East Hanover Florham Park February 2023

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The Florham Park Education Foundation Aids Township Schools

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK - Alexis Seubert, President of the Florham Park Education Foundation (FPEF), offers what she feels is the key word for the volunteer group’s work.

Opportunity.

“Opportunity for teachers to have the resources they need in the classroom; opportunity for students to learn in different ways and be exposed to different ways of thinking, and different ways of using creativity and imagination; opportunity for families to get support; and opportunity for parents to get more involved in the schools and their children’s lives,” Seubert says.

The FPEF was a Florham Park Board of Education goal in 2017, when the school district put together a five-year plan and distributed it to the school community and the wider community. “One of those goals was the formation of an education foundation,” Seubert explains. “The way educational foundations typically work is they are independent from the school district, although

anything we donate back to the school or grant is in line with the goals of the administration. Basically, an education foundation becomes kind of a fundraising arm for the school, because all operations and donations, all funds that we raise, we award back in the form of grants.”

After studying what nearby communities were doing and seeing how the businesses and residents supported the schools, a steering committee of volunteers was formed, and from 2017 to 2019 research was conducted. Seubert says “We received our 501c3 in 2019, and then we were off to try to scale in capacity and build and get our name out there.”

The core value of the FPEF is that every student receives an exceptional education. It does this in three ways. First, is the belief that every student deserves a tailored learning experience. They do this through teacher grants, and since its inception they have run both fall and spring grant cycles.

“Teachers can apply for grants,

BY RICHARD MABEY JR. GUEST WRITER AREA - Author’s Note: I do my absolute, honest best to write stories that are true and endearing to the human heart.

This story is very precious to me, in that it is the story of the love that brought my paternal grandparents together.

From September of 1965 till the late Summer of 1966, my feet never touched the ground as I battled a most serious case of Rheumatic Fever.

Like clockwork, my grandparents, Watson and Bertha Mabey would come to visit me in my bedroom every Tuesday and Thursday. It is during these endearing visits with my grandparents that Grandpa told me many, many stories of his youth and of his remembrances of life along the old Morris Canal. This very story was one of those true-life tales that Grandpa told me, all those years ago.

My grandfather was a very shy man. However, the good Lord graced him with the gift of story telling. Grandpa had this uncanny talent to use his voice flexion, to animate his hands, and to use his facial expressions to hold me spellbound as he spun his yarns of a time, long since past.

One of Grandpa’s favorite stories to tell was about the Valentine’s Day of 1915. Grandpa

was 21 years old and Grandma was 18. It is a story unto itself, but Grandma’s parents, David and Catherine Storms, moved to Beavertown, just across the street from the old Mabey Homestead, in 1914. Grandpa was friendly with the Storms family. And, on the Valentine’s Day of 1915, Grandpa finally got the nerve to as Grandma for a date.

From Grandma’s point of view, I had learned that Grandma’s father did not fully approve of Watson taking his daughter for a date. You see, Grandpa rode his Indian motorcycle across Route 202 and knocked on the door of the Storms Homestead and asked to see Bertha. According to Grandma, it was her father who answered the door and when he saw Grandpa’s motorcycle in the back driveway, he was very concerned about Watson being too wild and reckless for his beloved daughter.

Grandpa often told me, with a big smile on his face, how he remembered sitting on the bench just outside the backdoor of the old Storms Homestead. “I remember your Grandma and her father had a bit of a discussion whether or not your Grandma was going to be allowed to go for a mo-

A Playground Communication Board was awarded to Mrs. Anna Nowacki for all Briarwood Elementary School students (courtesy of Florham Park Education Foundation) 34 multicultural books were awarded to Mrs. Maria Zeija’s 4th grade Brooklake Elementary School classroom (courtesy of Florham Park Education Foundation)

and it can be something fun, a wish list, whatever they deem that’s important to their classroom to facilitate instruction, to meet children wherever they are at any point in time,” Seubert says. “To have a place where the teachers can go, or the administration can go, and say, ‘This is something we think is impactful and will either benefit a wide range of

students or a small number of students in a really important way.” The second core way is the creation of innovative programs and larger projects to help shape the future for students, and the final thing started during the COVID-19 pandemic - is that every student deserves equal access to education. “If there’s a family in the district that’s experienc-

A Valentine’s Day Story

An endearing photograph, from 1915, of my Grandma and Grandpa, Watson and Bertha Mabey, on Grandpa’s Indian motorcycle.

torcycle ride with me,” Grandpa would tell me. Then Grandma would interrupt Grandpa and say to me, “but I finally convinced Pop to let me take that motorcycle ride with your Grandpa!”

In May of 1916, my grandfather got the courage to ask his beloved Bertha to marry him. She said yes. They got married the very next month.

Together my grandparents had nine children, 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 16 great great grandchildren.

In memory, I return to those wonderful and magical times of watching and listening to Grandpa tell his stories of the remembrances of his life as a young man. I do my best to be true to bring his stories back to life, to honor the beloved patriarch. I loved my grandfather all so very much. In many ways, he taught me a lot about the fine art of storytelling. I dearly miss him.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com.

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scroll down and fill out the form to be entered. Winners will be notified and printed in the next issue.

ing hardship or needs essential supplies, we have a Community Care program that they can reach out to, and we will support those families,” Seubert says. “It’s been primarily food and school supplies, but then we will try to get additional resources.”

The FPEF is always looking for additional volunteers and for donations. “We are fully funded through donations, and through donations to the foundation, you know exactly

where your money is going.

We are fully run through volunteers who choose to give their time to the education foundation,” Seubert says. “We have gratitude for whatever we receive, financial power or people power.”

If interested in sharing your time, talent, and expertise to the FPEF, please contact Seubert at fpef.president@ gmail.com. To donate or learn more, visit www.fpefnj.org.

Unashamed of Hope: The Power of the Untold Stories Project

BY CHIP M. O’BRIEN STAFF WRITER AREA - What’s the point of storytelling? What are stories for?

In early 2020, these questions held dire importance for the nonprofit organization Storytelling Arts, Inc. Before 2020, it had focused on bringing programs about folk tales to schools throughout NJ. Now the pandemic had shut down schools across the state.

Faced with an existential threat, Storytelling Arts questioned its core mission. “We had to ask ourselves, in times of Black Lives Matter and COVID-19, are folktales the most relevant way to use storytelling?” remembers Linda Helm Krapf, Executive Director of Storytelling Arts. “Or is it time for us to begin thinking about personal stories?”

The idea for a new direction came from an unexpected source. Krapf’s last flight before the COVID shutdown took her through the Denver Airport, where she spied a Desmond Tutu quote on a poster. It read,

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

Krapf immediately recognized its relevance. “That told me we all have to get together and listen to one another,” she says. “Because the answers are with all of us together, not separate.”

The idea turned into an online storytelling event conducted over Zoom. Krapf describes the events as tentative, an experiment. Both storytellers and audiences enjoyed the personal stories program. When shutdown regulations receded, the concept reached its full incarnation as the Untold Stories of a Storied People project.

Phase One of the project began last year. A total of eight storytellers gathered from four NJ communities, Jersey City, Morristown, New Brunswick, and Trenton, to prepare for in-person performances.

The project focused on people PLEASE SEE UNASHAMED, PAGE 2

Winners From January’s “Find Hank The Hornet Mascot” Contest

AREA - The winners from January’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” are Tracey Stern; Florham Park, Ajay Mampilly; East Hanover, Laureen Renzullo; East Hanover, and Alexandra Penetra; Florham Park.

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Page 2 • Februry 2023 • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

FLORHAM PARK - New Jersey has the 4th least expensive water of any state in the US. Julia Somers, Executive Director of the NJ Highlands Coalition shared that good information with the Florham Park Rotary. Giving her presentation at the Florham Park Diner on the January 6 breakfast meeting, she advised it’s because our state has done much and continues to do so to protect our water sources.

The Mission of the Coalition is to protect, enhance and restore the New Jersey Highlands and to preserve the quality and quantity of drinking water both for the 850,000 people in the Highlands as well as millions of people in surrounding areas who depend on Highlands water.

Protecting the Highlands is a concern for all because: • The Highlands provides water to 70% of NewJersey residents • Outdoor recreation in NJ is worth almost $19billion and support local economies • Highlands forest are one of the state’s best defenses against climate change, they improve water and air quality, and provide critical wildlife habitat for many of New Jer-

Florham Park Rotary Welcomes the NJ Highlands Coalition Speaker

sey’s threatened and endangered species.

The Highlands Coalition is a non-profit education and advocacy organization. It is not the Highlands Council which is a government agency.

Anyone with questions can reach the Highlands Coalition through info@njhighlandscoalition.org or at 973-588-7190.

Many in town know that the Florham Park Rotary focuses its efforts mostly on supporting local education. However, local club President, Simone Campbell, also reminds us that as “Rotarians have a shared responsibility to protect the environment and seek ways to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. That is a strong connection between the goals of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition and Rotary International.”

Rotarian Peter Nicolas recommends that anyone wanting to learn more about the Highlands, our environment, and how to protect them, can check the NJ Highland Coalition’s website at https://njhighlandscoalition.org/. There they can see upcoming events and/ or view some of the recorded or live webinars. Two titles of particular interest are:

• Beyond Timber; the Future of New Jersey’s Forests • The Morris Canal: Northern New Jersey’s Water Highway with the Canal Society of NJ About Rotary Rotary International is a nonpolitical and nonsectarian organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed,

A performance of the Untold Stories of a Storied People project in Jersey City last year.

Unashamed of Hope...

FROM FRONT PAGE with profound life experiences whose stories had not been heard so those stories could be elevated and amplified.

One of those storytellers was Ron Ritzie, a lifelong resident of Morristown who has watched his childhood community change over the years.

An accomplished artist, painter, and muralist, Ritzie had not yet committed his own story to words. The Untold Stories project and its training workshops gave him the opportunity to craft his story creatively, during a summer when many of his childhood haunts were being destroyed for new construction.

“It became a cathartic process,” Ritzie remembers. “I went into a search of going back to my childhood, childhood trauma. And it was very difficult because I thought, I’m 64 years old. I felt that I had dealt with it all. And I had. But

there were certain things that needed truth to be told to it, because there were two sides to a story. And I wanted to know the truth.”

As the storytellers worked together in workshops, many of their stories became more vulnerable and personal. For Ritzie, as for many of the storytellers, facing the truth of their stories activated emotions that they had buried for years. But allowing their buried stories to be seen, heard, and validated also proved liberating. “To tell you the truth, that last summer, I did nothing but cry,” Ritzie says, comparing the process to peeling the layers off an onion or a scab off a wound. “It was like that. And when I finally got to the root of the truth, I was okay.”

After completing their training, the storytellers performed in each of their four communities. For Ritzie, the Morristown venue held particular symbol-

ic importance: the event took place at Grow It Green Urban Farm, across from his former junior high school.

About sixty people attended the Morristown performance. In the talkback after the event, one audience member addressed Ritzie specifically.

Ritzie had told a story about a painful and highly unusual childhood experience; the man in the audience had lived through the exact same thing.

“That’s when it came full circle for me,” Ritzie says. “After everything was done on the last performance, I knew I had done what I needed to do. And the healing started.”

It’s an experience that happened more than once. “Every single audience reflected back to us that they too felt seen and heard, because the storyteller stories were often their stories,” says Krapf. Sharing stories not only healed the storytellers, but helped their audi-

religion, gender, or political preference. There are more than 35,000 clubs worldwide dedicated to bringing together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.

Guests are welcome to join

a weekly Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner at 182 Ridgedale Avenue to learn more about their local Rotary club. Those meetings are also held via Zoom to provide the option for members who can›t physically attend frequently in the Diner.

Meetings are 7:47 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. every Friday.

More ways to learn about the Florham Park Rotary are to visit www.FlorhamParkRotary.com, check Florham Park Community TV (Channels 21 for Cablevision and 35 for Verizon), or call or write Membership Chair George Gregor at ggregor@florhamparkrotary.comor 917-848-0982.

ences heal, too.

Ritzie is still performing with the Untold Stories of a Storied People project, but his stories will most likely turn aside from childhood trauma.

“I did it,” he says, “I dug up those bones. I buried them so many times. And now it’s time for me to continue to do what I need to do as an artist, as somebody that’s going to live a healthy life for years to come.”

After the success of Phase One, the project itself will change and expand, too. If funding is secured, a hoped-for Phase Two will grow Untold

Stories of a Storied People to include a monthly storytelling lab in Madison and the ability to bring aboard more storytellers with untold stories from immigrants, veterans, especially female veterans, essential workers during COVID, and all others who feel unseen and unheard.

Krapf hopes that the empathy created by storytelling can offer better solutions. “Our humanity needs to be elevated,” she says. “We need to respond to these times in a different way than the way that we’re responding.”

That’s one answer to our original question: what are stories for?

The Untold Stories project / program shows that stories can be for healing, catharsis, connection, and liberation.

Or, as Micah Bournes writes in the poem “Humming Fools” linked on Storytelling Arts’ website, stories can be for creating hope– hope that by witnessing each other’s stories, we can all become more human.

For more information about Untold Stories of a Storied People, visit www.storytellingartsinc.org/

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • February 2023 • Page 3

Bucket List Travels: The World’s Wildest Horse Race Morristown resident Paul Partridge has been building a travel bucket list for years.

Now he’s diving in – near and far – and shares his adventures in this column.

The Palio di Siena is an insane horse race that’s been held since the Middle Ages and continues today. Here’s a view from inside the ropes.

BY PAUL PARTRIDGE GUEST WRITER AREA - Ten wild-eyed stallions are sprinting straight at us. The rumble of their hooves and violent power of their strides augurs a frightening determination. Hours earlier these horses were blessed at church, and it looks like they may need it. There’s a hairpin turn ahead and surely there’s no way all can make it through without incident.

Welcome to the Palio I’ve been lucky enough to attend the World Series, the U.S. Open, the Indianapolis 500, the America’s Cup, Army vs. Navy, and the Tall Ships parading down the Hudson during the Statue of Liberty’s Centennial celebration.

Nothing compares to the spectacle, the pageantry, and the pandemonium unleashed by a bareback horse race involving three death-defying laps around the Piazza del Campo in Siena Italy.

All that’s delightful and charming about Italy is on display – food, wine, art, architecture, fashion, passion, it’s all here – compressed into a single, unforgettable day.

Neighbor vs. Neighbor Siena is divided into 17 neighborhood districts or wards called Contrade. Each contrada has its own colors and flag, and takes the name of a spirit animal or object. For example, Leone (lion), Lupa (she-wolf) and Drago (dragon).

The rivalry between neighborhoods is fierce. The greatest outcome is for your contrada to win. The second-best outcome is for your rival neighborhood to lose.

Some contrade have resorted to bribery to get their horses to perform better, while others have employed drugs. Jockeys have been kidnapped, seduced, and threatened. Heavy objects have been placed under saddles to slow down competing horses.

The preparations that take place leading up to race day are enormous. Think Halloween, Mardi Gras, and the Rose Bowl parade, rolled into one.

The festivities culminate with the pre-race dinner.

My family is invited to dinner with the Aquila (eagle) contrada. The setting, in the shadow of the Duomo, is so spectacular I get goosebumps.

It feels as if we’re dining at Hogwarts.

Up at the main dais, the jockey is serenaded by hymns, chants, children’s poems and vino-fortified toasts. Some vestal virgins may have been offered but I can’t be sure from my seat. Our jockey seems surprisingly subdued, as if hoping for the fete to end.

Perhaps he’s not confident in his steed because horses are not chosen; they’re assigned by lottery. Or maybe he’s recalling the unfortunate history of Aquila, as Eagle holds the record for fewest race victories.

Or he could be contemplating the plight of previous riders – heroes turned goats following inglorious defeat. For a Palio jockey, adoration can turn to contempt – or worse – in under 90 seconds.

Race Day For three days prior to race day, a watchman has been

sleeping with Eagle’s stallion to guard against tampering.

This morning he’s walked to the Duomo and blessed by the local priest.

Piazza del Campo starts to fill around 3 pm. The festivities officially begin when the Italian cavalry enter the square.

Impressively, majestically, they parade in, salute the dignitaries, and then lead a series of charges, swords drawn. Half mesmerizing, half terrifying, it jolts the crowd to attention.

Next comes the parade, a two-hour feast for the eyes featuring archers, horsemen, flag wavers, drummers, trumpeters, noblemen (and women) – all dressed in Medieval and Renaissance era costumes. Every neighborhood is represented.

By 7 pm it’s race time. An entire Shakespearian play takes place in the leadup to the start. Nine horses are chosen randomly to enter the starting line. They take their position rather casually, Italian style.

There are no gates; only a singular rope holds the ensemble (loosely) in place. It’s more like a moving scrum of unruly kindergarteners then a starting line.

The Puppet Master The 10th horse, called the Rincorsa, stands alone, surveying the scene. He can enter when its jockey so decides. In this way he’s the puppet master, because the race begins only when the Rincorsa crosses the starting line.

The dance between the Rincorsa and the other horses is called the Mossa. There’s lots of banging and bumping and

Palio jockeys race bareback just as they have since 1656.

fidgeting. Jockeys are tense.

Horses twitch and snort. The crowd, 40,000 strong, crescendos into a fevered roar – shouting, gesturing, imploring, cursing (and that’s the women).

Then, a moment of calm, a second of quiet. All eyes turn to the Rincorsa.

Suddenly a horse rears, squealing and kicking. The other mounts scatter. Race organizers scramble to get the horses calmed and realigned.

This happens several more times. Mossa can take two minutes or over an hour. Seven centuries of grudges and paybacks play out in the scrum activities.

Secret Backroom Deals Heads of the contrade make secret backroom deals, so if their horse is the Rincorsa, they might be rewarded if they enter when their horse is in a good position, or their enemy is in a

bad position. The jockeys also make deals, so you don’t know if they are trying to win or just block another rider. Perhaps this explains why the Sienese name for jockeys is assassini (assassins).

Without warning the Rincorsa bolts across the starting line and a cannon fires to signal the race is on. Our Aquila jockey hasn’t recovered from last night and is late off the line.

The racetrack is not a perfect oval. Walls jut out at crazy, dangerous angles, especially in Turn 2 where we’re sitting.

The walls are padded to protect the horses, but that doesn’t prevent collisions.

Jockeys are sometimes separated from their mounts (remember, they’re riding bareback). A riderless horse is not disqualified. The first horse to cross the finish line – with or without a jockey – wins.

The lead changes constantly – and suddenly. Which fuels the excitement. And the delirium of the crowd. One minute your horse is at the back of the pack. Two breaths later, he’s charging to the lead.

Going into the final lap, it looks to be a two-horse race between Nicchio (Seashell) and Oca (Goose). Meanwhile the Eagle has landed, crashing in Turn 2 and never finishing the race.

The crowd is on its feet. It’s a photo finish. The winner is . ..

Goose! The Oca neighborhood faithful rush onto the racetrack, flags waving, tears of joy overflowing. They hug and kiss the jockey and hoist him onto their shoulders, singing songs of joy. The winning horse is marched into church and down the aisle for a blessing.

Need Homework Help? Try Kumon of East Hanover

Page 4 • Februry 2023 • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

EAST HANOVER - Opened in 2012, Hema Popat began her journey of helping students in grades PreK-12 through Kumon. In 10 years, the center has helped almost 1,000 students gain better grades and feel more confident in their education.

“We have been in East Ha-

nover for 10 years and have helped over 950 students from the local and nearby communities with the math and reading skills,” Popat says.

The center helps students in two critical areas: math and reading.

“We are an after-school learning program and provide

students support and enrichment for math and reading, the two core subjects that build the main foundation for learning,” Popat shares.

And aside from the math and reading skills, what else do students take away from their time at Kumon?

“We help our students prog-

ress above grade level whilst building focus, confidence and important work skills such as organization and accountability,” Popat said.

Now relocated, the new center is open at 240 Route 10.

The new location brings a new classroom, parking, and amenities in one convenient location.

sion mitigation, management of invasive plants, and trail upkeep and signage. All three have increased in importance as more people have turned to local trails for recreation and relaxation since COVID: Nester notes that the Conference’s most popular trailheads each saw about 20,000 users in 2022 alone.

The battle against erosion has become increasingly challenging thanks to changing conditions: more intense summertime heat, followed by intense storms with heavy, eroding rain.

“It has forced the Conference, particularly our trail builders, to think a lot more creatively about what a sustainable trail looks like,” says Zachary Cole, Long Distance Trail Coordinator for the Conference. Trail crews can deploy an arsenal of tools to control water flow and erosion: water bars, check dams, puncheon (a low plank bridge), and puncheon’s big brother: the much-beloved bridge.

Though erosion presents a constant challenge, many parks suffer from an even more aggressive enemy. “The biggest problem here is probably the proliferation of invasive botanical species,” says Bob Jonas, currently Co-Supervisor of Morristown National Historical Park alongside his wife, Estelle Anderson. Invasives choked the trails when they first arrived as Co-Chairs of the Central North Jersey Committee in 2008.

A three-year concerted effort helped fight back the worst of

it, ensuring wider trails and reduced regrowth. “They’re very prolific,” he says. “So it’s a constant job, really.”

The Conference focuses on about a dozen particularly aggressive invasive species in NJ, including barberry, Japanese stiltgrass, and multiflora rose.

Training is also a major component of the Conference’s work: they offer rigorous apprenticeship programs for their certified sawyers as well as practical training and experience for their Conservation Corps members. “We’re really training the next generation of environmental conservationists and leaders,” Nester, the Community Outreach Coordinator, says.

All of this work is accomplished in partnership with federal, state, local, and private entities, as the Trail Conference doesn’t own any land itself and must seek permission from land managers in order to service the trails.

In the case of long distance trails, this might require conversation with literally dozens of land owners. The Conference serves three long-distance trails: the NY-NJ section of the Appalachian Trail, which it maintains alongside the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and two trails that it designs and leads: the 358mile Long Path and the 180mile Highlands Trail.

The Highlands Trail is of particular importance to NJ because it passes through the federally recognized Highlands

Region, which occupies less than 15% of the state while providing over 70% of its population with drinking water. By connecting separately owned pieces of the Highlands Region into one landscape, says Cole, the Long Distance Trail Coordinator, the Highlands Trail helps preserve NJ’s water and air quality while offering opportunities for recreation, as well as justification for preserving individual parcels of natural land.

If certain land is considered historically significant, several entities must approve major maintenance projects before the Conference can proceed. Anderson, Co-Supervisor of Morristown National Historical Park, notes the historical importance of the land she maintains: over 7,000 of George Washington’s troops were stationed at Jockey Hollow throughout the terrible winter of 1779-80 during the Revolutionary War. Every pile of rocks “could have been an encampment,” she says. “It could have been a fireplace, it could have been a foundation.”

The result: digging and moving rocks is not permitted in the park without approval from the State Historic Preservation Office, the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, and the Northeast Region Archeology Program.

But Anderson and Jonas are undeterred. They’ve made a list of twenty trail signposts that they’d like to replace or service, as soon as approval and warmer weather arrive.

The Trail Conference enjoys

“We have relocated from Ridgedale Avenue to 240 Route 10. We are very excited to offer a spacious, brand-new classroom and ample parking along with great shopping and dining experiences in our location,” Popat says.

Kumon of East Hanover is open Tuesday, Wednesday,

and Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. To reach Popat outside of classroom hours, call 917-861-0835. To learn more about Kumon of East Hanover, visit www.kumon.com/east-hanover.

Ever Hiked in Northern NJ? Thank the NY-NJ Trail Conference

BY CHIP M. O’BRIEN STAFF WRITER

Howie Liebmann still remembers the moment that changed his view of hiking trails forever.

He was hiking the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a demanding trek in the best conditions, and springtime snowmelt had swallowed many stream crossings. In order to cross, he had to remove his socks and boots, wade through the frigid water, and dry off on the other side before continuing.

It was arduous and exhausting.

“And then you come to a spot where there was a bridge built,” Liebmann says. “And you go: wow. Thank God for this bridge.

I don’t know who built this bridge, but God bless ‘em.”

It’s a familiar sentiment for the 24 staff members and 2,500 volunteers who power the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. “They know bridges don’t happen on their own,” says Liebmann, who now leads volunteers in maintaining 75 miles of trails as the NYNJTC’s Northwest New Jersey Trail Chair. “And they want to pay it forward.”

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and protects about 2,175 total miles of hiking trails from the Delaware Water Gap in northern New Jersey to just north of the Catskills in New York. About 760 of those miles fall within New Jersey, almost all north of Interstate 80.

“Basically, we do work to make sure that the natural areas and trails in our region are accessible and sustainable for another century, for generations to come,” says Ashley Nester, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Trail Conference.

The Trail Conference knows something about sustaining wilderness trails for generations: in 1923, after changing its name from the Palisades Interstate Trail Conference, the organization built the first completed mile of the Appalachian Trail near Bear Mountain, NY. While the Trail Conference remains focused on building and maintaining hiking trails, as well as publishing famously authoritative trail maps by Sussex County, NJ cartographer Jeremy Apgar, it has also expanded to include conservation and stewardship work that ties to its mission. “It’s great if we have someone building a trail, but what about the natural areas around those trails?” Nester says. “You can’t really have a healthy trail system without a healthy forest for it to thrive in.”

On the local level, the Trail Conference’s work in NJ focuses primarily on three tasks: ero-

Bob Jonas and Estelle Anderson, Trail Conference Co-Supervisors at Morristown National Historical Park

a harmonious relationship with land managers and park staff.

As a volunteer-run organization, the conference can perform necessary trail work that parks don’t have the time, personnel, or resources to do themselves.

Liebmann, the Northwest NJ Trail Chair, recalls asking one park superintendent for her input about a tricky trail maintenance challenge. Her response: “Why are you asking me? You know the trails better than I do.

What do you think?”

“And she’s right,” Liebmann says. “We’re on the trails all the time.”

This speaks to the especially vital role that the NY-NJ Trail Conference fills in NJ: our state allocates insufficient funds to its parks, leading to a lack of resources and park staff that many fear is unsustainable. In April 2022, ecologist Michael Van Clef, Ph.D. released the New Jersey State Lands ManPLEASE SEE NY-NJ TRAIL CONFERENCE, PAGE 6

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • February 2023 • Page 5

Local Masters Swimmers Celebrate 19th Anniversary With Combined In Person & Virtual Awards Breakfast

Page 6 • Februry 2023 • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

AREA - A group of Masters Swimmers from Madison and the surrounding areas have had the privilege of swimming together for many years at the Madison YMCA, the Madison Community Pool, the Summit YMCA and other close by locations. Traditionally, we track monthly swim yardage on a user friendly web site. Impacted by the Pandemic in 2020 and 2021, we were excited to be officially tracking yards for the entire year, as we had in pre-pandemic days (thanks to our web site coordinator Barry Lass). So for all of 2022, the monthly ranking of yards by swimmer was published as it had been in the past.

Also, as we do every year in January, we were determined to celebrate with each other as a group again. So the Masters Yardstick Swimmers gathered recently at our 19th anniversary annual awards breakfast on January 7th- a combined live (at the Harding Township Library) and online (via Zoom) eventwith strong participation (28 in person and 9 on Zoom)! Hosted by longtime swimmers Bob

Nissen, Joe Donohue, and Richard Clew, the event highlighted activities of 2022 (aided by our group historian, Barbara Rushman) and brought us together in such a way that all active members could enjoy.

We began with an entertaining review of swimmers monthly comments from the “comment box” on our web site, as well as feedback from a short swimmers survey. Many of our swimmers enjoy participating in group workouts at the Walker D. Kirby Aquatics Center in its modern eight lane pool at the Madison YMCA! For further information on the pool and swim program, please contact Jon Siegel at the Madison YMCA at JSiegel@madisonymca.org Ultimately, we moved on to the highlight of the event- our Annual Awards. Red Stars went to swimmers Bob Franks of Chatham, Bill Sullivan of Florham Park, Sandra Seddon of Chatham, Cindy Viola of Chatham, Lynda Przedpelski of Summit, and Jennifer Bauman of Parsippany, all having

achieved at least one 100,000 yard month during the year.

Cindy Viola was named “Bold Performer of the Year”, for demonstrating improved performance, exceptional effort and a special commitment to the swimming program. Team Competition returned, as Marcia’s Meter Maniacs (led by Captain Marcia Postallian of Florham Park) bested Cande’s Crushers (led by Captain Cande Olsen of Morristown). Finally, our top swimmer for 2022 was Jennifer Bauman, achieving 1,226,382 yards, or nearly 697 miles! Jennifer was awarded the Doug Clark Championship Yardstick, named in memory of our former “Yardstick Swimmer”. Combined, 61 swimmers swam more than 21 million yards!

We all had a great time, and were so happy to connect with our swimming friends once again. And we will continue our monthly yard tracking in 2023, and are convinced that our program will grow in numbers!

Adult swimmers of all levels from beginners to experts

FROM PAGE 4 agement Report assessing NJ’s public lands and resources. Clef depicts a dire picture of NJ’s state parks: the state’s operating budget for parks is one third of Pennsylvania’s and one sixth of New York’s, even as NJ state lands face more environmental pressures due to greater population density. Park staffing has been slashed to bare bone, with only fifteen Park Superintendents assigned to supervise fifty parks, and “invasive species control is virtually absent on park lands” due to a lack of personnel to tackle the job.

In short, NJ parks don’t have enough staff to do the work required to keep trails usable– and without the Trail Conference’s legion of volunteers, there would be no one to do the work at all. “They probably would just say, okay, close the trail,” Anderson says. “And not just our park… all through the state, if they’re not taken care of. They don’t have the staff to do it.”

Even the Trail Conference’s work is hamstrung in NJ due to a lack of partner funding. Though volunteer-run, the conference’s work depends on lumber and other equipment and materials that must be regularly replaced.

Many programs run by the New York side of the Trail Conference, specifically those that hire Americorps volunteers, naturalists, conservation workers, and other professional contractors, rely on state grants that are unavailable in NJ. One solution presented itself to Anderson and Jonas at Morristown National Historical Park. In April, the Friends of Jockey Hollow formed under its first Executive Director, Leslie Bensley. Its purpose: to help fund maintenance, restoration, and other upgrades for the park’s Jockey Hollow and New Jersey Brigade Areas, including historical structures and trails.

With the nation’s 250th anni-

versary approaching, the task is particularly timely for this heritage site.

“We want to promote the park. We want to protect the environmental... and cultural resources,” says Bensley. “We couldn’t be more pleased to have Bob and Estelle as our leaders because they are some of the most qualified and passionate trail leaders… How lucky are we that this is their park and we get to work with them?”

In his State Lands Management Report, Van Clef recommends creating a similar organization at the statewide level: a nonprofit friends group that could fund public lands projects across NJ. Such a proposal is already in motion. Bill A-594 proposes the creation of the NJ State

Parks and Open Space Foundation, an organization that would fulfill this exact purpose. “[NJ parks] are precious jewels in the most densely populated state in the nation, and they must be maintained and protected at all costs,” writes Assemblywoman Shama Haider of District 37, who sponsored the bill. “The entity created with the passing of A-594 would make it easier for private citizens to support our public spaces, something that we should have done a long time ago.”

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie of District 12, a co-sponsor of the bill, agrees. “Parks play a critical role in quality of life and getting people outdoors, especially post-pandemic,” he says.

He looks forward to lobbying for the bill and getting more

NY-NJ Trail Conference...

Group Photo: Row 1 (on floor)- Deborah Fennelly, Cindy Viola, Row 2 (sitting)- Bob Nissen, Joe Donohue, Barbara Rushman, Bill Sjovall, Joe Balwierczak, Jim Sullivan, Bob Franks, Row 3 (sitting)- Bree Olivari, Nicole Sullivan, Liz Jennison, Paige Chang, Diane Dinsmore, Row 4 (standing) L-R)- Barry Lass, Bill Sullivan, Rich Clew, Yardstick Winner Jennifer Bauman, Ashley Pertsimlidis, Lynda Przedpelski, Bonnie Gannon, Matt Gann, Arnold DeGarcia, Row 5(standing) - Rick McKern, Jane Weeks. Zoom Box: Top Row-Debbie Goulian, Irene Fisher Cande Olsen, Second Row- Marcia Postallian, Pia Lord, Lauren Webster-Garcia, Bottom Row- Lynn Mellor, Sam Kongsamut, Melissa Griffie

are welcome to the Masters programs. To learn more about

our Yardstick Challenge, please contact Bob Nissen at bobnis-

sen@gmail.com.

cosponsors, mentioning the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial as well: “There’s no better time than now, in my opinion, to be really focused on this.”

Bill A-594 currently awaits approval by committee before it can be referred to the state assembly. If the bill passes, the new organization would tie in well with the work of the Trail Conference. “What I think this bill speaks to is that the ones that are getting it done really well, right now, tend to be volunteers,” Sauickie says. The organization’s support would allow the Trail Conference to fund more ambitious projects throughout northern NJ. In the meantime, as they have for the past hundred years, the volunteers of the Trail Con-

ference continue caring for New Jersey’s trails, their presence largely invisible. “Before I started at the Trail Conference, I truly thought that the parks were the ones that were maintaining trails,” Nester, the Community Outreach Coordinator, says.

“And that’s where I get chills because I think it’s so cool that we’re doing that work, and that there’s people out there who are willing to dedicate their time to keeping our public spaces accessible for us to use.”

“It’s the community looking after community assets,” says Cole, the Long Distance Trail Coordinator. “They have a vision and a creative ability that is just unparalleled… it’s impressive, and it’s incredible.”

“If you saw these guys work…” says Liebmann, the

Northwest New Jersey Trail Chair. “These people love doing what they’re doing.”

He remembers one particular project: building a 40-foot pedestrian bridge in Stokes Forest.

He watched a crew of volunteer trail maintainers move Class 1 poles, essentially treated telephone poles, into the forest and set them up to form the bridge.

“I was utterly in marvel,” he says. “We had thirty people standing on that bridge. You didn’t see that bridge drop an inch. They put a 40-foot bridge up in a day and a half.”

The next day, hikers enjoying Stokes Forest did not need to hop a precarious path across wet stones or wade across a swollen, muddy creek. Someone had built a bridge.

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Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • February 2023 • Page 7

with Saint Clare’s

A Look Inside A High-Tech Cath Lab

MARK J. BONAMO WRITER AREA - An inside look into a high-tech cardiac catheterization lab, better known as a cath lab, can be both fascinating and life-saving. Dr. Barry Lowell, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiac Rehab at Saint Clare’s Health, believes the updated cath lab at Saint Clare’s Health offers the high-

est quality and most advanced technology available, anywhere.

Understanding the treatments options inside a hightech cardiac catheterization begins with the difference between elective angioplasty and emergent angioplasty.

Elective angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure

that involves a catheter, which is a flexible plastic tube. The catheter with a small balloon dilates, or “opens up”, a blocked artery that supplies your heart muscle with blood. The balloon compresses built-up plaque and creates a wider channel for blood to flow. Emergency angioplasty is a life-saving procedure de-

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signed to open coronary artery blockages that are impeding proper blood flow to the heart.

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“Elective angioplasty is an exciting new addition to what we do. We have recently begun providing the same services electively for patients who are experiencing any type of coronary obstructive disorder, like angina or a small heart attack,” Dr. Lowell added. “We have learned that angioplasty of this nature is safe, and we are very comfortable providing these comprehensive services. The technologies have allowed us to safely treat people electively, and in most instances send them home on the very same day.”

The new technologies available at Saint Clare’s Health allow Dr. Lowell to treat his patients at the hospital in a way that is both local or

Dr. Barry Lowell, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiac Rehab at Saint Clare’s Health Dr. Barry Lowell, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiac Rehab at Saint Clare’s Health

around the corner from his patients, as well as ahead of the curve in providing advanced technology for critical heart procedures.

“From the 1990s onwards, we were working with balloons and then subsequently stents, and we were working under X-ray conditions. Today, our technologies provide us the opportunity to look directly inside the artery and characterize the nature of the blockage.

Is it a flaw? Is there calcium?

Is it just a single blockage or perhaps several?” Dr. Lowell queried. “We can use various different technologies which enables us to provide our patients with the safest and highest quality of care depending upon what we’re up against, and can readily choose another modality versus a stent, for example, if need be.”

“These changes in technology bring about better outcomes for patients both in the

short term and the long term,” Dr. Lowell added. “When we were using mostly balloons, they were not as durable as we would prefer. Later, after stents were more widely used, a substance was developed that made it inert so it wouldn’t react adversely with the body, making them virtually permanent. We can also now place stents more effectively as a result.”

Dr. Lowell pointed out that Saint Clare’s Health employs these types of advanced technologies within the smaller, more intimate confines of its facilities, providing patients with the same advantages found at larger academic hospitals.

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Page 8 • Februry 2023 • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

New Jersey’s National Guard Militia Museum is a Draw for All Ages

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

AREA - New Jersey’s National Guard Militia Museum has two locations. The main location is in Sea Girt, and the second is in Lawrenceville.

The museum is an offshoot of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Staff Sgt. Andrew Walker is the Director/Curator of the 501 c 3 non-profit organization that (courtesy of the museum website), “supports the collections, exhibitions and educational programs of the museum through volunteerism, advocacy, and fundraising.”

Walker, who is in Sea Girt (LTC (Ret) William Kale is Volunteer Co-Curator in Lawrenceville), is an informative, eager guide. He has a wealth of knowledge of military history. When you visit the Sea Girt location which is located a shell’s toss from the beach, you can visit display cases and see artifacts throughout the one-room facility. The museum details the Garden State’s Militia and National Guard history starting with the Dutch and Swedish, who arrived in the late 15th century, up through the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, World Wars I and II, to the present day. “We’re basically tracing the citizen soldier really since New Jersey’s inception,” Walker says. “There are different players at that point. We do trace our lineage and our heritage through the British colonization, but we do rec-

Let’s Talk Health...

FROM PAGE 7

ty catheterization laboratory services available anywhere in the country. This new technology has taken us leaps further. We are able to assess the physiology of the blood flow characteristics in blood vessels. We are able to see inside of blood vessels,” Dr. Lowell said. “After working in this field, I am able to see things better than before. We are so proud of this lab.”

Along with the benefits created by the use of new technologies, Dr. Lowell outlined how Saint Clare’s provides the rehabilitation and recovery services needed to ensure continued cardiac health.

“From our perspective, we think of our cardiac rehab program as a cardiovascular wellness program. Not only are we treating patients postheart attack or post-placement of stents, we are treating people with peripheral arterial disease, or who have difficulty walking,” Dr. Lowell said.

“What we do is also more than just a program of exercise.

Our nurses provide exceptional care. They teach dietetics and lifestyle change, and it becomes a separate community in and of itself.”

“I might also add that our program here at Saint Clare’s Health is perhaps the largest and one of the few programs that offers not only acute cardiac rehab for people who have had a recent incident, but we offer maintenance, which most other places do not,” Dr. Lowell added. “As a result, it’s been a wonderful and rewarding experience for the patients.”

For more information on Saint Clare’s Cardiac program, visit www.saintclares. com/cardiac.

ognize the other nations that were called on in New Jersey at the time.”

Founded in 1980, the National Guard Militia Museum was the fourth state National Guard Museum at that time.

Rapid growth and expansion encouraged the opening of the Lawrenceville Museum in 1998. Walker says, “We do rely on private donations mostly, so you’re able to reach out to us and inquire about whether or not we want a certain artifact.” Uniforms, medals, several types of equipment, and handwritten notes relating to New Jersey militia can be viewed here, as well as federal artifacts. One especially fascinating aspect of the museum is that, with so much emphasis placed on New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution – and rightly so - the museum also has a deep focus on our state’s involvement in the Civil War. Copies of articles, diaries, letters, memoirs, newspaper clippings, and regimental histories are part of one of the largest collections of New Jersey related Civil War research material in the United States.

“National Guardsmen are, and still are viewed, as citizen soldiers,” Walker explains.

“Civilians during peace, and then soldiers during war. That is really what the militia is:

Centuries of guarding New Jersey (courtesy if the National Guard Militia Museum)

citizens leaving their normal, everyday lives and being called into service. That is the National Guard - you are just supposed to protect your state and your country, and so that’s where citizen soldier comes from.”

The museum relies heavily on in-person visits, and if you enter the doors in Sea Girt, you will see displayed an 18th century powder horn, the oldest artifact on-site, and

the 28’, 4,000 pound “Intelligent Whale.” Built in 1864, the submarine, mammal-like vessel was tested in the Long Island Sound, but the Navy was not interested in using it. There are also quite a few replications of period militia uniforms.

Walker has tried to bring into the museum a narrative, downhome connection, and resident historian Joseph Bilby has delivered. “He crafted all

of our narratives, and it really makes sure that it’s pointing to those human connections, those kind of personal stories on those citizen soldiers from New Jersey.” The museum’s Oral History Program is run

by Assistant Curator, Ms. Carol Fowler, who has over 20 years of interviews that need to be summarized from audio logs. Volunteers and especially interns value the effort. “It’s a great learning tool for them to

see all the work that goes into keeping history,” Walker says.

The Sea Girt location is located at 100 Camp Drive, and the Lawrenceville museum is at Lawrenceville Armory, 151 Eggert Crossing Road. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Visit www.njmilitiamuseum.org for more information.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • February 2023 • Page 9

The Underlining Message Behind Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera

BY TOMMY HUGHES STAFF WRITER

AREA - When was the first time, through the art of fiction, an individual genuinely felt that one good scare?

When was the first moment where they felt a cold shiver of fear running through their body, causing them to crawl up into a ball on the floor?

In the case of an operatic soprano, it was her mysterious angel of music. A guide toward glory. The unseen genius.

After 35 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s: The Phantom of the Opera will close it’s record run at Broadway’s Majestic Theater on April 16th, 2023.

A timeless classic that not only set the bar high for musical sto-

Yet, if the title character’s fear is felt, it is a fearful wonderment of what will happen next. An individual cannot simply hop aboard César and set a course for Coney Island.

Though, if the individual’s gift lives within them, they will find further inspiration to make their song take flight.

The power of the music of the night.

The Phantom of the Opera runs until April 16th, 2023 at the Majestic Theatre on 44th Street in New York City. Tickets Available through: mtc.telecharge.com

rytelling, but also set the bar for theatrical productions as a whole. As was the Winter Garden Theatre with the original run of Cats, the Majestic Theater has evolved to Broadway what Augusta National Course has become to the sport of golf.

An equivalence of what Williamsport, Pennsylvania has become to the sport of baseball. What the Rose Bowl is to NCAA Division I football, and what the city of Indianapolis is to open-wheel automobile racing.

While New York City will move on and keep going, the closing of this record run is something no one thought they

would ever see. The musical has become a staple for the city.

A timeless classic, the musical has spanned the globe having evolved into a phenomenon.

Relatable, the power within emotionally connects viewers in mannerisms reminiscent of what led them toward their love for a particular craft.

The gifts of the title character engulfed in a tragic love story by a path of fantasy.

An evolution, it is a story that began through the writings of a journalist. Upon retirement, the journalist took inspiration through in-depth investigation of the Paris Opera House, and it’s basement cell that housed

prisoners of the Paris Commune. Gaston Leroux. His inspiration told a story of both fear and irrelevance. A horror story of underlying meaning.

Fear, not due to the story or subject matter, nor because of the closed-minded onlooker and their reaction to the title character. A fear of the individual taking the next step forward due to internal fear placed in them by society. Shamed into solitude. Shunned by the multitude.

Irrelevance, because the story serves as a reminder that talent is profound irregardless of what one looks like. While the story’s main theme is surround-

ed by romance, it’s underlining focus is a title character and their gift of music. It was a gift discovered on their own. The music, there. The passion, undeniable. They had no way of sharing this gift with the world until they heard the voice of Christine Daaé. A voice imagined by the Gods. A reason and platform to share his gift with the world.

And a gift the world received.

When the final curtain falls inside the Majestic Theatre on April 16th, the chapter may fade, but the story will live on.

An ending that may be scary.

Fear of the unknown.

was going on and how she could help herself.

“Food allergies and dietary restrictions can be tricky. It’s often confusing what doctors to go to. Everyone’s journeys are different. I started my journey with an allergist. They were able to test and diagnose for actual allergies and helped me navigate my tree nut allergy.

When I was still experiencing digestive issues, I saw a gastroenterologist for my celiac gene testing and my lactose intoler-

ance testing. They specialize in disorders and diseases that affect the digestive system,” says Cappiello.

This long and difficult process of finding out why she was having such negative reactions to certain foods led Cappiello to be her best advocate. She found out she was gluten free, lactose intolerant and allergic to some tree nuts (pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds).

Cappiello started looking for other people in the area who were going through similar issues. As a result, she started blogging about her food allergies and which foods did and didn’t work for her. In a short time, she created a large following of people with food allergies which provided a sense of community for both her and her several thousand followers.

She kept experimenting in the kitchen to find out what foods worked for her and how

she could tweak otherwise unhealthy foods into good choices.

Her findings will be published in her new cookbook, «Easy Allergy-Free Cooking» which comes out in early April through Simon and Schuster. She hopes these recipes will allow readers to keep their allergies in check while enjoying such wonderful and yummy creations. Some of the offerings include sugar-free cinnamon bun French toast and one of the author’s personal favorites, a caramelized onion and pear pizza with a white balsamic dressing.

This cookbook caters to people with all kinds of allergies. It allows readers to select from a wide variety of milks, grain substitutes, and meat replacements that will work for them.

According to Cappiello,”gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarians, this book welcomes everyone.”

The Morristown author is hoping her book becomes part of a larger conversation regarding food allergies and how people can overcome them. She wants residents to not give up looking for answers and to stay strong.

“If you suspect you may have a food allergy or a food intolerance, reach out to your primary care doctor or an allergist and they can help you by finding you a specialist. My advice, and so many people

Photo Credit: Jen Costa of Fox and Hare Photography

Morristown Author Addresses Food Allergies in New Book

BY EVAN WECHMAN STAFF WRITER

AREA - Morristown resident Kayla Cappiello has always enjoyed cooking up tasty meals in the kitchen since she was a child. She has always had a flair for designing recipes which would delight her friends and family.

However, as much as Cappiello loved eating her delicious creations, as a young adult she started to suffer many unhealthy reactions after eating some of these meals. She desperately wanted to know what

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told me this along the way, but be your own advocate. You have to speak up and be honest and continue talking to doctors and ask to be tested. Often if you have a food intolerance your symptoms may be written off, misdiagnosed, or just not prioritized. Make sure you ask for the tests and push for the care you want. If a doctor isn’t giving you the tests or the care you want, find another doctor who you connect with who can give you the answers you need.”

Cappiello works full time as a designer for the well-known undergarment company, Tommy John, but has always had a passion for writing. While

studying the fashion industry at Marist College, she minored in creative writing and loved it. She has not ruled out writing a second cookbook in the near future where she concentrates on one idea such as allergy friendly pizzas.

But for now, according to Cappiello, “I’m hoping people see you can still live a normal, healthy life with whatever allergies or dietary restrictions they have. You don’t need to stop eating the foods you love; you just need to adjust them and I’m here to show them how.”

The book is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

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ENTERTAINMENT Celebrity Extra

BY DANA JACKSON

Q: What is Bryan Cranston’s new show “Your Honor” about?

Does he play a judge? Where can I stream it? -- L.J. A: Yes, Bryan Cranston does play a judge in Showtime’s “Your Honor,” but it’s not your typical courtroom drama. It’s about a father who must confront his deepest convictions after his son is involved in a hitand-run accident and becomes the target of a crime family. In addition to the four-time-Emmy-winning Cranston (“Breaking Bad”), “Your Honor” boasts a stellar cast that also includes Oscar nominee Rosie Perez (“Fearless”) as an assistant U.S. attorney.

Season two premiered this January on Showtime, which can also be streamed as an addon service through existing streamers like Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount+ and AppleTV+. *** Q: When is “The Mandalorian” returning with new episodes? I vaguely remember the season two finale having a very young-looking Luke Skywalker. How did they make Mark Hamill appear so young?

-- D.A. A: It’s been more than two years since the second chapter of the Disney+ Star Wars saga “The Mandalorian” concluded.

Mark Hamill, who has played Luke Skywalker since the first “Star Wars” movie wowed audiences in theaters during the summer of 1978, made a surprise cameo in the season two finale. Richard Bluff, industrial light and magic VFX supervisor, explained to IndieWire.com that they tried to recreate Luke as he looked in “Return of the Jedi,” and they used both Hamill as well as a younger body double.

They then used Lola Visual Effect’s 2.5D process and compiled photographs and scenes of Hamill from “Return of the Jedi,” using Lola’s Photoshop-like technique involving skin smoothing and shape warping through 2D compositing.

Bryan Cranston (“Your Honor” and “Breaking Bad”). Photo Credit: Depositphotos

The end result was an astonishingly believable likeness of a young Luke Skywalker.

Season three of “The Mandalorian” premieres on Disney+ March 1. *** Q: I was so upset when they canceled “Good Girls.” What are the three female stars doing now that it ended? -- W.C. A: Christina Hendricks, Retta and Mae Whitman reportedly agreed to take pay cuts if NBC renewed their series, “Good Girls,” for a fifth season, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the show to avoid the ax. It’s been rumored that failed negotiations with Manny Montana, who played fan favorite Rio on the show, were what ultimately ended any chances of another season. Apparently, there was no love lost between Hendricks and Montana either, but Hendricks was disappointed in the

show’s cancellation.

Up next for Whitman is “Up Here,” a new musical comedy series premiering on Hulu in March, co-starring Carlos Valdes (“The Flash”). And Hendricks has joined the cast of an upcoming series on AppleTV+ based on Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel, “The Buccaneers.”

Retta signed a talent-holding deal with NBCUniversal to find projects for her to headline. In the meantime, she’s been hosting “Ugliest House in America” on HGTV and is filming the upcoming film “Hitman,” co-starring Glen Powell (“Top Gun: Maverick”).

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail. com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Couch Theater

BY DEMI TAVERAS

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (R) -- Evelyn Quan lives in a state of chaos in her everyday life. She is the owner of a laundromat and mother to her misunderstood daughter, Joy, and a million other tasks always seem to snatch up her attention. Because of this, her relationships begin to fall apart, leading up to one seemingly ordinary day when her life gets flipped upside down. A version of her husband, Waymond, from an alternate universe, visits her in need of her help from the evil Jobu Tupaki, who plans to destroy each existing universe one by one. As this alternate Waymond teaches her about the multiverse, Evelyn learns she has a much bigger purpose than she ever imagined in the fight against Jobu. With Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan taking home Golden Globes for this visually stunning film, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is incredibly profound -- and a must-watch.

Out now. (Showtime) “You People” (R) -- Ezra Cohen (Jonah Hill) hasn’t had much luck in his quest for love, although marriage is something he definitely sees in his future. When he accidentally wanders in Amira’s (Lauren London) car, thinking that she’s his Uber driver, he begs her for the chance to make it up to her. Ezra and Amira begin to hit it off, and Ezra finally feels like he’s found the right person for him.

As he makes plans to propose

From left, Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan star as the Wang family in “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elevation Pictures

to Amira, Ezra’s friend, Sam, tells him he needs to speak with Amira’s family. So, Ezra sits down with Amira’s parents (Eddie Murphy and Nia Long), and he finds that integrating his Jewish family with Amira’s Black family isn’t as seamless as he thought it’d be.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Mike Epps also star in this relatable comedy film, co-written by Hill and director Kenya Barris. “You People” premieres Jan. 27. (Netflix) “Shotgun Wedding” (R) -- Originally starring Armie Hammer as the male lead before abuse allegations came out against him, this romantic comedy film about a destination wedding replaced him with Josh Duhamel in the male lead role, with Jennifer Lopez

as his opposite. They play a couple named Tom and Darcy, who are about to say their “I do’s” in the perfect tropical setting. At first, Tom and Darcy think the worst of their worries will be dealing with their eccentric family members. But then, right before the wedding, plans get interrupted by a heavily loaded gang of criminals. The criminals take Tom and Darcy’s families hostage, but the couple manages to escape and attempts to get help while simultaneously running from the captors. Is there any better way to start the rest of your lives together? This Prime Video original film premieres Jan. 27. (Prime Video) (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

GAME TIME

Page 2 • Februry 2023 • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • February 2023 • Page 3

S

taying healthy is important yearround, but especially in the cooler months when temperatures drop, people spend more time inside and germs can spread easily.

What you eat and the lifestyle you embrace are critical components of staying healthy.

Nourishing meals full of fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods and whole grains help provide the body’s immune system with the nutrients it needs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, being physically active

Easy Dishes to Boost Immunity

every day, having enough fluids and reducing stress also help keep the immune system in shape.

As a nutritious food to include on your grocery list, grapes of all colors – red, green and black – contain more than 1,600 natural plant compounds such as antioxidants and other polyphenols that help protect the health of cells throughout the body.

They also contain about 82% water, so they provide important fluids for hydration, which is also critical to a healthy immune system.

Grapes can be enjoyed

East Hanover

DINER

275 ROUTE 10 EAST • EAST HANOVER 973-884-8840 BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

OPEN 7 Days Week 6am

Take Out Available All Baking Done on Premises Owned & Operated by the Karsos Family

as a healthy snack or an immune-boosting ingredient in recipes like Chicken, Spinach and Grape Pita sandwiches and Grape and Salmon Power Salad. Each provides a mix of immune-supporting nutrients, including zinc in chicken, vitamins A and C in kale, polyphenols in grapes and other important nutrients in the salmon, walnuts and barley.

Find these recipes and more in “Eating for Immune Health” along with additional ways to eat healthy and stay well at grapesfromcalifornia. com.

Chicken, Spinach and Grape Pita Servings: 4 2 tablespoons pine nuts 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons minced shallot 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1pinch red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon ground sumac salt freshly ground black pepper 1 package (5-6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried 1 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 8 ounces) 1 cup red California grapes, sliced 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 4 whole-wheat pita breads (6 1/2 inches each), warmed and halved In small skillet over medium-high heat, toast pine nuts, stirring constantly until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and let cool. In large bowl, whisk lemon juice,

shallot, olive oil, red pepper flakes, sumac, salt and pepper.

Add spinach, chicken, grapes, feta and pine nuts; toss to mix. Stuff into pita breads and serve.

Nutritional information per serving: 445 calories; 24 g protein; 46 g carbohydrates; 20 g fat (39% calories from fat); 5 g saturated fat (10% calories from saturated fat); 57 mg cholesterol; 658 mg sodium; 6 g fiber.

Grape and Salmon Power Salad Servings: 6 3/4 cup pearled barley 3 cups firmly packed kale leaves, torn and sliced into ribbons 1 cup halved red or

black seedless California grapes 8 ounces cold, cooked salmon, skin and bones removed 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped Dressing: 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 clove garlic, mashed 1/2teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Cook barley according to package directions. Drain and cool.

Tenderize kale by blanching in boiling water 2-3 seconds or

microwaving 1 minute. Rinse pieces in cold water to stop cooking; squeeze dry. Fluff and uncrimp dry kale pieces with fingers. In medium bowl, mix barley, kale, grapes, salmon and walnuts.

To make dressing: In small bowl, whisk lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne.

Gradually mix in olive oil. Pour onto salad and fold gently to combine.

Nutritional information per serving: 413 calories; 15 g protein; 30 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (47% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 22 mg cholesterol; 232 mg sodium; 500 mg potassium; 4 g fiber.

(Family Features)

To say the starters are impeccable, would be an understatement. Try the colossal new SEAFOOD TOWER, the unique CRABMEAT COCKTAIL, the addictive TUNA POKE BOWL & the exquisite Fall CHOPPED SALAD, along with a superb LOBSTER ROLL. The deletable MARGUERITA & BLANCO FLATBREADS were a joy to our tastebuds and true flavor explosions.

A Classic Steakhouse with a Modern

By GAIL GERSON

From its tasteful 18th century décor, to their smooth, nicely liveried servers, to a versatile & intelligent wine list & sophisticated kitchen, the PH Steakhouse is everything a refined steakhouse should be. Although many of the dishes seem familiar, they are designed with a creative & very modern flair, that contribute to a singular & memorable dining experience. The beautifully appointed & fully restored dining room with comfortable chairs & roomy tables, the extremely knowledgeable servers, who are absolutely up to their eyebrows trying to make sure that guests have good reasons to like the restaurant, indicate someone is paying attention. The talented host-owner, Steve Bussel, who has developed many restaurants, along with manager Jennifer Evans, Assistant Manager Blake & the talented Chef Juan, believe in making almost everything from scratch, following the seasons & savoring & caring about the food.

Here, the original flavors are wisely presented in all their opulence.

They do believe in the slogan: “Keep it simple, work with quality ingredients.”

ABOUT THE OWNER The steakhouse & Publick House hotel re-opened September 28, 2022. Mr. Bussel’s plan was to offer the finest cuts of USDA, perfectly seared prime, dry-aged steaks. Steve Bussel, the son of a Kosher butcher, grew up in an atmosphere where food was the main topic in the family, from the start.

He fell in love with the 1812 building that was a stagecoach stop between Morristown & Pennsylvania & accomplished his dream to restore the building to its original splendor. After our press tasting, our researchers concluded that the entire staff presented a combination of style, personality, know-how & perseverance, along with a passionate mix of delectable culinary delights. With mouth-watering side dishes created to enhance the flavors of the cuisine & award-winning cocktails & dazzling desserts, our group of researchers were truly impressed. This talented team brings a unique hands on approach, to restaurant ownership & hospitality. Mr. Bussel and his skillful organization have created a recipe for success, by applying their own unique ideas & extensive experience, to this new American steakhouse. Gail says “Go!”

HHHH Twist

HHHH

STEAK & SEAFOOD SPECIALITIES PH Steakhouse 111 Main St., Chester, NJ 908.955.7911 Phsteakhouse.com

Valet Parking & Piano Player Sat in Bar 6:30-9:30pm; Open 7 days Mon-Thurs 12-9pm, Fri & Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-9pm; Full Bar; All Major Credit Cards Accepted; Handicap Access; Flat Screen TVs; Bar Menu at Eat in Bar; Specialty Cocktails; Outside Catering (up to 20 miles), Call For Info; Train 10 mins away in Peapack-Gladstone; Total Seating: 130; Outside Porch, 9 tables - Seats 30; Restaurant Reservations Preferred; Daily Specials; Gift Certificates; Available for Private Parties - All Custom Designed, Private Party room Seats 80; 3 Dining Rooms: Chester, Publick, Washington Rooms Seat 130; Party Pkgs - Call ASAP to book; Ample Parking; Open Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve; Complete Art Deco Renovation Hotel with 10 suites, 5 on each floor, various sizes; Reserve online with Resy & Roomkey.com; Prices-Moderate. GELATO CAFÉ - OPENING IN SPRING Call Mgr Jennifer Evans to book a party

The New Seafood Tower

“Owner Steve Bussel, along with famed Chef Juan, GM Jennifer Evans & Assistant Manager Blake, present the area’s best steak & seafood by any standard, with the USDA’s highest designation for beef. The PRIME steaks we experienced have the necessary marbling that impart a unique combination of taste & texture & define the ultimate steak-eating experience,” Writer Gail Gerson.

Chef Juan presented us with the perfect finale.

The succulent CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE & CREME BRULEE are finger-licking good & the RICOTTA CHEESECAKE delish, but the HOMEMADE DELICATE MILK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE is enchanting.

Majestic Catering Room Seats 80

Ten suites, five on each floor, of various sizes & each with its own living room, are quite historical & beautifully appointed. Several can accommodate 4-6 guests. Reserve with Roomkey.com.

I heartily recommend the DRY AGED PORTERHOUSE FOR TWO, but the generous cut of oven roasted BONE-IN RIB-EYE, is marvelous as well. From the impeccable DRY AGED DOUBLE CUT DUROC PORK CHOP, to the delicious TOMAHAWK CHOP FOR TWO, our researchers were impressed with every bite. The unsurpassed FILET MIGNON is another glorious selection. Non steak entrees include the pleasant tasting AHI TUNA STEAK & the striking GRILLED SWORDFISH STEAK. Other dishes that readers recommended are the OLIVE CRUSTED SALMON & sauteed mushrooms. The list of superb sides includes the supreme TRUFFLE SMASHED YUKON GOLD POTATO, the CREAMED OR SAUTEED SPINACH, the JUMBO GRILLED ASPARAGUS and BAKED WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE. The ROASTED BROCCOLINI & THE SMOKED BRUSSEL SPROUTS are divine. You can also choose your own sauce from a wonderful selection.

Page 4 • Februry 2023 • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com

NJStarz

BY STEVE SEARS STAFF WRITER

NJ Starz: Ariana Crowder Hometown: Franklin Township

AREA - Former So You Think You Can Dance contestant, Ariana Crowder, traded sports for dance, and never looked back.

Crowder was, in her words, introverted as a child. Dance for her was a way of being expressive without having to speak. “It was kind of my way of communicating and expressing myself without having to use words,” she says. “It was kind of my own language.

I felt more comfortable expressing myself that way than using words at that point. I think that’s what got me really interested (in dance) in the first place.”

Originally born and raised in Jersey City, Crowder lived with her parents in the upstairs portion of her grandparents’ home. “We were a very tight, close-knit family. I went to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Bayonne for a little bit, and then I actually started dancing with my very first dance classes at Ms. Hugette’s School of Dance, also in Bayonne. I was four-years-old.”

Sports – especially track, softball, and cheerleading were her primary interests, however, up until the sixth grade. After that, her family moved from Hudson to Somerset County and Franklin Township. At Conerly Road School, she made many friends, and her interest in dance piqued. “I really liked growing up in Franklin,” Crowder states. “Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow up. It’s super diverse, and I had great, supportive teachers; not just dance teachers, but teachers in school as well. I was very serious about my studies, being a good student while also dancing.”

Crowder attended a summer dance camp with Center Stage Dance and Theater School in East Brunswick, and it was there and then her love for dance was cemented. She joined a serious dance program for the school’s younger students, and practiced almost every day. “I started training a lot at a very young age, and I did all different styles. I started out with ballet, tap, and jazz, and then moved into hip hop and contemporary styles.”

Crowder also took part in a lot of dance competitions during

her young teen years, traveling throughout New Jersey primarily in the springtime, and then during the summer headed with the school to different states for national competitions.

Early on, a few people inspired her. One was Center Stage founder, George Warren.

Crowder says, “He was really great about helping or getting my mom to understand that I did have a future and potential.” And then there was her teacher, Nadine Moody. “One of my first ballet teachers,” Crowder says. “She really sort of nurtured my hunger and passion when I was really young. She talked to my parents and told them, ‘She’s pretty good; keep her coming back to classes.”

Her mom, Stephanie, whom she refers to as her “Ride or die,” also encouraged her. “My mom wanted to make sure that I tried a bunch of different things, to really figure out what I was interested in, and what I gravitated towards the most,” Crowder recalls. “She gave me a lot of options. Once I found dance, that was the one thing that I was really excited about and wanted to keep doing. She’s been supportive throughout my entire life and journey as a dancer and my career. She had taken me to every single one of my dance classes and all of my auditions. Even when we struggled financially, she’d figure out a way for me to still take classes. I honestly would not have the career that I have now without my mom.

I just love her so much and I’m so grateful for her. And I look up to her. If I ever have kids, I would just love to be like the mom she has been to me.” Crowder also has a close relationship with her younger brother, Eric. “We all always have each other’s backs, so I’m grateful for both of them.”

After moving on to Franklin Township High School, she studied at FUNKtion Dance Complex in Edison, and it was there that she learned how to dance hip hop and street jazz.

Then, after attending Rider University in Lawrenceville as a Psychology major for one year, Crowder opted out of the institution. Plan “A” had to be embraced. “It was kind of interfering with my schedule with dancing and I

was becoming more successful professionally with dance, so I decided to pursue that. I figured I’d go to school some other time later in life. The window for a dance career is much shorter because it is so athletic. I wanted to maximize time as a professional dancer.”

Crowder is best known for her time spent on the hit television competition show, So You Think You Can Dance. She competed during season 12 as a member of team “Street.”

“It was a great experience,” Crowder says. “I learned so much. I met so many great dancers and choreographers.

The season I was on it was ‘Stage’ versus ‘Street,’ and it was a competition between more classic styles like ballet and contemporary jazz versus more contemporary styles like hip hop.”

Crowder, when hearing that her friends were going to the initial audition for the show, on a whim joined them, and auditioned for the “Stage” side of the competition. She made it all the way through the initial rounds, and then met up with the portion of the show where she faced the three judges at the time, Nigel Lythgoe, Paula Abdul, and Jason Derulo. They saw something on her dance resume that they found fascinating. “When I went in front of them to audition, they saw my dance history and that I did hip hop, and they made me freestyle on the spot. And I got through to the Las Vegas round, but they told me I had to pick a side to be on the show.” “Street” it was. “It was more of a strategic move just because on that show or with the history of that show a lot of times, hip hop dancers aren’t as well versed in choreography, they’re better at freestyling. I figured I had a better shot at getting on the show if I went on the ‘Street’ side since I am trained in so many different styles. It ended up working out.”

As for the competition.

Crowder took a unique approach, not really preparing a full audition, but freestyling all throughout the entire process. Therefore, she went in minus jitters. “It was kind of like playing with house money,” she says. “I told myself.

