But such work comes with an inordinate amount of stress, pressure, and it calls for a great deal of resilience. Love believes that leaders must make sure to create an environment that is supportive, flexible and encourages employees to take responsibility for their own mental and physical health and work as ambassadors within their units and squads to promote the same.

“It is a fine line when trying to create a culture change as you must navigate the present as it is, with an eye towards the future. That is why Prosecutor [Mark] Musella and I are trying to meet our employees where they are and provide opportunities for them to move forward towards better mental and physical health,” said Love.

The world is changing very rapidly, and it is especially true within law enforcement. Staying fit and mentally healthy is not a luxury in this line of work.

Continued on page 48

“We owe it to the communities we serve to show up physically able and emotionally sound, despite some of the very difficult realities we deal with and witness,” said Love. “We also work very hard to stay in close contact with community leaders and on the streets because we recognize having good relationships with our community also means increased officer job satisfaction and safety for both officers and community members.”

To meet that end, the office launched a program called “Six Weeks of Wellness” that provided opportunities to try different workouts at various facilities, nutritional counseling, mindfulness classes and time off for preventative well care visits. The office also prioritizes community engagement programs that give the officers and those they serve a chance to converse, understand the issues they face and hopefully appreciate the role each plays in creating safe communities.

Ultimately, the goal of this leadership team is to create a culture and environment that supports and prioritizes employees’ physical and mental health. This cannot be done in a single generation, so a training program is currently being developed and will help ensure this culture shift takes root among the next in line future leaders.

Carl Inserra Leukemia Fund Golf Outing

The Carl Inserra Leukemia Fund held their annual golf outing throughout Bergen County with cocktails and dinner at The Venetian. For more information, visit www.carlinserraleukemiafund.org.

Doug Hamel, Bill Schlosky

Dawn and Chris Rotio

Craig Grybowski, Jim Madanci

Joseph Guzman, Harry Helmstetter, Alberto Aspiazu

Alex, William and Xavier Quiles

Joe Coccaro, Michael Zola

Christian and Andrew Infusino Salvatore and Joseph Asaro

Dan Politi, James Dorey, Mike Casalino, Steve Dorey

Herman Dodson, Scott Tricarico, Ramy Ali

Joe and Donna Heyer Gail Gordon, Robert Garrett, Ro Sorce

Pat Sullivan, Hannah Sullivan, Karen McClatchey

Jim Kourgelis, Joe Gandolfo

Liz Casalino, Sabrina, Alexandra and James Dorey

Vera Kovalski, Rich Chamberlain, Donna Vaicels

Robert Garrett, Larry Inserra

Samantha Young, Laura Dupont, Mia Spain

Larry Inserra, Laurie Clements

Dean Pialtos, Kevin Pace, Matt Langer

Ron and Mary Onorato, John Sweeney, Michael Bergson

Jeff Schechter, Dave Wolf, Richard Jr. and Rich Chamberlain

John Murphy, Chad Reiber, Michael and Dr. Dante Implicito

Mariani, Joe Mazza

Chip Cronauer, Marie Inserra, Ro Cronauer

and Fred Santaite

and Inez

Lawrence Inserra Jr., Katie and Matt Strazza

Bonnie Inserra, Tom Alvarez

Lisa Futterman, Jeff O’Brien, Lawrence Inserra Jr., Kathleen Davis

Megan Weinman, Lindsey Inserra, Hannah Sullivan

Peter and Linda Hanson

FALL IN LOVE

This season is all about layers, textures, and pops of color - even in more subdued seasonal tones. At Boutique 811 in Franklin Lakes, Owner Marilyn Tolerico dresses some of Bergen County’s most fashionable ladies, and can create the perfect look for any of this season’s many occasions.

The Macallan Scotch Tasting and Cigar Dinner

Brandon Goldstein hosted the Macallan Scotch Tasting and Cigar Dinner at The Brick House to benefit Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. 4

Jason Ronchi, Matt Lasala, Ryan Young

Marty Lisanti, Jason Gillesheimer

Gio Giannela, Matt Lasala, John Calandriello, Robert Guidetti

Caroline DePeri, Stephanie Nuzzo, Kirsten Klepacki, Gabriella Garces

Tom Linehan, Kevin Martinez

Ralph Delelonardo, Steve Lasala

Luke Sudol, Steve Palumbo, Steve Wanderling

Trae Minicucci, Kyle Tafuri, Jose Lozano

Andrew Forsyth, Dennis Kalaf, Billy Kobert

and Joe Conte

Dan Peters, Tank Daniels, Joe Procidr, Dellin Betances

Jason Ronchi, David Landskowsky, Ryan Young

Clara Kanuft, Michael Rosenberg, Samantha Slater

Sharon Goldstein, Michele Conte

Caroline DePeri, Stephanie Nuzzo, Joe Gratkowski, Kirsten Klepacki, Maddi Barbarini

