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No. 18 Vol. 1

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January 2020

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Project Help: A Key to Helping New Jersey’s Veterans on the Homefront

By: Megan Roche or Sandy Mitchell, beginning Project Help in 2016 was one of those lightbulb-going-off moments. After losing her husband to suicide after he came back from the Vietnam War, she picked up the pieces for her children. She attended school in the evenings and worked a full time job to support her family. She found that she loved helping others, but was never truly satisfied. “I started this by myself and was determined that no matter what, this was going to be successful. I wanted to accomplish our mission, no matter what it took. My husband got out after 11 years in the military and when I lost him to suicide, I had three kids. It was also a real learning point for me, dealing with a tragedy. From losing him, I really had to make a decision of where my life was going to go. I could either pick up the pieces and move forward and create a life for myself and my kids or I was going to become a victim and be a complete and utter failure in my life. I really recreated my life after losing him,” Mitchell said. With many stints with other non-profits and through starting some of her own, her true passion in life was unlocked when she created Project Help. Project Help is designed to help veterans in need. Mitchell helps connect veterans to all sorts of

organizations who can help with lawyers, mental and physical health issues, housing, and more. Project Help also offers financial assistance to New Jersey veterans who qualify. “I am supposed to do this because of what happened in my life. It’s been a lot of hard work, but I have made tons and tons of contacts. I have grand visions of things to come and I am really excited about the organization. I have a good group of people who I work with and I think that we are all on the same track that we want to help veterans get through some of their darkest days and prevent as much tragedy in their lives as we can,” Mitchell said. Project Help recently launched their Mobile Closet initiative. The mobile closet serves as a resource to veterans and their families. The

converted school bus drives around the area and finds itself mainly outside colleges and career fairs to offer free interview clothing and career advice to local veterans. The bus also houses computers and printers for creating and printing resumes. The bus was unveiled in late 2019. “It’s been an amazing ride right now. We have people calling left and right who want to volunteer or get involved. After launching the bus, it really became a launch pad for us. We have been getting a good bit of recognition lately, and it’s been really good for us,” Mitchell shared. In addition to their mobile closet, they also host many fundraising events throughout the year. In December, the team works to collect Christmas cards for veterans and toys for children of veteran

families. Many people comment on Project Help’s website about what the organization has meant to them. “Project Help has been a huge blessing for me, after going through a couple of challenging years of losing everything and having no place to live. When I finally got my apartment, Project Help paid one month’s rent for me. Not only was PH ready to help but Sandy put me in touch with people/ organizations ready to help a Veteran in need. I’m so grateful for PH helping me at a pivotal, intricate time. Especially during the time when many of the larger organizations declined to help. Something that I will never forget about Project Help is that Sandy got to know me personally and she was able to connect me with amazing people who were eager to help me and go far beyond the call of duty. As a Veteran, it is important for me to know that Project Help is supported and able to continue their work, because they truly have a heart to help Veterans. Sandy, thank you times a million!” Rita, an Army veteran, posted on their website. Mitchell’s work has become fulfilling for her in the best of ways. She is there for veterans, whether they need someone to vent to or by helping those veterans navigate problems in their continued on page 19

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Two CCM Trustees Appointed to National Organization Focused on Strengthening Community College Governing Boards

wo members of the Board of Trustees at County College of Morris (CCM) have been appointed to serve on committees for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to assist with supporting the governing boards of community colleges. ACCT supports community college boards in their efforts to govern and develop policies that focus on meeting community needs. The ACCT Board of Directors is informed by five committees: the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, Governance and Bylaws Committee, Member Communications and Education Committee, and Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. The ACCT chair appoints committee mem-

bers. CCM Trustee Vice Chair Jeffery Advokat, of Denville, has been appointed to the ACCT Communications and Education Committee. That committee is responsible for evaluating and making recommendations to strengthen the organization’s links with members, identifying issues that require member input, and evaluating and making recommendations to strengthen ACCT education programs. Most recently, he was a member of the ACCT Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. That committee is charged with reviewing public policy issues and recommending positions. He previously has served on the ACCT Governance and Bylaws Committee, which reviews resolutions related to the governance of ACCT,

and amendments to the bylaws and board policies. Advokat also has been interviewed by and served as a speaker for ACCT on the topic of board ethics. Advokat is a senior partner of Advokat & Rosenberg Esqs. in Morristown and a former Morris County assistant prosecutor. He has served on the Executive Board of the Pingry School PSPA in Short Hills and has experience in the classroom having taught business law at Caldwell College. He earned his J.D. from Hofstra University, his master’s fellowship in government from the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University and his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers. CCM Trustee Treasure Paul R. Licitra, of Flanders, immediate past chair of the CCM Board of Trustees, has

Jeffery Advokat been appointed to serve on the ACCT Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. That committee is charged with reviewing public policy issues and recommending positions. Licitra currently is office administrator for Senator Steven Oroho, Assembly-

man Parker Space and Assemblyman Hal Wirths, and the Sergeant of Arms for the New Jersey Senate. He also possesses extensive experience in insurance spanning more than 45 years and covering all aspects of risk management for large domestic and international cli-

Paul R. Licitra ents. In the public sector, he was mayor of Mount Olive from 2000-04, after serving eight years on the Township Council. He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, where he also taught as an adjunct professor in the Tobin College of Business.

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Faith Kitchen Feeds the Souls of the Needy

By: Megan Roche n East Blackwell Street in Dover, you’ll find a warm meal and a side of hope with a visit to Faith Kitchen. Located at 123 E. Blackwell Street (Trinity Lutheran Church), there is always a warm meal at lunchtime from 11:3012:30 and positivity to be found for all in the community. Faith Kitchen was started back in 1983. In 2005, it became its own 501c3 charity and still operates upstairs inside of Trinity Church. They serve a nice lunch 6 days a week to anyone in need, no questions asked. The line forms at their door by mid-to-late morning in anticipation of doors opening at 11:30 a.m. No matter what the weather is, people are out there waiting. Those who come are hungry, tired, cold and wet. The outside elements wear them down. Some standing on the line outside the door have waited tirelessly because this will be the only meal they’ll eat today. Currently the kitchen is fully covered when it comes to groups or community organizations who want to serve meals, but the team can always use donations or benefit from fundraisers. According to Executive Director of Faith Kitchen, Joanne Bleecker, “We have groups that come in each day to serve. They bring food, cook, serve and clean up. Since we do have a regular volunteering schedule of faith groups that serve here, we are blessed that we do not need to seek out individual volunteers for cooking and serving. What we need is volunteers to run paper drives for us. Any item collected helps to save us money and goes a long way in helping us feed those in need.” After Faith Kitchen closes down for the day at 12:30 p.m., Edna’s Haven, a program of the Mental Health Association of Morris and Essex counties opens upstairs from 12:30-4:00 p.m. Edna’s Haven helps people get referrals for services. Once a month, the Zufall Mobile Medical Van also

visits Faith Kitchen to help those on a limited income receive access to the medical care they need. Bleecker, who has served as executive director for Faith Kitchen for 4 years, worked in corporate America in computer science. She has been a CIO and COO for midsize multi million-dollar companies. However, when she took over at Faith Kitchen, she discovered something close to her heart. “The most rewarding part is making a big difference in someone’s day. It’s a joy and a blessing to get to know the people that come through our doors. Everyone has a life story. Listening to their stories, struggles and triumphs are critical in truly understanding their challenges. Empathy is always the first step toward developing a deeper, sincere desire to help. I am amazed every day by their resilient spirit.” Bleecker said.

