In New Jersey Talent Flourishes
By Henry M. Holden
No state has been so frequently mocked, maligned or misunderstood as New Jersey. And the state is filled with amazing people born in New Jersey and ready to receive the honors they deserve.
New Jersey has an astounding variety of talents. There are wetlands, mountains, coastal plains, and Pine Barrens. There are over 2,600 species of Flora more than many of the largest states. A high proportion of New Jersey is covered by forest, 40-percent more than many other states, The same diversity characterizes New Jersey people.
How many readers know of John Stevens(1749-1838)? He built and ran the first steam locomotive and the first steamboat.
Or what about the design of the Stars and Stripes? Legend has it that Betsy Ross was to have sewn the first flag, but historians believe designing it should be attributed to Francis Hopkinson (1737 – 1791) a singer of the Declaration of Independence and designer the first flag, on June 14,1777, later
to be designated Flag Day.
Bruce Springsteen was born and raised in Freehold.
The New Jersey state of mind is sometimes hard to understand. When Springsteen was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, in 2008, in a video audience he described the “Garden State Benediction,” expressed the essence of Jersey Proud
“New Jersey is for me, he said. “It is a music repository of my time on earth. The memory, the music I’ve made, my friendships in my life… it’s all buried here in a box somewhere in the sand down along the Central Jersey coast. I can’t imagine having it any other way which strikingly reflects the long-standing low brow, image of our state, and a sarcastic, but affectionate kind of pride in New Jersey in that image.”’
Buzz Aldren (born in 1931 in Glen Ridge) Aldren graduated third in the class from the US military Academy at West Point with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was commissioned into the United States Air Force and served as a fighter pilot during the Korean War.
The Moon legacy involved Buzz Aldren (Right, on Apollo 11, Aldrin became the second man to walk on the Moon (Neil Armstrong Left was the first and Michael Collins was the Ap011o capsule commander.) (Photo credit NASA)
He flew 66 combat missions and shot down two Mig 15 enemy aircraft. He went on to earn a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Aldrin was selected as a member of NASA’s Astronaut Group 3, making him the first astronaut with a doctoral degree. His first space flight was in 1966, on Gemini 12, during which he spent over five hours on extravehicular activity. Three years later, on Apollo 11, Aldrin became the second man to walk on the Moon (Neil Armstrong was the first and Michael
Collins was the Ap0110 capsule commander. on July 21, 1969.) A Presbyterian elder, Aldrin became the first person to hold a religious ceremony on the Moon, when he privately took communion.
William James Count” Basie (August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984 Red Bank ) an American jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer William Basie. By 2011, four recordings of Count Basie had been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least 25 years old, and that have “qualitative or
David Copperfield’s television specials have been nominated for 38 Emmy Awards, winning 21. (Photo credit David Copperfield.)
historical significance.”
James Fenimore Cooper (September 15, 1789 – September 14, 1851 Burlington) James Fenimore Cooper introduced the themes of the frontier, white/Indian conflict, and America’s westward expansion as proper subjects for literary works. Perhaps even more importantly, he began to shape the romantic idea of the American West.
Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. (Born April 1, 1950 Trenton) is an American jurist who serves as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He graduated from Princeton University and Yale Law School. Alito is the second Italian American justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Alito has written majority opinions in the landmark cases McDonald v. Chicago (2010) on firearm rights, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014) on insurance coverage, Janus v. AFSCME (2018) on public-sector union security agreements, and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) on abortion.
Antonin Gregory Scalia (March 11, 1936 – February 13, 2016 Trenton) was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the t Court of the United States from 1986 until his death in 2016. He was described as the intellectual anchor for he originalist and textualist position in the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative wing. For catalyzing an originalist and textualist movement in American law, he has been described as one of the most influential jurists of the twentieth century, and one of the most important justices in the history of the Supreme Court Scalia played an important role as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court for 30 years. Not only was he regarded as one of the most important justices in the history of the court, but he was also considered one of the most influential jurists of the 20th century. He was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Judith Blume (born February 12, 1938 Elizabeth) is an American writer of children›s, young adult, and adult fiction.[1] Blume began writing in 1959 and has published more than 26 novels. Among her best-known work is Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. John Francis Bongiovi Jr. (born March 2, 1962, Perth Amboy) known professionally as Jon Bon Jovi, is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. He is best known as the founder and frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi, which was formed in 1983. He has released 16 studio albums with his band. He attended St. Joseph High School in
Metuchen, New Jersey, during two solo albums. Bon Jovi was his freshman and sophomore year. He later transferred to Sayreville War Memorial High School in Parlin, New Jersey.
