HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy in Vernon Center, NJ

Let's Talk!

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY for Women estrogen
 HRT For Men Vernon Center, NJ

What Causes Menopause?

The most common reason for menopause is the natural decline in a female's reproductive hormones. However, menopause can also result from the following situations:

Oophorectomy: This surgery, which removes a woman's ovaries, causes immediate menopause. Symptoms and signs of menopause in this situation can be severe, as the hormonal changes happen abruptly.

Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can induce menopause quickly, causing symptoms to appear shortly after or even during treatment.

Ovarian Insufficiency: Also called premature ovarian failure, this condition is essentially premature menopause. It happens when a woman's ovaries quit functioning before the age of 40 and can stem from genetic factors and disease. Only 1% of women suffer from premature menopause, but HRT can help protect the heart, brain, and bones.

 Human Growth Hormone Vernon Center, NJ

Depression

If you're a woman going through menopause and find that you have become increasingly depressed, you're not alone. It's estimated that 15% of women experience depression to some degree while going through menopause. What many women don't know is that depression can start during perimenopause, or the years leading up to menopause.

Depression can be hard to diagnose, especially during perimenopause and menopause. However, if you notice the following signs, it might be time to speak with a physician:

  • Mood Swings
  • Inappropriate Guilt
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Too Much or Too Little Sleep
  • Lack of Interest in Life
  • Overwhelming Feelings

Remember, if you're experiencing depression, you're not weak or broken - you're going through a very regular emotional experience. The good news is that with proper treatment from your doctor, depression isn't a death sentence. And with HRT and anti-aging treatment for women, depression could be the catalyst you need to enjoy a new lease on life.

 HRT For Women Vernon Center, NJ

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes - they're one of the most well-known symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes are intense, sudden feelings of heat across a woman's upper body. Some last second, while others last minutes, making them incredibly inconvenient and uncomfortable for most women.

Symptoms of hot flashes include:

  • Sudden, Overwhelming Feeling of Heat
  • Anxiety
  • High Heart Rate
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Typically, hot flashes are caused by a lack of estrogen. Low estrogen levels negatively affect a woman's hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature and appetite. Low estrogen levels cause the hypothalamus to incorrectly assume the body is too hot, dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow. Luckily, most women don't have to settle for the uncomfortable feelings that hot flashes cause. HRT treatments for women often stabilize hormones, lessening the effects of hot flashes and menopause in general.

 Ipamorelin Vernon Center, NJ

Mood Swings

Mood swings are common occurrences for most people - quick shifts from happy to angry and back again, triggered by a specific event. And while many people experience mood swings, they are particularly common for women going through menopause. That's because, during menopause, the female's hormones are often imbalanced. Hormone imbalances and mood swings go hand-in-hand, resulting in frequent mood changes and even symptoms like insomnia.

The rate of production of estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates during menopause, largely determines the rate of production the hormone serotonin, which regulates mood, causing mood swings.

Luckily, HRT and anti-aging treatments in Vernon Center, NJ for women work wonders for mood swings by regulating hormone levels like estrogen. With normal hormone levels, women around the world are now learning that they don't have to settle for mood swings during menopause.

 Sermorelin Vernon Center, NJ

Weight Gain

Staying fit and healthy is hard for anyone living in modern America. However, for women with hormone imbalances during perimenopause or menopause, weight gain is even more serious. Luckily, HRT treatments for women coupled with a physician-led diet can help keep weight in check. But which hormones need to be regulated?

