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Hustle2Heart Helps Deliver the Joy of Sports to the Needy

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By Steve Sears wo 11th graders, Kunal Kumar of The Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering, and friend Allen Pikus, a Morris Knolls High School student, have formed Hustle2Heart, whose (from the website) primary objective is to create a pathway to athletic success for underprivileged and low-income kids by providing them athletic resources and opportunities they normally do not have access to. We will host donation drives, organize sports clinics, and foster a community through sports. Hustle2Heart is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. “We started in our freshman year of high school,” says Pikus who, along with Kumar, played on the same sports teams in elementary and middle school. Both lived the benefits of doing so, and wanted to pass that on, especially to underprivileged youths and those from low-income families. “When we entered high school, we both began to volunteer at a place called the Neighborhood House in Morristown. We would help with tutoring all the kids there. Actually, the Neighborhood House is a place for underprivileged kids to go because their parents can’t look after them after school because their parents are involved with work, etcetera.” While both volunteered, they noticed the kids didn’t get much

Photo credit: Anna Pikus

physical sports activity. They saw the apparent need. Coining their endeavor Hustle2Heart, the goal is to embody the relationship of sports and the mind. “We believe that having a healthy body leads to a healthy mind,” says Kumar, “so we called it Hustle2Heart because we were really focused on not just providing these kids the opportunity to play sports for the first time, but also helping them have an outlet because they sometimes have an undesirable situation at home, and it gives them a chance to find a skill and find something to be passionate about.” The duo reached out to Dick’s Sporting Goods and the New York Knicks, both organizations providing respectively soccer balls and autographed basketballs. “As a 501(c)(3),” says Kumar,

“this allows them to share their equipment with us and to provide donations that we can then use to help the underprivileged kids as part of donations or as part of the clinics. Our 501(c)(3) status elevated us and gave us the potential to help these kids and give them a chance to expand something like they’ve never expanded before.” The New York Jets provided posters which the duo hope to in the future auction off, the monies raised to be used to purchase more sports equipment for Hustle2Heart’s use. Hustle2Heart has primarily focused on Morris County because they have seen up close the need. However, they also worked with two New York-based organizations, the Harlem Education Activities Fund (HEAF) and The Association to Benefit

Children (ABC). With the former they organized a field day in the summer of 2019, and the second soccer clinics, the kids taking part extremely receptive. “As for our overall goals,” says Kumar, “we hope to expand in New Jersey and also in New York, and really help a lot of people who really suffer from not having the adequate resources to succeed. Right now, we’re really involved in our own community, but we hope to expand to other communities as well and create a community of our own and help these young kids.” If interested in helping out or for more information, visit www.hustle2heart. org. If you have used or unused sports equipment that your family has outgrown, contact Kumar and Pikus at 2hustle2heart@gmail.com.

Margaret A. “Peggy” Lefsky Broker/Sales Associate

973-727-0795 Cell 862-345-1963 eFax 973-263-0400 Office www.peggylefsky.com

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A VIEW FROM THE LEFT

What Leadership Means

EDITORIAL &

Opinions

istory can be cruel. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., who was unquestionably America’s most prominent prophet and practitioner of nonviolence, was followed by riots, arson and looting in 168 American cities and towns. The numbers are staggering: 2,600 fires were set; 21,700 people were injured; 2,600 were arrested; 39 were killed. One city that was spared all that in the days following King’s murder was Indianapolis. Credit for that must be given to the citizens of Indiana’s capital city and to its leaders, both black and white, and also to a remarkable American political leader, who, on that April night in 1968, delivered the news of King’s death to an Indianapolis rally of mostly African Americans. Here, speaking with neither prepared text nor teleprompter, is what this white American presidential candidate said that terrible evening: “I have bad news for you, for all of our fellow citizens, and people who love peace all over the world, and that is that Martin Luther King was shot and killed tonight. Martin Luther King dedicated his life to love and to justice for his fellow human beings, and he died because of that effort.” Then sensitive to those present who were hearing from him the tragic news, this American politician continued: “For those of you who are black and are tempted to be filled with hatred and distrust at the injustice of such an act, against all white people, I can only say that I feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man.” Thus, for the first time since that awful day in Dallas some four and a half years earlier, Sen. Robert Kennedy referred publicly to the assassination of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence

Mark Shields or lawlessness but love and wisdom and compassion toward one another and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be black.” Kennedy then spoke directly to those within the sound of his voice: “So, I shall ask you tonight to return home, to say a prayer for the family of Martin Luther King, that’s true, but more importantly to say a prayer for our own country, which all of us love -- a prayer for understanding and that compassion of which I spoke.” Full disclosure: I worked for Robert Kennedy in that 1968 campaign, which would end just two months after King’s assassination, once again from an assassin’s bullets in a Los Angeles hotel kitchen. Robert Kennedy was not a perfect public servant. Like all of us, he was fallible and flawed. But in Indianapolis on that April night, Robert Kennedy, with empathy earned in his own and the nation’s earlier tragedy and with simple eloquence, gave us the timeless example of what true political leadership can be. We could use some more right now. To find out more about Mark Shields and read his past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2020 MARK SHIELDS DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

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A VIEW FROM THE RIGHT

Get Up Off Your Knees

ear law-abiding Americans: You have done nothing wrong. Being white is not a crime. Being a Trump voter is not a crime. Being a police officer sworn to “protect and serve” every day is not a crime. Being a non-white police officer proud to uphold and enforce law and order is not a crime. Being a black or brown or yellow American who rejects excusing criminal behavior is not a crime. Rejecting collective guilt is not a crime. Refusing to acknowledge “white privilege” when you were born poor, or in a broken home, or with physical or psychological challenges, is not a crime. Embracing the historic American nation, instead of erasing it, is not a crime. Enforcing your private property rights is not a crime. Teaching your wife and children to use a gun in self-defense is not a crime. Owning an AR-15 or two is not a crime. Do not let the media, Hollywood, academics or politicians gaslight you. Stop internalizing lies. Who are the criminals? Who are the heroes? Who are the makers and keepers of peace? Who are the sowers and reapers of hate? The Proud Boys, who have guarded their communities and country for the past three years, were the lone citizen soldiers in the battle against antifa that no one else on the ground wanted to fight. The group and its leader, Gavin McInnes, have suffered greatly for trying to stop the violence now raging nationwide. McInnes has been deplatformed everywhere and falsely labeled a “white supremacist.” Scores of Proud Boys of all colors have lost their jobs after being doxxed by antifa vigilantes. Two Proud Boys are in prison, railroaded by New York Democrats, after a Kafkaesque trial in which the cop-hating antifa “victims” who lured the Proud Boys into an October 2018 street brawl refused to press charges or testify. Their crime? These unapologetic Americans stood on their feet, not on their knees. Journalists and photographers who documented antifa violence for the past three years, such as Andy Ngo, Chelly Bouferrache and Brandon Brown in Port-

Michelle Malkin land, Oregon, have endured physical assaults, death threats and harassment. Many others have gone into hiding and suffer in silence. Their crime? Exposing antifa anarchy, standing eye to eye against their assailants, on their feet, not on their knees. Working-class Irish, German and Polish-American men of Fishtown, a northeast Philadelphia suburb, came together this week to prevent their neighborhood from being pillaged and burned in the name of “social justice” like the rest of the City of Brotherly Riots. They banded together outside the 26th police precinct, armed with bats and golf clubs, and faced down Black Lives Matter protesters who were there to taunt and provoke the cops. Turn off CNN and tune into the facts on the ground. At least 25 Philadelphia cops have been hurt during mob violence this week. It’s an all-out war on the thin blue line. At least 150 cops have been assaulted -- four nearly murdered -- in New York City as of Tuesday afternoon. Two Buffalo, New York, law enforcement officers were run over late Monday night. In addition, 51 members of the U.S. Park Police were injured; a Cincinnati cop was grazed by a bullet aimed at his head; four St. Louis officers were shot; one retired St. Louis police captain was killed; a Las Vegas Metro cop was shot; and a federal officer was shot and killed in Oakland -continued on page 6

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Please e-mail all press releases and calendar information to editor@mylifepublications.com. Advertising in My Life Publications is affordable and effective. We are a “family friendly” publication and therefore reserve the right to accept only advertisements that appeal to the entire family; the final determination of which is made by My Life Publications. Views expressed in My Life Publications are those of the respective columnists and writers, and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, or My Life Publications. Advertising is open to anyone desiring to reach the public and is subject to approval, revision and/or rejection at any time by the publisher. Many of the articles are paid for by the author and are in effect advertisements. Publication of any advertisement does not constitute, either implied or inferred, an endorsement of services, products or businesses advertised.