Joe Procidia, Rich LaBarbiera Jr., Dan Peters, Richard LaBarbiera

Jimmy Mirance, Gordon Lorenxon

Luke Sodol, Kevin Schenone, Nigel Domer, Rich Loreto

Alex and Eva Reizner

Robert Williams, Amanda Raniero, Ryan Cohen, Chuck Benigno

Michael, Diane and Brad Chessin

Laurie

Brandon and

Bonnie Inserra, Tom Alvarez

Donnalee Corrieri, Steven Goldstein, Erin Myers

Hair’s Best Friend: Danielle Rinaldi

By Courtney gilroy

Let me let you in on my best kept secret: Danielle Rinaldi.

While I’ve known Rinaldi and have been seeing her as a hairstylist for years, she was first introduced into the industry from her grandmother. Over the years, Rinaldi realized how much passion she had for art and how creative and crafty she was. She always loved to draw, and it helped with her love for this industry by creating a passion to make women feel beautiful. She emphasizes “lived-in” hair in her work, which allows clients to enjoy great hair with less upkeep.

Rinaldi takes the time to truly listen to each client and help them achieve their dream hair. Some of her favorite services to provide include balayage, highlights, extension and makeup. Rinaldi is certified with Bellami hair extensions. Although she specializes with volume weft and hand-tied extensions she still offers other methods, such as K-Tip & I-Tip.

I personally have been getting my color and extensions done with her for years. I love the way she keeps my hair healthy, even when I change my color very often. She’s given me many products that I fell in love with while on my journey from dark to light hair. Some of her favorite hair product lines are Kérastase, Truss Professional and K18 Hair. She always recommends her clients to do weekly hair masks, along with the right products to style with.

A few of her go-to products from her favorite lines, include the following: From Truss Professional: Deluxe Prime Hair Treatment, Miracle Amino Spray, Frizz Zero Spray and Amino Acid Heat Protectant Spray; from Kérastase: Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil and the Nectar Thermique Heat Protectant; and from K18 Hair (great especially for blondes): Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask.

Rinaldi is an amazing stylist and ensures that the integrity of her clients hair is intact and they’re educated on how to maintain that fresh salon feeling.

To get to where Rinaldi is today, she not only worked hard but she constantly found new ways to educate herself along with learning from her coworkers. Some advice she wanted me to share was that whether you’re new in this industry or have been in it for quite some time, you should always continue to find ways to improve yourself. You’re going to make mistakes but find the patience to learn through them. Rinaldi emphases finding your strengths and working on your weaknesses. Further, she encourages all to work in an environment that makes you feel at home and that wants to provide education and help you be the best stylist you can be.

Rinaldi currently works at Panico Salon, 144 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, as a Level 4 stylist. If you’d like to make any appointments with her, the hours she works is listed are as follows: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Courtney Gilroy is the owner of Glow Commando, a mobile beauty service that specializes in airbrush tanning, makeup and hairstyling. She’s a licensed cosmetologist. To learn more about Glow Commando or book an appointment, visit www. glowcommando.co. Stay connected by following these Instagram handles: @ Talkcurlytome and @Glowcommando.

BREAK THE RULES

Five No-Fail Ways To Wear A White T-Shirt

By

Is there anything more classic than a white T-shirt? It’s simple clean and easy. It literally goes with anything, and it never feels overdone. The white T-shirt is often overlooked because it’s understated – yet make no mistake, we keep coming back to it. You can dress it up or dress it down. It’s the perfect wardrobe staple. Find the perfect fit and you can wear it as often as your laundry regime will allow it.

Here are some simple, no-fail ways to style a white T-shirt.

9-to-5

Whether you’re back in the office full-time, continue to work from home or have embraced a more flexible approach, the pandemic is guaranteed to have had a lasting impact on your nine-to-five look. At one time, a white T-shirt might have been considered too casual to be appropriate for work. Now, though, styled correctly, it’s a fail-safe choice. Paired with loose-cut tailoring, such as utility pants and leopard print heels, this wardrobe workhorse strikes the perfect balance between effortless and elegant. Whether you’re meeting clients, delivering an important presentation or dialing in from your kitchen table, you’re sure to feel polished and professional.