  • Estrogen: During menopause, estrogen levels are depleted. As such, the body must search for other sources of estrogen. Because estrogen is stored in fat, your body believes it should increase fat production during menopause. Estrogen also plays a big part in insulin resistance, which can make it even harder to lose weight and keep it off.
  • Progesterone: Progesterone levels are also depleted during menopause. Progesterone depletion causes bloating and water retention, while loss of testosterone limits the body's ability to burn calories.
  • Ongoing Stress: Stress makes our bodies think that food is hard to come by, putting our bodies in "survival mode". When this happens, cortisol production is altered. When cortisol timing changes, the energy in the bloodstream is diverted toward making fat. With chronic stress, this process repeatedly happens, causing extensive weight gain during menopause.
 HRT Vernon Center, NJ

Low Libido

Lowered sexual desire - three words most men and women hate to hear. Unfortunately, for many women in perimenopausal and menopausal states, it's just a reality of life. Thankfully, today, HRT and anti-aging treatments Vernon Center, NJ can help women maintain a normal, healthy sex drive. But what causes low libido in women, especially as they get older?

The hormones responsible for low libido in women are progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.

Progesterone production decreases during perimenopause, causing low sex drive in women. Lower progesterone production can also cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. On the other hand, lower estrogen levels during menopause lead to vaginal dryness and even vaginal atrophy or loss of muscle tension.

Lastly, testosterone plays a role in lowered libido. And while testosterone is often grouped as a male hormone, it contributes to important health and regulatory functionality in women. A woman's testosterone serves to heighten sexual responses and enhances orgasms. When the ovaries are unable to produce sufficient levels of testosterone, it often results in a lowered sex drive.

 Hormone Replacement Vernon Center, NJ

Vaginal Dryness

Often uncomfortable and even painful, vaginal dryness is a serious problem for sexually active women. However, like hair loss in males, vaginal dryness is very common - almost 50% of women suffer from it during menopause.

Getting older is just a part of life, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for the side effects. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women correct vaginal dryness by re-balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When supplemented with diet and healthy living, your vagina's secretions are normalized, causing discomfort to recede.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Vernon Center, NJ

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids - they're perhaps the least-known symptom of menopause and hormone imbalances in women. That's because these growths on the uterus are often symptom-free. Unfortunately, these growths can be cancerous, presenting a danger for women as they age.

Many women will have fibroids at some point. Because they're symptomless, they're usually found during routine doctor exams. Some women only get one or two, while others may have large clusters of fibroids. Because fibroids are usually caused by hormone imbalances, hysterectomies have been used as a solution, forcing women into early menopause.

Advances in HRT and anti-aging medicine for women give females a safer, non-surgical option without having to experience menopause early. At Global Life Rejuvenation, our expert physicians will implement a customized HRT program to stabilize your hormones and reduce the risk of cancerous fibroid growth.

 HRT For Men Vernon Center, NJ

Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS, and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.

Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.

Xenoestrogen is a hormone that is very similar to estrogen. Too much xenoestrogen is thought to stimulate endometrial tissue growth. HRT for women helps balance these hormones and, when used with a custom nutrition program, can provide relief for women across the U.S.

 Sermorelin Vernon Center, NJ

What is Sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.

 HRT Vernon Center, NJ

Benefits of Sermorelin

Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.

  • Benefits of Sermorelin include:
  • Better Immune Function
  • Improved Physical Performance
  • More Growth Hormone Production
  • Less Body Fat
  • Build More Lean Muscle
  • Better Sleep
 Hormone Replacement Vernon Center, NJ

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.

Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Vernon Center, NJ

Benefits of Ipamorelin

One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies. Ipamorelin can boost a patient's overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life.

When there is an increased concentration of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, there are positive benefits to the body. Some benefits include:

  • Powerful Anti-Aging Properties
  • More Muscle Mass
  • Less Unsightly Body Fat
  • Deep, Restful Sleep
  • Increased Athletic Performance
  • More Energy
  • Less Recovery Time for Training Sessions and Injuries
  • Enhanced Overall Wellness and Health
  • No Significant Increase in Cortisol

Your New, Youthful Lease on Life with HRT for Women

Whether you are considering our HRT and anti-aging treatments for women in Vernon Center, NJ, we are here to help. The first step to reclaiming your life begins by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation. Our friendly, knowledgeable HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!