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Get Up Off Your Knees... continued from page 4 all in the name of peace, tolerance and reparations. Yet, against this bloody and retributive backdrop, Democratic leaders in Philadelphia who have coddled looters all week condemned the peacekeeping Fishtown Brigade as a “mob” of “vigilantes.” Their crime? Standing tall on their feet, not on their knees. Scot Mendelson, a world record-holding powerlifter, protected his Southern California gym on Monday afternoon. “If you’re going to destroy something that somebody

greedy and evil barbarians hell-bent on destroying every enforcement bulwark that protects our civil society -- from our borders to our neighborhoods to the White House. Weakness is not strength. Confessing sins for which you bear no guilt is not noble. It makes me sick to my stomach to see virtue-signaling police chiefs kneeling before barking rioters calling them “pigs.” I am nauseated by the sight of sobbing white people groveling for forgiveness before sadistic Black Lives Matter demagogues -- as if this will appease the unappeasable. It will not

worked so hard to build, well, you know what, maybe you should be put down,” he told Fox 11 Los Angeles. “You walk through my door, you threaten my life, I’m aiming for the head.” Mendelson’s crime? Standing muscle-bound and honor-bound on his feet, not on his knees. Proud and good people hold their chins and guns up in a crisis. It is how Korean grocers responded when the police abandoned them during the Los Angeles riots in 1992. It is how armed small-business owners of all colors are now facing an onslaught of crazed,

and never will. America, straighten your spines. Unbow your heads. No home or nation was ever saved by kowtowing to invaders or ransackers. Unless you are praying to God, get up off your knees. Michelle Malkin’s email address is MichelleMalkinInvestigates@protonmail.com. To find out more about Michelle Malkin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM

Did You Know?

ocial distancing guidelines encouraging people to stay in their homes as much as possible led many to wonder what to do in regard to visiting their physicians. Telehealth is one option people may want to explore. Sometimes referred to as “telemedicine,” telehealth enables patients to speak with their physicians via phone, tablet or conferencing apps such as Zoom. This can help patients and their physicians reduce their risk for exposure to viruses such as COVID-19, but also other conditions that can weaken their immune systems and, as a result, make them more vulnerable to illness. But as helpful as telehealth can be while social distancing restrictions remain in

place, it’s important that patients continue to seek the advice of their own physicians. One of the concerns about telehealth noted by representatives for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is the difficulty of monitoring health care providers who may not have patients’ best interests in mind. This can lead to certain problems, including overprescribing medications and doctors offering medical advice to patients in states where the physicians are not licensed to practice. Speaking only with physicians who have already treated you is one way to avoid this potential pitfall associated with telehealth services.

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Transplant Recipient Continues to Fight Liver Disease for Others

No. 18 Vol. 4

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April 2020

No. 18 Vol. 4

PCTI NASA Culinary Challenge an Otherworldly Experience

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By: Megan Roche s winter comes to an end, people are itching to breakout those lawn chairs and blankets, longing for days of sunny weather and blue skies. On May 3 (raindate: May 17), head out to Roxbury’s Horseshoe Lake for a day of fun April 2020 that benefits the greater community of homeless veterans. Rich Goldberg, the mastermind behind Vetfest, was looking for a way to continue his efforts in helping the state’s homeless veteran population. Through his work volunteering for Community Hope, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Goldberg has come to know many veterans throughout the area who have simply fallen on hard times. With a passion for music as well, Goldberg combined the two and decided on a concert to benefit them. The first ever Vetfest was held in 2019 and was a major success, raising over $24,000. On May 3, beginning

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Chester Teen’s Fundraising for Children of Wounded Servicemen Brings Service and Sacrifice to Light

2010, she and her family have been active participants in the Liver Life Walk in New York City. “Every year, we raise money for the foundation and go on the two-mile walk in honor of those we lost and to support those who are currently struggling. Although I am feeling MUCH better now, having had a liver transplant, it will be a lifelong battle for me. My immune system is severely compromised, so especially during times like these (a pandemic), it’s scary for me. The American Liver Foundation’s mission is to fund the research to prevent and treat liver disease. That has become my personal mission as well.” Lans credits some amazing people she works with who have also decided to make defeating liver disease their mission, and herself states her purpose in the fight, especially in these trying times. “I wouldn’t be doing my duty as a transplant survivor and advocate if I didn’t touch on this when discussing the ultimate goal of defeating liver disease. You see, although having a liver transplant 100% saved my life, the road to recovery didn’t stop there. In order to keep my body from rejecting the transplanted liver, I am on many drugs that completely wipe out my immune system, so it doesn’t ‘fight back’ against the transplanted organ.

Of course, that means I can’t really fight off anything. I am at an incredible risk for common colds and flus but during a (COVID-19) pandemic, it’s especially concerningCathy as I am Kelly very much at risk for contracting this as well. That is why it’s so important to me to bring awareness to liver disease and after-transplant care.” She asks that those wishing to support and fund she and her team should visit the Liver Walk link directly at www.liverlifewalk.org/newyorkcity/ support/#TeamLans. Lans closes by expressing her gratitude. “I wouldn’t be here saying any of this if it wasn’t for my friends, family and community supporting my team and myself. I wouldn’t be here without the amazing doctors at Columbia Presbyterian who guided me through every step of the process, including the 13-hour surgery. The list of people who have positively impacted my life when such a curveball was thrown into it goes on and on. My doctors, my teachers, my therapists, heck even my favorite hair salon ‘donating’ haircuts when I was too sick to even brush my hair.” “There is one thing that this entire process has taught me, and that is that for every bad thing that happens, there is so much more good.”

Judi

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By Megan Roche or 17-year-old Brennan Horn, the importance of service and sacrifice is something he’s always felt the need to do. When he spent his youth in Arkansas, his family was constantly contacted by teachers and community members to help fill needs of the less fortunate. When the PCTI Team at NASA Hunch Culinary Challenge. Horn family moved to the Chester, NJ area in 2018, Horn the need to continue mission, found that first place again sincefeltbut “They submithistwo or but tomato stewmost made with being met. After chicken brainstorming, he served they’re working on it,needs hop- were threealready different entrees thighs and ing for top honors thisbegan time histofoundation, NASA and Children they lookofatWounded with a Servicemen, poached egg on top. (COWS) to his efforts of giving back. around. thecontinue ingredients and select “It made me feel great Horn has noone connection to military service, except According to Woods, one which they really want because it is ahis traditional brother isthe currently a Midshipman at thefood United Na- in Israyear they focus on a breakstudents to concentrate thatStates my family Academy. Brennan be a lot,” fast entree, anotherval year on,” she says. simply saw a needeland andwanted I have to cooked the one who worked fulfil24 it. chal- says Aden Lewin, a PCTI seit’s dessert — this year they For the toFeb. “I thought the military a degree had to come up with an ethlengethat — they selectedwas Shaknior. of people who on page 2 don’t receive a lot attentionIsraeli and you alwayscontinued hear about nic entree. shuka, a of traditional Wounded Warrior Project or organizations similar to them, but you don’t see any organization that is specified just for children of servicemen.” Horn said. The junior at West Morris Mendham High School has raised over $20,000 towards his charitable efforts, simply through word of mouth or by setting up donation tables outside many local businesses in the Chester area. His doCathyand andbirthday Judi onpresyour of when his foundation helped a local family. nations have helped supply Christmas Circle offorExcellence ents, sports equipment, and school supplies children of “Recently, there was a firefighter who was diagnosed with LeuSilver Award wounded servicemen. Horn uses servicemen as an 2019 all-en- kemia. He has been bedridden for months, and he and his wife compassing term, not just for the military but for police- didn’t have the money for Christmas presents for their kids. After men and firemen as well.cell: doing a speaking engagement at the fire department, we present“Seeing a smile on a little kids face when they have ed the wife and the firefighter with a cart full of gift baskets and cell: something to open or the ability to compete in recreational you could just see the emotion on their faces, and it was just so sports, that is unimaginable and unexplainable. To make a heartwarming.” Horn said. cell: difference in a kid’s life by doing a small act of kindness is Testimonials to Horn and his foundation are constantly pourjust an incredible feeling.” Horn shared. ing in on social media. His Facebook page, Children of Wounded Horn recalled one of the more heartwarming moments continued on page 7