William Joseph Brennan Jr. · (April 25, 1906 - July 24, 1997, Newark) American lawyer and jurist who served as a Supreme Court justice from 1956 to 1990. The first-generation American who served as an Army Colonel in World War II, became a reform-minded New Jersey judge, and was a consensus builder on the Supreme Court. He served 34 terms with the Court under three Chief Justices. He published over 1,250 opinions, including 450 majority opinions and 400 dissents. During Earl Warren’s tenure as Chief Justice, Brennan voted with the liberal majority for nearly 98 percent of the time and even went a full year without writing a dissent.
David Copperfield David Seth Kotkin (September 16, 1956, Metuchen) is an American stage magician and illusionist described by Forbes as the most commercially successful magician.
Known professionally as David Copperfield’s television
It’s Your Time to Shine
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In NJ Talent...
cont. from page 2
specials have been nominated for 38 Emmy Awards, winning 21. Known for his combination of storytelling and illusion, his performance, in a career spanning more than 40 years, have earned 11 Guinness World Records, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a knighthood by the French government. He has been named a Living Legend by the US Library of Congress.
Daniel (Danny) Michael DeVito Jr. (born November 17, 1944 Neptune) is an American actor and filmmaker. He gained prominence for his portrayal of the taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma in the television series Taxi (1978–1983), which won him a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award. He plays Frank Reynolds on the FXX sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006–present).
Shaquille O’Neal (March 6, 1972 - Newark) is an American former basketball player who currently works as a sports analyst. Considered one of the greatest basket ballers ever, O›Neal was also one of the heaviest and tallest players of all time. One of the most important players in the history of LA Lakers, O’Neal helped the team win three consecutive NBA championships between 2000 and 2002.
Whitney Houston (August 9, 1963 – Feb 11, 2012 Newark) Among the best-selling recording artists of all time and an inspiration to millions of budding artists, Whitney Houston achieved stardom with her eponymous debut album. The success of her later albums consolidated her position and earned her a spot in the Guinness World Records as the most awarded female artist of all time. She struggled with drug abuse and troubled marriage and died of drowning in her hotel’s bathtub.
Frank Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14 Hoboken) “Old Blue Eyes “is no longer with us but the legacy he left behind will keep him never longing for fans. Among the most popular singers of the 20th century and one of the bestselling artists of all time, Frank Sinatra began his musical career singing with bands and later established his successful solo career with albums like The Voice of Frank Sinatra. Also, an award-winning actor, he featured in movies like From Here to Eternity and The Manchurian Candidate.
Dennis Rodman (May 13, 1961 Trenton)Former professional basketball player, Dennis Rodman, came to prominence in the 1980s as a power forward known for his defensive and rebounding abilities. Hailed as “arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history,” he earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times. He has a media presence as well and has appeared in many TV shows.
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Stewart (August 3, 1941, Jersey City) The founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Martha Stewart has found success with several business ventures. She is also the publisher of a magazine called Martha Stewart Living and has written many bestselling books. Although she was convicted of charges pertaining to the ImClone stock trading case, she made a comeback and became chairwoman of her company.
Dionne Warwick( December 12, 1940 East Orange) is an American singer, TV host, actress, and former FAO Goodwill Ambassador. Warwick was one of the most successful singers between 1955 and 1999, ranking among the 40 biggest hitmakers according to the Billboard Hot 100. Eighty of her singles have been featured on Billboard’s music charts, making Warwick one of the most-charted female singers in history.
Ray Liotta (Dec 18, 1954, May 26- Feb-2022 Newark ) was an American actor who voiced the central character, Tommy Vercetti, in one of the most popular video games of all time, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Liotta’s incredible journey from being an abandoned child, who was adopted from an orphanage, to becoming a popular actor is a ray of hope for many people.
James Gandolfini (Sept 18, 1961- June 19, 2013 Eastw00d) was an American actor who achieved the rare feat of being identified more as the character he performed rather than as himself. Years of performing the role of a powerful crime boss for the TV series, The Sopranos, defined Gandolfini’s legacy forever as a character actor, a legacy he gracefully carried over to the big screen.
Jerry Lewis (March 16, 1926, - Aug 20,2017 Newark) One half of the popular American comedy duo Martin & Lewis, Jerry Lewis was nicknamed The King of Comedy for his comedic skills. Also, a filmmaker, Jerry Lewis helped develop video assist and went on to popularize the system, which is widely used today. Also, a humanitarian, Lewis worked closely with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raising awareness about muscular dystrophy.