Homes-for-Sale-phone-number866-793-9933

Request a Consultation

Latest News in Vernon Center, NJ

Wartburg Campus Grows To Fill A Growing Need In Westchester

The innovative 50,000-square-foot Berkemeier Living Center facility will be dedicated to Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. |Updated Thu, Jul 20, 2023 at 3:22 pm ETMOUNT VERNON, NY — The need for specialized care is growing as the senior population of the Hudson Valley continues to grow, and one of the most respected names in senior residential and healthcare services is already growing to meet that need.From the Wartburg:As Wartburg prepares for the opening of their new 50,000 square-foot ...

The innovative 50,000-square-foot Berkemeier Living Center facility will be dedicated to Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

|Updated Thu, Jul 20, 2023 at 3:22 pm ET

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The need for specialized care is growing as the senior population of the Hudson Valley continues to grow, and one of the most respected names in senior residential and healthcare services is already growing to meet that need.

From the Wartburg:

As Wartburg prepares for the opening of their new 50,000 square-foot Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Living Center (the Berkemeier Living Center), John Schuster and Maria Provenzano are promoted.

This past month, Wartburg President and CEO Dr. David J. Gentner was pleased to share the news that John Schuster, Meadowview’s Administrator and Wartburg employee for 20 years, will be the Berkemeier Living Center Opening Administrator. Mr. Schuster has been Wartburg’s Assisted Living Administrator for 9 years. Prior to Meadowview John was in the Admissions Department in Wartburg’s skilled nursing facility. According to Gentner, "I believe his background in skilled nursing has enabled John and the team to keep Meadowview a top tier assisted living program in the region." Mr. Schuster is a licensed nursing home administrator and holds both Bachelors and Masters degree in Public Administration from Pace University. He is a graduate of the inaugural class of LeadingAge NY’s Leadership Academy and has served on Leading Age’s Adult Care Facility Statewide Cabinet for the past eight years.

"I have witnessed our campus evolve to match changing dynamics of long-term care and senior housing over my 20 years with Wartburg. Being involved in every aspect of the development and opening of the new Berkemeier Living Center has been most rewarding and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity," said Schuster.

Find out what's happening in Mount Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition to John’s appointment, Gentner also shared the news that Ms. Maria Provenzano, LCSW, MS will be the new Administrator of Meadowview. According to Gentner, "Ms. Provenzano has been with Wartburg since 2015 and served previously as Adult Day Services Director…most recently as Director of Residential Services including the role of Case Manager at Meadowview. Maria will continue as Director of Residential Services in addition to acting as Meadowview’s Administrator. She is a graduate of New York University with degrees in Social Work and Public Service."

"Every new beginning brings an opportunity to make a positive impact. I am grateful to start this journey as the Administrator of Meadowview at Wartburg, where I can bring compassion, care, and a warm smile to the lives of those we serve," said Provenzano.

Already home to independent living, assisted living, and award-winning nursing home care, Wartburg’s new Berkemeier Living Center will feature 64 state-of-the-art residences, 32 private and 32 companion suites, and will focus on providing resources to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Wartburg’s Board, executives, administrators, staff, were joined by the design team, business and civic leaders for a blessing and earth-turning ceremony at the site, which was recently cleared of the former Berkemeier Auditorium.

The Berkemeier Living Center residences will resemble small-scale households, providing an intimate and comfortable feel for the residents, staff, and families. Key planning elements such as short walking distances, oversized windows for increased natural light, and enhanced views are included in the design to help support a healing environment. Additionally, each household features its own living, dining and kitchen space, as well as gathering spaces. The first-floor lobby and gallery space will display elements of Wartburg’s rich history including Berkemeier artifacts from the original structure. The first level will also include an event space, music therapy room, and administrative space. This large program will be supported with a healing garden at the rear yard with seating and community space. The Living Center will also benefit from the nearby nursing, and rehabilitation centers on campus to accommodate residents’ needs. The building will also be LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Attaining LEED certification signifies that a building is exemplary in conserving energy, lowering operating costs and being healthy for occupants.

