Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Norwood, NJ.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Norwood, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Norwood, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
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.
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:
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.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and 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!
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Dear Editor:I first met Leslie in 2017 when she joined our non-profit team as a volunteer looking to "make a difference in the lives of kids and families in Hoboken." For some background, I am co-founder, and current co-president of the Hoboken Public Education Foundation, a non-profit that has been raising private funds for the Hoboken Public District Schools since 2015.When Leslie first joined HPEF, she had two young kids who had not yet reached kindergarten, but she shared the same vested interest as the rest of ou...
Dear Editor:
I first met Leslie in 2017 when she joined our non-profit team as a volunteer looking to "make a difference in the lives of kids and families in Hoboken." For some background, I am co-founder, and current co-president of the Hoboken Public Education Foundation, a non-profit that has been raising private funds for the Hoboken Public District Schools since 2015.
When Leslie first joined HPEF, she had two young kids who had not yet reached kindergarten, but she shared the same vested interest as the rest of our team in helping to make the Hoboken Public Schools the very best they could be.
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Leslie immediately left an impression on me as a genuine, honest, and hard-working individual. She showed up every week and actively participated in team calls. Team call agendas included a variety of topics where board member input was solicited in order to capture the ideas and opinions of the entire team - such as team changes, operational needs, events planning and fundraising initiatives. Leslie would respectfully listen to the rest of the team members and hear their opinions and thoughts. Sometimes she would ask for more information to form an opinion, but there was never a call I can remember where Leslie would not voice an opinion. She was not afraid to share a contrarian view even if it meant standing her ground and asking for more time to talk it through. Leslie also understood that knowledge is power and if she felt passionate about a particular topic, she would conduct her own research to back up her position. Leslie is very sensitive to the needs of the broader Hoboken community and would go outside the parent community to cite something she had read in the local or national news and how we might want to consider various interests as we proceeded with our events and fundraising activities.
If asked to use one word that drives Leslie, I would say it's integrity. Integrity drives every encounter and every decision Leslie makes. As a securities lawyer, it certainly matches the job profile, but moral code is also deeply embedded in Leslie’s approach to everything she does.
As a board member in more recent years, Leslie has felt a strong responsibility to help serve those who may need more. Leslie cares deeply about supporting diversity and equity, and in particular, children with special needs and families of lower income. Every HPEF board member gets to vote on initiatives we fund for the district. Leslie was not afraid to vote "no" on initiatives she didn’t feel furthered academic progress. Orton-Gillingham teacher training was something Leslie proposed and fiercely supported, as a project that would benefit all children learning to read. HPEF funded this initiative this school year for 1/2 of all teachers grades K-2 with the other half planned for next school year.
Currently, Leslie is taking a hiatus from her board member duties to focus on campaign activities. In the event that Leslie is elected to the role of Hoboken BOE, she will immediately step down as board member of HPEF as directed by our by-laws. And while her election to the BOE would leave a big hole to fill within our organization and leadership, I know that there is no one more fit for the role of BOE member.
Leslie will work hand in hand with Dr. Johnson and the rest of the Board of Education to make sure that Hoboken's children remain central in every decision made. It is their progress, and their successes by which she will measure herself. Please join me in voting for Leslie Norwood for Hoboken Board of Education on November 8th.
Sincerely,
Jackie Dowd
Jackie Dowd, Hoboken resident, Proud parent of a 9th grader at Hoboken High School; Co-Founder and Co-President of Hoboken Public Education Foundation (HPEF)
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed herein are the writer's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the writer. Click here for TAPinto's Letters to the Editor policy.
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PLAINFIELD, NJ — On July 28, 2022, from 12-3 p.m. Aristacare at Norwood Terrace will be hosting its annual Summer Festival in partnership with Hope Social Services, El Centro Hispano Americano, The Plainfield Fire Department, and The Salvation Army at 40 Norwood Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060. The event will feature games, free giveaways, food, and face painting.“We’re excited to announce that we have partnered with Hope Social Services and El Centro. As we thought about bringing our communities together, we wanted to ...
PLAINFIELD, NJ — On July 28, 2022, from 12-3 p.m. Aristacare at Norwood Terrace will be hosting its annual Summer Festival in partnership with Hope Social Services, El Centro Hispano Americano, The Plainfield Fire Department, and The Salvation Army at 40 Norwood Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060. The event will feature games, free giveaways, food, and face painting.
“We’re excited to announce that we have partnered with Hope Social Services and El Centro. As we thought about bringing our communities together, we wanted to ensure they would not leave empty-handed. Through our partnerships, we will be giving away free groceries, toys, and clothes; things that we feel our community members desperately need.”