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By Steve Sears 6-year-old Caleigh Lans, a liver transplant recipient and member of Team Lans, which does the yearly American Liver Foundation Live Life Walk, remembers it well. “When I was about 11, I began experiencing symptoms that I would later find were linked to liver disease,” says the Ridgewood resident. “I rapidly lost weight, I experienced intense itching on my legs, so much so that I would scratch until I bled. My skin became discolored and yellow. I went from doctor to doctor and they all recommended different April 2020 specialists and I felt like I was falling down a rabbit hole, but I didn’t really have a choice. I kept going to the doctors, I kept getting blood work done, I even went to several neurologists to see if it was something in my head. Finally, after band, A Brothers Revival, Zone 13 we couldn’t take the lack of answers anymore, my parents an Allman Brothers tribtook me to the ER. Blood work was drawn and that’s when ute band, Sensational Soul they discovered my liver numbers were way off.” Cruisers, a Motown and Lans, who works as a real estate agent in Garfield, was R&B band, The Best of the again sent to a multitude of doctors, her visits taking her to Eagles, an Eagles tribute a hospital in Hackensack, but also beyond to one in New band, and New York State York City, and she and her parents even flew out to the of Mind, a Billy Joel tribute Margaret A. Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to see if the mystery of her illband. “Peggy” Lefsky ness could be discovered. “I spent the entirety of my high “I’ve gotten to know so Broker/Sales Associate school years in and out of hospitals,” she says, “too sick to many of these veterans participate.” throughout our area. These By the time Lans was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosveterans are humble peo973-727-0795 Cell ing Cholangitis, a chronical disease which attacks the bile ple and grateful people. All 862-345-1963 eFax ducts both inside and outside a person’s liver, the illness they want to do is get back 2010, she and her family have been active participants in 973-263-0400 Office had progressed so much she had to be put on a transplant on their feet, and if we can the Liver Life Walk in New York City. “Every year, we raise give them a littleBy step up,Risber a g Jillian Review andwww.peggylefsky.com Prototyping tionally enriching program list. “About a month later, I got the call and went into sur- money for the foundation and go on the two-mile walk in or visit methat involves having a culi- gery!” she says. little assistance, that’students realat Passaic Challenge, innovative honor of those we lost and to support those who are curon facebook at Lans was the first in her family to suffer from liver disly what it’s all about. County They Technical solutions www.facebook.com/peggylefsky/ to problems nary challenge every year. rently struggling. Although I am feeling MUCH better now, did their job and went out Institute (PCTI) got a encountered by astronauts “It is nice to see the stu- ease, and every year since her liver transplant in March having had a liver transplant, it will be a lifelong battle for and served and taste did everyof space from NASA at the International Space dents put their heart and me. My immune system is severely compromised, so espething for us, and astronauts now what themselves Station (ISS). soul into this project becially during times like these (a pandemic), it’s scary for me. Rated Top by Morris and Essex I ask people to do, is just they to when hosted the Producer Since 2016 they haveMagazine cause I think they all wantThe American Liver Foundation’s mission is to fund the re5 Starparti Agent NJ Monthly come out and have fun Critical Design NASAa Hunch cipated in this Magazine educa- ed to be part of a competsearch to prevent and treat liver disease. That has become NJ Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club day.” Goldberg said. itive culinary team,” says my personal mission as well.” NJAR Circle of Excellence Food trucks include; the Culinary Arts Instructor, Lans credits some amazing people she works with who Empanada Truck, Cubano 30 years+ Matthew Vanaria, adding have also decided to make defeating liver disease their misX-Press, Kona Ice, Jersey Coldwell Banker President’s Circle that NASA was of course a sion, and herself states her purpose in the fight, especially Rollz, Clubhouse Dogs, big draw. in these trying times. “I wouldn’t be doing my duty as a 2018 Ranked No. 1 Top Selling “There is no Substitution Cas’s Polish Food, Thai They actually won gold transplant survivor and advocate if I didn’t touch on this Century 21 Agent for Experience.” that first year they joined Food Addict, Bearded One when discussing the ultimate goal of defeating liver disease. 91 Crane Road and the students got to go BBQ, and Wood Fired Pizza. in ALL of New Jersey! You see, although having a liver transplant 100% saved Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 There will also be free en- Over $30 Million down to Huston. my life, the road to recovery didn’t stop there. In order to 2018 in973-263-0400 Sales tertainment for the kiddies “Their entree was (Red Offer good thru 6/30/20 keep my body from rejecting the transplanted liver, I am on by Tina personally! in the family with bounce Pepper Puree) Risotto and many drugs that completely wipe out my immune system, ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark of Coldwell Banker LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operted by NRT LLC. continued on page 12 was very well-received so it doesn’t ‘fight back’ against the transplanted organ. by everyone,” says Sandra Woods, PCTIs director SELL Line 973-493-1477 of communications and 973-696-1111 ext 123 special projects, adding that PCTI Team at NASA Hunch Culinary Challenge. Tinacalirealtor@gmail.com the astronauts called from CALI, “They submit two or chicken thighs and served the ISS while they were says they haven’t made the Clear Choice for all your real estate needs! eating and spoke to the stu- first place again since but three different entrees with a poached egg on top. they’re working on it, hop- to NASA and they look at “It made me feel great dents. Call Tina 973-493-1477 “That was so exciting ing for top honors this time the ingredients and select because it is a traditional which one they really want food that my family in Israand each time we’ve made around. WATCH TINA CALI’S TV COMMERCIAL! https://youtu.be/Y0irHQHk4m0 According to Woods, one the students to concentrate el and I have cooked a lot,” into the top ten to compete says Aden Lewin, a PCTI senationally with the schools year they focus on a break- on,” she says. Gemini Realty llC For the Feb. 24 chal- nior. 197 Berdan Avenue who won top ten,” Woods fast entree, another year Wayne, NJ 07470 it’s dessert — this year they lenge — they selected ShakThe students designed says. Each Office Independently Owned & Operated Unfortunately, the had to come up with an eth- shuka, a traditional Israeli the dish, competing against www.TinaCaliRealtor.com tomato stew made with continued on page 2 communications director nic entree.

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nary challenge every year. “It is nice to see the students put their heart and soul into this project because I think they all wanted to be part of a competitive culinary team,” says Culinary Arts Instructor, Matthew Vanaria, adding that NASA was of course a big draw. They actually won gold that first year they joined and the students got to go down to Huston. “Their entree was (Red Pepper Puree) Risotto and was very well-received by everyone,” says Sandra Woods, PCTIs director of communications and special projects, adding that the astronauts called from the ISS while they were eating and spoke to the students. “That was so exciting and each time we’ve made into the top ten to compete nationally with the schools who won top ten,” Woods says. Unfortunately, the communications director says they haven’t made

No. 18 Vol. 5

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Page 8 • June 2020 • Denville Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

“America’s Top Dog” Awarded to Morris County Sheriff Officer and His Loyal Partner

By Steve Sears orris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Corporal Michael McMahon and his K-9 partner Kai were recently named the proud winners of $25,000 as A&E Network’s “America’s Top Dog.” The win for Kai, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, and McMahon, a dog trainer who has been with the Sherriff’s office since 2011, aired on Wednesday, March 18. McMahon, a Roxbury resident, learned of “America’s Top Dog” in the spring of 2019, when he happened to be at a civilian sport competition with Kai. He was approached by another competitor and asked if he had heard of the new show, was informed that there was a casting call, and encouraged to enter. “I went home,” recalls McMahon, “and my wife and I kind of laughed about it and said that it would be a neat experience if Kai and I were on there (the show). My wife put in a submission for me for the show, and then within a couple of days I got called for interviews, and then within a day or two I got the call that they wanted to cast me for the show.”