"While great strides have been made in managing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia related diseases, we still have far to go. The Alzheimer’s Association is proud to be a partner with Wartburg and we highly anticipate the opening of the Berkemeier Living Center and the resources and care it will bring to our community," said David Sobel, Executive Director of Alzheimer's Association, Hudson Valley.

The Berkemeier Living Center is named to honor Wartburg’s second President, Reverend Dr. Gottlieb C. Berkemeier, who served for thirty-six years. During his tenure, Dr. Berkemeier raised the profile of The Wartburg Orphans’ Farm School, helping it become one of the foremost institutions of its kind in this country.

About Wartburg

Wartburg, located in Westchester County, NY, offers integrated, comprehensive senior residential and healthcare services. Unlike conventional retirement communities, Wartburg provides a wide range of services to both residents living on their beautiful 34-acre campus and people in their own homes. From independent, assisted living and award-winning nursing home care to inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation, home care and adult day care services, their continuing care approach has earned them a trusted reputation. Wartburg also provides caregiver support at every stage with an array of options to find the level of care that considers the whole family. Wartburg was named one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” by U.S. News & World Report for the seventh consecutive year in 2022.

This press release was produced by Wartburg. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Vernon pump track may be delayed by cleanup of abandoned dump site

VERNON — The township's plan to construct a bicycle pump track in the town center off Black Creek Drive near a future biking and walking trail may be delayed by the cleanup of a nearby abandoned site.The pile of trash, about 600 feet away from the track, was brought to public attention by Joseph Wallace, who faces a state Department of Environmental Protection suit for the cost to remediate a 75-foot-high dump site on his Silver Spruce Drive property.A complaint later was made to the state DEP by resident J...

VERNON — The township's plan to construct a bicycle pump track in the town center off Black Creek Drive near a future biking and walking trail may be delayed by the cleanup of a nearby abandoned site.

The pile of trash, about 600 feet away from the track, was brought to public attention by Joseph Wallace, who faces a state Department of Environmental Protection suit for the cost to remediate a 75-foot-high dump site on his Silver Spruce Drive property.

A complaint later was made to the state DEP by resident Jessi Paladini, who accused the township of operating a toxic waste dump and seeking to cover it up with the pump track.

Neither of the accusations is true, said Mayor Howard Burrell.

The township, said the mayor, has engaged an environmental firm to comply with a 2018 NJDEP directive that ordered the cleanup of nearly two decades' worth of asphalt millings and street sweepings from road maintenance projects that had been kept in a Department of Public Works storage yard next to the abandoned site. NJDEP regulations allow such material to be stored for no more than six months.

The township has since agreed to complete the additional removal of debris from the abandoned site next to the DPW storage yard. A NJDEP spokesperson declined to comment on the situation, but one of its field inspector's reports obtained by Wallace's attorney and the New Jersey Herald indicates Wallace met and directed the inspector to the abandoned site on Oct. 20.

The inspector returned to the site Oct. 27 with township officials, who had requested he do so to allow them to survey the debris. Among the dumped items found were an old rusted oil tank, a dozen or so tires, concrete and metal piping, decaying carpet and pressure-treated lumber believed to have been dumped there decades ago. The material is now covered by heavy brush and trees that have overtaken the hillside.

Burrell said it's unclear at this point who owns the site situated on rocky terrain with a 30-foot downslope. A fuel oil company is believed to have once operated there, but township officials have agreed to take responsibility for its cleanup.

"We had not considered this location to be town property, but that is not an issue we have any interest in debating at this time," said Burrell.

Burrell and Councilman Andrew Pitsker visited the site and said they take strong exception to accusations that the governing body was attempting to build the pump track over a "toxic waste dump" to cover it up. The abandoned site is nearly two football fields from the pump track's intended location, and NJDEP has assured the township there is nothing "toxic" about it, Burrell said.