While the kitchen is about community, that’s what also stemmed from the organizations need for a new logo. Wanting to get the community involved in its creation, they reached out to County College of Morris’ Art and Design department. “We worked with Professor Yvonne Bandy, M.A., M.S., Associate Professor, Liberal Arts Division, Art & Design Dept. at CCM. We received 17 entries from her students and chose the design created by 21 year old student, Sebastian Torres. We asked for both a black and white entry as well as 2-color to be used for a future t-shirt fundraiser and other media uses. We felt it was a great opportunity to get local college-level art students involved in a charitable organization and they were able to design for a 'client.' We were so impressed with the creativity and the thought put into this project by these students.” Tammy Roselle, a Faith Kitchen board member said. Working at a food kitchen may be taxing for some, but for Bleecker, this is one labor of love, one she personally understands. “At this point in my career, I was drawn to the goodness and importance of nonprofit work. My parents are first generation Americans, and both knew what it was like to be hungry, so this cause is personally important to me. They taught me the true value of a meal, of a kind word and of extending a helping hand. I do my best to fulfill that purpose each day here.” To learn more about Faith Kitchen, visit www.faithkitchendover.org.

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I Remember Dad, Chapter 3:

So Proud the Airman

With each condensed chapter of “I Remember Dad” I try to bring a bit of the flavor and culture of my Dad’s generation, that of the men and women who grew up in the Great Depression and survived the sacrifices of World War II in their time of coming of age.

By Richard Mabey Jr. eeply etched in the heart of America, are the sacrifices made by the U. S. veterans of the Second World War. Sadly, the number of living veterans of World War II has been dramatically decreased in most recent years. Many of their stories, their remembrances, their heart-felt sacrifices will never be known to us. For a multitude of reasons, many of the veterans of the Second World War spoke very little of the horrors that they endured to defend the honored principles of democracy and freedom. Many of the World War II soldiers returning to America’s shores, simply wanted to forget the nightmares of the war. Many were truly modest of their selfless and heroic deeds. And, for many others, what they endured was simply too painful to talk about. My Dad was a veteran of the Second World War. He served at Hickam Air Field, right next to Pearl Harbor. My father served in the Seventh Army Air Corps, which was the precursor to today’s Seventh Air Force. Dad was one of many, many service men who were sent to clean up the disastrous results of man’s inhumanity to man. The painful memory of Pearl Harbor deeply haunted the good people of Hawaii. Dad would often tell me about the incredible stress that the men of the Seventh Army Air Corps endured, always anticipating another catastrophic attack from the Japanese.

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My Dad in his U. S. Army Air Corps uniform.

I remember those years, when I was in grade school. After supper, I would be playing on the floor with my Lincoln Logs or building a car model. From time to time, Dad would be looking at his old photo album of pictures of his years of service at Hickam Air Field. Sometimes, I would look up to my beloved father and see an expression of sadness befall upon his face. I remember one time, I’m pretty sure that it was when I was in the third grade, that I saw tears fall from my Dad’s eyes as he looked at the pages of his photos from his days in the Seventh Army Air Corps. Dad never talked much about his time of service in the Army Air Corps. In recent years, I have done some research about the Seventh Army Air Corps’ role in the Second World War. I was amazed and justifiably proud of my dear father. The United States was very much concerned about Japan assaulting Hawaii with another all-out attack. One of my deepest regrets is that I never told my father just how proud I was of him for serving in World War II. And, it saddens me deeply to admit that I never really thanked my Dad for defending America, at a time when he was just a young man. Although my father and I were very close and shared many common interests, I never simply said thank you to my father for his great sacrifice. I truly wish I had.

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Lunar New Year

n February 9th from noon to 3:30pm Downtown Denville will be presenting its 3rd annual Lunar New Year Celebration. The event will take place in the upper Bloomfield parking lot located next to Veggie Heaven and sponsored by Hunan Taste. Lunar New Year also called Spring Festival, is typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries. The lunar New Year begins sometime in late January or February with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later. Red is the main color for the festival, as red is believed to be an auspicious and lucky color. Red lanterns hang in the streets and red envelopes are given as New Years gifts. Each Lunar New Year also marks the year of one of 12 Chinese zodiac animals, and 2020 is the ‘Year of the Rat.’ The Rat is a symbol of wisdom and intelligence as he was the first animal to make it to the Jade Emperor in the great race of antiquity. In honor of the ‘Year of the Rat’ Downtown Denville (DD) will celebrate with a family friendly afternoon. This year will feature a large inflatable corn maze for children of all ages to outsmart. Children will also receive free ‘glow in the dark’ mouse ears to don.

DD also invites families to bring their well adjusted 4 legged friends to our annual dog parade. (Dog is another animal in the Chinese zodiac). The parade will begin at 3pm and will be lead by 6 Chinese Lions and there will be Free photos taken of your furry friends. Don't miss it! Come dressed in red or bright colors to usher in the New Year. Personal red lanterns will be distributed to add pageantry during the dog and lion parade. Decorate your pup as a photo station will be available to get your photograph taken with a Chinese Lion before the parade. Witness a live ice sculpture being made from a single block of ice. Keep an eye out for Mickey and Minnie Mouse as they gift lucky red envelopes with chocolate coins for children and coupons to local merchants for adults. The parade will lead all to witness a traditional Lunar New Year Lion Dance on the side of Hunan Taste. This visual array of color and sound will delight and amuse as the lion’s perform the ritual of eating lettuce to usher a year of prosperity for all. For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Danielle Grayson at dgrayson@DowntownDenville. com or by calling 973-886-9624.