This summer festival is a prime example of the #AristaCareDifference! At Aristacare, they’re all about reinventing the standard of care through exceptional teamwork, consistent excellence, and state-of-the-art centers. For over 20 years, AristaCare has provided exceptional post-acute rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term care services and although their services are focused on providing a continuum of care for their residents, they continue to show how deep their strong ties are to the communities that they call home.
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“We know that life should never be put on hold, no matter your current health situation. That’s why we take such care to ensure that the quality of life at AristaCare is always top-notch. From phenomenal activities to beautiful accommodations, we’re confident that you and your loved ones’ experience will exceed expectations at every turn”
All community members are invited to kick off the summer at this free event. To learn more about how #AristaCares visit Aristacare.com or email [email protected].
Aristacare is a Nationally recognized specialty provider of inpatient medically complex, post-hospital care and rehabilitation.
Editor's Note: This advertorial content is being published by TAPinto.net as a service for its marketing partners. For more information about how to market your business or nonprofit on TAPinto, please visit TAPintoMarketing.net or email [email protected]. The opinions expressed herein, if any, are the writer's alone, and do not reflect the opinions of TAPinto.net or anyone who works for TAPinto.net. TAPinto.net is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the writer.
After a five-year run, the iconic hot dog institution Callahan's has not only closed its Norwood store for good but scrapped plans to open a more elaborate shop in Fort Lee.The Callahan's food truck is still in operation, and owner Dan DeMiglio is currently looking for a new brick-and-mortar location to move his business to once the pandemic is more under control."I plan to do this all over again as a reboot," he said. "People love our hot dogs. People came from all over to this sleepy town for our...
After a five-year run, the iconic hot dog institution Callahan's has not only closed its Norwood store for good but scrapped plans to open a more elaborate shop in Fort Lee.
The Callahan's food truck is still in operation, and owner Dan DeMiglio is currently looking for a new brick-and-mortar location to move his business to once the pandemic is more under control.
"I plan to do this all over again as a reboot," he said. "People love our hot dogs. People came from all over to this sleepy town for our dogs."
DeMiglio, the grandson of Leonard “Artie” Castranni, the founder of the original shop in Fort Lee, which closed in 2006, said he had been hit too hard by two things out of his control: major road construction on Broad Street in Norwood that cut his earnings by 60% and the COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated the restaurant industry.
"The last seven months have been something else," DeMiglio said. "COVID-19 has put things in clear perspective on what we have to do."
DeMiglio, who revived his grandfather's fabled half-century-old hot dog joint with first a food truck and then a brick-and-mortar establishment on Broad Street, said he was set to open a store by The Modern in Fort Lee on April 1 but the health crisis changed his mind. "It was the height of the pandemic," he said. "I had friends in the industry calling me crying how hard it was."
"I was about to sign a lease for a new space," he continued, but realized it was "a suicide mission." He had plans to add a milkshake bar and vegetarian options to his menu of deep-fried super-long hot dogs, over-the-top burgers and loaded fries. "It was going to be exciting," he said.
Callahan's, which had an enormous social media following — 29,000 fans on Facebook and 20,000 on Instagram — has been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel and has won numerous awards. When it opened its 800-square-foot location in Norwood, fans, many nostalgic for the hot dogs of their childhood, camped out the night before to make sure they would get to taste a Callahan's frank again.
"What we built was amazing," DeMiglio said. "I'm so proud of what we accomplished."
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DeMiglio had to shut down two of his three trucks that are stationed by the zoo at Van Saun County Park in Paramus. "The zoo shut down, which meant we had to shut down," he said.
The one truck still in operation will continue to cater and do pop-ups.
"We're going back to the basics," he said. "This is a minor setback for a major comeback."
Esther Davidowitz is the food editor for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up for our North Jersey Eats newsletter.
Alfred Sanzari Enterprises, a preeminent family-owned and operated commercial real estate firm, announces it has negotiated a lease renewal with ...
Alfred Sanzari Enterprises, a preeminent family-owned and operated commercial real estate firm, announces it has negotiated a lease renewal with Phoenix Aromas & Essential Oils for a 79,466-square-foot industrial space at 355 Chestnut Street in Norwood, N.J. Alfred Sanzari Enterprises was represented by Steve Jennings, Vice President, Leasing and Marketing at Alfred Sanzari Enterprises and the tenant was represented by Mitch Helfman of MRH Real Estate Services in the transaction.
Developed by Alfred Sanzari Enterprises, 355 Chestnut Street is a 79,466-square-foot industrial building featuring six loading docks and 20’ clear ceiling heights. The building is well-located with proximity to the Palisades Interstate Parkway and New York State Thruway and is easily accessible to the Garden State Parkway, and Interstate 287 as well as the George Washington Bridge and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Additionally, the building is within walking distance to a variety of dining options.