Layer It

Do you have a cute jumpsuit with a neckline that’s a little too deep, or maybe a slip dress you’d love to wear, but you feel like it’s just a little too revealing? Pair a classic fitted white T-shirt underneath your dress to add polish, make it a little more modest or take an outfit from day-to-night. Almost any sleeveless dress looks great as a jumper over the top of a classic T-shirt. The trick is to find a T-shirt fitted enough to lie flat under the dress and avoid extra bulk or bunching. Look for shell styles or T-shirts with a rayon-spandex blend in a size down.

Add Statement Jewelry

Another super-simple way to take a T-shirt from ho-hum to ooh la la is to add an eye-catching piece of jewelry. With a crewneck T-shirt, go bold or go home. Use bright beads, chunky necklaces in candy colors, or fun fashion jewelry to really make a statement. Think of a white T-shirt as a blank canvas and add color and shape to really make things pop. For a v-neck or scoop neck T-shirt, sweet delicate necklaces (like chains, single or layered, or a floating pendant) can look great. Gold and silver both look wonderful with classic white T-shirt, and you can even go classic-on-classic with a diamond (or faux diamond) necklace. Long pendants also add a boho aura to a tee and can make your outfit seem effortlessly stylish.

Dress it Up

When it comes to eveningwear, a white T-shirt might not sound like the most daring (or obvious) choice, but it’s the insouciant edge this closet staple can lend to more directional pieces that makes it an after-dark essential. Let yours temper the drama of a black velvet maxi skirt, only to dial it back up again by adding embellished mules and even a red patent bag. Adding a casual element to your look makes for a more contemporary take on traditional eveningwear, whether you’re dressing for date night or dinner with friends.

Weekend Vibes

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more timeless sartorial combo than casual pants or jeans and a crisp white T-shirt. So, whether you’re planning to spend the weekend gallery-hopping, lunching with friends or sitting in your local park, keep it simple and opt for this classic look. The trick here is to balance proportions: super-baggy pants look great with a tighter tee, while boxy T-shirts pair well with high-rise, straight-leg styles, which cinch the waist while elongating the legs. To add some contemporary flair, pair with hi/low accessories, finishing your outfit with minimal sneakers.

Continued on page 68

A Few Bonus Tips for Making the Most of Your White T-Shirt Style

Adding a little more style to your wardrobe is easier than we think, especially when you start with a plain white T-shirt and build from there. Here are a few more bonus tips for making the most of your style:

Try Different Shapes, Sleeves and Necklines

When we think white T-shirt, most of us think of the classic crewneck, short sleeve option, but there are so many more cuts and styles to choose from. T-shirts come in many different fabrics – silks, rayon, knits, cotton and more. You can find great long sleeve options as well as tank and sleeveless T-shirts. When it comes to necklines, there’s boat, scoop, V-neck, crew and even turtlenecks. Experiment with different shapes and fabrics to find your classic white T-shirt. Maybe you love a chest pocket or maybe it makes you cringe. Some women prefer baby doll or ladies’ cuts and others like a more classic shape. White T-shirts are so versatile, you can really make it stretch through your entire wardrobe, so find something you love and go with it.

Take the Time to Add a Little Flair

Do you ever wonder why women on Pinterest and fashion blogs always have outfits that look so together? It’s simple. They take time to “style” their clothing. This means rolling up sleeves, doing a half-tuck with a baggy shirt (tuck in the front at the waist) or even tying the corner of a shirt on the side. These little stylist tricks take your outfit from “I threw this on” to polished. Adding a belt, accessorizing or layering can make a huge difference. It makes your look seem more thought out and put together. Experiment with these little low-effort tricks and you’ll be hooked.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who helps women feel beautiful and confident. Soneca lives in Bergen County and works with clients that range from celebrities to Fortune 500 entrepreneurs to simple women looking for a way to unlock their true self through style. If you want more tips then go to www.stylebysoneca.com to download her “Must Have Wardrobe Checklist” or follow her on Instagram @styledbysoneca.

The Tale of Two Toyotas

The All-new GR Corolla and Prius

It’s hard to believe, but it wasn’t so long ago that there was a time when Toyota wasn’t so prevalent in the U.S. market. But, starting in the mid 1970s, leading into the 1980s and with great momentum in the 1990s, things changed. Significantly. That’s because the Japanese manufacturer went mainstream.