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Investments You Can Feel Good About

Sustainable Investing: Making a Difference with Your Dollars

hen you look at your investment portfolio, how does it make you feel? Do you see the companies you are invested in contributing to make the world a better place? With sustainable investing, you can put a focus on investing primarily in companies with practices and policies you believe in. Follow along to learn more about making your investment choices more sustainable. Sustainable investing is going mainstream: Not long ago, discussions about sustainability focused primarily on recycling bins and renewable energy. These days, sustainability reaches to all parts of the economy and our lives, including our portfolios. And unlike impressions from the past, sustainability and profitability are far from mutually exclusive as many investors believe sustainable considerations can positively affect long term value. Sustainable investing refers to a range of investment approaches that include environmental, social and governance factors as part of the overall investment process and approach. Such factors include environmental effects, worker treatment, product sourcing practices and corporate governance, among others. The overall objective of taking this approach is to gain a fuller understanding of investments, in an effort to change the world for the better in the long-term. The expectation is that you should not have to give up returns to invest sustainably—rather, sustainable investments should perform comparably to or better than conventional equivalents. Worldwide, 50 percent of investors expect higher returns with sustainable investments and 32 percent expect equal returns, according to UBS Investor Watch, “Return on values.”1 With the right direction and focus, sustainable investing allows you to build a portfolio you can feel good about. Implementing sustainable investments: If sustainable investing sounds like something you want to implement in your portfolio, consider which of these broad approaches resonates most with you. Keep in mind that sustainable investing is not philanthropy—the objective is to generate competitive returns, not give away money. Exclusion investing: Exclusion is an approach that removes exposure to specific companies or industries that

don’t align with your values. Common exclusions include alcohol, tobacco, weapons manufacturers and gambling related businesses. Integration investing: Integration approaches focuses on incorporating environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors into the investment process, with the objective of enhancing one’s assessment of risks and opportunities. Integration investing may result in exposure to companies that don’t necessarily have a stated ESG focus, but which exhibit strong performance on environmental, social or governance metrics. Impact investing: An expanding set of investment strategies aim to achieve intentional and measurable positive social or environmental change while delivering market rate or better returns. This investment style, called impact investing, is typically achieved through active fund manager involvement with companies—whether private or public—to achieve targeted change and deliver returns. Investors can adopt full sustainable investing portfolios or incorporate individual equity or fixed income strategies into their existing portfolios over time. They can use any combination of the above sustainable investing approaches to shape portfolios in a way that meets their individual goals. Building a portfolio you can feel good about Sustainable investing is growing in popularity. A 2017 McKinsey and Company study found that more than 25 percent of all managed assets are invested with sustainability in mind and that the use of ESG integration specifically is growing at a rate of 17 percent per year.2 Fifty-eight percent of investors believe sustainable investing will be mainstream in 10 years, and adoption of sustainable investing is expected to grow significantly, from 39% of investors today to 48% over the next five years, according to UBS Investor Watch, “Return on Values.”1 Sustainable investing is not an all-or-nothing proposition: You have the choice to take small steps toward sustainable investing with a few small changes in your portfolio or dive in with a more extensive approach. But one thing is certain, your portfolio won’t become more sustainable unless you take action. UBS is here to

VFW Post 2519’s Stories Now Available at Denville Library

n Dec. 12, Bruce Patterson, along with Megan Roche, presented a local history book to the Denville Public Library. Roche was contracted by the Denville VFW Post to organize each member’s history and record of service. Each veteran has his own two page spread in the book, complete with information on medals and awards, photos, and stories of their service. The book

begins with World War II Veterans and ends with many who are currently serving. The book is available to be checked out at the Denville Public Library. The project took about a year and a half. The book is titled “Denville’s Heroes: Post 2519’s Stories of War”. “As someone who has a passion for veterans and those who serve our country, I was really excited to get to have the opportuni-

ty to sit down with some of our nations heroes and write about their experiences during times of war and peace. I truly hope that with this book, none of their stories will ever be forgotten.” Roche said.

Megan Roche & Bruce Patterson donate Roche’s book on Denville’s veterans to the Denville Public Library. Receiving the book was Ilene Lefkowitz.

help. 1. “UBS Investor Watch: Return on values,” 2018, https://www.ubs.com/magazines/wma/insights/en/investor-watch/2018/return-on-values.html. 2. “From ‘why’ to ‘why not,’ McKinsey and Company, 2017, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-equity-and-principal-investors/our-insights/from-why-to-whynot-sustainable-investing-as-the-new-normal. For more information contact David M Rose, CRPc Portfolio Manager Director, Short Hills, NJ 07078 973-315-1857 This article has been written and provided by UBS Financial Services Inc. for use by its Financial Advisors. ESG/Sustainable Investing Considerations: Sustainable investing strategies aim to consider and in some instances integrate the analysis of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the investment process and portfolio. Strategies across geographies and styles approach ESG analysis and incorporate the findings in a variety of ways. Incorporating ESG factors or Sustainable Investing considerations may inhibit the portfolio manager’s ability to participate in certain investment opportunities that otherwise would be consistent with its investment objective and other principal investment strategies. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of ESG or sustainable investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio where such factors are not considered by the portfolio manager. In providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services which are separate and distinct and differ in material ways. For information, including the different laws and contracts that govern, visit ubs.com/working with us. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. Please visit our website at http:// financialservicesinc.ubs.com/wealth/E-maildisclaimer.html for important disclosures and information about our e-mail policies. For your protection, please do not transmit orders or instructions by e-mail or include account numbers, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, or other personal information. Paid Advertisement

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There’s “Nothing Ordinary About Mary” and The Mary K. Sheeran Team

By Steve Sears

ary K. Sheeran of the Mary K. Sheeran Team, a full-service real estate agency, is honest and upfront: She couldn’t do it alone. “It” is all the top notch and necessary services under the Mary K. Sheeran Team umbrella. “We have a very, very special ingredient here,” Sheeran states. “We really have a high priority on our clients and a certain behavior and care for them. You have to operate a certain way to really make it a good mix. It’s really a team effort. It’s led by myself, but the kind of the service we bring to the table now I could never do by myself. The important part, too,” she continues with emphasis, “is really giving each and every client – and I’m very proud of this – really giving them a full-service agency, a full array of services. When they hire us, they’re really getting a lot for their money.” For the Mary K. Sheeran Team, located at 333 Route 46 West, Ste. 103, Mountain Lakes (201-412-9155, www.maryksheeran.com), clients come from the nearby northern New Jersey area, in addition to Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. And, although her team does occasionally list properties outside the area, Denville and the Morris County area is what they specialize in because they know it so well. It’s the area Sheeran calls home – and ‘home’ to her is the key word. “It (a home) is the most important place to almost any individual. Because a home - not a house – a home is filled with love.” “The ‘home’ is the heart of the person.” Sheeran, a Denville resident, and her team go above and beyond in care and service, to which a client once said, there’s “nothing ordinary about Mary.” Nor her crew, whom Sheeran lauds. “We have built a team that’s not just a group of salespeople. It’s a family team,” Sheeran says. Her husband Michael, who had a 30- year career in Manhattan as a contractor, is now retired from that career, and his contribution is very instrumental. “He helps many sellers and buyers as we go through the home inspection process; he helps give them additional understanding of what’s going on in the house, or what may be the concerns he’s able to help them appreciate that and help them find good resources and work through it.” Then there’s daughter Genevieve, who handles marketing, including social media, a very important tool when you’re selling properties (“it gives all of our sellers maximum exposure,” says Sheeran). Son John, who joined the Sheeran team two years ago, was a Manhattan-based financial planner and now is a big part of the sales team and community, assisting Sheeran on listing clients and buyers. Sheeran also mentions Connor Ebersol, who is a buyer’s agent and has been key in the rental service area and has developed and employs a very nice system for screening prospective tenants and working with landlords to ensure good matches. Sharon Donaldson, Sheeran’s Administrative Assistant, maintains database information such as anniversary dates and more, and also is in charge of the annual Client Appreciation Event, and Sara Leskovar, who is transaction coordinator, oversees transactions from beginning to end. Sheeran herself has a Home Staging Certification. It’s all part of her makeup to never stop learning and improving herself – and it’s to the customer’s benefit. “I just always wanted to be able to offer my clients the most services possible that I could,” she says. “Back in 2009, 2010 and 2011, it was very difficult to sell a house. It was a buyer’s market, so I just tried and was always looking for ways to educate myself and improve myself in providing services to my clients. The Staging Certification enabled me to give the best ad-