Nancy Sinatra (June 8, 1949, Jersey City) The oldest daughter of Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra established herself as a popular singer and actress during the 1960s and 1970s. At the age of 54, she posed for Playboy magazine, becoming one of the oldest women to do so. In 2006, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Remembering the 1995 Stanley Cup Championship with Morristown Coach Bruce Driver
By Evan Wechman
The New Jersey Devils were recently eliminated from the NHL playoffs, so hockey fans have not had much to get excited about lately. However, thirty years ago, this June, the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals were won by the New Jersey Devils for the first time in their organization’s history.
Not only was it a thrilling victory for the team and its fans, but it remains a special memory for Morristown Beard School varsity girls ice hockey head coach Bruce Driver.
Though Driver has had great success since his playing days as a coach, looking back on the 30th anniversary of the Stanley Cup championship he helped win is something that will always stay with him.
“Belief I would say is the one thing that comes to mind when I look back on that season. Using points as the barometer, we were the 9th ranked team going into the playoffs. This meant we would start each series on the road if the higher seed won while we advanced,” Driver said.
“We weren’t expected to win but the belief we had in our coaching staff and
ourselves was the key to success. We saw everyone on our roster contribute to win the Stanley Cup. I can really only speak for myself, but I bet if you asked each and every player on the team, they would tell you the same thing, that they believed in themselves, their coaches and their teammates,” Driver added.
Though Driver, a standout defenseman for the team, believed in himself and his teammates, winning the cup was a difficult process with many hockey fans skeptical of the Devils’ chances of advancing even past the first round in the 1995 playoffs. They were underdogs even as they met the Boston Bruins in the opening round.
According to Driver, the team was starting to build confidence as the playoffs approached.
“I’ve always been a believer that you can’t just turn the switch on, and things will go well but we had a few really good practices leading up to the start of the playoffs. The practice the day before we started in Boston was very crisp. That first away game
Play It Forward Students Take Chamber Music to Carnegie Hall
“Where Music Meets Passion and Excellence” — truly, it is evident that Play It Forward School of Music lives by this principle. At the school, there is more to just learning how to play an instrument. The power of community, acquiring life skills, and emphasis on values are just some of the other aspects that come with their journey to excellence.
As part of this journey, the school will be taking the stage at one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world — Carnegie Hall in New York City. While a couple of students have already experienced playing solo performances in the said hall, this concert will be unique as the students, ages 4 and up, will be performing mostly chamber music (duos, trios, quartets) and even a string orchestra that are student-led. No conductor or teacher! This concert will be showcasing leadership, ownership, and the ability to execute teamwork in this big, but rewarding task.
But how do you get to Carnegie Hall? “Practice, practice, practice” — as the old adage says. And we absolutely agree! A few students performing at this concert share their experiences:
Frank Jose, 10: “I try to apply the 3 Ps - patience, practice and perseverance. Be patient with the process and try not to skip the steps.”
Sophia Petkov, 13: “Finding time to practice everyday can build technique. Staying motivated and not giving up is also very important.”
Maisey Mesic, 10: “It's fun and easy if you persist, commit and not quit. You will sound better and better the more you practice. The more you work the better you get, and it pays off.”
However, as challenging as this may be, playing at Carnegie Hall is not the only experience they celebrate. Khloe Dennis-Walker, the youngest performer in this concert at age 4, shares, “My favorite thing about learning violin is my teachers teaching me how to do stuff. I like my recitals and playing violin games in group class.”
Sophia also shares one of her favorite parts in her music journey, “I like the feeling of accomplishing a piece and getting to perform it in front of a huge audience.” Frank also adds, “I enjoy the feeling of playing the pieces/songs that I like and the friendships that I develop along the way.”
On top of this, they also shared how playing music has helped them focus, build confidence, and improve their problem-solving skills. Maisey’s mom, Molly Dorsman also adds, “Ensemble classes give her a sense of teamwork. It’s been wonderful to watch.” Student-led, faculty-supported, and fervor-fueled, the Carnegie Hall performance at Weill
Recital Hall on June 23rd, will surely exhibit music that is met by passion and excellence! With no conductor to guide them, students must listen carefully, respond intuitively, and move as one cohesive unit — a unique and empowering experience Play It Forward intentionally cultivates. For the community of Play It Forward, this event is more than just a year-end event — it’s a celebration of dedication, friendship, and the transformative power of music. For more information about Play it forward or to start your own music lessons we can be reached at 862 292 2182 410 Rt. 23 N Pompton Plains info@playitforwardschoolofmusic.com
Remembering...
cont. from page 5
was the start of a dominant record on the road in the playoffs.”