"We're stewards of this town and we're going to do the right thing for Vernon," Pitsker said. "My question to those people who pointed this out to us is: Will you do the right thing and clean up your mess, specifically the one on Silver Spruce?"

It's estimated the pump track will cost $150,000 to build, and most of it will come from Vernon's $800,000 open space fund. Township officials said they hope to model the pump track on a similar one built a few years ago in downtown Port Jervis, N.Y. The pump track will complement the nearby trail and be a first step toward Vernon's downtown revitalization and enhanced appeal as a family-friendly, four-season recreation community, officials said.

The term "pump track" comes from the pumping motion bicyclists use to maintain their speed over its continuous loop of berms, mounds and rollers for long periods with a minimum of pedaling, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels.

"I would never agree to or approve a plan to build a family-friendly facility on a site that I believed was not safe, and that's a commitment I will keep," Burrell said. "Why would I do otherwise? I have absolutely no reason to believe this Black Creek Drive site is anything more than one of the many beautiful and safe locations in our township for families and visitors to enjoy an amenity such as a pump track."

The sewer lines in the town center also make it an ideal location for drawing restaurants, ice cream shops, and other family-friendly retailers and amenities to the downtown area, Burrell said.

Firefighter:Blairstown firefighter, 80, honored on 'Rachael Ray' show for service to community

Election results:Newton Town Council election could be decided by 'cured' ballots

Plans for the accompanying trail also took a step forward last month with the granting of an easement by Andrew Mulvihill, owner of Minerals and Crystal Springs resorts. With the easement, the township will be able to complete a contiguous trail roughly paralleling Route 94 from the town center past Mountain Creek toward Minerals and Crystal Springs, constituting what officials said will be a further drawing card for shop owners and the resorts.

Eric Obernauer can also be contacted on Twitter: @EricObernNJH or by phone at 862-273-5349.

Deal may resurrect former Playboy Club into revenue generator for Vernon

VERNON — Legends, the now-shuttered former Playboy Club that hosted sold-out performances by Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr. and other big-time entertainers in its heyday, may be on the verge of a second act under terms of a proposed legal settlement with the township.Mayor Howard Burrell, who will present it to the Township Council for approval Tuesday, said the township has already received hundreds of thousands of dollars in past due property taxes and is betting the house's money the agreement ca...

VERNON — Legends, the now-shuttered former Playboy Club that hosted sold-out performances by Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr. and other big-time entertainers in its heyday, may be on the verge of a second act under terms of a proposed legal settlement with the township.

Mayor Howard Burrell, who will present it to the Township Council for approval Tuesday, said the township has already received hundreds of thousands of dollars in past due property taxes and is betting the house's money the agreement can resurrect the late Hugh Hefner's once-palatial resort from mothballs into something that can again be a revenue generator for the township.

The linchpin of the proposal is the agreement by Metairie Corp., the facility's current owner, to make good on $860,000 in delinquent property taxes due to Vernon. Of that amount, $472,000 was paid at the end of last month with the balance due by June 30, 2021, Burrell said.

Metairie would also be required to find a buyer or obtain financing for the redevelopment of the property, located at the junction of Route 94 and Route 517, by June 30 or find an auctioneer to sell it off by October.

Vernon, in turn, would forgive about $60,000 in building and fire code violations and drop its opposition to renewing the resort's cabaret liquor license, a major consideration for any investor.

"The assumption is that anyone who buys this will know what the situation is and have some plan to make it useful," Burrell said. "I can't see somebody paying a lot of money for it without a plan."

Vernon residents have heard this song before, from proposals to turn it into a convention center or satellite college campus and again two years ago when a hedge fund investor claimed to be finalizing a deal to turn it into a retirement community. All came to naught.

But with the new Legoland theme park set to open next year in Goshen, N.Y., Burrell said the time is right for Vernon and its resorts to cash in on an expected spillover of tourism and demand for hotel rooms across the region. He believes this spillover will be key to resurrecting the resort.