Photo credit: Genevieve Sheeran

vice I could give to any given client.” Sheeran and her team give back to community as well. They recently donated funds to a brand-new playground in Denville, and they contribute to just about every event that takes place in town, like Pink Witches Night, the Food Truck Festival, and different other functions. “We kind of keep it central to our ¬community.” For Sheeran, it’s about client satisfaction – through her team. “It makes me really happy when people say at the end of a transaction, ‘Mary, thank you so much. Your team and you were wonderful.’ Two years ago, it was still, ‘Thank you, Mary.’ People are really appreciating what the other members bring to the team, what they bring to the table, and that really makes me happy.”

Freeholders Approve Preservation Grants For Six Open Space Projects Sites in Chester Twp., Denville, Jefferson, Mt. Olive, Morris Twp., and Roxbury

he Morris County Board of Freeholders has unanimously this week to approve county preservation grants totaling $1.96 million for six 2019 open space projects, totaling 164 acres located in six Morris County towns. Included are projects in Chester Township, Denville, Jefferson, Morris Township, Mount Olive and Roxbury, all of which were recommended for grants by the county’s Open Space Trust Fund Committee. Funding for the projects will come from the voter approved county preservation trust fund, generated by a special county tax. The recommended awards range from

$28,000 to $684,900. “As we celebrate 25 years of the county’s Open Space Trust Fund, this Freeholder Board and boards who have preceded us recognize that the deliberate and thoughtful preservation of open space throughout the County is part of what makes Morris County a great place to live, work, play and raise a family,’’ said Freeholder Stephen Shaw. The Open Space grant program has helped preserve 12,542 acres in 36 of the county’s 39 towns since the awarding of grants started in 1994. Morris County voters approved the program in November 1992. Projects receiving grants include:

• Chester Township, Black River Fields, 45 acres, $416,250 • Denville, AMCHU Property, 5.43 acres, $159,000 • Jefferson Township, Treadwell Tract, 78 acres, $400,000 • Morris Township, ValleVue Farm, 7.94 acres, $684,900 • Mt. Olive, Turkey Brook Extension, 17.24 acres, $275,000 • Roxbury Township, Veterans Park Addition, 10.5 acres, $28,000 For details on each project visit https://planning.morriscountynj.gov/divisions/prestrust/openspace/

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Music With Friends to Launch in New Jersey at NJPAC:

Private Concert Experiences Offer Philanthropic Component

usic With Friends (MWF) NJ, a new music and concert experience, is slated to launch in Spring/Summer 2020 at the 511-seat Victoria Theater at NJPAC in revitalized downtown Newark. The new membership-only private concert series will be the area’s firstof-its kind to offer an exclusive membership concert club experience. MWF-NJ will feature great performances and private receptions at the small, intimate theater with legendary performers who typically play in considerably larger venues. MWF sister cities have featured Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers, Diana Ross, Earth, Wind & Fire, Tony Bennet, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Aretha Franklin, and Loggins & Messina, to name a few.

David Stone, a Millburn/ Short Hills business owner and resident, came up with the idea of developing a private concert series in 2017 and continued developing the format when he was introduced to Larry Farber, MWF founder, in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Larry started his own successful private concert club in 2006 in Charlotte, and subsequently in Houston. After we met and became friends, I suggested that I license Larry’s club name, Music With Friends, and adapt my format to his template to ensure greater success using his resources, “commented David Stone. “It’s as close to a perfect VIP experience as a music lover’s evening can get.” “The ability to get away from life for a while, hang

with friends and recapture the great feelings we experience within an intimate venue is truly awesome!” stated David Bell, Music With Friends NJ Club Director. Bell comes to MWF-NJ, collaborating with Stone, after spending five years as the co-founder and General Manager of YB Fitness – a nationally recognized, full-service health club in Short Hills, New Jersey. MWF-NJ Philanthropic Component The Music With Friends NJ annual membership cost, covering three private concerts per year, is a one-time only initiation/seat fee of $875 and recurring annual membership dues of $1800. Each member takes the same seat for each concert event. Dues will support continued on page 19

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B Natural Piano & PianoCloseouts.com are North Jersey’s Favorite Choices for New & Used Pianos, School Band Instruments, and Private Music Lessons

hoosing a piano is something that may not be a commonplace occurrence in every home, but for those who are indeed so musically inclined, choosing a piano is, in fact, a big deal requiring proper guidance and service. And at B Natural Pianos and PianoCloseouts.com, you’ll find the best piano, new or used, for yourself, your family, your church, or your school. “We’re a family-owned business which started in 1862, and we’re also music educators with over 50 years of history in the piano world, so we can identify your needs and help you with the selection process of finding the right piano for you,” said owner Rick Aquino. B Natural Pianos and PianoCloseouts. com are the largest dealers in the USA for pianos from Hallet, Davis & Company, Boston, and the hand-crafted Italian pianos by Schulze-Pollmann. B Natural also offers Yamaha Professional Uprights and Conservatory Grand pianos; and pianos from Kawai, Seiler, Baldwin, Mason & Hamlin, and Knabe. Baby Grands, Grand Player Pianos, and the finest Digital pianos, including the award-winning Casio-Bechstein Hybrid Digital piano series, Casio Celviano, Privia, and more are available at B Natural. Of

course, pre-owned and certified Steinway Heirloom Collection grand pianos are obtainable, too. “We specialize in the finest vintage pianos, restored to perfection for years of continued service,” Aquino said. “B Natural offers outstanding instruments at the guaranteed lowest prices,” Pianocloseouts. com is at your service online 24-7, while B Natural Showroom and Piano Warehouse is located in scenic Morris County in Rockaway. “All our pianos come with a full guarantee and used piano prices start as low as $695. Every instrument we sell comes with a full trade-up policy, so you can begin with a modestly priced piano or keyboard and trade it in on a new piano