A leader in the essential oils and aroma chemical industry for over two decades, Phoenix Aromas & Essential Oils has grown substantially during its time headquartered at 355 Chestnut Street. Beginning with 24,391 square feet in 2001, the company’s expansion of its offices, product labs and warehouse/distribution centers has enabled it to triple its space at the building. “
355 Chestnut has continuously reinforced its status as an in-demand building that has not only attracted quality tenants but has retained them for decades,” said Jennings. “We wish Phoenix Aromas & Essential Oils continued growth and success for many years to come as they enter their 21st year of business within the Alfred Sanzari Enterprises’ Norwood portfolio.”
“Having spent the past two decades supplying customers with the highest quality fragrances, ingredients, and flavors available, we are thrilled to be able to expand within our longtime home of 355 Chestnut,” said Jean-Paul Benveniste, CEO of Phoenix Aromas & Essential Oils. “This property has facilitated the tremendous success of our business, and we truly look forward to continuing to headquarter our company at the building as we execute our long-term growth plans.”
To stay connected with Alfred Sanzari Enterprises and for updates on the latest transactions and news follow Alfred Sanzari Enterprises on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AlfredSanzariEnterprises), Twitter (@AlfredSanzariRE), Instagram (@AlfredSanzariEnterprises), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/alfred-sanzari-enterprises/).
A special-needs program that helps autistic students finally has a permanent home after years of working in temporary spaces."This has been a dream not only for our entire staff, but for our students," said Kathy Vuoncino, director of the Valley Program, during a ribbon-cutting event this Thursday. "We never have to move again."The 24-year-old program at the Northern Valley Regional school district helps autistic students from 47 towns learn life skills through pre-vocational and vocational cl...
A special-needs program that helps autistic students finally has a permanent home after years of working in temporary spaces.
"This has been a dream not only for our entire staff, but for our students," said Kathy Vuoncino, director of the Valley Program, during a ribbon-cutting event this Thursday. "We never have to move again."
The 24-year-old program at the Northern Valley Regional school district helps autistic students from 47 towns learn life skills through pre-vocational and vocational classes, which aim to prepare them for life after they leave the school system.
Currently, 165 students are in the program, which also includes the Summit Program, which helps autistic students from ages 18-21.
The program had several different homes throughout the years, including in Northvale and Harrington Park. The program moved into its current location, the former Holy Family Catholic Academy on Summit Street, four years ago.
When the lease was up, the school looked into purchasing the building as a permanent home. Superintendent James Santana said the district closed on the sale with the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish in September.
"We've been moving this program around for several years and it cost us money to do that," said Santana. "Now we can make permanent, more therapeutic investments in the property."
Parents, staff, students and county representatives celebrated the ownership of their building, now named Northern Valley Central, on Thursday morning, with huge cheers and a visit from the school's new official owl mascot.
Inside, many classes continued as normal, as teacher Lisa Ficocello helped 8-year-old Mason identify objects through use of his iPad.
In the past, the school was able to get a school bus, iPads for non-verbal students to communicate with, and SmartBoards for all 25 classrooms thanks to the Valley Program Foundation for Children with Autism, a non-profit group composed of local supporters of the program. It was difficult to make upgrades to the building itself, however, as they weren’t sure how long they would be there.
"We’ve done lighting and ceiling repairs, but we had to leave it behind," said Vuoncino. "Now, every time we enhance it, it’s ours."
The Bergen County Improvement Authority stepped in last year to arrange up to $5 million in loans so the Northern Valley Regional district could buy a building in Norwood. Superintendent James Santana said the district will pay off the mortgage in the county for 13 years.
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Since the county has a low-interest rate, the school district will be able to pay off the mortgage in fewer years than if they had tried purchasing it alone, said Vuoncino. The property had a $1.2 million down payment and $5.9 million overall purchase price.
Looking ahead, Vuoncino hopes to start doing after school and evening activities, since they can negotiate with sports teams that use some of the school’s space after hours.
"Parents have been asking me since I've been here for an after school program," Vuoncino said. "They can't bring their children to other after school programs because of their needs."
Vuoncino also plans to add a new sensory room, enhancements to the vocational program, a new playground and a pool for aquatic therapy. Other improvements will include paving the parking lot and window and bathroom upgrades.
Not only would the indoor pool benefit the students during the day, as many use aquatic therapy on their own time, but the regional high school’s swim teams could use it in the evening instead of renting space in other towns.
"It helps calm our students," Vuoncino said. "It would be great to give them swim lessons and make sure they are safe in the water too."
Stephanie Noda is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @snoda11