A week later, after approval and official paperwork were submitted, McMahon, his wife and two children, along with Kai flew to Santa Clarita, California for the competition. The series, which initially featured 50 K-9 teams, first aired on January 8, 2020. McMahon and Kai first appeared on an episode on February 26. The courses included jumping and climbing over obstacles, tracking down objects via their scent, finding and apprehending a suspect, and swimming across a 46-foot length pool of water. As far as preparation for the show, Kai and McMahon didn’t have or need much. Everything seen on “America’s Top Dog” was practiced by the duo while Kai was being trained for his police duties. “Just the physical fitness portion of it – we actually run together all the time daily, go out and exercise together, make sure we both have endurance,” affirms McMahon. With regard to the latter event, he mentions that some participants had trouble with it. He and his partner didn’t, and with good reason. “Kai and I go swimming all the time. I take him out in the boat, have him follow me while I’m out in the canoe, all that kind of stuff. So, he’s been more

than prepared for all that.” “There were definitely some very good teams out there against whom we were competing,” attests McMahon. “There were different canines from different programs across the country. On both the ep-

isodes I was on, I got to meet a good variety of people. There were definitely some good teams, especially in the final.” The finale featured three rounds and seven opponents, and in round three, continued on page 10

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America’s Top Dog... continued from page 8 McMahon and Kai outpaced Alpharetta, Georgia Police Sergeant Mark Tappan and his partner, K-9 Mattis, by nearly 9 seconds in “The Doghouse,” which consisted of passing through a tangled spider web, crossing a narrow plank, running through duct work, and then down a set of stairs. Kai then completed the course by “apprehending a suspect,” and released the suspect to McMahon when commanded. The duo completed the last set in under two minutes, securing the title. Winning the competition goes beyond victory. It’s also a true visual of friendship and reliance. For McMahon – and yes, Kai – it’s all about relationship and respect. “I got Kai when he was eight weeks old,” says McMahon, explaining the duo’s background. “He was bred out of my male who was my retired patrol dog and competition dog, named Ronan. Ronan was my first patrol dog, my first dual-purpose dog at Morris County, and he was unique because he was my competition dog before I got employed by the Morris County Sherriff’s office.” Prior to his joining the Sherriff’s office, McMahon and his wife Michelle ran their own business, training and selling dogs, many to police departments. “We sold dogs across the country, to many agencies who needed trained Malinois and German Shepherds,” explains McMahon. While running his own business, he had sold a number of dogs to northern New Jersey agencies, one being the Morris County Sherriff’s Office. Therefore, he was familiar to and had a rapport with them. He was then hired for the canine unit as an investigator. Afterwards, McMahon volunteered to donate Ronan and enter the agency as his partner - a first for the Sherriff’s office. Ronan stayed for a few years before a neck injury forced his early retirement. He was bred with a female Malinois named Boyca, and Kai was born amongst the litter. “Kai came into our unit at eight weeks old, and along with Kai we took two other puppies from the breeding, and they went into a new program I started at the office basically as a working dog development program, as opposed to the traditional method of buying a dog and trying to bond with it and dealing with training issues developed by somebody else.” The dogs were raised inhouse so that McMahon and the other K-9 handlers knew all the way up to certification exactly what was done with the dogs, what they had been exposed to, and increased the bond between they and their handlers. “It really strengthens the relationship and changes the dynamic, which in law enforcement is unique because law

enforcement agencies don’t raise puppies; they just buy an older dog that’s pretrained, or they may go through a 4 to 6 month academy class as they’re training.” Kai went through about two years of training prior to his active duty out on the road, so he was well schooled. McMahon is quick to mention the importance of bonding and socialization with people and different environments during the period, when he and Kai were side-by-side during many ventures from home or office. “By the time they’re two years old, we want them to be a more confident working dog.” “I took that approach with Kai, and we experienced a lot together.” In fact, McMahon spends more time with Kai than he does with his own family in most cases. The team is on the job 40 hours per week, go out together on almost every canine call, but when they both head home at the end of the day, Kai is part of the McMahon family. “When I punch out of work, he punches out of work,” says the Officer. McMahon takes a humble stance when discussing the “America’s Top Dog” victory, preferring to laud the Sherriff’s office canines. “On a personal level,” he says, “it really didn’t change much for me – other than the fact that it brought positive light to law enforcement canines. I think it brought positive light to law enforcement communities as a whole, but then it also showcased the abilities that these dogs have, and how much they can contribute not just to law enforcement communities, but to the civilians that we’re serving.” He cites this as an asset as far as providing services and protecting the public – whether it’s for narcotics or explosives detection or just basic patrol work. “They’re an excellent tool for us.” McMahon then speaks to the handlers and the canine unit itself. “For the Sherriff’s office, I’d say we’re prouder not for myself but to provide a spotlight for our canine unit. I think we’re one of the premiere units in the country. I think we have an awesome training program and a very dedicated group of guys that go above and beyond the call of duty, especially as to what the canines requires. They’re constantly out working, putting in training on their own time, spending money out of their own pockets to provide for their dogs, getting education and everything else. Because, as a unit, we’re very passionate about what we do.” McMahon is also extremely cognizant and grateful for all the support received as he and Kai faced stiff competition. “I’d like to thank my wife and family for all of their love and support; Sheriff (James) Gannon, Undersheriff (Mark) Spitzer, Chief (Kel-

ley) Zienowicz, Chief (Richard) Rose, and all of the members of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for all of their support and for allowing Kai and I to partake in this endeavor; the members of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Section, and all of the canine handlers that have assisted Kai and I on our journey from puppy to becoming America’s Top Dog.” “I’m just happy to showcase what Kai and I are capable of, and obviously happy with the end result.” Sheriff Gannon said he was pleased with the team’s win and was proud of how they represented the department, as well as exhibiting on television what the county has come to expect from the Sheriff’s office. “I’m so proud of Detective Corporal McMahon and K-9 Kai for being designated America’s Top Dog and Handler,” Gannon said. “This is the level of service expected and delivered on a daily basis to the people of Morris County.” McMahon hopes that he and Kai will remain partners until the latter is retired, which would be when the dog is about 10 years old. “God willing, he is able to keep doing it, and the two of us will be there together.”

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Denville Life • June 2020 • Page 11

Character Celebrated Nationally at Denville Township Elementary Schools

By Megan Roche akeview and Riverview Schools in Denville have always been positive places to visit. Both K-5 schools in the township are proudly celebrating a big honor; these two schools have been named National Schools of Character. According to Riverview School principal Christina Theodoropoulos, Riverview was first a New Jersey School of Character before working hard to attain the national ranking. The rigorous application process and observation day by employees of Character.org made the Riverview team fully aware of how they are teaching the concepts within social emotional learning. “We really became aware of how we’re teaching character to our kids. We started implementing morning meetings, but we wanted to make sure that we turned it into an everyday, all day long, learning experience. We also give them opportunities throughout each day to practice these character skills with our Buddy Bench, 5th graders being mentors to the Kindergartners, etc. We also make sure our staff and teachers reflect Rocket Behavior within ourselves,” Theodoropoulos said. After their day long site visit, Theodoropoulos had received a phone call a few months later to let her know that their goal of National School of Character had been achieved. Theodoropoulos noted the excitement that was felt from Kindergarten to staff member. “It was really a goal of ours, so we really set our mind to it. I really wanted us to get it. I got a phone call and I had already told my staff that if we get it, we’re going to really celebrate our accomplishment. It was really a whole school moment because we’d worked so hard all together to achieve this. We held a school wide assembly, where there was a lot of

dancing, singing, confetti, and just all-around happiness. We really just celebrated all together, from Kindergartner to teacher,” Theodoropoulos shared. Theodoropoulos also noted that thanks to Rocket Shoutouts at the end of every school day, the students are fully aware of what their core values mean and truly what it takes to be a Riverview Rocket: respectful, optimistic, compassionate, kind, empathetic team players. “We wanted to make sure that every student knew what those words meant. We implemented a program where our grade levels each take one of those letters from our acronym and teach the entire school about what it means. The whole school gathers, we even invite parents, and the students teach each other. We want to teach character explicitly through morning meetings, books, and classes but not only have the teachers teaching it but give their peers a chance to learn from their classmates,” Theodoropoulos said. Across Route 46, Lakeview School was also celebrating their National School of Character award, while also celebrating being named a New Jersey State School of Character in the same year. Being named both in the same year is a rare feat, according to Lakeview School principal Beth Baisley. “We got both in the same year, which is very unusual. For the state, we were screaming in my office and to have our hard work had been recognized. To have strangers come into our school and believe in the work that we were doing, it really cemented everything. When we got the national ranking, we were absolutely floored. It’s so unheard of to get both in the same year so we wanted to celebrate school-wide. It was just incredible to have continued on page 16

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I Remember Dad:

The Beloved Younger Brother

Uncle Carl (left) and Dad (right) on their tricycles, in the side yard of their childhood home. This picture beautifully shows how the end of Mabey Lane was once surrounded by forest.