Nameplates like Corolla and Camry became staples. And then, the automaker birthed its luxury brand, Lexus. While some of its high-end products already existed as Toyotas in the Japanese Domestic Market

GR Corolla

(JDM), the brain trust knew that it’d be much easier selling expensive cars under a brand that wasn’t associated with fuel-sipping hatchbacks and Plain Jane sedans.

Cue immense success for Toyota Motor Sales.

That said, moving along into the 2010s, it became clear that one of the world’s largest automakers had a perception problem. Within enthusiast and journalist circles, the joke about Toyota was that it was the master of delivering “beige.” I know it sounds odd but stick

prius

with me. Essentially, everyone was very aware that Toyota made some of the most reliable, long-lasting vehicles on the planet. But there was one issue: They were a total bore, both to look at and drive.

Knowing this, the company then pivoted to prove everyone wrong. Not only can Toyota build some of the world’s finest automobiles, but it can make autos visually appealing and with driving characteristics that stir something in your soul. This carries through to two of its latest products, but in different ways.

With the all-new Prius, Toyota has made drastic changes to its previously successful hybrid — sales have eroded since the early 2010s. And, frankly, with Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y eating everybody’s lunch, it doesn’t have a choice. Right now, any hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), electric vehicle (EV) or even luxury automobile, has to fend off Tesla to retain or grow its market share. Simply put, increased competition ultimately makes better products in a market and the all-new Prius is one such example.

All new for the 2023 model year, the fifth-genera-

tion Prius has been rethought from the ground up. It’s readily apparent when you see it for the first time. Traditionally, the Prius has looked “quirky” at best and downright messy at its worst (e.g., the fourth-generation car). Now, though, the Prius is stunning. Yes, you read that correctly.

Featuring a sleek exterior design, its body has strong lines and tidy little details. My favorite bit is its side profile. From the front of the vehicle’s hood to the beginning of its roof, the new Prius has essentially one continuous line, which means this all-new Prius has a severely raked windshield. It’s something you see on a wedge-shaped supercar a la Lamborghini, not a mass-produced Toyota.

When you slide into the driver’s seat, you’re confronted with a Spartan interior. Behind the three-spoke steering wheel, you’re presented with a letterbox display for the instrument panel and located in the center stack is a massive, 12-inch infotainment screen. The center stack has few buttons, and, from my count, the steering wheel has more. Personally, I like how Toyota has upped its interior quality in recent years and the all-

new Prius is another wonderful example. Its touch points (e.g., steering wheel, shifter, buttons, arm rest, etc.) all feel right. There’s a certain robustness to its interior that you won’t find in a flimsy Tesla. To me, this Toyota feels like a Lexus.

Is the Prius’ cabin perfect? Well, no. The placement of the instrument panel is a bit awkward and depending on the height of your steering wheel, information may be blocked. Remember that severely raked windscreen I just mentioned? That does translate into having to watch one’s head while entering and exiting the cockpit.

More importantly though, how does it drive?

Guess what? There’s more good news! That said, let’s set the stage. With previous-gen Prii, it seemed that Toyota never actually cared about the driving experience. It was a car built to satisfy one goal: Obtain the best possible MPG. Today, though, it’s clear that Toyota’s philosophy has evolved. Meaning, the all-new Prius is fun to drive.

Featuring a revised powerplant, the Prius has a 2.0liter, four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system that produces 194 horsepower and 139 lb.-ft. of torque. While that may sound rather tame on the surface, you must keep in mind that this represents 60 and 16 percent increases for horsepower and torque, respectively, over the last-gen Prius.

Zero to 60 happens in just over seven seconds. Once again, this is improved from the previous Prius, which hit 60 mph in a yawn-inducing, nearly 10 second time.

The biggest difference can be found in the all-new Prius’ chassis. It is a massive, massive improvement. The older-generation cars tended to feel like what I’d imagine a cow would be like to drive. The Prius was lazy, ponderous and rife with body roll. Now, though?

Driving north from Tenafly into Alpine, on the twisty portion of Route 9W, it started to become clear to me that this was a bit of a driver’s car. This was only cemented when I hopped on New York’s Saw Mill Parkway for closer analysis. Between the increase in

power, a more composed chassis and a wider stance, you can hustle this Toyota around corners. While it’s not a Supra, it certainly can entertain any openminded driver willing to give the Prius nameplate a shot. Even better, Toyota engineered this car without going overboard. You can easily drive the all-new Prius in Manhattan as its suspension is not overly firm, which means it eats up pockmarked road surfaces thanks to its comfortable setup.

There’s just one, well, two problems. First, the four-cylinder, gasoline-powered engine’s noise is treacherous. Second, the eCVT transmission is quite possibly one of the worst inventions known to man. Accelerating onto any highway onramp produces a wave of awful engine noise that sounds like an economy car fighting to pick up speed. When compared to the instantaneous torque from an EV and a largely silent swell of speed, the Prius just feels archaic.

All that said, the Prius nabbed as high as 52 mpg while handling city traffic. On the highway though, this figure took a hit and was as low as 44 mpg during my time with the car.

Continued on page 74

Overall, this has been a much-welcomed change for the Prius. For the first time, ever, the car has some pizzaz thanks to Toyota injecting excellent styling and paying attention to driving dynamics. But what happens when you dial that to, say, 11?

That’s where the all-new Toyota GR Corolla enters the picture.

Essentially, what Toyota has done is take its entry-level car, the Corolla, and give it over to its motorsports division known as Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR). From there, its team of performance specialists overhauled the car, top-to-bottom, and delivered us its first-ever TGR vehicle developed and built for the North American market.

You know what they say, right? “First impressions are the most important.” If that’s the case, then the GR Corolla has imprinted on me for the rest of my life.

Let’s take it from the top. The GR Corolla is equipped with a 1.6-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine. Thanks to TGR’s handiwork, this little three banger is churning out 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. In today’s day and age that may seem a bit…underwhelming. It’s not. That’s because you have to keep in mind that it is a Corolla and it weighs just a hair more than 3,250 pounds in the Core trim I drove.

Armed with an all-wheel drivetrain, zero to 60 happens in a quick five seconds. And, unlike most of today’s autos, to get that time you’ll need to know how to operate three pedals. That’s right. The GR Corolla is only offered with a six-speed manual transmission.

It’s not just a quick car, however. That’s because it’s how the GR Corolla acts that makes it a special vehicle. While most performance-oriented vehicles today have quite a bit of polish and refinement dialed into the final production unit, that’s not the case with the GR Corolla. Its suspension is tuned to be firm and, frankly, it can be punishing at times. When you start it, the three-cylinder engine reverberates through the cabin and continues during idling. And the GR Corolla needs revs when you launch it. You can’t be gentle or pussyfoot around with this car, you must grab it by the scruff of the neck and show it who’s boss.

Clearly, it has a personality. It’s a bit raw and rough around the edges, but it’s one that I like.

Two of the coolest features in the GR Corolla come in form of its 12-inch, digital instrument panel and three drivetrain settings that adjust how power is distributed to the front and rear axles. First, the TFT instrument panel is totally configurable so you can see a variety of relevant data points (e.g., tire pressures, turbo pressure, G-meter, etc.). Even better, you can save three views so you can cycle through them quickly to get as

much info from the vehicle as needed when pushing the GR Corolla to its limits. Second, and this is truly exceptional, you can change how power is sent to the front/rear with one dial and at speed. Normal mode keeps the power 60/40, front/rear. Sport switches it to 30/70, front/rear. Track makes it 50/50, front/ rear. And, each mode changes how the GR Corolla drives, significantly.

As I have a penchant for rear-wheel drive cars and I like autos to be a bit more squirrelly, I kept it in Sport mode during most of the duration of my time with the GR Corolla.

Driving it was a blast. With a relatively lightweight clutch pedal and snappy gear shifter, it’s easy to drive once you get the hang of how this car prefers more revs versus less. Once you do though, you have to be more precise with your throttle inputs during shifts to ensure your passengers have a smooth ride. Pushing it in the GR Corolla’s natural habitat, twisties, you will feel some minor body roll, but it’s kept in check due to the rigid chassis and sticky rubber the car’s shod with. You’ll hear the sweet-sounding

three-cylinder gaining speed, the turbo whistle and the blow off valve releasing pressure — it’s enthralling.

and nutritional benefits. These natural ingredients also make it taste refreshing, slightly sweet and delicious. I invite you to try the following: lemon, a natural detoxifier and aids with bloating and fluid retention; lime, helps with digestion and a natural detoxifier; cucumber, helps cool the inflammatory response in the body and reduces puffiness and bloating and flushes toxins; mint, soothes the stomach and reduces inflammation; basil, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria; ginger, aids in digestion; and berries, high in antioxidants and boosts immunity.

Then, there’s the look. Personally, I don’t think anyone will really notice it unless they’re an enthusiast. Sure, it’s lower, wider and features more brutal styling over the standard Corolla. The biggest giveaway is its three-tipped exhaust. But, from my perspective, it still is low key and flying under the radar. If you’re into a stealthy vibe, check it out in black.

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 Joyce first learned about sofrito and how to cook, as she describes, using “layering” techniques. By doing so, it adds more dimensionality to her respective dishes.

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.

many more. Eating a salad made from water rich veggies and fruit will not only help with hydration but provide your body with nutrients and fiber as well.

You may also drink iced herbal tea and get the benefits with a little more flavor. Add lemon or mint to iced tea and you will not only feel refreshed, but like you’re hydrating without the boredom of “another glass of water.”

If you are interested, you’ll want to move fast though. These GR Corollas are highly desirable at the moment and tough to acquire.

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. Together, they’d go through the fields picking wild 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.

All said and done, it’s clear that Toyota has got its groove back. By lending the Prius some of its styling and performance chops, perhaps that will increase interest and boost its sales to levels of yesteryear. The GR Corolla, on the other hand, is a total juvenile delinquent. As one of the best performance Toyotas ever made, the stage has been set for it to become a future classic.

Eating To Hydrate

In addition to drinking the appropriate amount of water for your weight and activities, eating water rich foods is another way to increase hydration. These include cucumber, watermelon, zucchini, strawberries, tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupe, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, pears, citrus fruits, pineapples, spinach, iceberg lettuce and many,

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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.

Unlike other ways we try to increase our health, drinking water daily is an inexpensive way to help fuel and repair your body. You don’t have to join a gym, subscribe to a service or have a kit. Start with good water. Get your hands on a container that will allow you to track the number of ounces. Add a little natural flavor. Then, you’re on your way. This summer, while you’re experiencing the season and all of the activities and pleasures it brings, remember to keep your body running at its best and hydrate.

Although Joyce took a detour as a teacher for many years, it became apparent that she needed to fulfill 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.

Audrey Zona is an integrative health and wellness coach and the founder of Zo Healthy. She is a mother, wife and personal coach who loves seeing her clients break old diet patterns and enjoy more satisfying, healthier lives. Follow Audrey on Instagram @zo_healthy for recipes, tips and tricks for leading a healthy lifestyle.You may also visit her website at https:// livezohealthy.com or her Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ZoHealthy. ■

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‘Fall’ In Love with Family-Favorite Autumn Recipes

Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney

4 cups watermelon, juiced

2 cups watermelon rind (white part), diced small

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1/2 medium white onion, sliced

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 lemon, juice only

2 Tablespoons currants

2 Tablespoons roasted walnuts

1 wheel brie cheese, for serving crackers, for serving

In saucepan over medium heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2 cups. Combine with watermelon rind, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, white onion, garlic, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, currants and walnuts; simmer until almost dry.

Chill and serve over brie with crackers.

Warm-Spiced Chickpeas and Couscous with Grapes and Arugula

2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

1 cup Israeli pearl couscous

3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 1/2 cups water

1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained

1 cup red Grapes from California, halved

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

4 cups lightly packed baby arugula lemon wedges

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and allspice; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add couscous and stir 1 minute to toast lightly. Add turmeric and water; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until couscous is tender, about 15 minutes.

Stir chickpeas, grapes and cilantro into couscous then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer couscous-grape mixture to large bowl, add arugula and toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges.

Watermelon Bourbon Glaze with Grilled Flank Steak

1 1/2 cups watermelon juice (approximately 2 1/2 cups chopped watermelon, blended)

2 tablespoon minced garlic

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

. teaspoon hot sauce

1/4-1/2 cup bourbon

2 pounds flank steak or London broil

1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2/3 cup. Toward end of reduction, add garlic. Remove from heat, cool 10 minutes then add soy sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce and bourbon. Mix well.

Place watermelon-bourbon glaze in large zip-top bag. Add steak and massage to cover meat. Close bag and refrigerate 3-4 hours.

Heat grill to high heat. Remove steak from plastic bag and gently shake to remove excess glaze.

Grill steak 4-6 minutes; turn, grill 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness of steak. Remove from heat. Steak should be pink in center.

Allow steak to rest on platter or cutting board 10 minutes.

Mix small amount of watermelon-bourbon glaze with cornstarch. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, add cornstarch mixture to remaining glaze and simmer 3-5 minutes. Reduce to medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

Cut flank steak on bias into thin strips. Drizzle watermelon-bourbon glaze over top.

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