Hackettstown Local Author Debuts New Aspiring Writers Club at Hackettstown Free Public Library
By Stefanie Sears
What better way to inspire more writers in a library setting than with a writing club hosted by a successful local author?
Author Eric Matluck, originally from Brooklyn and now a Hackettstown resident, released his latest book What’s In Hope’s Back Pocket and participated in an author talk and book signing at Hackettstown Free Public Library earlier this year. The library’s Director Jerry Galante then approached Matluck about the idea of starting a writers club for the library because they never had one before and Matluck was immediately on board.
The club covers topics such as writing, publishing, and everything in between, and an important factor for the club is outreach.
“The people we’re looking to attract are people who want to write but feel a little bit inhibited, and they might just feel more comfortable in a smaller crowd than in a larger crowd. I think it worked out actually to everybody’s benefit,” explains Matluck.
The “Aspiring Writers Club hosted by Eric Matluck” had its first meeting at Hackettstown Free Public Library on Tuesday, June 3, at 6 PM and ran for an hour and a half. At the first meeting, one activity prompt was looking at paintings and writing stories inspired by them. Other discussions were the concept of coming up with character names and talking about books everyone likes. However, they will have different activities and topics of discussion
every month.
“Somebody can come in three or four months down the road and not have to say, ‘Hey, what are we doing?’ We want to keep it ongoing and to try to attract more people.”
Of course, the discussions eventually turned towards generative AI, which is often deeply affecting the writing industry and causing concern. Matluck, however, has a more positive view on the increasingly popular technology and believes that the writing community need not feel threatened.
“I am not completely sure I understand the purpose of it. I think, as a human being, I could perhaps use it as inspiration, but I don’t know that it’s going to replace things created by living people. It’s kind of frightening, but kind of fascinating at the same time. I guess it’s like when the whole concept of recorded music came out and people were probably thinking ‘Live concerts are going to end because now people can just sit at home and listen to recordings.’ And, of course, that didn’t happen. We’ve got both and they’re both thriving. You know, it raises the eyebrows a little bit, but it’s fascinating, and I think a lot of good can come of it. I think at some point it’s going to seem to take over, and then I think it’s going to recede. As people become more familiar with it, I think they can use it constructively. I think it’s just human nature to always want to express yourself. Things will probably level out a bit.”
The “Aspiring Writers Club hosted by Eric Matluck” will continue to run on the first Tuesday of every month at 6 pm
at the Hackettstown Free Public Library through December. “The ultimate goal is to get people comfortable enough to start writing,” says Matluck. “I think there are a lot of people who want to write but feel inhibited because they’re afraid their writing is not going to be well received. By having a club like this, you can find people who are supporting what you’re doing and saying, ‘It’s great what you’re doing. Keep doing it. Do it more.’ Then they can write and either submit them to magazines if they’re short stories or get themselves published if they’re books. Let them feel comfortable with what they enjoy doing.”
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By Evan Wechman
BHackettstown Freshman Shines on Varsity Baseball Team
eing a freshman in high school is never easy. However, being a freshman baseball player on the varsity squad can be even more difficult. For Hackettstown High School freshman Sean Benbow, playing at a higher level with older and more experienced players is something he has been doing since he was a kid.
Benbow remembers being introduced to baseball as a child by his older brother, whom he looked up to. He recalls that while watching his brother succeed on the field, he soon realized he might be talented at the sport too. Since that time, Benbow has always been playing at a more elite level than his classmates.
However, playing with older and bigger players comes added pressure. According to Benbow, before the season even got underway, other students in the school were talking about how he would perform on the field. This led to increased stress on the freshman.
“I was just trying to live up to that(expectations). But while doing that, I kind of was thinking too much, so there was just a lot of things to clear up in my head,” Benbow said.
However, Benbow settled down with the help of his coach and teammates. As a result, he hit for almost a .400 baseball average during the season. At the same time, Benbow, also a skilled pitcher on the mound, held opponents to only three total runs in over 23 innings.
According to Hackettstown Varsity Baseball Coach Gary Poyer, Benbow handled the lofty expectations extremely well.
“Even as a freshman, he has these leadership qualities
that I think endeared him to his teammates,” Poyer said. “I think the pressure that he’s feeling is as a freshman, there’s a lot of kids that are kind of waiting to make that varsity jump, and for him to jump over quite a few people. You feel like you have to not be as good, but you feel like you have to be better. And Sean had the kind of year where that was no doubt, and his work ethic is phenomenal. The thing that I worry about with all young players is usually the speed of the game, because everything speeds up at the varsity level, the speed of the pitch, your bat speed has to increase. Every runner is faster. Everybody is stronger. And that was initially a concern of mine. But if you’ve met Sean, he’s a very big kid, he’s a very strong kid. And along with his physical attributes, he has the mental ones to go along with it, which enabled him as a freshman to be able to handle those pressures.”