By Richard Mabey Jr. f all my dad’s seven brothers, I believe that it was Carl to whom he had a most uncanny spiritual connection with. Uncle Carl was just one year younger than Dad. They shared a very special bond all of their lives. When Uncle Carl was 10 and Dad was 11, Uncle Carl nearly died from an attack of acute appendicitis. Back in those days, in old Lincoln Park, there were not a lot of hospitals close by. As a matter of fact, there weren’t a lot of doctors around in the area. Most fortunately, Uncle Carl was operated on and had his appendix taken out. But it was something that, from time to time, Dad and Uncle Carl talked about. Dad used to say to Uncle Carl, “I don’t ever remember seeing Mom pray so hard, as when she was praying for you to survive that operation.” Dad often told me that when he was at Hickam Air Field, during World War II, that he missed all of his seven brothers and his sister, Violet; but that he missed his brother Carl the most. Whatever it was, it was an unmistakable bond. I remember one time, my grandmother told me that Uncle Carl woke her up at about ten o’clock at night, crying that his brother Dick had just got hurt really bad. Hawaii is six hours earlier than the time on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. So, it would have been about four o’clock in the afternoon, at Hickam Air Field. Grandma told me that about a week later, she got a

letter from my dad telling her that he had fallen off the wing of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Plane and had hurt his shoulder. The two brothers grew up in the home that my grandfather built at the end of Mabey Lane. At that time, Mabey Lane was surrounded by woods to the north, to the west and to the east. And, to the north lied a great big open field that separated my grandparents’ home from my great grandparents’ home. So, Dad and Uncle Carl, relied on each other from a very early age for friendship and moral support. Dad was the big brother, who always looked out for Uncle Carl, even though Dad was only a year older than his brother Carl. There were countless other examples of how Dad and Uncle Carl had a very special spiritual tie. One Christmas, they both bought each other ties that had an uncanny similar color and pattern. I remember one Saturday afternoon, when I was in high school, Dad said to Mom, “I think I better give my brother Carl, a call.” And, when Dad called Uncle Carl, he found out that Uncle Carl had just gotten laid off from his job and was feeling very, very sad. Dad was an incredibly patriotic man. He loved America. He was proud to his serve his country during World War II in the Seventh Army Air Corps. But, I think that deep down, Dad was very homesick a lot of the time, during his stay at Hickam Air Field. Sometimes, when we get lost in an old black and white movie about the heroism of the men who fought in the Second

Dad (left) and Uncle Carl (right) on their bicycles, in front of the big chimney of the home that my grandfather built at the end of Mabey Lane.

This picture of Dad (left) and Uncle Carl (right) shows the birth root of the spiritual tie between the two brothers, that existed all of their lives.

World War, we walk away thinking that the one and only mark of heroism came from the fighting on the front lines. And, yes, that was true heroism. But, the men who served our nation in times of war, also fought a different kind of enemy. They stood tall and proud and fought the sad, empty feeling of being homesick. Of missing their mom and dad. Of missing the pretty girl who sat upon the rock wall, of her front yard, while reading a

book. They yearned to return safe and unharmed to the towns and cities from which they had come from. And, they earnestly prayed for peace to befall our planet, once again. For truly, they were all super heroes! Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

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Mt. Olive Student Athlete, Artist Jessica Murr Create Goes All in Herself for Better CleaningFormer Products

By Megan Roche and I used to give them just much for her. lisha Dante water. I had wondered why I “In like three weeks, I Wehrenberg is doing was being so conscious with had dozens of orders. With all she can to help them, but never with myself. the demands of working 40change the cleaning product I didn’t want to give them 50 hours a week, plus keepindustry, starting small by chemicals but then I realized ing up with my three sons’ making a difference in her I shouldn’t be spraying them schedules, I had to close my own community. The single on things that they were Etsy shop. I had to also find mom from Hackettstown crawling on and I shouldn’t unique ways to ship prodbegan making her own really be breathing them in ucts since I use so many escleaners to protect her either.” Wehrenberg said. sential oils and there were homeand Prototyping From those gifts, Bykids Jillianand Risbergto make herReview tionally little enriching programjust so many requirements tudents Passaic involves having a culi-that I started selling them Challenge, Honey innovative filled withat less chemicals. BeethatNaturals was County after Technical nary challenge every year. more local.” Wehrenberg solutions toborn. problems However, she started Wehrenberg started Institute (PCTI) got a “It is nice to see the stuencountered by astronauts making her own products her business with a simple said. taste space fromthem NASA out dents putand their from heart and at the as International Spacecleaner andof passed window When she was working astronauts themselves Station (ISS). soul into this project begifts to family members, her there has branched out to at a local women’s wellness when they hosted the Since 2016 they have cause I think they all wantaunts, sister, cousins, and NASA Hunch Critical Design ed to be partall-purof a compet-center, Wehrenberg began participated inbathroom this educa- cleaners, mom told her that she may pose cleaners, disinfecting selling her products to lo-

By Jerry Del Priore he Mount Olive Lacrosse Club used to use a gray, drab concrete stone structure as its bounce back wall for No. 18 Vol. 4 throw-and-catch practice for lacrosse players. But John Helder, president of Mount Olive Junior By Jillian Risberg Lacrosse Club, said that the tudents at Passaic club C owanted something unty Technical more eye-catching Institute (PCTI)and gotena ticing of to space help inspire taste from players NASA to practice that particular astronauts themselves skill forthey longerhosted stretches of when the NASA Hunchdisplaying Critical Design time while com-

of the team while showing nah University of Art and Mt. Olive pride,” said Murr, Design in Savannah, Georan ex-two-sport high school gia, is a friend and former student athlete at Mt. Olart classmate of Lexi Helder, ive. “I actually spent a lot of John Helder’s daughter. time researching different After a few artist renderwww.mypaperonline.com ideas and styles. I actually ings, Murr came up with an came up with a few designs, awe-inspiring poster of two and people seem to like the lacrosse players busting out final one.” of side-by-side skulls in a 3D nary challenge every year. Challenge, innovative Helder said lacrosse playstyle that she noted rep“It is nice to see the stusolutions to problems ers andput people from other resents power and grace, dents their heart and encountered by astronauts townsinto have had favorable with superhero-like qualisoul this project beat the International Space reactions to the mural, givties. cause I think they all wantStation (ISS). ing to it thumbs A self-taught writ- ed be partup ofpraise. a competSince 2016 graffiti they have “The kids areteam,” up there all er/artist from Jersey itive culinary says participated in New this educaArts Instructor, tionally the time playing and comassisted enriching with spray program painting Culinary

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Denville’s Beloved Packey Not Forgotten During COVID-19

By Megan Roche ith everything going on during the coronavirus times in the state, Denville has been facing the challenges as best as they can, just like every other town. The residents have been

cooped up in the house, food and supplies have been hard to come by, while some are still reporting to work as normal. The residents have not forgotten about their beloved Packey though in this crazy time. Packey Butler is a familiar smiling face

around the township. What started out when his older brother went to Kindergarten, the Packey proudly waving tradition began. He continues waving to the school buses as they ride by after school to this day. Diagnosed with Autism and an intellec-

tual disability at the age of two, Packey is a Denville treasure that brings a smile to all who meet him. “He has a big personality for someone who is severely disabled in all areas. He has continued on page 15

Denville’s Beloved Packey... continued from page 14 developed this big social personality and I don’t know what it is, but people are drawn to him. It’s the most incredible thing to witness,” Lesley Butler, Packey’s mother, said. When the schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, things became hard emotionally for Packey and the Butler family. According to Lesley, Packey didn’t really understand the concept of why things were changing. There would be no more school buses to wave at for the time being. “The social distancing thing has been very hard for him. It’s been horrible. It’s been devastating. Everytime the governor announced another extension, it would lead to a major meltdown with tears. He would get through it and he’d share his feelings on Facebook. People would offer comments with supportive messages and vent with him. He’d get over the hump and then the process would start all over again when another extension would come,” Lesley shared. Denville came to the rescue for Packey, not once or twice, but three times. Michael Andersen, a Board of Education member and Steven Forte, the K-8 school superintendent, developed an idea to host a drive by parade for Packey with the school buses.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Denville Life • June 2020 • Page 15

The bus drivers in the town have come to know and love Packey; he is a smiling face that greets them on their bus routes daily. “That original bus parade saved us from him drowning in misery. It’s really really hard, it’s hard on everybody. It’s heartbreaking and it’s painful when he doesn’t get to do his “job” as he calls it. We’re doing what we can to schedule Zoom calls and FaceTime calls, but the drive by parade was an opportunity to see people who he hadn’t seen since this all started,” Lesley shared. A family friend of the Butler’s, Gary Beumee, decided to also pitch in to help Packey at this crazy time. Wanting to host a drive by parade for anyone, lines and lines of cars drove by the Butler home on a Saturday morning. Packey was indeed at the end of his driveway, happily waving to car after car. “Gary’s parade was open for everyone to drive by because he knew that Packey was struggling. It just brought such a smile to his face. He was running up and down in front of our house, there were so many cars coming in both directions, people were coming by multiple times. It was such a beautiful display of humanity,” Lesley said. Lesley couldn’t be more grateful that the town has come to Packey’s aid.