in the future with 100 percent of the original purchase price as a trade-in credit,” said Aquino. B Natural offers unique new and preowned pianos, with free financing for up to one year; a free matching bench; free in-home tuning; free 10-year full trade-up; and free lessons with new purchases. As music educators and certified teachers, B Natural offers private music lessons and boasts a five-star rating from children, teens, and adults, as the #1 location for music lessons in NJ. “We know how important it is for the teacher and student to have a special chemistry. We believe in learning musical

rudiments and teaching our students how to practice. But we always make sure we incorporate fun and revel in the sense of accomplishment and joy that only music can impart,” Aquino said. At B Natural, piano, guitar, bass, drums, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and voice are taught. Lessons are available on weekdays and Saturdays. B Natural’s staff of professional music educators teaches all levels and all ages, from beginning to advanced. B Natural Pianos & Music School also has the best school band instruments available anywhere. As an alternative to school band and orchestra rentals, you can save 50-60 percent on major brand name violin, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone or saxophone purchases. “And if your child discontinues the band/ orchestra program at school, or if for any reason you’re not satisfied with the instrument within two years of the purchase date, we will buy the instrument back for one half of the original purchase price.” B Natural is located at 295 US 46, Rockaway, NJ 07866. For more information, call 973-983-8800.

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Music With Friends... continued from page 15 up to five nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that are selected by polling the members and identifying the charity with the most votes. “The concert clubs’ charitable component is an important aspect of our business model,” says club owner David Stone.” In addition to donating a significant portion of the net revenue from annual memberships to nonprofit organizations, MWF-NJ will be asking artists to donate all or part of their performance fees to charitable causes that are meaningful to them. In addition to donating revenue and/or artist fees to charity, a section of the theater will be reserved to provide seats to regional nonprofits to help raise additional funds. The MWF-NJ club experience is open to a maximum of 450 members and includes a pre-show networking event with other members, featuring open bar service, upscale dinner stations, and hors d'œuvres, followed by post-concert dessert. The entire evenings activities and convenient underground parking are included with annual membership dues. Background on David Stone Stone has produced his own philan-

thropic rock & roll concert series since 2009, originally with New York radio personality Pete Fornatale until Pete’s death in 2012. Stone also manages Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Richie Furay, founding member of Buffalo Springfield & Poco. Stone has been committed to serving New Jersey residents with his wife & business partner, Nancy, through their retail shops in downtown Millburn, Nancy And David Fine Jewels, and a second shop, STYLE by Nancy And David at Footnotes. They reside in Short Hills and have been NJ residents since 1984. The Stones donated the street clock that stands at a busy intersection in the downtown area to the township of Millburn in 2005. “We believe in giving back to the community we serve and have done so through our local businesses and ongoing concert series through the years,” says David Stone. Inquiries for Music With Friends NJ personal club membership or corporate sponsorship can be made by emailing Membership@MusicWithFriendsNJ.com, or by calling 973-671-8849. For more information, please visit www.MusicWithFriends. com.

2020 Green Communities Achievement Award Request for Nominations The New Jersey Green Communities Achievement Award recognizes those nominees whose outstanding efforts have greatly contributed to the field of urban and community forestry in New Jersey. Exemplary work, whether public or private is eligible for the award program. The Green Communities Awards recognize up to 4 recipients per year in the following categories: • Individual • Municipality • Business/Tree Care Industry • Non-profit/Non-governmental organization The criteria for nomination are: • Improving the environment in New Jersey’s communities through wise management of the trees and forest resources, and the development of a self-sustaining local urban and community forestry program. • Raising awareness of the value of urban and community trees and forests in New Jersey through education and outreach. • Enhancing the beauty of New Jersey’s cities and towns with programs and proj-

ects for trees and forests. • Providing exceptional effort and meritorious contributions to the field of urban and community forestry in New Jersey. Please provide a brief nomination narrative providing justification for the nomination based on the categories and criteria described above. Nomination must state the Name, Title, Organization, Email, and Telephone Number of both the nominator and the nominee. Nomination narratives should not exceed two (2) pages in length. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. Winners will be asked to present and share their work during a session at the 2020 Shade Tree Federation Conference. Nominations for the 2020 Green Communities Awards are due by 5:00 pm, Saturday, February 15, 2020. Nominations must be emailed to Shannon Hart, NJ Urban and Community Forestry Program,Shannon.hart@dep.nj.gov. The subject of the email must state 2020 Green Communities Award Nomination. Questions may be directed to Ms. Hart at the email provided or 609-292-6512.

Project Help... continued from front page life, she feels that she still has much to offer to these men and women who give their lives to defend our freedoms. “Life is full of choices and you have to decide where you want it to go and what you want to do. I like to help these veterans come up with a plan for their lives. If you help one person, you have done good, and there is always more good to be done in this world,” Mitchell said. Project Help is always actively seeking new volunteers to join their expanding team. Volunteers can give as much of their time as they wish by helping out at fundraisers, handing out marketing materials, placing phone calls, updating

data spreadsheets, and keeping their mobile closet clean and ready to go. “In 2018, our target goal for volunteers was 50. Since most have limited time and experience, our need is more than if we pre-qualified volunteers. Our best volunteers, often move on to joining a committee and some actually become board of director members,” Mitchell said. The future of Project Help is bright. They have recently expanded their organization to Florida, and are hoping to add additional branches in New York and Pennsylvania in 2020. For more information on Project Help or to learn how to become a volunteer or donor, visit www.projecthelp.us.

Did You Know?

he tech sector continues to experience record growth. CyberstatesTM, a report compiled by CompTIA that analyzes data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), Burning Glass Technologies, Hoovers, PwC/CBInsights, MoneyTree, and more, paints a promising

picture for careers in technology. According to the report, there were 3.7 million tech job postings in 2018. Popular jobs in the industry included IT services and custom software services, telecommunications and internet services and tech manufacturing. The three states with the highest net percentage of tech jobs are California, Texas and New York.