With a year under his belt, Benbow seems dialed in to have another tremendous season as a sophomore. He realizes that he is trying to find the right balance of being a top pitcher and hitter at the same time. However, Benbow is taking things day by day, trying not to look too far into the future.
“Looking at my high school career, I strive to be the best, the best kid that I can be, whether that’s school or on the baseball field. And I’m just trying to grow a little bit day by day, so that when next season approaches, I can gradually increase my performance and just get a little better each year, and then hopefully those performances can bring me to the next level. That’s really the dream,” Benbow said.
Benbow, who wants to be a Major League Baseball player one day, knows it’s a long road. But his commitment
to improving his game, along with his leadership skills, might just take him to the big stage.
However, for now, Benbow is grateful that he has been surrounded by great teammates and coaches.
“I just want to give credit to the coaching staff here at the high school and my teammates for really making me feel part of the family that they created, and the legacy they made that they made me feel a part of. I just want to give credit to them for always supporting me. Whether it was a game where I was four for four with two doubles, or a game where I was zero for four with four strikeouts, they were always there for me and had my back,” Benbow said.
By Henry M. Holden
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.
Little Sure Shot Annie Oakley
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 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, Little 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 modernday account in The Cincinnati Enquirer, it is possible that the shooting continued on page 7
Annie Oakley...
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
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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.”
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 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.
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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
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. continued from page 6
Hackettstown Native, West Morris Central Student Crowned Miss New Jersey’s Teen
Delaney Higgins is the new Miss New Jersey’s Teen 2025. She was crowned Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the SuperStar Theater Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was awarded over $10,000.00 in scholarships, a competition wardrobe by Ellie Wilde, personal training & nutrition counseling by Training Aspects, Barbizon Chique sponsorship, and a week stay at the Miss America’s Teen competition in Orlando, Florida.
Delaney resides in Hackettstown and is a senior at West Morris Central High School in the International Baccalaureate Program with dual enrollment at Seton Hall University. Her winning talent was Baton Twirling to “Don’t Rain on my Parade.” Each contestant is required to have a Community Service Initiative (CSI). Delaney’s CSI is No Limits: Inspiring Acceptance and Independence for All Diverse-Abilities. Her CSI strives to ensure that all people are treated equally and fairly. She participates in two peer-to-peer programs: Unified, a branch of the Special Olympics, and Camp No Limits, a national organization that empowers and educates people with limb loss and limb difference to discover happy and independent lifestyles.
Miss Higgins is also active in the community raising money for the Miss America Opportunity national partnership, American Heart Association. Miss New Jersey’s Teen is an official preliminary to Miss America’s Teen (MATeen) and a little sister to the Miss America Opportunity. MATeen was organized to promote scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement for America’s teens. It is a service-based program offering teens the opportunity to be awarded scholarship money for college.
Delaney Higgins competed as Miss South Jersey’s Teen along with 14 other local titleholders from all over the state. First runner-up was Mia Dougherty, Miss Ocean View’s Teen, from North Wildwood; Second runner-up was Sierra Sakaguchi, Miss Stars and Stripes’ Teen from Carneys Point; Third runner-up was Camryn Schultheis, Miss Cape Resort’s Teen from Strathmere; and Fourth runner-up was Angelique Cauterucci, Miss Cape Shores’ Teen from East Brunswick.
She will compete for the title of Miss America’s Teen from August 31-September 7.
Right: Delaney Higgins was recently crowned Miss New Jersey’s Teen
By Richard Mabey Jr.
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 diagnosed 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, 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. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail. com.
By Henry M. Holden
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 on driving, because everybody must be going somewhere.
Good Golly Miss Molly
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 -yearold 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
continued on page 11
The grave and monument of Molly Pitcher, located in Carlisle PA
continued from page 10
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.›»
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 for her tireless efforts. But the legend only began with her new name.
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
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.
By Henry M. Holden
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
The Jersey Devil Spooks South 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 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, twentyseven 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 horse-like 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 kangaroolike 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. continued on page 13
Jersey Devil...
continued from page 2
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
JOAN SIRKIS LAVERY, ESQ. BANKRUPTCY
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 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.
Photo Caption: 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.
Elevate Summer Hosting with Refreshing Grape Recipes
main attraction: the food.
