Your Hometown Podcast

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Aiding Underserved Communities

Medical missionary work transforms lives around the world. Little Falls native, Jim Pullara, has been part of three surgical missions that brought life-changing procedures to some of the world’s poorest and most underserved communities. He talks about the heart behind the mission, the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, and the unforgettable stories that make it all worth while.Jim has seen firsthand how access to surgical care can restore dignity and offer. Jim is a vascular and general operating room nurse.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses autism signs, awareness, and acceptance.
 
This episode is sponsored by 
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Running In To Danger - Life As A Firefighter

Firefighters are vital to our communities, providing life-saving support, protection, and calm in the midst of chaos when every second counts. They are the backbone of our safety, rushing into danger when others run away. Their courage, commitment, and quick thinking save lives and bring hope in moments of crisis. Todd Hollritt is a true hometown hero — a dedicated fireman who puts his life on the line to protect and serve the Woodland Park community. He talks about his journey with the West Paterson Fire Department and offers insight into the Department’s rich history. Todd joined the WPFD in 1980; he just entered his 45thth year of service with Rifle Camp Fire Company 3. Over the years, he served as first and second lieutenant and captain. Todd is a correspondent with First Responder News, and the historian at Company 3, responsible for documenting the history of the West Paterson Fire Department and surrounding fire departments.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses autism signs, awareness, and acceptance.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.Kinderkamack Counseling

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Working for Change

People power can take many forms depending on what kind of change is desired. Whether we want to change a government, company, community or individual, we each have the power to make a difference. Mark DeLotto is a Little Falls native who has a vision for what he calls “a stronger America” that is inspired by the American Dream. Mark ran for election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, and is the founder of The Singular Movement, a grassroots effort to build a fair and effective system that allows Americans to better afford healthcare, retirement, housing, education, and entrepreneurship.
Also in this episode, Dr. Sufian Sorathia, the medical director for Endoscopy and assistant medical director of Ambulatory Care, for at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can prevent and treat colon cancer.
 
This episode is sponsored by 
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

March is a significant month for mental health awareness, with several key days dedicated to increasing understanding and breaking the stigma around mental health conditions. Whether it’s through social media campaigns, community events, or simple conversations, each of us has the power to make a difference. Phyllis Hornstra is passionate about educating, supporting, and advocating for mental health awareness. She is an accomplished court executive with record of achievement and results in six court divisions. Phyllis is chair of the Woodland Park Stigma Free Task Force, a member of the Board of Adjustment, and is a certified in Domestic Violence Response Team and Custody Mediation 
Also in this episode, Sufian Sorathia, the medical director for Endoscopy and assistant medical director of Ambulatory Care at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can prevent and treat colon cancer.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.New Bridge Medical Center
 
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Governing for a Better Tomorrow

Politics is personal and it starts at the local level. Local elected officials are the ones who make decisions that affect our everyday lives and impact communities. Little Falls Mayor, James Damiano, talks about why he ran for mayor and how the role has impacted his life. Mayor Damiano is a lifelong Little Falls resident who was recently elected to another term as the Township’s leader.
Also in this episode, Dr. Irfan Admani, chief of Cardiology at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can maintain heart health.

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Giving Back

From volunteering to advocacy, your voice matters. Community involvement helps solve local issues while creating positive change. Shannon Marren is community focused and civic minded. She talks about why she believes it’s important to give back and how her community involvement has impacted her life. A lifelong Woodland Park resident, Shannon is a member of the Woodland Park Board of Education, a commissioner of the Woodland Park Board of Health, and a liaison to the Recreation Advisory Board, and Stigma Free Task Force. She served as the assistant director of the Borough’s summer camp, and formerly served as its program director. Shannon is a physician assistant working in pediatric emergency medicine, a CCD teacher, and the head coach of the Monmouth University dance team.
Also in this episode, Dr. Irfan Admani, chief of Cardiology at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can maintain heart health.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.New Bridge Medical Center

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: A Life of Service

Choosing a career in law enforcement is a significant decision that comes with both rewards and challenges. Police officers have the opportunity to serve a community, build meaningful relationships, and experience the satisfaction of protecting others. However, the role also comes with danger, stress, demanding hours, and personal sacrifices. James Minnella talks about his years with the Little Falls police department. Jim served the township as a patrol officer and detective sergeant for nearly 30 years.

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Combating Human Trafficking

Human trafficking happens everywhere and it can happen to anyone. It impacts people in big cities, and right in your own backyard. Understanding the problem and learning the signs can help put an end to this growing crisis. Patti Pfeifer works tirelessly to raise awareness about human trafficking and to create a safer state. Patti co-chair of the Outreach Committee for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. She discusses the myths and misconceptions of human trafficking and what we can do to make a difference.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.New Bridge Medical Center

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Reinventing Yourself for Success

They say that food is love. For Tom Halik, those words ring true. From cooking for the Ambassador to Iceland, which included meals for dignitaries such as President George Bush, to serving as chef at several restaurants, to owning his own bakery, Tom has continually followed his passion and reinvented himself when necessary. He talks about some of the lessons he has learned while navigating the ups and downs of a challenging industry. Tom is a baker, chef, and owner of Just Rugelach.

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: The Legacy of Actor Abe Vigoda

Whether you knew him as Tesio in The Godfather or as Fish in Barney Miller, actor Abe Vigoda brought joy to many throughout his more than six decades in show business. Abe proved himself in dramatic roles and also as a comedic genius. His dead-pan expression made the punch lines unexpected and hilarious. Carol Vigoda Fuchs talks about her father’s legacy and what is was like to grow up with such a famous dad. Carol is a writer and artist, who is the author of the children’s book, Seasons Change and So Do I.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.New Bridge Medical Center