Built at a cost of nearly $30 million, the Great Gorge Playboy Club had eight floors and over 800 guest rooms as well as a penthouse suite famously reserved for Hefner himself when it opened in 1971. The resort had a cabaret, ballroom, 27-championship hole golf course, bowling, tennis, jacuzzis, indoor swimming pools and an Olympic-sized outdoor pool plus access to nearby skiing and riding. These amenities, coupled with its nightly entertainment and ubiquitous Playboy Bunnies, enabled the club to flourish in its first few years.

Things started to go south once the novelty wore off and hopes for the legalization of casino gambling at the hotel were dashed. In 1982, the facility was sold to the Americana hotel chain and later was resold and rebranded as Seasons.

Many of the units were subsequently converted to timeshares and condominiums. In 1998, the remaining units and building were rebranded as Legends Resort & Country Club and acquired by Hillel Meyers, a Florida-based timeshare industry executive whose Metairie Corp. remains the facility's primary owner today.

Much of the building has since been shuttered and the unused units leased to short-term tenants including a Tennessee Gas pipeline worker from out of state who was murdered at the hotel in 2008. With reports of drug dealing and vultures, bats and other vermin taking up residence in the building, Vernon took steps to have the remaining 60 or so low-income tenants evicted three years ago for health and safety reasons.

Rockfall?:How one firm cashed in $7M in consulting fees for a DOT rockfall project still being planned

Restaurant Week:Newton 'Restaurant Week' to support local eateries during COVID-19

Burrell is hopeful the removal of legal and tax encumbrances will make the former hotel more palatable to an investor. However, he acknowledged the sale could be complicated by the multiple unit owners and more than 2,200 people who bought timeshares here in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Some are believed to still hold title to those units.

"All of the people who still own condos are unknown and probably unknowable to a great extent," Burrell said. "For us, the important thing is that all of the taxes and anything else that's financially due Vernon will have to come off the top, so it's going to be up to the new owner to deal with those people. He'll have to do that."

Although the township could seek to condemn the facility through eminent domain, Burrell said it would do nothing to put it back on the tax rolls. Additionally, the township doesn't want to be in the hotel business or left to shoulder the $1 million in annual carrying costs to keep its infrastructure from deteriorating, let alone the $15 million or more it may take to refurbish it.

Burrell said the settlement will be a win-win if it leads an investor to come forward and restore the facility to the tax rolls.

Eric Obernauer can also be contacted on Twitter: @EricObernNJH or by phone at 862-273-5349.

FIELD HOCKEY: Naming Greater Sussex County's Top Player, Team and Coach for 2020

Player of the YearAlicia Mihalko, Vernon senior midfielderOn a close-knit Vernon team, no one embodied the saying "You've got to do what's best for the team" more than Alicia Mihalko.The Vikings center midfielder was not wrapped up in statistics — she finished with five goals and an assist — but she made her mark all over the field and brought the team together to have success."Alicia is a classic example of what coaches would call a complete player,&quo...

Player of the Year

Alicia Mihalko, Vernon senior midfielder

On a close-knit Vernon team, no one embodied the saying "You've got to do what's best for the team" more than Alicia Mihalko.

The Vikings center midfielder was not wrapped up in statistics — she finished with five goals and an assist — but she made her mark all over the field and brought the team together to have success.

"Alicia is a classic example of what coaches would call a complete player," Vernon head coach Kieran Killeen said. "She really can do it all. Center midfield is a very demanding position, you are connected to every player on your team and expected to be part of every play, up and down the field. If you play that position and have weaknesses, they will get exploited. Alicia shone as our center mid, and often made it look easy."

The captain saw herself as more of a defensive mid. Having played defense as a freshman, the four-year starter could break down an opponent's attack with a critical tackle and set up the attack with strong stick skills to work the ball down the field.

On defensive penalty corners, she anchored the right post. On offensive corners, she flew into the center of the circle as a key outlet in the heart of the defense.