Make fresh, delicious Grapes from California the star of your summer show to elevate celebrations and get-togethers ranging from your nearest and dearest to entire crowds. Grapes are perfect for incorporating into warm-weather recipes as a flavorful addition to main courses, sides and desserts. Or you can simply serve them as an easy, compatible snack that complements an array of your favorite summer dishes.
For a plant-forward option that’s anything but ordinary, vegetarians and burger lovers alike can enjoy Southwest Black BeanLentil Burgers with Charred Grape Salsa. Hearty black bean patties are perfectly complemented by the smoky-sweet flavor of homemade charred grape salsa. Plus, added spice from cumin and chili powder mixed with fresh avocado and cilantro make a satisfying mix of Southwest flavors.
Keep guests’ appetites at bay with fresh, tangy, visually stunning Dill Pickle Marinated Grapes and Cheese that let the natural sweetness of grapes shine through. Each bite pairs that familiar sweet flavor of grapes with the creaminess of Havarti and savory pickles to create a vibrant yet easy appetizer.
A welcome addition to the menu on those hot summer days, Frozen-Yogurt Grape and Coconut Bites are fun, simple to make and refreshing. Each bite features a sweet California grape dipped in creamy Greek yogurt and rolled in shredded coconut so you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical retreat. All it takes is three ingredients for a cool healthy
snack you can share with loved ones. Discover more summertime recipe solutions by visiting GrapesFromCalifornia. com.
Southwest Black Bean-Lentil Burgers with Charred Grape Salsa
Servings: 8
Grape Salsa:
4 cups red or black Grapes from California
3/4 medium white onion, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 medium jalapeno pepper, halved, stemmed and seeded
1/3 cup lightly packed cilantro leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Burgers:
2/3 cup cooked black or green lentils
2/3 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
continued on page 15
Elevate Summer Hosting...
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed, drained and patted dry
2 eggs olive oil cooking spray
8 wheat burger buns, toasted lettuce leaves (optional)
2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced
To prepare salsa: In grill basket over medium-high heat, grill grapes, onion and jalapeno pepper 10 minutes until lightly charred, stirring occasionally. Let cool then place in food processor with cilantro, lime
juice and garlic. Process until finely chopped.
To prepare burgers: In food processor, pulse lentils, rice, walnuts, onion, breadcrumbs, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, beans and eggs until coarsely chopped with some small pieces still visible, scraping down sides and moving mixture from bottom of bowl to top to blend evenly.
Using wet or lightly oiled hands, shape into eight patties. If mixture is too soft, freeze briefly to firm. Coat on both sides with olive oil spray and, in two skillets over medium heat, cook 10 minutes, turning occasionally
and coating with additional olive oil spray. Burgers should be browned and cooked through.
Place lettuce on bun bottoms and top with burgers, avocado slices, grape salsa and top buns.
Nutritional information per serving (with bun): 480 calories; 17 g protein; 75 g carbohydrates; 15 g fat (28% calories from fat); 2 g saturated fat (4% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 290 mg sodium; 15 g fiber.
Dill Pickle Marinated Grapes and Cheese
Servings: 8
3 cups whole Grapes from California
1 1/4 cups dill pickle juice
3 tablespoons minced red onion
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 package (6-8 ounces) dill Havarti cheese, cut into bite-size cubes
1 pinch crushed red pepper toothpicks or small skewers fresh dill leaves, for garnish (optional)
In medium bowl, combine grapes, pickle juice, onion, olive oil, Havarti cheese and red pepper. Stir well then cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours, to marinate, stirring occasionally.
Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature 1 hour, or until olive oil has softened. Stir again then thread grapes
and cheese onto decorative toothpicks or small skewers. Garnish with fresh dill leaves, if desired, and serve.
Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 5 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 11 g fat (58% calories from fat); 7 g saturated fat (37% calories from saturated fat); 20 mg cholesterol; 240 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.
Frozen-Yogurt Grape and Coconut Bites
Servings: 10
Bamboo skewer
60 medium Grapes from California
1 individual cup (5.3 ounces) vanilla or lemon
Greek yogurt
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Using bamboo skewer, pierce one grape on tip and swirl stem end into yogurt, covering about 3/4 of grape to show color. Sprinkle with coconut, turning skewer to coat all sides.
Place on waxed or parchment-lined tray and remove skewer. Repeat with remaining grapes, yogurt and coconut. Freeze several hours, or overnight. Transfer to tightly covered container and store in freezer.
Nutritional information per serving (6 bites): 80 calories; 2 g protein; 9 g carbohydrates; 4 g fat (45% calories from fat); 3.5 g saturated fat (39% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 10 mg sodium; 1 g fiber. (Family Features)
By Elsie Walker
LNetcong Resident Related to Declaration Signer
ooking 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.”