Have an interesting story you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

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Sheriff Gannon Receives Major International Police Award for Hope One

orris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and founding partners in the Hope One mobile substance use recovery program received an esteemed award for their public-private venture from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the largest professional association of police leaders in the world. On behalf of Hope One, Sheriff Gannon accepted the 2019 IACP/Security Industry Association Michael Shanahan Leadership in Public/Private Cooperation Award at the IACP’s Annual Banquet in Chicago, Illinois. “Hope One was based on a simple concept of treatment providers and specialists bringing critical recovery and resource services directly to people who may be too exhausted, frightened or overwhelmed by addiction to seek help on their own. Hope One, with its steadfast, compassionate team, has saved lives and is committed to keep doing so,” Sheriff Gannon said. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office and its Hope One partners – the Rockaway-based Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES), Daytop New Jersey, Prevention is Key (PIK) and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris – are the collective recipients of the award named in honor of retired University of Washington Police Department Chief Michael Shanahan. The non-profit Family Promise of Morris County, which specializes in finding emergency and permanent housing for homeless individuals and families, came aboard Hope One after its launch to make sure clients had essential toiletries and assistance in finding housing. The award bestowed by the Security Industry Association and IACP, a global organization that prepares the next generation for the future of law enforcement, recognizes outstanding achievements in the development and implementation of public/private partnerships to promote public safety. Sheriff Gannon was joined at the IACP Annual Banquet – the culmination of the 2019 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition – by Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano, the coordinator of Hope One, and Madine Despeine-Udoh, the Director of Self Help, Advocacy and Education for the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris. Corporal Valvano and Director Despeine-Udoh are core Hope One professionals, along with Kelly LaBar, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist from CARES. Recognizing that opioid overdose deaths were reaching dire levels, Sheriff Gannon in January 2017 brought together law enforcement, substance use and mental health specialists for a solution. The result, after just three months of planning and the formation of a partnership between law enforcement and non-profit agencies, was the launch of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One program on April 3, 2017. Hope One is a mobile substance use recovery and resource outreach vehicle that was retrofitted out of a defunct SWAT vehicle. With $15,000 from drug forfeiture funds, the vehicle was stripped of all law enforcement markings and painted white and purple, a color symbolizing recovery. Its license plates read: “Hope One.” Hope One travels at least twice a week, and often on weekends, to locations in Morris County that are known for opioid overdoses, homeless encampments, communi-

ty soup kitchens, and areas where at-risk populations are known to congregate. With the help of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Hope One staff, the city of Newark and counties of Burlington, Atlantic, Cape May and Monmouth have replicated Hope One and are on the road. With a stigma-free approach and toiletries, snacks and beverages to put visitors at ease, the Hope One staff from the start has made a new contact every 10.8 minutes. Individuals who request Narcan training aboard Hope One are given a free Narcan kit to take home, and 38 people have returned the used kits to Hope One after using the Narcan to reverse an overdose. “Hope One, led by Sheriff Jim Gannon and his team, is the best example of a best practice between criminal justice and the substance use disorders treatment and recovery communities,” said James Curtin, Chief Executive Officer of Daytop New Jersey. “Daytop New Jersey is grateful to play a part in this tremendously effective effort to get persons desperately needing treatment – as opposed to incarceration – connected to life-saving treatment,” Mr. Curtin said. CARES, a project of the non-profit Prevention Is Key (PIK), has provided the critical expertise of Peer Recovery Specialists and its access to treatment providers to greatly

bolster the success of Hope One. As has the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris since many people struggling with substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental health disorder. “Hope One, under Sheriff Gannon’s leadership, has provided life-saving and life-changing services to the Morris County community. We are honored at the Mental Health Association to be a part of it,” said Robert Davison, the Association’s Chief Executive Officer. Melody Runyon, Associate Director of PIK, said she sensed from the start that Hope One would be impactful. “Prevention is Key and CARES are thrilled with the recognition by the International Association of Chiefs of Police of both the Hope One project and its collaborative partners,” Associate Director Runyon said. “From the early planning days, when key stakeholders gathered at CARES to bring Hope One to life, we knew it would be something special. Hope One began as an admirable vision to change the way we help people in Morris County,” Associate Director Runyon said. “We wanted to bring services directly to those most in need and to reduce the stigma associated with the disease of addiction and mental health disorders. I believe Hope One has surpassed what any of us had envisioned both within Morris County and the state of New Jersey,” she said.

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5 Tips to Refresh Your Home in the New Year

ach new year gives you the chance to reset and start new routines. When you’re considering new approaches to healthy living – whether eliminating or adding habits to improve your daily life – beginning with your home is an optimal choice. Your living environment has a strong influence on your life, and it’s worth evaluating how you can make updates that create a positive space for you and all that the new year will bring. Consider these ideas to refresh your home and simplify your housecleaning routine so you can spend more time focusing on your goals this year. Start by Decluttering It’s practically impossible to get excited about a fresh start when you’re surrounding by last year’s junk. Make decluttering and purging unnecessary items a top priority for your refresh. Clear counters and tables to create more inviting surfaces and force yourself to assess which items are worth keeping. Get rid of items you don’t need by donating, selling or disposing them. Tackle piles of things you’ve carelessly tossed aside and find (or create) purposeful places for them to belong. Simplify Your Laundry Routine Whether it’s the frustration of having no clean laundry or never-ending baskets filled with clothes that need folding, laundry is an

area where nearly every home can use a refresh. Start with the basics to make laundry easy and quick. A streamlined laundry system starts with the right tools for the job, such as all Mighty Pacs, which are available in several varieties with different benefits and contain single doses of detergent that release while inside your machine, so you can simply toss one in and start the load. If you have sensitive skin, try all Free Clear, the No. 1 recommended detergent brand by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin. It’s gentle and works through tough stains fast. Create a Fitness Space One way to stay committed to a new workout regimen is to create a place where you enjoy spending time. Even if you don’t have a room to dedicate to fitness, you can make a fitness corner feel more intentional and less like an afterthought with some simple changes. If possible, locate your fitness area near a window so you can soak up the energy of natural light. Clear away unnecessary items and make room for the equipment or floor space you need. Add inspiring posters or make frames to hold your current workout guide. Add storage for hand weights, resistance bands and other small equipment to create your own home gym. Reconfigure Your Furniture

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

A full-fledged renovation may not be in the cards (or budget), but you can give your living space a quick facelift by simply rearranging the furniture. Beyond simple aesthetic changes, think about how you can make better use of natural light and improve traffic patterns. You might also eliminate extra pieces if the space feels overcrowded or consider borrowing functional items that add storage or seating from other rooms in the house. Add Greenery

The middle of winter may not seem like an ideal time to hone your green thumb, but adding a few plants can make your home feel more inviting and chase away the cold weather blues. Plants can also help serve as a natural air purifying system; they absorb carbon dioxide to help stimulate their growth and are believed to absorb a host of other airborne pollutants. For more ideas to simplify your routine this year, visit all-laundry.com. (Family Features)

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My Rainbows Place of Denville Guides Children Through Life’s Toughest Times

By Steve Sears y Rainbows Place of Denville, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is a strong support forum especially for children to help them defeat or lessen the emotional scars that surface when facing tough times in their lives, such as a parental divorce or death, deployment, or any other extremely challenging scenario. The program was founded as Rainbows for Children by the late Suzy Yehl Marta in 1983, who during a first marriage divorce was approached by her children and asked if there was a place or group for kids like adults had to talk about their feelings during traumatic times. Marta found none, and from her dining room table created Rainbows for All Children. The home office is located in Evanston, Ill.