After the Devils beat Boston and eventually ousted the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals, hockey enthusiasts across the nation still doubted their chances of emerging victorious against the heavily favored Detroit Red Wings. Also, Driver was dealing with a torn rib cartilage he suffered against the Flyers. However, the team was well prepared for anything they may face.
“There was a lot of talk about the Red Wings sweeping us. This made sense to many as clearly they were the best team in the league all season long and were now in the Stanley Cup Final. Their roster was filled with talented players, and they were well coached. The thing is we had confidence in our style of play and our coaches had us well prepared.,” Driver said.
Personally, I felt pretty good going into game 1 of the finals in Detroit but certainly had a little concern wondering how my body would truly feel. Getting through the first period for me was key in testing myself. We played so well in Detroit in the first two games limiting the Red Wings to less than 20 shots per game. After leaving Detroit with a 2-0 lead in the series and now being 10-1 on the road we were ready to take it home. We heard all the noise about Detroit having to figure out how to generate more but for us we just continued to do what we had been doing all playoff long,” he said.
The rest is history as the Devils swept the Red Wings in four games. However, because Driver had developed such
a strong bond with the organization, a few years after he retired in the late 1990’s he was hired by general manager Lou Lamoriello. Hiis responsibilities were to help build a strong alumni base and participate in developing relationships with youth hockey leagues throughout the state. He has also since worked in forming greater bonds with fans and corporate sponsors.
Though Driver stays focused coaching at Morristown Beard School as well as his job with the New Jersey Devils, he will always fondly remember that special season in 1995.
“Two moments resonated with me about the night we won the Stanley Cup. The first was seeing one of the toughest players in the league, in tears, on our bench, when we all realized we had won the Cup. Our Captain, Scott Stevens putting his arm around Mike Peluso…you could just feel how much it meant to him and all of us,” Driver said. “And of course, having the opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup over my head after playing 12 years with the Devils was the pinnacle of my career in hockey. From the age of three, learning how to skate, playing minor hockey in Toronto, choosing US College hockey at Wisconsin over Major Junior A Hockey in Ontario, amazingly winning two NCAA Championships there, representing Canada in the Olympics, then being given the opportunity to play in the NHL, I know you need a little luck in making it to the NHL. Some are given an opportunity, and some aren’t. I’m one of the lucky ones who was given that opportunity and I was determined to take full advantage of it.
By Megan Roche
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. Somalia, 1993.
Jamie Smith was deployed to Somalia as part of a U.S. humanitarian effort in 1993. The U.S. Army Ranger worked tirelessly to help distribute food and supplies to the Somali people as war lords took over the country.
What nobody expected was for the humanitari-
A Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith
an effort to turn into one of the bloodiest battles in American military history.
Smith and the Army Rangers set out to capture Mohammed Farrah Aidid, one of the war lords who began attacking UN peacekeepers and disrupting humanitarian efforts. The US then began to shift their focus to capturing Aidid and his lieutenants on October 3. When two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down during that operation, the mission turned into a large firefight and rescue mission.
Lieutenant Larry Perino, a young grad of West Point, was alongside Corporal Smith during the battle.
“From the very beginning, Corporal Smith was one of my leaders in my helicopter. He would go into one of the blocking positions on the chopper,” Perino recalls.
According to a site dedicated to the history of Black Hawk Down, Smith was a part of Ranger Chalk One during the Battle of Mogadishu, who’s mission was to cover the south-east corner of the target building while the Delta assault force arrested the targets of the operation. Smith was also labeled the “best shot” of the chalk. After Black Hawk Super-Six-One was hit by a RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) and crashed into the city, Chalk One, along with the Delta assault force and Ranger Chalk Three, were ordered to fight their way to the crash site and establish a defense perimeter until the rescue convoy arrived. While moving up to the crash alongside Lieutenant Perino and several other Rangers, Smith was shot in the femoral artery.
“Jamie was right up front. When we made
that left hand turn onto that street, it was like a giant wall of lead and he was the lead element. He kept pushing all the way through. We had guys falling left and right and he didn’t stop,” Perino said.
Schmid’s attempts to clamp the femoral artery ended in failure.
The site continues to explain that with Perino by his side, Delta medic Kurt Schmid got Smith into a nearby building where they attempted to save his life. Schmid realized that the only way to stop the bleeding was to find the severed femoral artery and clamp it. When told this, Smith asked for a morphine drip before Schmid attempted it, but because morphine would lower his heart rate too far (which could kill Smith) Schmid denied the request. Unfortunately,
“It was really, really emotional. You could tell that Jamie was in a little bit of pain and that he was starting to go into shock. It was pretty hard and pretty gruesome. We knew it was a bleeder and we knew it was arterial. I was scared the entire time and that was the first time that I thought he may not make it,” Perino recalls.
After this, Perino and Ranger Captain Mike Steele pushed for JOC (the battle’s command center) to send a medevac for Smith and Ranger Carlo Rodriguez, who was also mortally wounded. Because of four black hawks being hit with RPGs, JOC relayed that
Did you know?
Smith would have to hang on until the rescue convoy arrived. Sadly, Smith would bleed out before the convoy could make it.
The battle ultimately lasted 18 hours and Perino remembers it almost vividly.
“He was what I would call the quintessential Ranger. I knew he was an athlete, I knew he was a big team player, he got along with everybody in the platoon. He died doing what he loved to do,” Perino said.
A Warrior’s Story: The Life and Legacy of Jamie Smith will continue in the July 2025 issue, where you’ll learn how news of Smith’s passing was felt at home and in the hallways of West Morris Central.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin damage builds up over time, beginning with a person’s very first sunburn. The more a person’s skin burns, the greater his or her risk for skin cancer becomes. The SCF notes that the same ultraviolet (UV) rays that damage skin alter a tumor-suppressing gene. That alteration gives injured cells a smaller window to repair before a tumor becomes cancerous. Five or more sunburns in a lifetime doubles a person’s risk for melanoma, which can be deadly. That cumulative effect underscores the need to emphasize skin protection methods, such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
First Lieutenant Larry Perino, left, Sergeant Aaron Williamson, center, and Corporal Jamie Smith, right, stand by a helicopter while in Somalia in 1993.
Woman Drives Coast to Coast in an Automobile
By Henry M. Holden
ANew Jersey woman who deserves to be remembered for her famous “first” call back in the summer of 1909. Alice Hurley Ramsey became the first woman to drive coast to coast.
Alice Ramsey was born on Nov. 11, 1886, in New Barbados Township., On January 10, 1906, in Hackensack, Ramsey married Congressman John Ramsey (1862–1933), with whom she had two children.
At the age of 22 she was the first woman to drive an automobile coast to coast.
The wife of a Hackensack attorney and Congressman could have lived a life of ease, but she had a taste for danger. She was appealing, self-possessed, and self-confident. To keep her from riding horses, which her husband considered too dangerous, he ordered a new automobile. This was just before the age of the Ford mass-produced model- T, and cars were just considered exotic and expensive toys.
Ramsey attended Vassar College from 1903 to 1905. In 1908 her husband bought her a new Maxwell runabout. That sum -
mer she drove over 6,000 miles around and near their Hackensack home.
Ramsey proved to be an excellent driver, and ace mechanic. In rallies, and in long-distance trips, she established a reputation as one of the best drivers in the Northeast.
A sales manager from the Maxwell Company had a public relations inspiration: Why not have a woman drive from New York City to San Francisco? When Ramsey heard him out she said, “I was embarrassed: My face was like a fireball, and I would like to crawl under the table.” The more she thought about it the more challenging it became. “So, I decided to take the challenge. I had three sisters-in laws and an unmarried female friend from Hackensack to be my chaperones. It was 1909 and Ramsey still had to get her husband’s permission to make the trip.
Her vehicle was a Maxwell 1909 four-cylinder with the potential for 30-horsepower or 40mph. By today’s standards the vehicle was primitive. A wooden
cont. on page 10
Woman Drives... cont. from page 9
yard stick was inserted into a special 20-gallon gas tank to measure the remaining gas. To start the car there was a front-mounted crank. There were no treads on the tires, which made it more dangerous on muddy roads. A canvas top was the only protection from rain or snow. The headlights were “lit” by dropping a pellet in water to generate gas which was then ignited with a match. The first leg of the trip, from New York to Chicago took 14 days.
In September 1908, she drove one of the three Maxwells which were entered in that year’s American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Montauk Point Endurance Race. She was one of only two women entered. She won a bronze medal by getting
a perfect score in the race.
One of the other Maxwell drivers was Carl Kelsey, who did publicity for Maxwell-Briscoe. It was during this event that Kelsey proposed that she attempt a transcontinental journey, with Maxwell-Briscoe›s company’s backing. The company would supply
a 1909 touring car for the journey and would also provide assistance and parts as needed. Hotel arrangements were also provided. The drive was originally meant as a publicity stunt for Maxwell-Briscoe, and would also prove to be part of Maxwell›s ongoing strategy
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of specifically marketing to women. At that time, women were not encouraged to drive cars.
On June 9, 1909, the 22-year-old began a 3,800mile journey from New York City to San Francisco in a green, four-cylinder, 30-horsepower Maxwell DA. On her trip she was accompanied by her older sisters-in-law and 19-yearold female friend Hermine
Jahns. They were chaperons and none of whom could drive the car.
The women used maps from the American Automobile Association to make the journey. Only 152 of the 3,600 miles, that the group traveled were paved. Over the course of the drive, Ramsey changed 11 tires, cleaned the spark plugs, repaired a broken brake pedal and had to sleep in
the car when it was stuck in mud.
Ramsey mostly navigated by following the telephone poles with more wires in hopes that they would lead to a town.
Along the way, they crossed the trail of a manhunt for a killer in Nebraska. Ramsey received a case of bedbugs from a hotel. In Nevada, they were sur-
cont. on page 12
rounded by a Native American hunting party with bows and arrows drawn. Sitting Bull, one of the more notorious Native Americans had passed away and the tribes were at peace with the white settlers.
But it was still a perilous undertaking. Outside of one or two big cities, there were virtually no paved roads in the towns and no road maps to help. Friends advised Ramsay to take a gun because it was such a dangerous undertaking, but she refused to carry a firearm.
“I had good days driving 130 miles to Chicago on the bumpy first 14-day leg,” she said. There was no storage space, so the luggage, spare tires, water, and tools had to be stowed in the back, and on the running boards.
Conditions deteriorated after they passed over the Mississippi River. In places there were no signs that a road ever existed. If they were careful and vigilant they could “sense” the vestiges of a roadway by the wagon wheels that left ruts in the ground or by some crushed sagebrush. Ramsey became an expert on chuck holes, prairie dogs holes, mud holes, and arroyos. “Sometimes I got too far ahead of myself and had to be towed back to safety. I had to be towed out with my horse three times and actually it took 13 days of hard driving to make it to just Iowa. Iowa’s weather posed challenges. There was “no gumbo too thick” for the Maxwell, said its manufacturers, but some potholed, muddy roads proved practically impassable for the tread-less tires. From time to time, as conditions worsen her fellow travelers would hop a train, if available.
Ramsey persevered, taking 13 days to conquer 360 miles (and relying on horses for towing at times!). The maximum speed for the car was 40 miles per hour.
San Francisco, crowds awaited them at the St. James Hotel. In later years, she lived in West Covina, California, where in 1961 she wrote and published the story of her journey, Veil, Duster, and Tire Iron, between 1909 and 1975.
After her husband’s death in 1933, Ramsey lived with sister-in-law Anna Graham Harris in New Jersey, and then later in West Covina, California, until Anna’s death in 1953,
ROUTE 23
Newfoundland,
and eventually with Elizabeth Elliott from 1968 until Ramsey’s death on September 10, 1983, in Covina, California.
Ramsey completed the trip on August 7, 1909, covering 3,800 miles in 59 days, although about three weeks later than originally planned. Ramsey was an American and the first woman to drive an automobile across the United States coast to coast.
After her brief bout with fame, Ramsey returned to New Jersey by train, where she resumed a relatively low-key profile raising two children. She continued her cross-country drives, losing count after her thirtieth. In 1960, the Automobile Manufacturers Association named her their “First Lady of Automotive Travel” for her trek across a “trackless land.”
Ramsey was named the “Woman Motorist of the Century” by AAA in 1960. She also set an example set by not having a problem with the authorities: throughout her entire driving career, she received just one ticket. She had made an illegal U-turn—though not, of course, on her famed cross-country trip.
Ramsey passed away on September 10, 1983. October 17, 2000, Ramsey was the first woman inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Shelter’s Eviction Notice Threatens Safe Haven for Abused Women
By Cheryl Conway
After decades of providing a safe haven to abused women and their children, one of the five houses operated by a shelter program in Passaic County is in jeopardy.