"Alicia is a very humble person and yet has an air of confidence on the field, she always looks calm and in control, no matter the situation," Killeen said. "She’s like a veteran quarterback who knows exactly what needs to be done, then goes out and does it, making it look easy."

Mihalko felt her main role was to encourage the team and get everyone involved, two key elements of helping forge a formidable unit.

"Most of the season, I was usually like, ‘You got this.’ I was that person that is always there if you need me," Mihalko said. "I try to work as the team player, not the typical ball hog type of person. I’m always trying to pass to someone who hasn’t been passed to a lot recently and trying to work with the team. I try to build everyone up and make the game and atmosphere really positive."

While her on-field prowess was ever-present, it was also Mihalko's selflessness that resonated with other players and coaches.

On a corner play called "Blinded by the Light," Mihalko's role was to screen the opposing goalie as one of her teammates unleashed a drive on net. On senior night, Mihalko gave up her starting spot to allow all of the team's remaining seniors to have a spot on the field.

For a team that sought to foster a family environment, Mihalko embodied that philosophy.

Team of the Year

Vernon

With a strong senior class, the Vikings had been building toward the 2020 season under Killeen.

Vernon's leaders integrated the team's underclassmen into its strong foundation. On the heels of a 16-3 campaign, the Vikings came together and produced an undefeated regular season, won the NJAC White North Division title and reached the North West B regional final.

"These girls had been through it all: they knew how to win big games, they knew what it took to close out a tight game, and they knew how to win a game when we weren’t playing our best," Killeen said. "That’s what it took to go through the regular season undefeated and the girls did it with flying colors."

The Vikings closed a stranger season with a 13-1 record. Vernon could count on a senior at every level of the field. Alyssa Van Dalinda scored an area-high 17 goals, Mihalko brought stability and awareness in the midfield and Rebecca Bodgewicz and Aleah Germinario held down opponents on the defensive side of the ball.

"We grew as a team and we worked a lot better this year since we had a really good mental base of the team," Mihalko said. "I think we built off the start of the season and got better and better each game, each practice and throughout the season.

Killeen rolled out a lineup that had very little weaknesses and had a knack for rallying in the face of adversity.

The Vikings won four of their first six games by a one-goal margin, but closed strong down the stretch by outscoring their final five regular-season opponents 16-1.

"We really didn’t have any vulnerable areas on the field," Killeen said. "We’ve worked very hard over the last few year on technique, decision making and intensity — doing things the right way at the right time and at speed. I felt like the hard work paid off as we had a really good skill level which meant we reduced the amount of mistakes."

The Vikings rounded into form late but the defense was steady throughout, limiting opponents to just four regular-season goals and posting eight total shutouts. That defensive intensity led to strong counterattacking chances, and the team's development culminated in a second straight tournament final appearance.

"They are an incredibly talented bunch but we would often talk about how talent only takes you so far and doesn’t always win games," Killeen said. "Working harder and wanting it more than the player opposite you makes the difference and turns a good team into a great. This team did all of that and more."

Coach of the Year

Belle Becker, Lenape Valley

Assuming responsibilities as a first-year head coach is difficult, but taking over amid a pandemic brought a whole set of new challenges for Belle Becker.

The Lenape Valley grad had experience on the field as part of two double-digit win seasons in Stanhope and earned a scholarship to play at Shippenburg University, but her first year at the helm came with challenges she could not have foreseen.

But Becker helped the Patriots rally together in uncharted times, notch a 9-2-2 record and win the NJAC White South Division title.

"The first practice was interesting because I knew none of the girls and none of the girls knew me," Becker said. "Everyday we practiced to be better than we were the day before. Aggressiveness, confidence, desire and stick work, including defensive stick work, were all elements of the game that have improved over the course of our season.

"As the season continued, my team stayed dedicated to achieving goals we created for the team — both short and long term goals."

After a 6-11-1 season in 2019, the Patriots made strong improvements as a unit.