My Rainbows Place itself serves Denville, Boonton, Parsippany, Rockaway and Dover. There are other sites that serve other towns. “What we do best is to allow children to share their feelings, when they are ready to,” says Wendy Spector, co-coordinator along with Diane Thormann. “They meet other children who have had the same life experiences. They provide peer support for each other.” The group currently has six facilitators, which include Thormann and Spector. The group is looking for one or two new facilitators, and the individual or individuals must take a training program on the computer, set up by headquarters. “(There is) No particular background except liking children, being reliable, able to listen without interrupting,” says

Spector. She then adds, “You must be committed to the children.” Two nine-week programs are held in the winter and fall, each culminating with a “Yes, I Can!” party. The next program kicks off on January 28, 2020, and Spector also would like to do a third. “We may do another nine weeks from May to June.” In addition to getting the word out via the website, My Rainbows Place also does mailings to schools and guidance counselors, and libraries. There is currently a list of parents to be contacted for the valuable January 28 – March 24 sessions. “Yeah, it really is,” says Spector of My Rainbows Place as being valuable. “Kids will sometimes say that their parents are arguing – even arguing on the phones the kids hear it. I think parents forget that

Wendy Spector (left) and Diane Thormann (right)

the children are there and are listening. We have a parent group, also.” While it’s true that the majority of the My Rainbows Place program focus is on children (SunBeams – ages 3 and 4; Rainbows – kindergarten to 8th grade; Spectrum – adolescents, 9th to 12th grade; Alumni – for those who wish to reenroll) there are programs for college age and up adults (Kaleidoscope) and single parents and stepparents (Prism). “It does help,” says Spector. “We’re one of the few groups that actually offers a place for the parents

to gather and meet, and we have a facilitator who is very good with that group. They (the parents) also learn from each other.” The key challenge is getting the word out. “Our new web-site is helping,” says Spector. “We’ve been at Saint Francis (Residential Community) for about 10 years,” she adds, “and we were at the United Methodist Church in Mount Tabor at least 10 years before that, so we have a lot of experience working with children. We’re just really, really fortunate that Saint Francis gave us the rooms

that we can use.” My Rainbows Place is located at the Saint Francis Residential Community, 122 Diamond Spring Road, Denville. Monetary donations are welcome (all donations are tax deductible), and as previously mentioned, new facilitators are being sought. If there are parents who feel a child may benefit from the program, they can visit www.rainbowsdenville. org for more information, or contact Wendy Spector at (973) 625-3352 or Diane Thormann, 973-627-2134.

It’s Magic! Reza: Edge of Illusion Jan. 11

embers and friends of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), West Morris Section enjoyed a new age magic show, called “Reza: Edge of Illusion,” on Saturday evening, January 11, at 7 p.m., at the Community Theatre, 100 South St., in Morristown. Coordinated by Lisa Barta, NCJW, West Morris’s fund-raising chair, with support from Rhonda Goldberger, this fund-raiser will blend magic and illusion in a melange

of wonderment the likes of which you’ve never seen before. Reza takes the art of illusion to new heights, offering incredible, cutting-edge magic, masterful comedic timing, and interactive and inspirational moments in a rock concert–style show that appeals to magic fans young and old! NCJW confronts today’s most urgent social and economic challenges facing women, children, and families. Powered by the Jewish imperative to ensure dignity for

all, we impact policy, advocate for justice, and support the community. Your voice has never been more essential and our voices together make a meaningful difference in the world. For further details, contact Lisa Barta (lisakb53@yahoo.com; 201-797-9133.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Denville Life • January 2020 • Page 23

Encouraging Youth Sports and Their Benefits

ports help shape kids’ lives, but due to funding shortages, some school sports programs are at risk. Most experts agree physical activity is an essential aspect of youth development that teaches teamwork, builds confidence and fuels academic potential. However, according to a survey of middle school educators engaged with DonorsChoose.org, 6 in 10 feel their middle school athletic programs are barely funded or underfunded. In fact, a lack of funding accounts for 47% of cuts to middle school sports programs, the survey revealed. A multiyear program known as “Mission Tiger,” launched by Kellogg, is committed to helping save middle school sports. The initiative started with a $1 million commitment to DonorsChoose.org to fund projects big and small at schools in need. Professional athletes passionate about youth sports, including Olympian Julie Ertz, are teaming up with the program to help underfunded programs. The pro-soccer midfielder teamed up with Mission Tiger to help a school inspire its students’ dreams both on and off the field by donating new equipment, including soccer balls, cleats, shin guards and more. “Growing up, I learned numerous skills from sports, skills that applied not only to athletics but to my everyday life,” Ertz said. “This is one of the many reasons why I joined the Mission Tiger team – we’re not just giving kids the opportunity to play sports, we’re giving kids the opportunity to develop beneficial skills that can positively impact the future of today’s youth.” Consider these benefits of youth sports: Teamwork: Sports teach kids the advantages of working together toward a common goal. The ability to collaborate with peers, including those outside a child’s immediate circle of friends, is a skill that provides benefits through adulthood.

Character: Learning how to accept wins and losses gracefully isn’t just good sportsmanship, it’s a life lesson. A playing field puts these lessons to use so kids can practice empathy and other social interactions in a comfortable setting. Fitness: Sports are a fun way to get kids moving, and this increased physical activity helps build healthy bodies and reduces the risk of diseases. From cultivating a healthy heart and lungs to helping prevent high blood pressure and, ultimately, heart disease, regular physical activity provides numerous health benefits. Discipline: While free play has its place, kids also need structure and boundaries. Sports come with rules, and kids naturally learn through positive reinforcement (scoring points or winning a game) and consequences (getting a penalty or losing). Academics: Studies reveal that physically active children score higher on tests and are more likely to go to college, according to research published by The Aspen Institute. Sports help reinforce learning concepts and habits like repetition and problemsolving. Those skills, along with the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning, are transferrable to the classroom setting. Visit MissionTiger.com for more details about how you can help give kids a chance to play. For every box of Frosted Flakes you purchase, you can spark a $1 donation to DonorsChoose. org by uploading your receipt to Kellogg’s Family Rewards within 30 days of purchase. Kellogg is donating $1 per purchase to DonorsChoose.org with Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes receipt upload. Min. donation $500,000 – Max. $1,000,000. Go to missiontiger.com for instructions. Applies to purchases between 8/5/19 and 8/5/20; must upload within 30 days of purchase.