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“Every single person who drove by, he has connected with. There is this light in him that people respond to. I know I always

have. To watch other people see the light in him, it’s really special. I feel like I have to share him with the world,” Lesley said.

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Support the Downtown Denville BID Relief Fund

By Megan Roche hen businesses shut their doors in midMarch due to the coronavirus pandemic, Denville’s Business Improvement District knew they would need to help all suffering business owners. With that in mind, along came the Downtown Denville Relief Fund. “Small town commerce had already been facing growing challenges over the last few years with the rise of corporate giants like Amazon and other large businesses. The Business Improvement District was intentionally created to help further market Denville’s Downtown, support the businesses within the District and enhance the shopping and dining experience in Downtown Denville. Now challenged with a near shutdown of the economy, the downtown corridor faces an even larger struggle, to re-open and regain the beautiful shopping, dining, professional and service experience it has always been.” Gene Fitzpatrick, a co-chair for the BID, shared. Local businesses are hurting more than ever currently. The local businesses have not stopped using their creative juices though. Many stores have implemented shopping videos via Facebook Live, curbside pickup, home delivery, and more. Those initiatives are still not enough though.

Character Celebrated Nationally... continued from page 11 the whole school come together as one to recognize that what we did was important, and that we are being valued for what we’re doing,” Baisley said. Lakeview has implemented a very successful program with their core values at play. The Lakeview Lions Paw Program has inspired every student and staff member to encourage the values that make up what it means to be a Lakeview Lion. The PRIDE acronym includes perseverance, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence. “We were really looking for a way to make our core values tangible to our students. We wanted our students and their families to know what our core values are. We wanted to make our paw program something helped to start a conversation in our community as a whole,” Lakeview Counselor, Maribeth Hall said. Hall alongside the other Lakeview Counselor, Deb Warner, were surprised at how quickly the PRIDE Paw program took off. Students and staff remain excited about it each day and it has been fully embraced by the local community as well. “We were hopeful it was going to be successful; but we didn’t realize how much it was going to take off. We needed to have

a common conversation around our school and our teachers were able to use these words as tangible things. We’re now in our second year with this program and it’s still going strong, if not stronger then when it first started,” Warner said. Both schools attended the Character.org conference in Washington D.C. in October of 2019. Both Baisley and Theodoropoulos were excited to share in the moment together and be there to support one another. “In Denville, we’re a unique district with only two elementary schools. We were both together in DC to receive the awards at the same time. It was a very special moment to share in each other’s accomplishments together and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate what each other had done to get to this point,” Baisley shared. According to Superintendent Dr. Steve Forte, he is extremely proud of all the hard work that both Riverview and Lakeview put in to achieve the awards. “It is a tremendous honor that both our elementary schools were named state and national schools of character. This is an example of the hard work our staff does for all of our students.”

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“This fund will provide for the following: grants to be awarded to Downtown Denville businesses, assist with funding community events to re-energize downtown, funding the implementation of new enhancements to adhere to the anticipated new shopping guidelines & offer recommendations and efforts to attract responsible commerce to the downtown. The economic impact of the State shutdown of many businesses is tremendous,” according to the Downtown Denville website. The four main pillars that donations are supporting include grants for local businesses, bringing the community together again, downtown improvements, and attracting shoppers and businesses. Updated information on new protocols is set to be released on a rolling basis. The team at Downtown Denville asks that residents and visitors stay up to date with the latest information on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DowntownDenville. Donations to the relief fund can be made by visiting www.downtowndenville.com. Sponsored by Norman Dean Home for Services.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Denville Life • June 2020 • Page 17

Teenage Trumpeter Wins Prestigious HWS Summer Music Scholarship

ifteen-year-old Rockaway Township trumpet player Michael Minenna, who is a member of the Morris Knolls High School (MKHS) ninth-grade Concert Band and the MKHS Jazz Band, has won the prestigious 2020 junior scholarship presented by the Hanover Wind Symphony (HWS). Michael, a ninth-grader who hopes to become a professional musician, will use his scholarship this summer to attend the Eastman Trumpet Online Workshop, offered by the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. Gail Lalk of Morristown, chair of the HWS Scholarship Committee, says of the honoree, “We were very impressed with Michael’s musical capability. His trumpet playing was impressive and it’s clear that he has the right combination of raw talent and willingness to work hard to hone his playing technique. Michael clearly gets joy from his music and he finds ways to share that with others through school, community, scouting and his church. He is a great representation of the HWS motto, ‘bringing music to people and people to music.’ “ Scholarship Committee member Kurt Zimmermann of Rockaway adds, “Michael has a sense of musical maturity that’s beyond his years. It’s reassuring to me that the quality of musical education in this state is so high.” Among the honor ensembles that Michael has performed with are the 2020 North Jersey Region Symphonic Winds, the North Jersey Junior High Area Band in 2019, the All–North Jersey Junior Region Symphonic Winds in 2019, and the All–North Jersey Junior High School Symphonic Orchestra, also in 2019. Active in Boy Scouts, Michael has played with the Boy

Scout Holiday Jazz Band, performing in nursing homes and other venues throughout the community. In addition, he was a bugler for the Rockaway Township 150th Anniversary Memorial Day Parade and Commemoration Services in May 2019; he served as the bugler for the Annual Patriots Path Council Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner in January 2020; and he has earned Boy Scout music and bugling merit badges. Speaking about his love for music, Michael says, “Ever since I played my first note in fourth grade, I knew that is what I wanted to do when I grew up. I practice every day and any time I can. Music gives me a special feeling. It always makes the darkest days bright and the coldest feel warm.” The Hanover Wind Symphony is a unique extension of the great American tradition of adult music performance. The large orchestra, made up exclusively of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, is committed to mentoring the next generation of wind musicians. Hanover Wind Symphony Scholarship Committee members include Gail Lalk, committee chair, plus HWS president Dr. William Trusheim of West Milford, HWS treasurer Len Stern of Kinnelon, HWS music director Matthew Paterno of Parsippany, HWS associate music director Kurt Zimmermann, and HWS flutist Drusilla Gaffney of Succasunna. HWS is working to make this scholarship program self-sustaining through donations. Donations to the Hanover Wind Symphony Summer Music Scholarship Program may be mailed to Hanover Wind Symphony, P.O. Box 100, Whippany, NJ 07981. Checks should be made payable

to the Hanover Wind Symphony with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo line. Inquiries about the scholarship program may be emailed to info@hanoverwinds.org.