They had a strong pair of goal scorers in Julianna Gentilucci and Angie Falleni, who combined for 18 goals, but the team's defense worked together in front of freshman goalie Abby Coppolella and limited opponents to seven goals in 13 games with eight shutouts.

"I pushed these girls out of their comfort zones and believed in them, which helped drive this team," Becker said. "We worked hard, discussed goals, but also discussed some weaknesses that we struggled with. We decided on how we could overcome some of these weaknesses our team had. Every day my girls wanted to get better, to be better and they did."

The Patriots closed the season with a five-game win streak, including a momentous win over Hackettstown to clinch the division, before falling 2-0 to Pequannock in the North West A Regional final.

But it was still an incredibly rewarding season for everyone involved.

"Seeing my girls practicing hard, giving everything they had in games, and pushing not only themselves but each other was extremely rewarding," Becker said. "They did it not only for themselves but for each other. I am extremely proud to be working with these talented young ladies."

Roxbury Ice Hockey Pounds Vernon for Ninth Win

Photo Credit: Peter Van ZilePhoto Credit: Peter Van ZileRoxbury forward Ben Skutnik (91) avoids a check into the boards and squeezes by a Vernon defender as he chases down the puck.Photo Credit: Peter Van Zile By Rick CalanniROXBURY, NJ – The Roxbury High School ice hockey team reached a season record of 9-3 on Monday with an easy, 8-1 win over the 1-11 Vernon Vikings.In the first period, Roxbury senior Jake Calanni (14) had two goals, followed by sophomore Ryan Van Z...

Photo Credit: Peter Van Zile

Photo Credit: Peter Van Zile

Roxbury forward Ben Skutnik (91) avoids a check into the boards and squeezes by a Vernon defender as he chases down the puck.Photo Credit: Peter Van Zile

By Rick Calanni

ROXBURY, NJ – The Roxbury High School ice hockey team reached a season record of 9-3 on Monday with an easy, 8-1 win over the 1-11 Vernon Vikings.

In the first period, Roxbury senior Jake Calanni (14) had two goals, followed by sophomore Ryan Van Zile (18) and junior Gavin Barooah (21) with a goal each. Teammates Cam Guerra (35), Tyler Peterson (22) and Ben Skutnik (91) all contributed assists, along with an assist from Van Zile for the scoring summary.

During the second period, Vernon got on the board with a goal from senior defenseman Jonathan Chromcik (2).

Sign Up for FREE Roxbury Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The third period saw Roxbury put four more goals into the net. Senior Stephen Ellison (12), senior Luke Scaraggi (28), freshman Michael Nelson (9) and sophomore Ben Skutnik (91) all scored. Teammates Aidan Reilly (5), Gavin Barooah (21) and Tyler Peterson (22) contributed assists, and there were also two assists each from both AJ Mancuso (23) and Dan Castellano (17).

Roxbury goalie, sophomore Mikey Guadagnino, made 11 saves in the win.

The Gaels next take on Haas Division rival West Morris Central on Jan. 26 at 4:15 p.m. at Mennen Sports Arena in Morris Township.

Don’t miss any Roxbury news! Click here to sign-up for our free daily e-newsletter.

Please “like” and “follow” us on Facebook and check out our Twitter feed.

TAPinto Roxbury is free to read, funded entirely by business advertising.

To get your business in front of thousands of readers in Roxbury and beyond, become a TAPinto sponsor! Call 862-259-2448 or click here.

To send press releases, classified ads, items for the event calendar, “Milestones” announcements, etc., look for the “Submit Content” link on the homepage.

Thank you for reading TAPinto Roxbury!

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
Contact Us

Global Life Rejuvenation is Here to Help You Get your young life back.

Want to feel younger, want to decrease the feeling of your age. Give us a call at 866-793-9933 to chat with us, or contact us via the form below. We’re here to help in any possible way.

CALL US

booking image new

Call Us

Call 866.793.9933 for a hormone
replacement consultation or email us!

Email

[email protected]

Service Areas

© Copyright Global Life Rejuvenation. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions