East Hanover_July 2025_full

EAST HANOVER FLORHAM PARK

Brooklake Elementary School 3rd Graders Learn about Mosquito and Tick Safety

AREA - The Morris County Division of Mosquito Control annually returns to Brooklake Elementary School to teach the Third Grade students how to identify mosquitos and ticks and stay safe.

Teresa Duckworth, Assistant Superintendent of the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control and her team returned for her sixth time since 2018 on June 6. they shared an engaging 45-minute educational presentation of cautions and tips. Duckworth and Florham Park resident Peter Nicolas are both Morris County Chamber of Commerce LEAD Morris Class of 2016 alumni. Nicolas introduced her to Dr. Steve Caponegro in 2018, who was Principal at Brooklake at the time. Caponegro, now Superintendent of Florham Park Schools, has continued to work with Duckworth, Nicolas, and now Principal Robert Fos-

ter, so students benefit from these important presentations. Duckworth, and her Division of Morris County Mosquito Control team delivered the free lesson this time to 105 Third Graders. In the last 7 years more than 900 Florham Park students have now received these safety & awareness lessons.

“Tick Checks” after outdoor activities are the most important thing students and their families can do after coming in from playing in parks or backyards. To perform Tick Checks -

• People – in and around the hair on your head, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, between the legs, under the arms, around the waist, and back of the knees.

• Pets – in and around the ears, around the eyelids, under the collar, around the tail, between the back legs, under the

front legs, between the toes.

Students learned that if they find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. A plain set of tweezers works very well.

3rd Grade Teacher Amy Volker liked all the tips and particularly found interesting the one about what to do with ticks after inspecting and removing them from one’s dog at home. As reviewed it’s important not to light the ticks on fire once they are pulled off.

A Tick station, a Mosquito Trapping station, and a Life Cycle & Disease station were set up in the gym. Karen Ford, School Counselor, coordinated the small groups of the 3rd Graders (105 students) to circulate and learn from the Morris County Division of Mosquitos employees at each table.

Each student also received a Morris County Division of Mosquito Control bag with sev-

eral handouts such as “Don’t Let a Tick Make You Sick!”, a Test Your Knowledge Crossword

and

East Hanover 12-year-old Gymnast Competes at Nationals

BY EVAN WECHMAN STAFF WRITER

EAST HANOVER - For So-

phia Betz, time is on her side. The 12-year-old East Hanover resident just competed as one of the youngest Level 10 gymnasts in the country at the USA Gymnastics (USAG) Development Program National Championships held in Salt Lake City, Utah in early May.

Betz competed as a floor exercise specialist in the All-Star Session and served as an alternate in the all-around session for her age group. She is part of the Boonton, N.J. based North Stars Gymnastics Academy.

To earn those coveted spots at Nationals, Betz had to qualify by achieving a certain allaround score at the USAG Regionals for Region 7, held in Virginia Beach, Va. in early April. The top seven score getters, plus one alternate in each age group, advanced to Nationals from Region 7, which is the USAG governing body of gymnastics in six states including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

For Betz, despite all the success she is having at an early age, she is still in love with the fun and camaraderie of the

sport.

“I love the feeling of flipping around in gymnastics and just the competitiveness of the sport, and I love all my teammates and how they’re so supportive of me,” she said.

According to both Sophia Betz and her mother Abbie Betz, they almost don’t remember a time when she was not involved in the sport.

“We started almost at walking age, with Mommy and Me classes just to get out and get some energy out. And that was just at a local gym in East Hanover. And then when she was around three years old, we came over here to North Stars in Boonton because she showed some interest and we knew it was a good and competitive gym, should she want to go that route,” Abbie Betz said.

Though the event at Nationals may have caused some initial jitters for the younger Betz, her calm demeanor and confidence helped her excel.

“It was definitely a bigger arena for me. And I’m used to smaller arenas, so it was a little bit overwhelming, but I ended up doing pretty well,” Betz

Winner from June’s “Find Hank the Hornet Mascot” Contest

said.

Betz, though only finishing the sixth grade this year excelled on her floor routine and scored a 9.150. She is very passionate about gymnastics and loves the events on the vault. She is also continuing to make great improvements on the bars.

The apple does not fall far from the tree in this case. Sophia inherited her composure and athleticism from her cheerleader mom and football player dad who shined as undergraduates at their respective sports.

Sophia’s mom admitted that her daughter has surpassed her own athletic skills, and they are both concentrating on staying grounded while Sophia is still maturing. However, she can’t help but be proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.

was really just amazing. We just wanted her to go and experience it and be in the midst of amazing talent. And, you know, just soak it all in at her age,” the elder Betz said.

Though the East Hanover gymnast is not yet even a teenager, her options are wide open. She realizes if she continues to excel at her sport, she can possibly win a scholarship to a top college and compete at that level too.

However, as much as Betz loves gymnastics, she is also interested in studying interior design when she is older and possibly pursuing that as a career.

Either way, the sky is the limit, and her coach realizes this as well.

to reinforce the learning “A summer activity assignment could be to check those handouts and cross-reference with the student dictionaries (which the 3rd Graders received earlier

in the school year by the

Park

to review a few words heard in the presentations and in the handouts

Florham Park 4th of July Committee Announces 2025 Celebration

FLORHAM PARK - We are excited to announce Florham Park’s 68th Annual Fourth of July Parade. It is reported to be the longest continuously running 4th of July Parade in New Jersey. This year, our theme is “Winter Wonderland”. Join us for an exciting day of events!

The Florham Park 4th of July Celebration Committee will host its traditional fullday schedule of activities on Friday, July 4, 2025. The day starts with a ceremony at Fire Company 1 at 9:00 AM, immediately followed by the parade kicking off around 9:30 AM with the parade ending on the grounds of the Florham Park Municipal Complex.

This year, Edward Franko will lead the way as Grand Marshal at the front of the 2025 Florham Park 4th of July Parade. Ed’s presence at the front of the parade will be a welcome sight, reflecting his longstanding commitment to the Florham Park community.

people they became. Upon retiring as principal, Ed joined the Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad. As a driver for seven years, he served as Vice President for one year, and President for two years. During his off hours, he spent much of his free time upgrading the facilities of the squad house. As Mr. Franko continues to give back to the community, he serves as a reminder of the strength of local involvement.

“The Florham Park Fourth of July committee is proud to honor Ed Franko who has served the community in a multitude of ways,” says Florham Park Fourth of July Committee member, Suzanne Herold. “Ed’s contributions extend beyond the borough’s boundaries and we are grateful for his service to our nation.”

Hornet Mascot” are Michele Kiska; East Hanover, Joseph Taylor; Florham Park, Ellen Dommermuth; East Hanover and Ivana Sitoy; East Hanover. The ads that “Hank the Hornet” were in: A Party Pleasing Rental, 200 Club, Magaletta Design, Little Gym, Kids World Dentistry and Duck Donuts..

Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!

“I’m very proud of Sophia and her season this year. So, she’s a very young level 10, which is the highest level that you can get, aside from elite. She kind of came in this season and ended up being a state champion. She moved on to regionals. She did qualify for nationals. So, for her to go out there and handle herself the way she did under pressure

“Sophia was one of the youngest competitors at Nationals. She has power, grace and competes with maturity well beyond her actual age,” said Ashley Umberger, head coach, CEO and part owner of North Stars Gymnastics Academy.

“There is no doubt that her future is very bright in this sport and any goal she sets for herself will be reached!”

Ed and his family moved to Florham Park almost 30 years ago in 1996. He is most notably known for holding the position of Principal at the local Hanover Park Regional High School. As high school principal, he was more than just an administrator—he was a familiar face throughout town, someone who had quietly become part of the fabric of the community. Known for his steady presence, fair leadership, and genuine care for students, he earned the respect of generations who passed through his halls. As those students grew up and became adults themselves, they continued to look up to him—not just as a former principal, but as a role model whose influence helped shape the kind of

Aside from his impact in our community, Ed proudly served our country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Vietnam from January 1970 to March 1971. He was assigned to the 9th Division in the Mekong Delta, and then transferred to the 101st Airborne Division operating at the DMZ until the 9th Div. was transferred back to the United States. He then achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5 and was awarded a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and Air Medal for over 50 combat insertions. Join us on July 4th to celebrate Edward Franko and all those who make our Borough great. The parade kicks off at 9am, and the day will be full of festivities including food, music, rides, and fireworks. At the conclusion of the parade, join us for a Family Picnic and Social Garden. This late morning-early afternoon fundraising event includes rides, food, ice cream, and a Social Garden for those aged 21 and older (ID verification required). The day concludes with fireworks at the rear of

Mosquitos & Tick Lesson for Brooklake Students as 3rd Grade Teacher Amy Volker looks on.

Photo credit: Peter Nicolas.

puzzle, coloring pages,

Quick Reference cards.

Peter Nicolas suggests that

Florham

Rotary)

Edward Franko

For Park Regional’s Riley Powers, it is a Two-Milestone Season

AREA - When Park Regional Wildcats sophomore lacrosse goalie, Riley Powers, on April 8 made her milestone 100th career save during a 9 –7 victory over Jonathan Dayton High School, these pages were set to laud her accomplishment.

Until this writer realized that Powers was also this spring approaching 200 career saves, which she accomplished on May 29 against Northern Highlands.

That is two significant milestones in one season, and Powers has both her junior and senior ledgers to accomplish ever more.

When asked if the century marks of 300 and maybe

even 400 saves are lurking in the back of her mind, Powers, whose parents are Paul and Maribeth, did not hesitate. She said, “I just take it one season at a time.”

Powers, who attends Hanover Park High School, discussed both of her milestones.

“It is a good feeling to accomplish this with my teammates.” she said. “My 100th save was just a blur. I knew I was close, but not sure by how many. When it happened, my team made sure I knew they were very supportive.”

Her 200th save came in the final seconds during the Wildcats last game of the season, when she snared a shot from

a Northern Highlands player who came from behind the net.

Powers said, “It was a great way to end a very good season for us. I never thought I would reach 200 (saves) this season. I just try to protect the net as much as I can because my team plays so hard every game, win or lose.”

Powers’ love of lacrosse was developed at a young age, with a little help. She said, “Lacrosse is such a fun sport. I love the fast pace of the game and the team spirit. My brother, Tyler, and sister, Molly, used to shoot on me when I was younger. They had me in my brother’s football pads, so it was all I did. And I like the challenge.”

Mosquito and Tick Safety...

and stagnant”.

Families at home can keep the conversation going by asking the 3rd Graders who attended some ways for Mosquito Bite Prevention –

• Apply repellent with the help of an adult!

• Tell an adult if you see standing water around the home, help them dump it out.

• Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts if there are mosquitos around.

• Avoid mosquito prone areas during active mosquito times (dawn, dusk)

It is important to be diligent because data from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) shows there have been more than 2,000 tickborne disease cases reported in New Jersey already. New Jersey ranks in the top 20% of the nation in

of July...

the municipal complex near Emmett Field starting at dusk. The parade will march on rain or shine. The afternoon events are weather dependent. In case of inclement weather, the Social Garden and the fireworks will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 5th.

reported cases since 2022.

Principal Foster stated: “We are incredibly grateful to Teresa Duckworth and the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control for their dedication to keeping our community informed and safe. Their engaging presentation on summer safety was both educational and timely for our third-grade students. Special thanks to Peter Nicolas for coordinating and leading such an informative assembly. At Brooklake School, we deeply value partnerships that support our students’ learning and well-being beyond the classroom.”

ABOUT LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) Morris - community-focused group of leaders, givers and networkers that care about the well-being of Morris County and whose goal is to continue to make Morris County a vi-

The Fourth of July Celebration depends on community support through donations and volunteer service. We need your support to ensure that our treasured celebration can continue. Donations should be directed to “Florham Park 4th of July

brant, engaged community and a great place to live and work. They receive an excellent introduction to various facets of Morris County. That includes Morris County Government, Economic Development, Health Care, Environment, Education and Human Needs & Services. Relationships and community benefits can continue beyond member graduation of the yearlong program.

The program above, coordinated by Theresa Duckworth, Assistant Superintendent County of Morris, Division of Mosquito Control, and Peter Nicolas, Sergeant-At-Arms of the Florham Park Rotary is but one example of work that continues after graduating from LEAD Morris.

Visit https://www.morrischamber.org/leadmorris. html to learn more about LEAD Morris.

Celebration” and can be sent to PO Box 471, Florham Park, NJ 07932. Donations can also be made through our website https://www.fpjuly4th.com/ or Venmo @fpjuly4th - thanks for your support! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date information.

“Riley is truly something special,” Natalie Contompasis, head coach of the 11-win Wildcats, said. “Watching her grow into the incredible goalie she is today has been one of the greatest joys of coaching. 200 career saves is an incredible accomplishment and a direct reflection of her talent, work ethic, and composure under pressure. Riley does not just make saves — she makes the impossible look effortless. Her instincts, quick hands, and fearless mindset are unmatched, but what really sets her apart is her love for her teammates and the pride she takes in protecting that goal. We are all so proud of what she has achieved already, and even more excited for what is still ahead.” And Powers said of her coach, “Coach C is great. She makes it fun to go to practice and talks to us about playing together as a team, that we all have to work hard for each other.”

Russell Berger, Gerard Porcella, Justin Chuplis, Teresa Duckworth, and Peter Nicolas.

Photo credit: Peter Nicolas.

FROM FRONT PAGE

Riley Powers and her teammates celebrate her 100th career save milestone (Credit: Jami Blake)

Riley Powers celebrates 200 career saves on May 29 (Credit: Jami Blake)

Rotary Scholarship Award Recipients at Hanover Park High

FLORHAM PARK - Florham Park is known

as a “Community of Volunteers”. The Florham Park Rotary Club annually has the honor of awarding Rotary Scholarships to Florham Park students who are indeed community volunteers. Four students were recognized at the Hanover Park High School Seniors Award program this year. Each received a plaque and a $1,000 check.

The good people and local businesses who participate in the Rotary’s scholarship fundraising programs are the main sources for the awards. For example, the annual “Taste of Florham Park” was recently held at the Vanderbilt-Twombly Mansion at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Those Admission tickets, 50/50 Raffles, and Tricky Tray tickets all contribute to the scholarship funds. More than a dozen local food establishments contributed food, while another two dozen businesses and organizations contributed generously to the Tricky Tray prizes. The next event is the annual “Florham Park Rotary Halloween Dog Parade & Costume Contest” at the great lawn by the Florham Park Gazebo. The October date will be announced soon.

The Rotary Scholarship panel found that each of the many Seniors interviewed were better in person than they were on their impressive applications on paper, thus making the decisions very difficult. While applications come in from students of several local high schools annually, this year most applicants were from Hanover Park High.

“The Seniors recognized for community service and “Service Above Self” are just the tip of the iceberg of the wonderful youth residing in Florham Park,” said Betty O’Brien, Rotary Scholarship Committee Chair.

The four Seniors who received the Rotary Scholarship Award at the Hanover Park High Senior Awards program, listed alphabetically:

Amanda Cosentino – Community Service Chair and Peer Buddies President and one of four students to represent Hanover Park High School in the National District of Character Award competition - all while being the 2025 Class President.

Gloria Hoagland – Volunteered at the Garden Terrace Nursing Home and will be interning there, was a Key Club active member, and was a Historian Representative in the National Honors Society where she promoted member engagement in community service projects.

Isabelle Medich – Earned the Fredrick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony award in demonstrating commitment to and addressing different social issues. She was also a Little Duck Aftercare Teacher and was a Red Cross Certified Lifeguard. Ryan O’Leary – For several years was involved with Peer Buddies as President, held leadership roles in Key Club, and was a member of Kids Helping Kids. She also spearheaded the idea to collect used sporting equipment to give to underprivileged high school athletic programs.

At the June 2 Senior Awards program Rotarians Peter Nicolas, George Gregor, and Dave Kramer presented four students with their Award Certificate and Scholarship check. The students and their parents will be invited to a Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner. Then everyone can wave to the students during the Florham Park July 4 Independence Day Parade as they ride by waving back in convertibles with the Florham Park Rotary Club.

A fifth Senior at Hanover Park High, Alexis Langereis, earned a special Community Service award. She and her father, Florham Park Community Officer Kevin Langereis, both attended the Friday, June 13, Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner. At that time Alexis credited her Dad for much of her

Dr. Robert Newhouse, First Recreation Director of Florham Park

sticker on June 10 at the polling stations at the Florham Park Community & Recreation Center, met Tammy Verderber, the newest Recreation Director. Bob enjoyed working in the position from 1949 until 1964. He recently turned 101 years young. Tammy Verderber, had recently become the newest Florham Park Recreation Director. She was promoted this past February after having joined the department 9 years ago.

Tammy took the opportunity to ask Bob what advice he had for her in her new role. He replied “You’ll love working with the kids. Just enjoy the job!” In addition to being Florham Park’s first Recreation Director, Bob is known for his many years with the Florham Park Fire Department and for starting up (and playing in) sports leagues and teams in town. For example, in 1955 Bob Newhouse (as President) teamed

Dr. Robert Newhouse and Tammy Verderber. with Fred Stobeaus and John Miller to launch the New Community Softball League. He is also appreciated by many for his years as an educator in Florham Park, Madison, Kean University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the College of Saint Elizabeth from which he retired in 1989. He earned his doctorate in 1974 at Lehigh University. He

is a longtime member of The Historical Society of Florham Park. In Tammy’s first few months as Recreation Director she has already started making positive impacts. Florham Park will certainly benefit from her experience and ideas in and around the pool, sports fields and more!

What’s happening in your school or organization?

Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, graduation? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share? Email us at production@mylifepublications.com

desire and community involvement. She is going to college for a nursing degree to become a nurse practitioner so she can work closely with people.

Commented David Kramer, Florham Park Rotary president-elect, “Each of the five Rotary scholarship recipients are a credit to their families, Hanover Park High, and to the community. They are about to enter the next important stage in their lives and we wish them much success.”

Rotary is a non-partisan, non-religious organization in 200 countries via 46,000 clubs, and one of those is right here in Florham Park. It is the world’s first Service Organization. To learn more see www.florhamparkrotary.org, see Facebook, or visit a Friday morning breakfast meeting (7:47am-8:50am) at the Florham Park Diner.

Pictured with Rotarian Peter Nicolas are Ryan O’Leary, Isabelle Medich, Gloria Hoagland, and Amanda Cosentino (left to right).) (please credit David Kramer for picture

BY STEVE SEARS

AREA - Morristown Beard School girls’ softball coach, Jeff McCarthy, compares his star pitcher, Avery Neuer, to boxing legend, Mike Tyson.

McCarthy said, “Many times the opponent was already mentally defeated before they stepped in the ring. And Avery is one of those kids who truly has a presence when

Morristown Beard’s Avery Neuer Completes Historic Junior Softball Season

she steps on the field. She is a pretty big, imposing kid - she is probably 5’10 ½” I would guess – and she has that presence on the field. She has an absolute fire in her eyes. She is the ultimate competitor, and the thing about her is that she is truly at her best when her best is needed. Avery rises to the occasion, thrives in a big

moment. She wants to be the kid who is at bat in a big situation. She wants to have bases loaded with one out and strike out the next two batters. That is what makes Avery go.”

Neuer this spring reached two coveted milestones, securing both her 300 and 400th career strikeouts. In an opening day 9 –3 victory over

Morris Tech, Neuer pitched a complete game and had 18 strikeouts, and she also drove in three runs with a double. Strikeout number 400 came on May 10 against Mount Saint Mary Academy.

Neuer, who lives in Whippany, also plays NJ Pride club softball year-round and during the winter plays varsity basketball for Morristown Beard, said, ‘A lot of the time, I like running out to my position. I am usually never walking. But if I am walking, I am staying very serious, trying to stay locked in on the game, making sure that I am staying very focused. I feel like a lot of opponents will look at that and see that this is not just a game for me. I am a very competitive person, so walking out to the mound, I need to make sure that I am going to present myself in a way that is going to help my teammates, help

me win the game, and help me pitch effectively.”

In addition to her pitching prominence, she is also a terror at the plate, with an overall batting average the past three seasons of .495.

Neuer took a moment to reflect on her milestones. She said, “My 300th strikeout was actually the first game of the season! Although I was excited to hit this milestone, I was even more excited to return to the field with my team. Additionally, it was Coach McCarthy’s first game, and I wanted to make sure that his high school coaching career started with a win. For my 400th strikeout, it was a Saturday morning game against Mount Saint Mary’s, and my aunts and cousins were at the game. I was happy to celebrate that milestone with my teammates, coaches, and family.”

Neuer, whose hero on the

mound is former

Yankees closer, Mariano Rivera, has a 13-year-old sister, Dylan, who also plays softball with a competitive spirit, and her parents are Christine and Jeremy. She said of her dad, “He’s given me so many life lessons. I think of him immediately when I think of somebody that has shaped me into the person I am.” When asked if she is thinking about reaching the 500-strikeout plateau next season, her senior year, she said, “At the end of the day I am not really thinking about these milestones. I am really focused on making sure that I am supporting my team and putting us in the best position possible to win. Although these are great accomplishments, it is really important to me to put winning first and doing what is best for everyone on the team.”

Avery Neuer on the mound for the Morristown Beard School Crimson (Credit: Morristown Beard Athletics)

New York

BY HENRY M. HOLDEN

AREA - Annie Oakley (born Phoebe Ann Mosey; August 13, 1860 – November 3, 1926) was an American sharpshooter and folk heroine. If you were born toward the end of the 20th century you probably have not heard about Annie Oakley. She developed hunting skills as a child to provide for her impoverished family in western Ohio.

Annie’s father was 61 years old at the time of Annie’s birth and became an invalid from hypothermia during a blizzard in late 1865, dying of pneumonia in early 1866 at age 66.

Born in 1860, Annie was the sixth of Jacob and Susan’s nine children, and the fifth of the seven surviving.

Because of poverty following her father’s death, Annie did not regularly attend school as a child, although she did attend later in childhood and in adulthood.

In the spring of 1870, Annie was “bound out” to a local family to help care for their infant son. They had falsely promised her fifty cents per week (equivalent to $12 in 2024) and an education. The couple had originally wanted someone who could pump water and cook and who was bigger. She spent about two years in servitude, to them, enduring mental and physical abuse. Once, the wife put Annie out in the freezing cold without

BY HENRY M. HOLDEN STAFF WRITER

AREA - For centuries, people across southern New Jersey and Delaware have allegedly encountered a horse-headed flying demon. Legend has it that in the dense woods of the New Jersey Pine Barrens lurks a mythological beast known as the Jersey Devil.

With the head of a horse, the wings of a bat, and talons fitting a dragon, the Jersey Devil has terrorized the imaginations of New Jersey residents for almost 300 years. It is commonly believed that the demonic being was the cursed progeny of a bewitched Quaker woman and escaped to the bogs where it could be heard wailing and killing local prey.

The story of the Jersey Devil is an authentic folk legend. It is as varied as the number of people who claim to have seen or heard him. For over two decades, tales have circulated about the nocturnal ramblings of a creature emerging from the mists of a lonely desolate marsh. As interest in the supernatural has also given rise to an increase in demon -fledged, tales that have grown to blend folk belief with South Jersey

Little Sure Shot Annie Oakley

shoes, as a punishment because she had fallen asleep over some mending. Annie referred to them as “the wolves.” Even in her autobiography, she never revealed the couple’s real names.

Annie began trapping before age 7, and shooting and hunting by age 8, to support her siblings and her widowed mother. She sold her hunted game to locals in Greenville, and to shopkeepers such as Charles and G. Anthony Katzenberger, who shipped it to hotels in Cincinnati and other cities. She also sold game to restaurants and hotels in northern Ohio.

At age 15, she won a shooting contest against an experienced marksman, Frank E. Butler, whom she married in1876 at the age of 16,but no children were ever to come forth from the union.

The pair joined the Buffalo Bill touring circus in 1885, performing around the United States and in Europe. Audiences were stunned to see her shooting a cigar from her husband›s hand or splitting a playing-card edge-on at 30 paces.

Her skills paid off, the mortgage on her mother’s farm when Annie was 15.

The following year (1886) they signed up for the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. Annie was featured as the “Lovely Lass of the Western Plains, Lit-

tle Sure Shot, the one and only Annie Oakley.”

She earned more money on her tours than anyone except Buffalo Bill himself.

Tired of living in hotels the couple built a house in Nutley N.J.. The only odd thing about the house was it had no closets. She had become so used to living out of suitcases that she decided she did not need or want closets. From 1892 to 1904, Oakley and Butler made this their home in Nutley.

Annie soon became well known throughout the region. On Thanksgiving Day 1875, the Baughman & Butler shooting act was being performed in Cincinnati. Traveling marksman, and former dog trainer Frank E. Butler, (1847–1926), an Irish immigrant, placed a $100 bet per side (equivalent to $2,900 in 2024) with Cincinnati hotel owner Jack Frost that Butler could beat any local fancy shooter. Frost arranged a shooting match between Butler and the 15-year-old Annie, saying, “The last opponent Butler expected was a five-foot-tall 15-year-old girl named Annie.”

After missing his 25th shot, Butler lost the match and the bet. Another account says that Butler hit his last shot, but the bird fell dead about 2 feet beyond the boundary line.

According to a modern-day

account in The Cincinnati Enquirer, it is possible that the shooting match took place in 1881 and not 1875. It appears the time of the event was never recorded. Biographer Shirl Kasper states the shooting match took place in the spring of 1881 near Greenville, possibly in North Star as mentioned by Butler during interviews in 1903 and 1924. Other sources seem to coincide with the North Fairmount location near Cincinnati if the event occurred in 1881.

Oakley promoted the service of women in combat operations for the United States armed forces. She wrote a letter to President William McKinley on April 5, 1898, «offering the government the services of a company of 50 ‹lady sharpshooters› who would provide their own arms and ammunition should the U.S. go to war with Spain.» She never received a reply.

After a railroad accident in 1901, Oakley was severely injured but recovered after temporary paralysis and five spinal operations. She left the Buffalo Bill show in 1902, and began a less taxing acting career in a stage play written especially for her, The Western Girl. Oakley played the role of Nancy Berry who used a pistol, a rifle and rope to outsmart a group

of outlaws. The after effects of the accident forced her into less stressful taxing routine. She toured in a play written about her career. She also instructed women in marksmanship, believing strongly in female self-defense. Her stage acts were filmed for one of Thomas Edison’s earliest Kinetoscopes.

Throughout her career, it is believed that Oakley taught more than 15,000 women how to use a gun. Oakley believed strongly that it was crucial for women to learn how to use a gun, as not only a form of physical and mental exercise, but also to defend themselves. She said: “I would like to see every woman know how to handle guns as naturally as they know how to handle babies.”

In 1904, sensational cocaine prohibition stories were selling well. Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst published a false story that Oakley had been arrested for stealing to support a cocaine habit. The woman arrested was a burlesque performer who told Chicago police that her name was Annie Oakley.

Most of the newspapers that printed the story had relied on the Hearst article, and they immediately retracted it with apologies upon learning of the libelous error. Hearst, however, tried to avoid paying the anticipated

The Jersey Devil Spooks South Jersey

history. To understand the legend of the Jersey Devil, we must first know his birthplace. It is a remote region extending 1,700 square miles across southeastern New Jersey. It is a giant aquifer with dense stands of white cedar trees. Inside, the air is calm, still and cool - the shade is heavy. The cedar stands throughout the swamp stain the streams red with tannic acid.

One area of stunted trees is called the Pygmy Forest. While many consider it a barren wilderness, twenty-seven varieties of orchids grow there. In the early days, travel was difficult because the cedar swamps were great obstacles. Some roads are old Native trails. Others are old stagecoach roads. Some roads are paved; others are r0cky and rutted. Roads led to places named Hog Wallow, Double Trouble, Sooy Place and Mary Ann Furnace. These names date back to pre-colonial times when settlers first came to New Jersey.

One of the most famous stories tells of a place called Leeds Point. On a stormy night in 1735, a Quaker woman gave

birth to a child during a thunderstorm. The room flickered with candlelight. The wind howled. Some believed her to be a sorceress. The impoverished woman, known as Mother Leeds, was believed to have other children – as many as twelve. Some say the child was born deformed. Some say she cursed the child because of her dreadful straits. Other accounts say the child was born normal and took on odd characteristics later, such as an elongated body, winged shoulders, a large horselike head, cloven hoofs, and a thick tail. According to legend, the child was confined until it made its escape either out the cellar door or up the chimney. The Jersey Devil had been born.

Designated in 1938 as the country’s only state demon, the Jersey Devil is described as a kangaroo-like creature with the face of a horse, the head of a dog, bat-like wings, horns and a tail. But the descriptions vary depending on the viewer. For decades this mysterious creature is said to prowl through the marshes of Southern New Jersey and emerge periodically to rage through the towns and

cities.

The most widely held belief about the origin of the Jersey Devil is that Mrs. Leeds, a resident of Estellville, was distressed when she learned she was expecting for the thirteenth time. In disgust, she cried out, “Let it be the devil!” The story continues that the child arrived, and it was a baby devil. The creature then gave a screech unfolded its wings and flew out the window and into the adjacent swamp.

Countless stories have circulated describing the Devil’s experiences, raiding chicken coops and farms, destroying crops and killing animals. His presence has been seen and felt by many in at least fifty different towns when he emerges from his natural lair in the Pinelands and wanders throughout Southern New Jersey. He is sometimes fascinating and terrorizing to the residents. Possess were constantly formed to apprehend the Devil, but to no avail. At one point, as much as $100,000 was offered for the capture of the Jersey Devil, dead or alive. Several reports of the Jersey Devil’s death also

proved to be questionable and even the scientific community could not explain its existence.

According to the legend, Jane Leeds (sometimes called Mother Leeds) fell in love with a British soldier and was cursed for her crime. This was around the Revolutionary War era.

At the time of its birth, there was a noisy and dangerous thunderstorm. The room’s candle lights flickered. The wind howled. Some believed that she was a sorceress. Some versions of these incidents vary depending on the viewer.

It was Mays Landing where a Mrs. Leeds became pregnant and when the baby was delivered Mrs. Leeds rejected her baby, wishing a stork would deliver a devil. Thus, a winged devil was born. Some versions also have a clergyman subsequently attempting an unsuccessful exorcism.

Belief in the Jersey Devil (aka Leeds Devil) is quite real and based on records of concrete experiences. Reliable people, including police, government officials, businessmen and many others whose integrity is beyond question, have

court judgments of $20,000 (equivalent to $700,000 in 2024) by sending an investigator to Darke County, Ohio, with the intent of collecting reputation-smearing gossip from Oakley’s past. The investigator found nothing. Oakley spent much of the next six years winning all but one of her 55 libel lawsuits against newspapers. Oakley collected less judgments than the total of her legal expenses. Oakley died on November 3, 1926, and her husband Frank Butler followed her in death just 18 days later. According to B. Haugen, Butler was so distraught he stopped eating and dies 18 days later. He was buried next to Oakley’s ashes in Greenville, Ohio.

Her story has been adapted several times for stage, musicals and films, including Annie Get Your Gun.

Some people have described it as a kangaroo-like creature with the face of a horse, the head of a dog, bat-like wings, horns and a tail.

witnessed the Devil’s activities or so they say.

To this day, people traveling down the Garden State Parkway or the Atlantic City Expressway have reported sightings of “something” or tell stories of strange events.

Many continue to believe that the legendary being is still around disturbing the region and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Volunteer Coordinator Karen Kleppe Lembo and Share My Meals Senior Volunteer Associate Emily Bailey provided the reasons for the founding of the organization and the important service it provides to members of the community who are experiencing food insecurity.

Share My Meals is a statewide nonpro�it focused on safely and ef�iciently recovering prepared, surplus meals from commercial cafeterias and transporting them to local nonpro�its and organizations. They recover meals from over one dozen sites in Morris County and distribute them to nourish. NJ, Market Street Mission and

Share My Meals with Florham Park Rotary

where they are used to help those in need.

More than 134,000 nutritious, delicious meals were recovered in 2024 alone that would have otherwise gone to waste, ending up in dumpsters. The organization continues to actively grow their efforts in Morris County to ensure that no prepared meal goes to waste that needn’t.

Their visit with the Florham Park Rotary is part of their effort to share their work with groups of community-minded and engaged citizens in the hopes of spreading the word. They seek to encourage people to get involved as a volunteer meal transporter. Explained Peter Nicolas, Florham Park Rotary Sergeant-At-Arms, “They reached out to our club because they seek help to pick up meals from local business cafeterias and schools and then deliver them to nearby

community organizations. If any other local organizations are interested in learning more about the role of a volunteer meal transporter they may ask questions via phone (716-335-1634) or email (volunteer-nj-north@ sharemymeals.org)”.

Readers can visit the website to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to sign up: https:// sharemymeals.org/get_involved/#Volunteer

To learn more about the local Florham Park Rotary, visitors are very welcome to attend a weekly Rotary breakfast meeting at the Florham Park Diner at 182 Ridgedale Ave. Meetings are 7:47 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. every Friday. More ways to learn more about the

visit www.FlorhamParkRota-

To Thine Own Self Be True: Be It More Precious Than Gold

BY RICHARD MABEY JR. GUEST WRITER

848-0982.

AREA - At the dawn of the Summer of 1963, I was nine years old and had just completed the fourth grade. Summer was a most magical time for me, during my childhood. Behind the old Mabey Homestead, at the end of Mabey Lane, acres and acres of wooded land abounded. Grandpa Mabey and I would often walk the path from the end of Mabey Lane to the path along the old Morris Canal. I learned ever so much from my paternal grandfather, Watson Mabey. Grandma and Grandpa Mabey lived with us in the old Mabey Homestead. As you looked at the old farmhouse, that my great grandfather built in 1890, my bedroom was on the right hand side and faced along West Drive. Grandma and Grandpa’s bedroom, was right behind mine and faced along West Drive and our old backyard.

I remember Mom would

cook breakfast for us. After breakfast, Grandpa would often ask me if I wanted to take a walk with him, down to the old canal banks. I would happily say yes to dear old Grandpa. We would walk down to the end of Mabey Lane. Grandpa would always take a reverent and earnest moment to look at the home, that stood at the end of Mabey Lane, that he had built when he was just a young man. Then we would walk the wooded path to the towpath of the old Morris Canal. Along our walk, Grandpa would point out what wild plants were edible and which ones were poisonous. We would often see a group of deer, feasting on the leaves of the maple and oak. And, Grandpa would point out the birds brightly chirping and clinging high upon the branches of trees. Grandpa knew all so very much about the ways of the wild life, the sacred secrets of the enchanted forest. Lately, I have felt, all so strongly, the presence of dear old Grandpa Mabey. I often wake up in the middle of the night and see Grandpa sitting at my desk chair. His crooked smile, his large hands, his kind eyes look upon me as I swim in a place between sleep and awakened consciousness. And one message, of late, I can hear Grandpa whisper to me, in his nightly visits is to care for the wild birds that fly among the trees. I now live in Northwest Ocala, having recently moved from The Villages in Florida. A certain ache has loomed in my heart, of missing the many dogs of my old neighborhood

to whom I once walked and cared for when their mommy and daddies went away to visit their adult children. But I could feel the call of a new mission in life, an awakened purpose. And, that was to fulfill the gentle whispering call of Grandpa’a nightly visits, to care fot the wild birds that flew among the trees.

There are seven Live Oaks on the property of my new home. They are magnificent trees, strong and towering tall. In the past couple of weeks, I have begun buying inexpensive bird feeders. I fill them with wild bird seed, climb my ladder and hang tie them with strong string to the branches of my Live Oaks.

My little yard, both the front and back yards have now become a wonderful, magical, open-aired aviary. The melodies of the chirping of birds is a most beautiful sound. In just

a very short period of time, when I am doing yard work in my front yard, people in the neighborhood will comment that my yard has a cheerful feeling. I simple tell them that it’s all because of the birds singing and flying about. In taking the time to refill my many new bird feeders that I have placed throughout my yard, I have found a new purpose in life. It may sound like a small thing. It may seem all so insignificant. But it has all brought a certain joy and happiness to my life. For it really is true, to thine own self, be true. To be true to yourself, to fulfill your own inner calling, is more precious than gold. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richard-

Pictured presenting are Volunteer Coordinator Karen Kleppe Lembo and Share My Meals Senior Volunteer

Associate Emily Bailey. Photo credit Peter Nicolas for photo)

Park Rotary are to

ry.org or (917)

Yours truly atop a step ladder, assessing places to hang bird feeders.

BY HENRY M. HOLDEN STAFF

AREA - At first glance, searching for the real Molly Pitcher, the legendary heroine of the American Revolutionary War, seems about as pointless as searching for a needle in a haystack. Nevertheless, legendary figures hold a fascination and usually contain a kernel or more of historical authenticity. In the case of the patriot-cannoneer Molly Pitcher, culling the fictitious from the real can be a challenge. She has held a revered place in the patriotic lore of the American Revolution, right next to Betsy Ross, while real female patriots such as Deborah Sampson, a revolutionary soldier (a.k.a. Robert Shurtleff), are rarely mentioned in survey history texts.

More than two-and-a half centuries after the Revolution, Molly’s popularity succeeds, extending even into the virtual world of cyberspace by Web sites that allow browsers to discuss whether Molly Pitcher was a feminist. While all this good-natured speculation has not led to any new information or for that matter anything of substance, it is quite probable that historical research can still render some interesting insights about Molly and, more important, about the role of women who served in the military during the American Revolutionary War.

Perhaps you have not heard of her, but if you travel southbound on the New Jersey Turnpike, at mile marker 71, you are just one of the tens of thousands of travelers who see a sign for Molly Pitcher, and a Rest Area for motorists and truckers. There are thousands of motorists who pass the sign but keep

BY RICHARD MABEY JR. GUEST WRITER

AREA - In the Spring of 1946, my Dad returned home from having served at Hickam Airfield during the Second World War. Home was the house that Dad’s father, Watson Mabey, built around 1918. Dad’s family home was located at the end of Mabey Lane in Lincoln Park. The garage, that to the best of knowledge still stands, was built by Dad and his brother Edward, just before they both enlisted to serve in the armed services during World War II. When Dad came home from the war, he worked as a truck driver for Moon Carrier in Paterson. Dad saved his money and very soon bought a motorcycle. Despite the protests of his mom, Bertha Storms Mabey, Dad drove his motorcycle all around Lincoln Park, Towaco and Boonton.

There was one place in Boonton that was Dad’s fa-

Good Golly Miss Molly

on driving, because everybody must be going somewhere.

But who was Molly Pitcher and what did she do to deserve special recognition?

Molly Pitcher was born on October 13, 1754, near Trenton. In 1768, she moved to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where she met William Hays, a local barber. They married on July 24, 1769.

Molly Pitcher is a Revolutionary War heroine and a nickname given to a woman who fought in the American Revolution. She is most often identified as Mary Ludwig Hays, who fought in the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778. Her fame is derived from her reputation of continuously delivering pitchers of cold water to the thirsty American soldiers, and cold water, to cool the cannons. When her husband was injured by a fatal cannon shot she took his place on the firing line. Some have called her one of the first American feminist.

It was a blistering hot day on June 28, 1778, when ten thousand British soldiers engaged thirteen thousand American troops during the battle of Monmouth. One of those Continental troopers was seventeen -year-old private Joseph Plumb Martin, of the Connecticut Regiment.

More than half a century passed before Martin decided to publish a memoir of his Revolutionary War experience; It included, a woman, whose husband had belonged to an artillery unit and was mortally wounded. Martin called it, “one little incident.”

“While attending her husband’s wounds and while

reaching for a cartridge, a cannon shot coming directly from the enemy landed between her legs near the lower part of her body, without doing any damage other than tearing her petty coat in half. Looking at it with apparent unconcern she observed that it was lucky it did not pass a little higher, for in that case it might have carried away something else and continued her occupation.”

The actions in the story of Molly Pitcher are generally attributed to Mary Ludwig Hays, who was married to William Hays, an artilleryman in the Continental Army. She joined him at the army’s winter camp at Valley Forge in 1777, and was present at the Battle of Monmouth, where she served as a water- carrier. Her husband fell from a cannon shot and she took his place swabbing and loading the cannon and was later commended by George Washington. (as recorded by Joseph Plumb Martin in his memoir published in 1830,)

Washington praised Molly and conferred on her the brevet of captain, hence her title Captain Molly. He also said that she should have a pension for the rest of her life. Then, French officers who had enlisted in the American’s regiment loved her and had the pleasure of giving “Marie” a token of their appreciation by showering her with their extra silver coins.

Earlier that year, festivities had been planned to celebrate the 150 anniversary of the Monmouth battle. Stamp collectors petitioned the U.S. Post Office Department for a commemorative stamp to mark the anniversary. After receiving

several rejections, New Jersey congressman Ernest Ackerman, a stamp collector himself, enlisted the assistance of the majority leader of the House of Representatives, John Q. Tilson.

Postmaster General Harry New a suspected anti-feminist steadfastly refused to issue a commemorative stamp specifically acknowledging the battle or Molly Pitcher. In a telegram to Tilson, Postmaster New explained, «Finally, however, I have agreed to put a surcharged title on ten million of the regular issue Washington 2-cent stamps bearing the name ‹Molly Pitcher.›»

There has been criticism that there was no substantive evidence that a “Molly Pitcher” ever existed. However, one eyewitness account does count. and in addition, there is one account written less than a week after the battle. The writer in question was a medical Doctor Waldo, a physician who was with the Continental Army who wrote in his diary three days later and what he writes is Vitaly important. The following words are taken from his diary.

“One of the camp women with me and I must give a little praise for her gallant, whom she attended in the battle. Being shot down she immediately took of his gun and cartridges, and like a Spartan heroine, fought with astonishing regularity discharging the piece with as much, bravery and destruction as any soldier present.”

There are so many legends surrounding Molly Pitcher that some historians believe her story is a combination of

several people. Although there has been ample research done mostly by her descendants. An independent review of the documents has led some historians to conclude that Pitcher cannot be identified with certainty.

Most sources identify her birth name as Mary Ludwig, daughter of Maria Margaretha and Johann George Ludwig, and identify her first husband as William Hays (also sometimes referred to as John Hays), who was in the artillery.Hays fought in the Battle of Monmouth in Freehold, New Jersey, on June 28, 1778, a brutally hot day.

His wife was present as well, and she made countless trips to a nearby spring to fill pitchers of cold water for soldiers to drink and to pour over their cannons to cool them down.

As legend has it, the soldiers nicknamed her Molly Pitcher

I Remember Dad: The Motorcycle Man

vorite place to visit, that of his brother Earl’s home on the 600 block of Boonton Avenue. Dad would often visit his brother and his brother’s wife, Eleanor. For across the street from his brother’s home, was the Kemmerer Homestead, where my mom, Janet Kemmerer lived. Mom was the youngest child of the nine children of Edmund and Lydia.

Mom was the Manager of the Bakery Department of the A&P Grocery Store in Boonton. It was my Aunt Eleanor who gave Mom Dad’s mailing address at Hickam Airfield. And, about once a week, Mom would send Dad homemade cookies or pies.

Mom loved to read books and would often read while sitting on the long, rock wall that stood in front of the Kemmerer Homestead along Boonton Avenue. There was a tall maple

best

tree near the sidewalk of the old Kemmerer Homestead. And Dad would sit upon his motorcycle, beneath the shade of the maple tree, and talk and talk and talk with Mom.

At first Mom’s Dad did not appreciate my father all that well. The Kemmerers were very strict Methodists. And, Grandpa Kemmerer did not want his youngest daughter talking to a man who drove a motorcycle.

It was Dad’s brother Earl, who told Dad that he should trade in his motorcycle for a car. I know for a fact that Dad was torn between his love for Mom and his love for his motorcycle. I know this because, when I was attending County College, at 19, hiking the Appalachian Trail with Dad, my beloved father told me the story of his motorcycle era.

Long story short, Dad did not sell his motorcycle right away.

He kept in the old garage at the end of Mabey Lane and would borrow his brother Edward’s car, to travel to Boonton to visit Mom. Soon after Dad stopped riding his motorcycle to the old Kemmerer Homestead, that he began gaining favor with my maternal grandfather.

One day, when I was in my early twenties, on a visit with Grandma Mabey, Grandma told me more about Dad’s love for his motorcycle. That even after Dad retired his motorcycle and kept it stored in the garage, Dad would go into the garage and just sit on the motorcycle for long periods of time.

I often wonder where I would be if Dad had not decided to retire his motorcycle. For truly, Grandpa Kemmerer strongly disapproved of Mom talking with a man who drove a motorcycle.

To the best of my knowl-

edge, the old garage at the end of Mabey Lane still stands. Also, to the best of my knowledge, the rock wall along the 600 block of Boonton Avenue still stands. Before my soul leaves this physical body, I want to return to Lincoln Park, walk down Mabey Lane and just look at the old garage, where Dad once retired his shining motorcycle.

Also, I plan on walking along the 600 block of Boonton Avenue. And, if I get the courage, just sit upon that old rock wall for a minute or two. I do hope I get to visit these two landmarks, before I pass.

Fate and Destiny are strange twins. I often wonder where I would be if Dad chose not to retire his motorcycle. Many times, over the years, Mom told me the story of how her father first disapproved of Dad talking to her, because of his motor-

for her tireless efforts. But the legend only began with her new name.

According to accounts, Pitcher witnessed her husband collapse at his cannon, unable to continue with the fight. She immediately dropped her water pitcher and took his place at the cannon, manning the weapon throughout the remainder of the battle until the colonists achieved victory. According to the National Archives, a witness documented her heroic acts, reporting that a piece of a cannon ball passed through her legs on the battlefield, leaving her unscathed:

After the war, Mary Hays married George McCauley, and some forty-four years after the war the state of Pennsylvania awarded her with an annual pension of forty dollars for her heroism at Monmouth.

The grave and monument of Molly Pitcher, located in Carlisle PA

Dad on his motorcycle, during the Summer of 1946. cycle. From Earth to Heaven, thank you Dad for retiring your motorcycle all those years ago. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He currently has a daily YouTube program, entitled “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard can be reached at richardjamesmabey@gmail. com.

BY DANA JACKSON

Q: Is Garcelle Beauvais going to return to acting now that she’s leaving “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” or will she get her own reality show instead? -- T.O.

A: Garcelle Beauvais recently extended her partnership with the Lifetime network to produce and star in more projects with them. Her “Black Girl Missing” franchise of TV movies with the network has been a huge success. Next up for her is”Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie,” where she’ll play Kai -- a truck driver who launches her own investigation after her neurodivergent niece is abducted by an online predator. She’s also starring and producing in the next Terry McMillan project, titled “Tempted 2 Love,” a sequel to last year’s hit movie “Tempted By Love.” Beauvais will once again play a star chef, but this time she’s trav-

BY DEMI TAVERAS

“Sally” (PG) -- June is Pride Month in the United States, and this documentary’s release about the first LGBT astronaut is very timely and topical! Premiering June 17, this doc details the life of Sally Ride, whose list of firsts is quite legendary. Not only was she a part of the first class of NASA astronauts to include women, Ride was the first American woman in space (third woman overall and the youngest American overall). Her list of achievements is even more legendary, but they didn’t come without sacrifice. In the doc, her longtime partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, provides her account of their 27-year relationship and the significance of these sacrifices as two professional queer women working to

eling to Ireland with her new flame only to bump into her much younger ex. “I’m thrilled to continue telling stories that resonate deeply with audiences and put women -- especially Black women -- at the center,” said Beauvais. “Working with Lifetime has given me the opportunity to expand narratives that are heartfelt, suspenseful, and full of purpose. Both of these films are incredibly special to me, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience them.”

“Garcelle is an undeniable creative force whose passion for telling authentic, impactful stories continues to inspire our audiences,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and head of programming at A&E, Lifetime and LMN. “These new films not only deepen the emotional and cultural resonance of our programming but also reaffirm our

Celebrity Extra Couch Theater ENTERTAINMENT

achieve their dreams during the late 1900s. (Disney+)

“Love Me” (R) -- This postapocalyptic romance movie starring Kristen Stewart (“Love Lies Bleeding”) and Steven Yeun (“Nope”) went completely under the radar during its theatrical release last year, although a film that takes the plot of “WALL-E” and spins it on its head isn’t going to be a major blockbuster draw like “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Taking place long after the year 2500 and the major extinction of humanity, the film follows a weather buoy that was left to greet any lifeform that encounters Earth. The buoy happens upon a passing satellite, which is the first object that the buoy is able to make contact with.

shared commitment to championing diverse voices and stories that matter.”

***

Q:What is Tara Reid doing since she made a comeback with the “Sharknado” movies? Does she have any other movies coming out? -- N.C.

A: Tara Reid’s career has unfortunately taken a dive since the 1990s, when she shot to stardom in movies like “American Pie,” “Cruel Intentions,” and “The Big Lebowski.” She became tabloid fodder soon after for partying with Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. Her career fell into a slump until the campy TV movie “Sharknado” came out in 2013, which was followed by several sequels. She told Variety that she’s now producing her own projects and currently has 12(!) titles in the works on her IMDb page, including “Hollywood Heist”

Lonely and yearning to learn about human life, the buoy becomes online friends with the satellite, leading to a beautiful connection that evolves to almost become humanlike. Premieres June 16. (Paramount+)

“Skincare” (R) -- Deemed as a thriller, even though it assumes the form of an action-comedy, this directorial debut from Austin Peters is led by none other than the prolific Elizabeth Banks (“The Better Sister”), who knows how to bring relatable comedy to life. Banks portrays Hope Goldman, an aesthetician who runs a skincare studio in Los Angeles. Hope prepares to launch a skincare line, but her dream starts to dwindle in the distance when another skincare studio

with Alec Baldwin and Mickey Rourke.

***

Q: What’s the latest on a third season of “Big Little Lies” being filmed? Is it hard to get the A-list cast together again? -- K.S.

A:According to “Big Little Lies” creator David E. Kelley, “everyone” wants to do a new season of the HBO series, which is based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Zoe Kravitz and Shailene Woodley are all eager to reprise their roles, and Morarity is in the midst of writing the novel on which the script will be based. I wouldn’t expect to see the finished product on-screen until mid to late 2026 or perhaps early 2027. Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail. com.

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

opens up directly across from her and garners lots of success. Slowly but surely, attempts are made to sabotage Hope’s work, forcing her to decide how far she’s willing to go to save her dream. If you’ve seen Banks’

“Cocaine Bear,” you should know that she’s willing to go pretty far! Premieres June 17.

(Hulu)

“We Were Liars” (TV-MA) -- This new eight-episode series hitting streaming on June 18 is based on the 2014 young adult novel by E. Lockhart and almost feels like a cleaner version of Netflix’s “Outer Banks.”

Emily Alyn Lind (“Gossip Girl”) stars as Cadence Sinclair Eastman, a 17-year-old who spends her summers on a private island near Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, thanks to the wealth and notoriety that comes with the Sinclair name. Usually, these summers consist of normal teenage shenanigans like parties, dates, and late nights, but one summer night results in a terrible accident for Cadence, leaving her with a serious bout of amnesia. A year later, she returns to her summer island to see if she can piece together what happened to her and who was involved.

(Amazon Prime Video) (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

From left, Emily Alyn Lind, Esther McGregor, Joseph Zada and Shubham Maheshwari star in “We Were Liars”. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.

Garcelle Beauvais (“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”). Photo Credit: Depositphotos

North Jersey Actress Celebrates First Off Broadway Show and TikTok

BY MEGAN ROCHE STAFF WRITER

AREA - For Lexis Trechak, it’s been a busy few months. The North Jersey actress recently closed her first off Broadway show, something which she says was “exciting, thrilling,” and unlike anything else she’d ever done.

Trechak, who has been a dancer since she was two, began posting content on TikTok in 2019. Thanks to her brother and his self-built backyard rollercoaster, Trechak first posted a behind the scenes video of the coaster’s construction and saw it go viral. From then on, it became her own goal to go viral herself.

“I literally remember telling myself that I was going to go viral. I had one video go viral and I was hooked,” Trechak said.

From that first rollercoaster video, Trechak threw herself into making dance related TikTok content. From skits about

BY ELSIE WALKER STAFF WRITER

different dance teachers she had to participating in viral dance trends, Trechak was invested.

A Temple University graduate with a degree in Speech Pathology, Trechak took the summer after graduating to pursue musical theater. With plans to go to graduate school, Trechak moved in, ready to start the next chapter. However, her summer musical theater experiences stayed with her and made her really begin to think about her career. A day after moving in to her grad school apartment, Trechak quickly moved out and began to look for theater jobs.

“Every person I told that I was considering leaving grad school was not surprised. They all told me that they weren’t surprised that my heart wasn’t into being in grad school. I’ve been a dancer and actress my whole life, so I really wanted to give this thing a shot,” Trechak

said.

While much of her TikTok content is based on the positive side of dance, Trechak tries to accurately portray what her world looks like as an upand-coming dancer. From the hours spent in audition rooms to dealing with major injuries, Trechak tries to show it all to her followers.

“I really want to share my authentic journey as an actor. I see a lot of people who do this career and share their journey but it’s not as realistic as it should be. I want to show the people what actually happens as a professional actor. It is not all glamour and fame. As upsetting as it is to get cut, it’s the truth. There are going to be 10 billion nos before you get that one yes,” Trechak said.

After touring for the past two years as part of the cast of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Trechak booked her first

Stardom

off-Broadway show, Maddie. Maddie, a musical about a young couple, Nick and Jan, who move into a new apartment, discover a message on the wall that was scrawled by a 1920’s actress named Maddie. Maddie takes over Jan’s body and seeks to fulfill her dream of becoming a star. The story explores love, ambition, and the clash between the past and the present. Trechak played the role of Jan’s best friend, Sally. “It was a new experience for me to play a principal role. I’m ensemble through and through and I love being in the ensemble. It is so much fun, I love to dance. This role was really cool because I had been really insecure about my voice as a singer for a very long time. I had really worked on my voice over the past year and when I got cast as Sally, all of that hard work paid off because I got to be in a role that actually sang a song during

Lexis Trechak, a North Jersey actress, was recently cast as Sally in the off-Broadway show “Maddie”.

the show,” Trechak said.

Maddie closed in early June, but it was an experience that Trechak won’t soon forget. According to her, her life is just a dream come true.

“The life that I’m living isn’t too far off from the one I’d joke about in school. I always said I wanted to be famous and getting to perform as my job is what the dream always was. To get to actually say this is my work and my job is just unreal,” Trechak said. To learn more about Trechak, visit www.lexistrechak. org

Netcong Resident Related to Declaration Signer

AREA - Looking at the Declaration of Independence, there are the signatures of many historical figures. But for one Netcong resident, a certain name stands out. It is the name of a relative that she’s traced back through her genealogy and is related to through a grandfather: Dr. Benjamin Rush. Dr. Rush’s proud relative is Amanda Rush. The latter Rush has gathered information on Dr. Rush from a variety of sources. Recently, she shared some tidbits of information from what she has found which introduce her relative and just some of the things he did. Amanda Rush’s research shows that her descendants were from England. The first to be born in America was John Harvey Rush in 1712. He lived

in Byberry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as it was described in those days. A son, Benjamin Rush, was born on December 24, 1745 in Byberry. Through looking at various sources, it was discovered that Benjamin Rush went abroad as a student to study medicine at a college in Edinburgh, Scotland from 1766 – 1768. After he came back home, Dr. Rush ran a medical practice and was a leading physician and civic leader. Rush was elected to the Second Continental Congress in 1776 and was a signer of The Declaration of Independence. Looking at the different information she gathered, Amanda Rush pointed out that research shares that signing the Declaration of Independence was dangerous and some signers feared

for their lives.

Amanda Rush said that what she is most proud of Dr. Rush for “was that he stuck up for the country, wanted it to be independent, and signed the Declaration of Independence.”

Dr. Rush died in 1813. Besides signing the Declaration of Independence, he was a leader in education and health. His study of mental disorders led him to be one of the founders of American Psychiatry. He was for free public schools and improved education for women. Also, he was opposed to slavery.

As for the more personal side of his life, Amanda Rush has done some research into that, too.

Dr. Rush’s father-in-law Richard Stockton, the governor

of New Jersey at the time, was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Rush had married Stockton’s daughter, Julia, on January 11, 1776. They had 12 children. My Dearest Julia, is a book of love letters written by Dr. Rush while courting Julia Stockton and afterwards, which were preserved by Julia Rush Biddle Henry, a great great granddaughter and made into the book. Amanda Rush was able to get a copy of it and has included it as part of her Dr. Rush research.

Among Dr. Rush’s friends were John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. From Macculloch Hall Historical Museum in Morristown, Amanda Rush was able to get a booklet with copies of the text of preserved historical letters. One is from Abigail

Adams to Julia Rush. They were also great friends.

Another piece of research is a 1991 Star Ledger newspaper clipping. It is about a tradition at a cemetery at a Presbyterian Church in Pluckemin, New Jersey concerning the gravesite of a buried British soldier from the revolutionary war, William Leslie. What is the connection between Dr. Rush and a buried British soldier? Looking at Wikipedia, Amanda Rush had learned the story of Dr. Rush and the Leslies. During the time that Dr. Rush was abroad studying medicine, the Leslies gave him room and board. A deep friendship was formed. When the war broken out, Rush received word from the Leslies that young William Leslie was serving in the British army and

fighting in the war. After the battle at Princeton, which was won by the revolutionaries, Rush received word that young Leslie was one of the casualties. Rush appealed to George Washington, that Leslie get a military funeral. Leslie did, with Washington in attendance. Each year, the Daughters of Britian Empire put a union jack on Leslie’s grave. Amanda Rush visited Leslie’s resting place last year. She said she thought she’d stop by and honor his grave, noting that her family had started in England. Amanda Rush has done quite a bit of research into Dr. Rush and sums it up this way: “It’s an honor to know where you came from, and who you came from, and what they did before you.”

Free Butterfly Walks Offered on July 11 and Aug. 1

AREA - New Jersey Conservation Foundation will hold two free butterfly walks – on Friday, July 11, and Friday, Aug. 1 – as part of its “Coffee & Conservation” series of morning educational events.

Held at the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center at 170 Longview Road, the walks begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee provided by Black River Roasters and a brief discussion about species that may be spotted. The group will then take

a leisurely stroll through the meadows of Bamboo Brook with experts from the North American Butterfly Association. The walks will end by about 11:30 a.m.

“This is a great opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee, learn about New Jersey’s incredible diversity of butterflies, and take a walk in a beautiful setting,” said Bill Lynch, organizer of the Coffee & Conservation series, which also includes spring and fall bird walks.

Among the colorful butterfly species that have been spotted on previous walks are monarchs, eastern tiger swallowtails, coral hairstreaks, great spangled fritillaries, summer azures, little wood-satyrs and silver-spotted skippers. Coffee & Conservation events are free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested for planning purposes. To register online, go to New Jersey Conservation’s events calendar at www.

njconservation.org/events/. Walks are generally held rain or shine, but may be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning.

To learn more about the butterfly and bird walks, contact Lynch at blynch@njconservation.org. For more information about butterflies, visit the North American Butterfly Association website at www. naba.org/.

Bamboo Brook, owned by the Morris County Parks Sys-

tem and home to New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s main office, is 100-acre park with a mix of wooded trails and open meadows.

About New Jersey Conservation Foundation New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide organization devoted to preserving land and protecting nature throughout New Jersey’s rural, suburban, and urban landscapes for the benefit of all.

Since 1960, we have preserved more than 140,000 acres of open space, farmland, and parks. We also manage 17 nature preserves, conduct public outreach and education programs, and advocate for sensible land use and climate policies that will protect the health of New Jersey communities for generations to come. For more information, go to www.njconservation.org.

When You Get A Bad Medical Report: Never Give Up! Never

BY RICHARD MABEY, JR. GUEST WRITER

AREA - If you get a bad medial report from your doctor, the last thing you ever want to do, is to feel sorry for yourself. And, above all, never ever give up hope. Never give up hope! First and foremost, pray for your own healing. That may sound like it’s being selfish. But it’s really not. When you are faced with a serious illness, it is a time when you need to know that God will guide you, in all ways. The good Lord may lead you to talk to a friend about your illness, and your friend may have the name of a doctor who specializes in treating your very specific illness. The point it this: do not ever give up hope. Since I was diag-

nosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, in December of 2023, I have been to six cardiologists. One of these doctors, well meaning, had guided me to looking into Hospice Care. I knew in my heart of hearts, that I wasn’t ready for that step, quite yet. Keep the fight alive in your heart and mind. Be courageous and bold in your fight to survive and to live as long as you possibly can. Go within to find your truth. Read the holy scriptures of your faith. Pray and pray and pray for healing. Not to sound like a broken record, but never giver up! Never give up!

I read and study about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy,

Ever Give Up!

two to three hours a day. I keep my mind open to all healing avenues. You cannot always count on just treating a disease with just pharmaceutical prescriptions. I am not putting down conventional medicine, but it is important to read and study and investigate cutting edge healing modalities. I just cannot stress it enough. There is real power in praying for your own healing. It may sound like it’s being selfish. But it’s not. God loves you more than you can possibly ever imagine. For us, as humble humans, to understand the infinite wisdom of God, is like trying to explain Einstein’s Theory of Relativity to an ant.

God loves you more than you will ever know. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Not to sound like a broken record, but read, study and investigate any and all cutting edge healling modalities for your specific illness. There is real healing power in having hope, burning in your heart. Keep the flame of hope burning brightly in your heart.

In December of 2023, my cardiologist was well meaning when she told me that she estimated that I had about two years left to live. You see, in HCM the Left Ventricle becomes very thick and hardened. So much so that it loses its ability to have the elasticity

to fully pump blood. Fro the most part, most HCM patients can be traced to have a genetic mutation of the MY-H7 Gene.

Since December of 2023, I have never ever allowed my heart and mind to fall into despair. Living in despair and feeling sorry for oneself, is walking in the valley of death, the dark forest of hopelessness, the trail to defeat. If you are facing a serious illness, please keep your chin up. Fuel the fire of hope, in your heart, with solemn and earnest prayer. Never give up! Never surrender! Never ever give up! Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published.

National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in Eleventh Hour Rescue to Save and Improve the Lives of Pets in Northern New Jersey

AREA - Eleventh Hour Rescue

is set to receive a $5,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for pets in Northern New Jersey.

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested nearly $410 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations — like ours — across North America, with nearly 7 million pets adopted and counting.

“Our investment in Eleventh Hour Rescue is part of more

than $12M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We launched Petco Love Lost, a free national lost and found database that uses photo-matching technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“This investment will go incredibly far in allowing us to continue our lifesaving rescue work. The cost of rescue, transport, food, shelter, and general and emergency

vetting can be overwhelming, and the number of pets in need only continues to grow. We’re tremendously grateful to Petco Love for their generosity to the rescue community—we consider them a true partner in the work we do,” said Kelly Miller, President of Eleventh Hour Rescue.

Eleventh Hour Rescue is a nonprofit, no-kill, animal rescue located in Flanders, New Jersey that has been serving Morris County, New Jersey since 2004. In the 20+ years since its founding, Eleventh Hour Rescue has saved nearly 50,000 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and Guinea pigs, from euthanasia. Largely volunteer-run, EHR is both kennel and foster-based with a storefront housing cats in the

Rockaway mall and an adoption center and thrift-shop in the Roxbury mall.

For more information about Eleventh Hour Rescue, visit ehrdogs.org. Learn more about Petco Love here: petcolove.

org

About Eleventh Hour Rescue Eleventh Hour Rescue, based in Morris County NJ, is a primarily volunteer run, nokill rescue that saves animals on Death Row from high-kill shelters. Eleventh Hour Rescue dogs and cats are cared for by our compassionate and dedicated team of volunteers and staff. Whether in foster homes, our kennel or adoption centers, each dog and cat receives a clean and safe living environment, fresh food and

A Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith

BY MEGAN ROCHE STAFF WRITER

AREA - In A Warrior’s Story, you’ll meet and learn about all the sides of Jamie Smith. Smith was a West Morris Central (WMC) High School graduate who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving as a US Army Ranger during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. You’ll hear from Jamie’s former teachers, his Army Ranger battle buddies, and how his legacy still lives on to this day in the halls of WMC. This series will be an on-going feature in the months ahead.

As news of the attack in Somalia spread across the world, West Morris Central teacher Dennis O’Connell received a phone call at 2 in the morning from Debbie Gonzalez, a colleague, who was also close with Jamie Smith.

“I took it personally that he was killed. It was such a waste of a great life,” O’Connell said. After spending the rest of the morning on the phone, O’Connell had to head to the school, where he came face to face with students dealing with

the tragedy of losing Smith.

“I really tried to explain to the kids what the reality of war is. I tried to tell them how there were no rules in war and talked it through in the way that war is permanent chaos. It’s really just a question of who gets taken out and who doesn’t get taken out. It was very sad. I talked about Jamie as much as I could in my classes,” O’Connell said.

As details started to emerge about when Smith’s remains were going to be returned to the family, work began on planning his funeral service. Gonzales, as well as O’Connell, both spoke at the funeral service.

“It was hard to speak at the service. I had spoken at other friend’s funerals but that was a really hard day. I couldn’t get past the point that he was so young and the way that he died was so senseless. He died doing what he loved to do, he loved being a Ranger but I just couldn’t get my head wrapped around the fact that he was so young,” O’Connell recalls.

Surrounded by family and friends, The Smith Family gathered at Our Lady of the Mountain Church to say their final goodbyes to Jamie.

“The place was packed. There was not a dry eye in the church that day,” O’Connell said.

water, medical attention, and most importantly an abundance of love and care until they find their FURever homes. We are dedicated to educating the community about the animal over-population problem and the importance of spaying and neutering. All funds go directly to supporting our animals and their needs. We are an eligible charity under federal code 501(c)3 founded in 2004. About Petco Love Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing nearly $410 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for nearly 7 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Join us. Visit PetcoLove. org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

Smith was laid to rest at Fort Benning, Georgia amongst other fallen comrades.

A Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith will continue in the August 2025 issue, where you’ll learn how Smith’s legacy still lives on in the hallways at West Morris Central.

He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.

Jamie Smith’s final resting place at Fort Benning, Georgia.

“In opening the store, we

AREA - Summer is the season of sun-kissed memories – backyard barbecues, sandy beaches, bike rides and late-night stargazing. However, the warmer months bring unique safety challenges that can catch active families off guard if they’re not prepared.

From sunburns to scraped knees and dehydration to bug bites, summer’s surprises don’t have to slow you down. With a few simple precautions and the right tools on hand – like reliable first-aid essentials – you can make safety second nature and keep your focus where it belongs: on making the most of every sunny moment. Here are a few smart, easy tips from the experts at CURAD to help your family

wanted to create an environment where people felt part of a community…a place to stop and talk about their passion for nature…and a place where they can ask questions and share their own experiences,” says owners Andrew and Joanne Marino. “Many customers who visit our store spend as much time talking with us about their birding as they do browsing our products,” they noted.

The store carries a wide range of products including high quality seed, feeders, shepherd hooks, bird baths and nest boxes. They also carry a variety of nature-related gifts such as wood carvings, wind chimes, books, hats, walking sticks and notecards – many items are hand-crafted and made in the U.S.

“We want to provide our customers with high quality

For the Joy of Birding

items that they won’t easily find elsewhere,” say the owners. “That’s what is special about a small, locally owned business like ours: always something different, and some of it locally made.” Andrew and Joanne weren’t always shop owners. This is the product of a years-long hobby that evolved into a business idea.

“We’ve had the idea for a store like this in the back of our minds for a long time.” A former Corporate Vice President and a Substitute Teacher from Fairfield, the Marinos waited until the time was right, when their children were grown, to put the plan in motion, opening the doors in February 2025.

“We’re very fortunate be here in Pequannock. The location brings in many wonderful people from the surrounding communities, and we are enjoying getting to know our

customers.” In addition to running the store, Andrew and Joanne are involved in local activities and give talks on various related topics. “It’s all part of being part of the neighborhood and giving back. We appreciate the opportunity to be here in Pequannock and are happy to do our part to support the community.”

If you are a beginner bird-feeder, experienced birder, or just thinking about starting out, visiting The Backyard Birding Store should be high on your to-do list. Quality products, friendly advice and a place you’ll enjoy coming back to often, The Backyard Birding Store is located at 679A Route 23 South, directly across from the Pompton Queen Diner. Visit them online at www.thebackyardbirdingstore.com as well as on Instagram and Facebook.

Safe Summer Fun in the Sun

stay protected from the sun, heat, water hazards and the inevitable bumps and bruises from outdoor play.

Shield Your Skin from Harmful Rays

The summer sun can be harsh, making it important to take steps to prevent sunburn, even if it’s partly cloudy or overcast. If you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors. Remember to reapply to all exposed skin – including overlooked spots like your ears, neck and tops of feet – every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed

hats, sunglasses and light, long-sleeved shirts, can also help shield you from harmful UV rays. When possible, seek shade during peak sun hours, typically 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to minimize direct exposure.

Be Prepared for Summer Scrapes

Accidents can happen anytime, especially during active summer days. Having a wellstocked first-aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic wipes and ointments, can help you quickly address minor cuts, scrapes and blisters.

It’s important to have the right bandages on hand for every situation. Bandages made with breathable and lightweight fabric and a four-sided seal are perfect for those hot summer

days. While bandages infused with natural ingredients like soothing aloe vera, vitamin E and baking soda offer a fresh approach to healing.

Proven to aid in faster healing, hydrocolloid bandages, like those infused with aloe vera from the CURAD Naturals line, offer waterproof protection that helps cushion and seal out dirt and germs for multiple days. By sealing in moisture, hydrocolloid bandages help promote the optimal healing environment.

Keep the Fluids Flowing in the Heat

During the summer months, the heat can quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause dizziness, headaches and even heat stroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water (8 ounces each) each day, or more if you’re going to be spending an extended amount of time outdoors or engaging in physical activities like hiking, biking or playing sports.

Keeping a refillable water bottle with you can make it easier to stay hydrated on the go and replenish the water your body loses through sweat. In addition to water, consuming hydrating foods like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers and bell peppers can help maintain your fluid levels and regulate your body’s temperature. Also avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.

Keep Pesky Insects at Bay Summer evenings are per-

fect for outdoor activities, but they can also attract mosquitoes, ticks and other pests. Protect yourself and your family by applying insect repellent on top of your sunscreen to all exposed skin and loose-fitting clothing. Reapply as needed, according to the instructions on the package.

Repellant fans, candles, torches and bracelets may be good alternatives to spray or roll-on insect repellants.

Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in wooded or grassy areas, can also help prevent bug bites. Remember to check for ticks after spending time outdoors and, if found, promptly remove them by using clean tweezers and pulling straight upward. Avoid twisting, squeezing or burning ticks, which can lead to the release of saliva or cause the head to break off.

Have Fun in the Water, Safely Summer is the perfect time to hit the pool, beach or lake, but remember to prioritize safety while enjoying the water. Always swim in designated areas and never swim alone. If supervising children, ensure they are within an arm’s reach and wearing properly fitting flotation devices.

Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers, as it can impair your judgment and reaction times, and be aware of your surroundings, including weather conditions and water currents. Enrolling kids in swimming lessons can also contribute to a safer experience in the water.

Visit Curad.com for more

resources to help you safely enjoy your summer adventures.

Building Your Summer Scrape Kit

A summer first-aid scrape kit can be a lifesaver for those inevitable bumps, bruises and blisters. Keep your family’s kit in a waterproof case and in an easily accessible place, such as your car, pool bag or home first-aid cabinet. Make sure to keep it stocked with essentials for cuts, scrapes, burns, blisters and beyond, such as:

Antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds

Antibiotic or antimicrobial ointment to help prevent buildup of bacteria

Bandages like CURAD Naturals Hydrocolloids with Aloe Vera to treat minor cuts, scrapes and blisters

Non-latex gloves to protect hands from dirt and germs

Hydrocortisone cream for bug bites and rashes

Sunscreen to help prevent sunburn

Aloe vera gel for sunburn relief Water bottles to stay hydrated

Ear drops for preventing or treating swimmer’s ear Insect repellent to help prevent bug bites

Tweezers for removing splinters and pests

Pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Ice packs to help slow inflammation and reduce pain

Thermometer to check temperature

Other medications for allergies, nausea, congestion and more

Owners Andrew and Joanne Marino at the Grand Opening of The Backyard Birding Store earlier this year.