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Simple STEM Activities to Do at Home

inter is the season for family gatherings, snow days and breaks from school and work, but all this time indoors can lead to a serious case of cabin fever for both children and adults. Before you face another chorus of “I’m bored,” consider these simple activities you and your child can do together when winter weather or schedules have you stuck indoors. Each activity idea from the experts at KinderCare can help children build foundational skills they’ll need for success in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) areas so you can combine fun and learning. Infants Most babies love sensory baskets, and it’s easy to make one at home. Fill a basket or low-sided container with materials in a variety of shapes, textures, weights, smells and sounds for your baby to explore. While your baby explores the materials and develops hand-eye coordination, describe what he or she is doing, seeing, feeling, hearing or tasting to help build his or her vocabulary. Toddlers Show your toddler how to make ramps by stacking blocks or small cardboard boxes and placing one edge of a piece of cardboard on top. Invite your child to gather toy vehicles or balls and other objects to see how they roll. Gather objects that will roll and a few that won’t. Encourage your child to ask questions and experiment with ramps of different heights. These experiments in force and motion can help develop your child’s understanding about how different objects behave on inclines. Preschool (3-4-year-olds) Invite your child to observe from a safe distance as you boil 1 cup red cabbage in 2

Did You Know?

very February people across the United States and Canada pay homage to prominent African American and black figures who have had impact on the world in various ways. Each year, athletes, doctors, film stars, writers, directors, and politicians are just some of the people highlighted as individuals of merit. The official observance of Black History Month, sometimes referred to as African American History Month in certain areas, is relatively recent, though the contributions of black people have been celebrated for centuries. Black History Month evolved from Negro History Week, which was created in 1926 in the United States by historian Carter G. Woodson. Woodson chose the second week in February because it coincided with both the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln

(February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). The prominent civil rights group The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, was also founded on February 12 on the centennial anniversary of the birth of Lincoln. Each of these things makes February an ideal time to celebrate black history. Negro History Week continued through the 1960s and ultimately evolved into an entire month of celebrating on some college campuses. However, Black History Month would not receive national recognition in the United States until 1976, when President Gerald Ford officially recognized it as an opportunity to honor the accomplishments of black Americans throughout history. Canada officially recognized Black History Month in 1995.

What’s happening in your school or organization? Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at editor@mylifepublications.com

cups water. As the water turns purplish, drain it into a clear container. After the water cools, invite your child to measure a small amount of white vinegar and stir it in while observing what happens as additional vinegar is added. Next, have your child measure a small amount of baking soda or milk and stir it in to observe even more changes. Exploration, experimentation and observation are all key STEM skills. Pre-Kindergarten (4-5-year-olds) Gather a variety of craft items, building toys and recycled materials like construction paper, markers, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, fabric scraps, glue sticks, tape, scissors, blocks, interlocking toys, paper towel rolls, tissue boxes, cardboard, lids and plastic food containers. Place the materials you’ve gathered in a bag. Give your child the “tinker bag” and some space to build. Invite him or her to explore the materials, create something and share it with you as a way to build engineering skills and curiosity. Limiting the number of materials children have to work with can often create more opportunities for problem solving and innovation. School Ages Gather a few containers from your recycle bin, such as plastic food containers, tin cans or cracker boxes. Talk with your child about how some things typically thrown away or recycled can be reused for the same purpose or a new one. When items are reused, the amount of waste that ends up in landfills is reduced. Invite your child to select one of the containers and decide on a new use for it. When your child is finished creating something new using on-hand craft materials, ask him or her to share the innovation with you. Give your child feedback in the same way engineers do by giving a compliment, asking a question or offering a suggestion. For more activity ideas, visit kindercare.com. (Family Features)

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Norman Dean Home for Services are Ready When Your Family Needs Them

By Steve Sears orman Dean and his wife, Carolyn, opened in 1957 not just a funeral home, but a special place for those who are mourning a beloved family member be comforted in a place that could be (and is) a ‘home.’” 62 years later, son and co-owner Tom Dean, as well as fellow co-owner David Milne, still echo and live that past and assure that same care, love, and respect reign today for folks in Denville, Rockaway, Parsippany, Mountain Lakes, Boonton, Morris Plains, and the surrounding area who come with their needs to Norman Dean Home for Services. “Dad always wanted it to be an atmosphere where people could feel comfortable coming in like it was their own home,” says Dean, “because back in the early 1900s, everything was done in someone’s home. My dad was all about service – hence the name Norman Dean Home for Services. It wasn’t about selling products; it was helping families go from the loss to the burial and moving on from there.” Care, comfort, understanding, and guidance at a critical time, and the knowledge that there are no cookie-cutter funerals. “Guidance is extremely important because people don’t know what they want, they have no idea,” says Dean. “They just go by what they’ve seen, and find out later and say, ‘Wait a minute, let’s talk about this before you actually say that’s what we’re going to do.” Let’s find out what the family wants. With one family you could have two or three different ideas. So that’s when we have to sit down and explain things to people and let them know what they can do.” Dean then alludes to the key thing. “It’s about family. We all create relationships with the families. It’s about trust, and how

they can trust us. A lot of times we create relationships with them that last for years.” Milne has grown up in and is now a partner in the business. As Dean in 1986 took over from his parents, he as he retires has passed the baton to Milne, knowing the Norman Dean Home for Services is in excellent hands. “I learned when I came here that a lot of the stuff that I learned in the school – meaning merchandising – kind of went out the window, and I was kind of happy about that,” affirms Milne. “Like Tom said, it’s not about products but caring for people. Once I learned that, I felt immediately comfortable that I was in the right place.” “David and I,” says Dean, “share the same values that my parents and I had and have, so it was important that we do this (the partnership) correctly. It took a year and a half, but it was good for David, it was good for me, and it was extremely good for the community because it keeps the same atmosphere. This isn’t just a business; we are part of the community. We go out, we give talks, we give advice, we have people stop in and talk to us about pre-arrangements, and we understand the laws because that’s our industry.” Dean also relates an example of the special Norman Dean Home for Services personal touch. “We bring ideas to the families. Making things personal; doing things that they don’t think they’d be allowed to do or ever would’ve thought of. We’ve always been focused on what the family’s needs are, and it’s been expanded to a little more about celebrating that person’s life by introducing into the funeral home itself parts of what that person did in their life.” One example was a woman who died many years ago, the family commenting constantly about her love of baking. Milne ap-

proached a friend who owned a store and borrowed a brand-new oven, placed it next to the casket in the funeral home, collected all the recipes the family agreed to share, “and people walked in and there it was,” says Dean. “These represent what that person meant to the family, and it doesn’t cost anything. It’s free.” And it’s the difference. “My employees are into listening to what the family tells about the deceased. They go out of their way to make it special so

that all of their friends and relatives look at it and say, ‘Wow! That’s amazing.’” “We celebrate and give nothing but 100% service and guidance to the family.” Norman Dean Home for Services is located at 16 Righter Avenue in Denville, and can be reached by calling (973) 627-1880, or via email at info@normandean.com. Visit www.normandean.com for more information.

David Milne, Courtney Lattanzi, Rebecca Romanowsky, KrystalAnn Cherico, Victor Palumbo and Thomas Dean

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Denville Life • January 2020 • Page 27

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