‘I’ll just see what happens.’

And then I just kept making it

through each round. I wasn’t really nervous. It was more just like, ‘This is a really cool experience and really fun, and I’m going to enjoy myself because I don’t know if this is ever going to happen again.”

Crowder made it to the top 14 before she was eliminated, but the competition and appearance on the show, coupled with her immense talent, opened many doors. She’s met many choreographers, learned many new dance styles, and, now living out on the west coast, has connected very heavily with the Los Angeles dance community. “It was a great experience – I really enjoyed it!”

As she moved on in her dance career, she has performed for and with some of the best. “I’ve danced for a few different artists: Chris Brown, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Katie Perry, Mary J. Blige, Emeli Sande, Aloe Blacc, and recently Shania Twain.” She also appeared in the film “Bolden,” a biopic about early jazz blues musician Buddy Bolden. She had done some teaching prior to leaving the Garden State, but since moving to LA, has also engaged in other things. “‘I’ve also started doing some commercial acting,” Crowder says. “I’m branching out a little bit now. I feel like LA is definitely good for television and film and the music industry. I’ve done a couple of music videos since I’ve been here, so it’s been nice. I loved growing up in New Jersey,” Crowder continues, “but I definitely appreciate LA and all its offerings, especially as an adult.”

As Crowder approaches her 30th birthday in April, she has some bucket list stuff on her agenda. “I am thinking about transitioning into more creative directing or choreographing where I’m not in front of the camera but more so behind the scenes,” she says. “I’m also in a serious relationship (her mate is Adam Beshara; “He’s one of my biggest supporters and biggest fans, so I love him very much,” Crowder says) and I would love to travel with my partner and my family and live abroad for a couple of years.

I’m happy with my dance career and I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished, and I’m

Ariana Crowder (Credit: Zachariah Schmitt)

just continuing to accomplish new things and more things.

I’ve started to discover new things that I’m interested in and new hobbies and new interests. That’s a good feeling, being a beginner at something

again, since I’ve been dancing my whole life and I’ve honed that skill to as much perfection as I can. I’m currently just enjoying getting to know myself beyond just defining myself as a dancer.”

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NJ HALL OF FAME

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/mypaperonline.com • East Hanover-Florham Park Life • February 2023 • Page 5

Check them out at https://njhalloffame.org/ and doWe would like to introduce you to the NJ Hall of Fame ume of American history. Their stories offer boundless where it states on their website The accomplishments of hope and inspiration for millions of New Jerseyans. Peo- nate at https://njhalloffame.org/donate/.

Garden State citizens span the pages of nearly every vol- ple just like you.

Valerie B. Ackerman Professional basketball player; sports executive Some professional basketball players have stood taller than Val Ackerman, but few have reached the heights she has achieved as an athlete and sports executive. Currently the commissioner of the Big East Conference, Ackerman was the founding President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and is a past President of USA Basketball, which oversees the U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic basketball program.

Ackerman grew up with sports in her veins. Her grandfather was athletic director at Trenton State College and her father the athletic director at her high school—Hopewell Valley Central. In high school, Ackerman set the varsity basketball record for career points scored (male or female), as well as the career scoring record in field hockey. She also ran track—and graduated second in her class.

Her high school performance earned Ackerman one of the first female athletic scholarships to the University of Virginia. She was a starter all four years on Virginia’s varsity basketball team (including

captain for three seasons) and an Academic All-American twice. Ackerman received her bachelor’s degree in political and social thought, graduating with high distinction. She later earned a law degree at UCLA, but first, she played a single season of professional basketball in France.

Following her academic years, Ackerman started her legal career with a firm in New York, then joined the National Basketball Association as a staff attorney in 1988. She was as an executive at the NBA for eight years, serving as special assistant to NBA Commissioner David Stern and eventually VP of business affairs. In 1996, Ackerman was named first president of the new WNBA. She guided the league’s launch and helmed day-to-day operations for eight seasons. During her tenure, the league expanded from eight to sixteen teams.

In 2005, Ackerman was elected the first female president of USA Basketball.

During her four-year term, she led the organization to a record of 222-23 and gold medal performances by the U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams

at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. In all, she served on the USA Basketball board of directors for 23 years.

Ackerman was named the fifth commissioner of the Big East Conference in June 2013.

Upon taking the top spot, she guided the realignment of the Big East, with new schools, a new headquarters in New York City, and new partnerships with Fox Sports and Madison Square Garden.

Among her other achievements, Ackerman served two terms as the U.S. delegate to the Central Board of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), basketball’s worldwide governing body. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Reflecting on her pioneering path as a female sports executive, she told New Jersey Monthly: “A number of women are in positions of leadership in sports. It’s not 50-50, and there’s work to do, but more women have become mentors and guiding lights. We’re moving in a good direction.”

Paul Adolph Volcker Jr. Economist; 12th chair of the Federal Reserve Bank A big man in both stature (he stood 6-foot-7) and influence, Paul Volcker helped shape American monetary policy for more than six decades.

Best remembered for his efforts to reel in inflation, Volcker served two terms under two presidents as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank from 1979-1987.

Born in Cape May, Volcker was raised in Teaneck, where he played high school varsity basketball and his father served as city manager. Volcker received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s from Harvard. In 1952, he took a job as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank In New

York. Five years later, he left for a position at Chase Manhattan Bank. This began a career-long pattern of shuttling between government jobs and the private sector, including a period starting in 1974 when he was a visiting fellow at Princeton.

Volcker’s government posts included deputy under-

Sarah Dash Vocalist; co-founder Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles Blessed with a four-and-ahalf octave voice, Sarah Dash could take on any musical challenge. R&B, funk, disco, rock, rap—Dash wowed audiences in a variety of genres, whether performing as a headliner, group member or back-up singer.

Born to a pastor and a nurse, Dash, like many vocal greats, initially sang gospel music. Eager to perform secular songs, she formed her first group, the Del Capris, with a Trenton schoolmate, Nona Hendryx. The group—initially a quartet—added new vocalists, including Patti LaBelle (nee Patricia Holte), and tried new names. In time, they settled on Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles.

Dash was just 16 when the group was credited with its first single, “I Sold My Heart to the Junkman.” The song reached No. 15 on Billboard’s pop singles chart in April 1962. Subsequent hits included “Down the Aisle (Wedding Song)” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” In 1964, the group (by then the trio of Dash, LaBelle and Hendryx)

landed a spot as opening act on the Rolling Stones’ first American tour.

As the music scene changed, so did Dash and company.

They moved to England for a period and then came roaring back with an edgier image, a funkier sound and a new name: Labelle. The formula worked and in January 1975 Labelle reached No. 1 on the pop chart with an instant classic, “Lady Marmalade.” Suddenly Labelle was everywhere, the three women performing in space-age suits and feathery head-dresses.

After that career peak, the members split up to pursue solo careers—although there would be later reunions. Dash’s self-titled debut solo album in 1978 included the disco hit “Sinner Man.” Three more albums followed, and Dash found herself much in demand as a back-up singer. She frequently recorded with her friend Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, as well as such varied artists as the Marshall Tucker Band, David Johansen, Alice Cooper, Laura

Nyro and Nile Rodgers.

In recent decades, Dash toured in gospel productions and appeared onstage in musicals, including the self-penned “Dash of Diva,” which was presented at the Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick.

Dash never forgot her roots in Trenton’s West Ward. She returned frequently to support local events, and in 2017 was named the city’s musical ambassador. In 2021, she appeared at the opening of a Covid-19 vaccine center in Trenton, arriving in a sequined mask to attract media attention to the inoculation effort. In recent decades, she also put significant focus on raising funds for at-need single mothers in New York City.

Upon her death, longtime friend Patti LaBelle said in a statement: “Sarah Dash was an awesomely talented, beautiful and loving soul who blessed my life and the lives of so many others in more ways than I can say. “

secretary for monetary affairs in the Treasury Department and president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he became actively involved in decision-making on monetary policy. In 1979, following a sharp rise in inflation, President Jimmy Carter nominated Volcker to be board chair of the Federal Reserve Bank. Here, Volcker had his greatest impact. He instituted policies to fight inflation, tighten controls on banks and limit the size of the national debt.

Volcker’s efforts to slay what he called “the inflationary dragon” proved controversial and painful. His intention was to slow spending by driving up interest rates. But rates rose higher than expected, which plunged the econo-

my into recession. Consumer spending dropped; unemployment soared. Auto dealers reportedly sent the Fed keys to unsold cars. Homebuilders sent chunks of two-byfour lumber. And in 1980, the weakened economy helped cost President Carter his job.

In the long run, Volcker’s harsh policies worked and by 1983 (with Ronald Reagan as president), inflation had slowed and the nation was back to work. After leaving the Fed in 1987, Volcker served as chair of the National Commission on Public Service and later as chair of the International Accounting Standards board of trustees. He also chaired numerous committees, including one formed to mediate the claims between Holocaust victims and their survivors and

Swiss banks.

President Barack Obama cast Volcker in his final public role as a chairperson of his Economic Recovery Advisory Board from 2009 to 2011.

During his tenure, he introduced what became known as “the Volcker Rule,” a provision limiting banks and other financial institutions from making certain highly risky types of investments.

Upon Volcker’s death, Carter said in a statement: “Paul was as stubborn as he was tall… and although some of his policies as Fed chairman were politically costly, they were the right thing to do.” Indeed, as the New York Times stated in its obituary of Volcker, inflation has remained under control ever since Volcker’s tenure atop the Fed.

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