On May 13 the tenants— quite ironic to the 13 current women who live at the Fay House shelter on Old Route 23 in New Foundland—found an eviction notice on their front door by the Township of West Milford.
The red note read: “This building is declared unsafe for human occupancy! No individual is to occupy this building until the structure is rendered safe and secure.”
home for senior women in Newfoundland leaving those women with nowhere to go,” shares Ramos. “We have an architect and lawyer on board to comply with their wishes and filed an appeal.”
Attorney Joel Bacher of Wayne placed an application to the Construction Board of Appeals on May 19 stating the position of SOS and explaining the nature of its relief sought.
SOS runs two daycare programs, a thrift store, five shelters and a food pantry in Wanque, he writes.
The notice left Strengthen Our Sisters shelter program and its Founder/ Executive Director Sandra Ramos in a difficult situation for the tenants who live there. It is in desperate need of support, financially and perhaps petitions and letters to officials as a call for help and suggest alternative solutions to remedy the problem.
“The town of West Milford is looking to close our
“This is an entirely volunteer organization,” writes Bacher. “No one is paid for their efforts or time. This organization always needs funds and relies on donations to pay the bills.
Bacher then requested a “stay of the order to vacate the premises.”
SOS is grassroots, community based, nonprofit, shelter program serving battered/homeless women and children. The mission of SOS is dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence, poverty and abuse by restoring balance and harmony through individual empowerment. The program has been guided by Ramos since 1970 when she founded the first shelter for battered women in North America.
Serving hundreds of women each year, SOS programs and services include emergency shelter, shortterm shelter, longer term shelter housing, comprehensive housing solutions and other integrated services. A team of dedicated, non-paid volunteers help provide supportive compassionate services.
In addition to residential services, SOS runs a thrift store providing gently-used clothing, household items and furniture to families
“At present 13 people are living at Old Route 23,” he continues. “If they are forced out, they will have no place to go and will be homeless. SOS is more than willing to do whatever is necessary to bring the house into compliance and will do so if given sufficient time. SOS is in touch with an architect and builders who will volunteer their time and materials to accomplish what needs to be done.”
cont. from page 12
directly or sold at its thrift store to raise money for its programs.
Ramos didn’t just start the first domestic violence shelter in America, she empowered them to change their lives, start their own nonprofit organizations and carry on the principles to achieve the mission of healing, and breaking the cycle of domestic violence, poverty and abuse.
The success stories are many, as she and her colleagues have created a safe haven to prevent women and children from falling deeper between the cracks of a system or society that has failed them.
“I was temporarily disabled after working my whole life. I was hurt and unable to work, displaced and ended up living in my car,” writes one victim. “I couldn’t get help anywhere.
A lawyer at legal aid called Strengthen Our Sisters (SOS), and they didn’t have an opening. Then, at the office of Human Services, they called SOS, and they were able to take me in. It was like it came from heaven, and I felt welcomed from that moment on. I didn’t feel like a throwaway anymore, and my healing began at their home for senior women. I was told that I could stay as long as I needed, but I got up every day and sat there making calls until I made a breakthrough. A family friend, not knowing of my situation, was able to find me an apartment. It took a month and after three months I was able to move.”
As a resident who sought refuge at SOS around 2012, Cheryl Bullock explains, “Many of the women at Strengthen Our Sisters have fallen through the cracks
in the system, and have no safe alternative, nowhere else to go. I came because I was in need and ended up volunteering my time as staff.”
Bullock— who serves as volunteer assistant to Ramos, acted as house mother and thrift store manager—knows firsthand the need women seek when in a tough situation. A victim herself, she has also been there to support the other women and children over the years and realizes how SOS has made a huge impact in so many lives.
The Fay House shelter is just one of Ramos’ safe havens for women faced with abuse. Without this house, they face homelessness.
It was owned by Monika Phillippe who ran a bed and breakfast, explains Bullock. She began to house senior women and would end up
selling it to SOS that continued to house their senior women who were victims of domestic violence and eventually homeless. SOS has operated there as a shelter for more than 25 years.
SOS has been faced with challenges before and it has overcome, hanging on a limb to survive.
Explains Ramos, “In addition to providing a clean and safe environment for single women and women with children fleeing domestic violence, we were able to have needed repairs done and pay for them to remain housed as they strived toward self-sufficiency. We were able to do these things without funding from the State of New Jersey. However, to continue providing services to this underserved population, and keep single women and women with
children safe from their abusers, we need assistance to bring the additional residences up to code according to State Standards for shelters.