Page 18 • June 2020 • Denville Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

IT HAPPENED IN OUR TOWN: Not Quite Elementary

By Peter Zablocki oyle’s famous detective, Sherlock Holmes who solved a Voodoo inspired crime in the short story The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge, could perhaps have been of assistance to Denville Police Chief Donald King shortly before midnight on Tuesday, February 22, 1966. In 1966, the intersection of Cooper Road and Hill Road might have seemed like the most unlucky, mysterious, and even, eerie place in town. According to an article from the time, in the Citizen of Morris County, the street corner witnessed three separate deaths from various car accidents in that very decade. On Tuesday night of February 22, 1966, it was able to add a Voodoo cold case to its resume. That night, Chief King found himself staring down at the contents of a bag spotted earlier by a citizen driving home from a late-night get-together with his friends. An odd assortment of a voodoo doll, broken coconut, flowers, and two mutilated, dead, but still warm roosters. The blood-soaked doll was about 10 inches long and described by various newspapers as meticulously made. Some of the details described it to be representing a woman. The doll itself stared back at King from the inside of the freshly killed rooster, where it was protruding out of its slitopen breast. Together with the second – headless – rooster, four pieces of coconut shell and three chrysanthemums, all signs pointed to a powerful death curse of the voodoo lore. This was not just out of place for the small town, this was out of place for the county, and the state as a whole. According to Morristown’s Daily Record, the Denville Chief of Police was facing the first case of voodooism in the state’s recent history. Within the next few days, Chief King and the citizens of Denville learned a little more about the mysterious – at least to these parts – religion. As is often the case with small town crimes, before police made any headway, the word on the street and the town’s local newspaper already predicted the worst. Speculation of a voodoo ring operating in Denville was becoming widespread, when in fact no evidence existed that pointed to such a conclusion. Within two days, The Citizen of Morris County, placed an article on the front page of its February 24th edition, with the headline, “Voodoo Cult in Denville?” That same day, the Daily Record, two days after the discovery of the bizarre contents, published an explanation of the symbolism behind the collection, to better inform the people of the sinister events that were presently at play in the small Morris County town. The Denville citizens learned that the tying of one of the rooster’s feet was a technique inducing the suffering of the victim before death as the animal was likely restrained within a short distance from food and water to invoke torture right before its demise. As for the broken coconut, it indicated a serious head injury wished upon the victim. Perhaps the biggest mystery-within-the-mystery was the headless rooster. According to the article, if the witch doctor followed the traditional voodoo principles, he or she would have buried it in a cemetery. Yet, by the time of the publication, Chief King had already checked the Denville Cemetery on Savage Road and was himself confi-

dent that nothing was disturbed. He would know, as he was the lead investigator in a case of two years prior when in 1964, 23 tombstones of the town’s cemetery were broken and some of its plots utterly destroyed. He also knew, that as unfortunate as it was back then, this case would similarly not yield any satisfactory conclusions. After finishing his initial investigation, the Chief decided to not assign the case to any of his detectives to pursue any further. After concluding his interview for the Citizen where he assured the Denville citizens that the voodoo death curse probably had nothing to do with the people in the area, King went back to his office where he sat by his desk and sighed. He pressed the stamp on the ink pad and with a loud bang stamped the closed folder in front of him. “UNSOLVED.” Sometimes real-life mysteries do not get solved like they might in a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel. And so, elementary my dear Watson? Perhaps, not quite. The Denville Museum has more stories to tell. If you cannot wait until next month to learn more, come visit us when we reopen our museum on Diamond Spring Road next to the library, and we will be more than happy to share some with you. Until next time. Peter Zablocki is a local historian and the vice-president of the Denville Historical Society in Denville, New Jersey.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Denville Life • June 2020 • Page 19

Morristown the Military Capital of the American Revolution

By Henry M. Holden orristown’s first inhabitants were the Lenni Lenape Native Americans who occupied the area for more than 6,000 years. The discovery of magnetic iron ore in vicinity of what is now Morristown, brought the first permanent settlers in the early 1700s. First named West Hanover, in 1710, when a forge was established to exploit local iron ore, it was renamed for Lewis Morris, then governor of the colony, in 1740. Morristown has been called “The military capital of the American Revolution” because of its strategic role in the Revolutionary War. It was situated between Philadelphia and New York and shielded from British forces behind the Watchung Mountains. A letter dated May 12, 1777 describes Morristown of that day as “a very clever little village, situated in a most beautiful valley at the foot of five mountains. “ Farming was the main support of its people, about 250 in number and largely of Swedish and Dutch stock. The ironworks were providing income and a source of employment for locals. By the time of the revolutionary war, there were 45 forges and furnaces in the area supplying munitions to General George Washington’s army. By 1777, Morristown had approximately 50 buildings, the most prominent being Arnold’s Tavern, the Presbyterian and Baptist churches, the Morris County Courthouse and jail. Washington selected Morristown for its local industries and natural resources, to provide arms, and what was thought to be the ability of the community to provide enough food to support the army. That later turned out to be a tragic miscalculation. It is thought that Washington’s reason for bringing his troops to Morristown was that it appeared to be the place “best calculated … to accommodate and refresh them.” Two winters would prove that statement to be disastrous hyperbole. In 1777, General George Washington and the Continental Army marched from the victories at Trenton (Dec. 26), and Princeton (Jan. 3, 1778), and camped near Morristown. Soon after these victories Washington’s army began to melt away. Deplorable health conditions, food shortages, lack of proper clothing, and inadequate pay discouraged the soldiers. The volunteer militia men were especially frustrated. Some were homesick and nearly all had already served beyond the agreed or emergency terms of their enlistments. There was however an abundance of arms and ammunition, including more than 1,000 barrels of powder and 11,000 muskets sent over from France. During the two critical winters, 1777 and 1779-80, the countryside reflected the main billet of the Ameri-

This statue on the Green is called Patriot’s Farewell dedicated TO THE New Jersey Militia and families whose sacrifices created a strong and enduring nation. (Henry M. Holden)

This statue of George Washington, (r) Alexander Hamilton (c)and the Marquis de Lafayette meeting to discuss the French tall ships King Louis XVI of France sent to support the fight for independence is prominently displayed on the Green (Henry M. Holden)

can Continental Army and served as the headquarters for their Commander-in-Chief. Washington had his headquarters during that first encampment at Jacob Arnold’s Tavern, located at the Morristown Green, in the center of the town. Morristown Green, commonly referred to as the Green, is a historical park located in the center of Morristown. It has an area of two-and-a-half acres, and served as a military base, a militia training ground, and a site for public executions, which ended in 1833. There were also sawmills, gristmills, and a powder mill. Today, it is a bucolic public park in which many community events take place. To honor the many Irish troops, for their bravery, Washington, declared March 17, 1780 to be called St. Patrick’s Day. Dickerson’s Tavern (now demolished) stood on the Green, the place where Benedict Arnold an American general who served during the war was court marshaled. Arnold planned to surrender the West Point fort to British forces, but the plot was discovered, and Arnold escaped to England. It was in Morristown, in the Jacob Ford house, a large

mansion near what was then “the edge of town.” that Washington made his headquarters during the winter of 1779–80. His troops were camped in the nearby Jockey Hollow where they were “absolutely perishing for want of clothing, marching over frost and snow, many without a shoe, stocking or blanket” in Washington’s words. Morristown was also the home of Thomas Nast, the famed cartoonist who developed the character Santa Claus as we know him today. In Morristown, the nation showed its desire for independence and freedom. For a short time, this small New Jersey village became the military capital of the United States, a proving ground for heroic people in a courageous fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Morristown has some of the most important American Revolutionary War historic sites in New Jersey. These include Morristown National Historical Park, the first in the nation, Washington’s’ Headquarters at Ford’s Mansion, Jockey Hollow, and Fort Nonsense. Researchers say Fort Nonsense does not appear in any known document before 1833. The often-cited story is that Washington’s purpose for constructing the fort was to keep his troops occupied.

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

Page 20 • June 2020 • Denville Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

Change Your Genes Everyday Yep…

I’m Referring to Your Genes Not Your Jeans

mean you should probably change your jeans every few days as well, but that’s a discussion for another time and another day. You have probably been taught that the genes you are born with are yours for life. You excuse things like your angry behaviors, high blood pressure or your weight on your genetics. My patients often tell me that their illnesses are genetic, and because of that they can’t do anything about it. What if I told you that isn’t completely true? What if I told you that changing the way you think can actually change your life? That might sound like fantasy to some, but it’s true! I know, I know… now you feel like you’ve been living a lie, but it’s time to wake up!! Check this out… Research shows that those who practice Meditation/Yoga can “steer” their DNA, reducing inflammation and reducing their risks for diseases like cancer. You may be asking how in the heck is that possible? Let’s break it down… Our bodies have a sympathetic nervous system and a parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) aka “fight or flight” response is activated by stressful situations. Historically this fight or flight