By Megan Roche
IA Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith
n 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.
the funeral service.
“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
“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.
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.
Jamie Smith’s final resting place at Fort Benning, Georgia.
National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in Eleventh Hour Rescue to Save and Improve the Lives of Pets in Northern New Jersey
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, nokill, 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, no-kill 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 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
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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.
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Centenary University Awards Degrees to Warren County Residents
Centenary University awarded degrees to 431 graduates at its 150th commencement, which was held as two separate in-person ceremonies presided over by President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., on the University’s Hackettstown campus. One ceremony recognized graduates who earned associate and undergraduate degrees, while a second event showcased academic accomplishments of master’s and doctoral graduates.
Graduating from Warren County were: Belvidere—Corey Dennis Banghart, Bachelor of Science in Education: Mathematics, magna cum laude; Austin Domenic, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Social Media Marketing and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Sports and Entertainment Management; John Thomas Ritchie, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, cum laude; Hailey Elizabeth Rowe, Master of
Business Administration: Finance Blairstown—Jennifer Michele Apostolou, Master of Education: Literacy Instruction; Dallas Winston Overko, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
of Education: Educational Practice; Justin Jarred Stasio-Palumbo, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, summa cum laude; Dana Taylor-Schoenleber, Master of Education: Literacy Instruction
Hackettstown—Katherine Ann Bernecker, Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling: Addiction Track; Caelyn Brianna Campbell, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Brandon Jade Mejia Cardenas, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Management; Alexis David Rivera Chavez, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, magna cum laude; Laurie Beth Frattina, Bachelor of Arts in Education: English, summa cum laude; Elizabeth Kelly Freeman, Master of Arts in Special Education with TSWD Certification; Gillian Paige Garriques, Bachelor of Arts in Education: Liberal Arts, summa cum laude; Emily Marie Hernandez, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Marketing; Kody John Kucharski, Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude; Kristen Kurack, Master of Arts in School Counseling; Ange Gabriel Cebon Lessida, Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Lena Marie Lutcza, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Finance, summa cum laude; Ashley Michelle Lutz, Master of Arts in School Counseling; Brianna Mailloux, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, summa cum laude; Chloe Neubauer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Marketing and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Social Media Marketing, magna cum laude; Mary Jean Oliveri, Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies; Melissa Lizbeth Penafiel, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, summa cum laude; Jennifer L. Peters, Master of Arts in Special Education with LDTC Certification; Jessica Brigitte Raab, Bachelor of Arts in English: Creative Writing; Patrick E. Riley, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership; Kimberly Eileen Sautter, Bachelor of Social Work; Elizabeth Anne Somelofske, Master
Ledgewood—Kali Jules Lourenco, Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies
Oxford—Emily Suzete Ferreira, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology: Criminal Justice, cum laude; Elizabeth Garabed, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Sports and Entertainment Management, magna cum laude; Brianna Shortell, Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
Phillipsburg—Ariana Guadalupe Arreola Servin, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Kelly Ann Biczak, Bachelor of Arts in Education: Liberal Arts; Cheyenne Nichole Lutz, Bachelor of Arts in Education: Liberal Arts, summa cum laude; Tracy Robin Snover, Bachelor of Science in Biology, cum laude
Port Murray—Sabrina Emmolo, Bachelor of Arts in Education: Liberal Arts, summa cum laude; Maegan Kelly Hummel, Bachelor of Arts in Education: Liberal Arts, summa cum laude; Joseph Thomas Kilyk, Bachelor of Arts in Education: Liberal Arts, summa cum laude; Kimberly Sandorff, Master of Education: Educational Practice
Roxbury Township—Kevin Alexander Lopez, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Sports and Entertainment Management
Washington—Samantha Rose Kiesling, Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling: Addiction Track; Carly Josephine Moos, Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies; Riely O’Brien Schilling, Bachelor of Arts in Education: Liberal Arts, magna cum laude; Megan Sarah Snyder, Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies; Summer Jane Sozanski, Bachelor of Arts in Education: Liberal Arts, summa cum laude; Cindy Lynn Weaver, Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership; Ashley Jean Wyckoff, Bachelor of Arts in Education: English
To Thine Own Self Be True: Be It More Precious Than Gold
By Richard Mabey Jr.
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
Yours truly atop a step ladder, assessing places to hang bird feeders.
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 richardjamesmabey@gmail.com.
North Jersey Actress Celebrates First Off Broadway Show and TikTok Stardom
By Megan Roche
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 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 up-and-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 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 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
Lexis Trechak, a North Jersey actress, was recently cast as Sally in the off-Broadway show “Maddie”.
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