response was needed for survival in the wild. For example, when being chased by an animal the SNS kicks in and all functions that are not needed for immediate survival (i.e digestion…) are shut down. Among other processes, the body speeds up, heart pumps faster, the muscles contract and the brain is more alert. Activating the SNS also triggers the production of a molecule called Nuclear factor Kappa b (NF-Kb), which is responsible for our gene expression. During this process NF-Kb activates genes that release cytokines. These cytokines are responsible for producing inflammation on a cellular level. During a life/death event this is actually helpful short -term. However, in modern day life this same sequence of events occurs due to every-day stressors (that weren’t present in our early ancestors lives). Things like traffic, work-related stress and finances trigger this same “fight or flight” response, causing the same cascade of events that lead to increased NF-Kb and increased release of cytokines. In fact, just thinking about that stressful situation you had earlier will cause the same cascade of events to take place. Most people in today’s society are living in a constant “fight or flight” state. This long- term “exposure”

to these cytokines are linked to cancer, premature aging, mental disorders (including anxiety and depression) and other diseases. On the other hand, it has been found that practicing yoga/meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS, known as the “rest and digest” state, is the way that the body should be functioning normally. In this natural state, the heart rate slows down, blood pressure decreases and digestion takes place. Studies show that practicing Meditation/Yoga, specifically, reduce NF-Kb, therefore turning off the genes that release the cytokines, which in turn reduces the inflammatory response and therefore prevents premature aging and diseases like cancer. This is all happening on the molecular level! You can actually leave a molecular signature on your cells to regulate your own gene expression! Boom… and there you have it! Now all you have to do is start Meditating to experience the benefits for yourself! For more information about Acupuncture and Headaches contact Mount Olive Acupuncture & Wellness 973527-7978.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • Denville Life • June 2020 • Page 21

Freeholders Honor Retiring County Planning Director

he Morris County Board of Freeholders last night honored retiring county Planning Director Christine Marion with a county resolution, thanking her for four decades of exemplary work and leadership on behalf of the residents of Morris County. Christine, a Denville resident, began her service with the county in 1982 as a temporary employee, serving as a Planning Aide, before being hired permanently in 1984. She worked her way up the ranks over the next four decades, serving as Assistant Planner, Senior Planner, Principal Planner, Supervising Planner, Assistant Director of the County Planning Board, and in 2009 was promoted to Morris County Planning Director. Christine’s knowledge of planning issues in Morris County is second to none, with expertise ranging from Local Land Use Laws and the County Planning Act to all county Preservation Trust Fund Programs. She is well-respected statewide for her planning knowledge, especially through her involvement with the New Jersey County Planners Association. “Christine will be leaving

the county after a 38-year career of outstanding service and leadership. It is an understatement to say that she will be greatly missed,’’ Freeholder Director Deborah Smith said at last night’s virtual freeholder meeting. Even as she has been winding down her career, in her final weeks Christine has been a leader in Morris County’s 2020 Census effort, working to get every Morris County resident counted, Freeholder Smith noted. Some words from the Freeholder Board resolution: Whereas, her efforts

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have been important to the development of Morris County as a great place to live and work and raise a family – where beautiful natural spaces coincide with top schools, major business centers, great restaurants and the arts; and Whereas, Christine has long offered excellent professional service to county residents, demonstrated “superhuman abilities’’ by handling short-notice, highstress projects with a smile on her face, and has treated her colleagues with great respect, and earned their admiration and friendship, and she certainly is truly deserving of this recognition. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Morris County, New Jersey, congratulates Christine Marion for her accomplishments and extends her best wishes for many happy years of retirement. Congratulations and Thank You!

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5 Not-So-Obvious Household Essentials for Your Time at Home

xtended time at home is making many families more aware of what products they simply can’t do without. While you may have predicted what some of these essentials would be -- ahem, toilet paper -- other, not-so-obvious items are helping to make quarantines more comfortable nationwide. To get a handle on what has come in most handy during this stay-at-home period, Zevo recently conducted a national survey, and here are some of the items topping people’s lists: • Home Exercise Equipment. Those with gym memberships or a love of the outdoors may never have assumed there would come a day when they would need a home stationary bike or treadmill. But such equipment is for many people the best way to work out these days, and those who lack the space for a piece of heavy machinery are turning to resistance bands, yoga mats and other smaller items that can be tucked away between uses. • Bug Killer Spray: The last thing people want during quarantine is to share their home with pests. Unfortunately, due to a warm winter and wet spring, the forecast for ants, roaches, mosquitoes and more predicts a very buggy 2020. With so much additional time spent around the house, selecting products without harsh chemicals and odors makes a lot of sense. Zevo Instant Action Sprays with BioSelective Technology use essential oils to attack nervous system receptors vital to insects -not people or pets. With a light scent of lemongrass and

Don’t let pesky pests drop in on movie night.

no harsh chemical odors, it’s a powerful bug solution you can feel good about using around the home. • Multipurpose Tools: Many people are finding that certain basics can be used in more than one way, making them ideal to have around the house. Baking soda for example, has many potential uses, including kitchen cleaner, odor eliminator, itch remedy, vegetable wash, and even as an ingredient for homemade dog toothpaste, to name a few. Likewise, you might find that pair of scissors a go-to household item right about now, whether you are home-schooling, crafting or giving yourself a haircut. • Streaming Video: At a time when people must remain at home, they are relying more than ever on video streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to keep them entertained night after night. • Fun and Games: Screen time may be on the rise, but as it turns out, so is good-old-fashioned family fun, with many households naming puzzles and games as must-have items. Whether it’s solving a complicated 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle or organizing a family checkers tournament, having a well-stocked game room or den is a great idea right now. While everyone’s situation looks a bit different and every household operates in its own unique way, there are certain items with widespread potential to create happier, healthier, more comfortable spaces. (StatePoint)

4 Ways Science Exploration Can Shape Students’ Futures

he impact of scientific exploration has vastly shaped the world we live in, and in this challenging time, it has never been more relevant than it is today. As families navigate the new reality of working and learning from home, there’s an opportunity to think creatively about how children learn and explore science. Parents and educators can turn to project-based activities to combine learning with fun, help kids stay curious and occupied while also providing an avenue to put their passion for problem solving to good use. In short, science exploration can positively fuel, nourish and encourage the great minds of tomorrow. According to the 2019 3M State of Science Index, 59 percent of the world’s population believe scientific advancements will benefit future generations. Beyond paving the way toward vibrant career opportunities, a STEM education can shape a young person’s mind and transform their future in these fundamental ways: 1. Active learning instills confidence. Whether it’s positing a new hypothesis or learning a new programming language, the process of active learning required by STEM pushes students out of their comfort zone and creates an environment where taking calculated risks is encouraged. Becoming comfortable with taking risks to solve problems and learning from these outcomes builds confidence. These skillsets can be applied to any future challenges a student may need to navigate. 2. Problem solving encourages creativity. Who says STEM can’t be creative? Problem solving forces outside-the-box thinking and hones creativity. Without creativity, innovation is impossible, making this an invaluable quality that can translate into all areas of life and work, particularly in fields using cutting-edge STEM principles. 3. STEM helps students develop key life skills. From communication to decision-making to teamwork, STEM learning helps students develop practical skills inside and outside the lab. Fortunately, this learning can happen independently. Anyone can turn their home into a laboratory by visiting, youngscientistlab.com, a free resource offering science project ideas

and step-by-step directions for grades K-8. Whether students collaborate or work independently, they’ll feel accomplished after finishing projects. 4. Young scientists can make an impact on tomorrow’s world. Educational science programs encourage students to think about tomorrow’s challenges today. Some programs even offer exciting opportunities for students to put their ideas and theories directly into practice. For example, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, hosted in partnership with Discovery Education, offers students the chance to be named America’s Top Young Scientist. The national science competition for students in grades 5-8 gives young inventors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M scientist, compete for a $25,000 prize, and learn new skills. Last year’s winner, aspiring microbiologist, Kara Fan, 14, invented a first aid liquid bandage using nano-silver technology to reduce the risk of superbug infections caused by antibiotic overuse. Fan is a great example of what can happen when science skills are applied to making a positive difference in the world. “I entered the challenge because I wanted to show my invention of the nanosilver liquid bandage to more people. I think it is important for more people to be aware of the antibiotic-resistance bacteria crisis and do something about it,” says Fan, who worked with her 3M mentor for several months to refine her invention. Now open, this year’s challenge asks students to identify a problem in one of six categories—health, safety, mobility, environment, energy consumption, or community—and come up with a unique innovation to improve lives for the future. To learn more, and for important dates and deadlines, visit YoungScientistLab.com/challenge. STEM learning can shape students’ futures, and ultimately make communities safer and healthier. Be active, be bold, and explore opportunities outside the classroom that will instill a lifelong love of STEM learning. (StatePoint)

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

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