“Strengthen Our Sisters has survived the fear of foreclosure and battled very tough obstacles to continue serving those in need,” says Ramos. “Rising costs are just one of the challenges that many face in this world.”
With support from the media and the community, SOS has survived foreclosure over the years, adds Ramos. It has “been able to keep the lights on by raising $100K.”
SOS needs greater help, now more than ever, with the recent eviction notice.
“We need financial support and even possibly a sprinkler system,” says Bullock.
Visit https://strength-
enoursisters.org/ to help! Readers can also write to Construction Board of Appeals Office, 401 Grand Street, Paterson, N.J., 07505, to appeal for the support and understanding to keep these women sheltered and safe.
Sandra Ramos
By Steve Sears
NNJStarz
NJ Starz: Lauren Cooper
Hometown: Highland Park
ew Jersey filmmaker, Lauren Cooper, looks fear in the eye at the beginning of almost every project.
“I have always said, ‘If you are not in fear, you are not trying hard enough.’ Even the times when I am really scared and want to hide under my covers, I take a beat and muster up the confidence to say, ‘I believe in this.’”
Cooper has indeed believed much, and that has led to thus far an accomplished career. One of her “dream goals” is ownership of LC Films and its projects, which she rebranded last year from Elle Bee & Co., a film production company she founded in 2013. She initially developed her young company when she was being hired as a freelancer. There were many stories that she was fond of and close to that she wanted to produce, and she desired to take her production company and start growing it.
Her vast experience is documented on her website, https://laurenbcooper.com.
Cooper said of that initial decision to branch out on her own, “It was heart stopping to a certain extent, only because I needed to be the driving factor – there was no one to push me. I needed to push myself, and I need to keep things going. It is hard because if I am not moving the needle forward it is not going to move.”
Cooper, 37, was originally born in Brooklyn, New York, but when she was eight years old moved to the Garden State with her parents, Ronnie and Bonnie Schwartz, and her younger brothers, Avi and Shmulie. Even though she eventually returned to New York City to attend college, she never changed her driver’s license.
“It has always said New Jersey,” she said.
Cooper first attended Rosenbaum Yeshiva School of North Jersey in River Edge, and afterwards Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls in Teaneck. While at the latter institution, her teacher. Tamar Appel, inspired her.
Cooper said, “I had her for two different classes, and she just understood me. I was not the smartest kid in the class and definitely had a hard time focusing and paying attention. She very much understood me, and I will always say she was my favorite teacher.”
During her senior year, Cooper took a class called Media Literacy, and she saw her future before her – one that really had its genesis in her younger years.
She said, “That was really the class that was eye-opening for me, got me thinking that I could work in television and film. I was always very obsessed with movies and TV, and while growing up I was the only one of my friends who was constantly talking about it. I loved watching the behind the scenes, the bloopers, and anything about filmmaking, without even realizing it could be something I could do when I grew up. Taking that class senior year, the lightbulb went off.”
It fostered for Cooper an “I can do this!” career, one
where creation and producing is a deep part of her being. She said, “I have never stopped thinking about it. It is nonstop. I go to sleep coming up with ideas.”
Cooper attended Queens College in New York City, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies in 2010. While there, she interned at both at MTV, and at NBC’s “Today In New York.” She often debated with herself about going to graduate school after college but thought otherwise. She said, “I ended up getting a job right after college and just went to work. I was always working and putting myself in a learning environment so that I could learn more first-hand than in the classroom.”
Cooper, however, still wanted to learn more, and in 2023 at age 35, received certification in Film & TV Industry Essentials from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. “I wanted to know what the kids today are learning, and what else could I know and learn.”
In 2024, Cooper produced a short called “Derailed” about New York City MTA barriers and challenges to people with disabilities or who have limitations, making it inaccessible for all.
Cooper said, “For other projects I was hired as a producer or hired when things really had been in motion, joining the projects not on day one but a little further in. ‘Derailed’ is the project I was with since day one. I was able to take it literally from a script to completion. To me, that was such an amazing experience, especially with the subject matter being what it is. Knowing that it can make a difference is really exciting for me. It was there that I decided that LC Films would take on works and projects that
matter, make a difference, inspire, and connect, and tell the stories of people whose stories are not normally told.” Cooper is also now working on projects promoting LGBTQ voices, and antisemitism at college campuses. “It is a really important story that needs to be told.”
As a woman-owned business, Cooper enjoys providing opportunities for women to succeed.
She said, “Working as a female-owned production company, I feel personally obligated to expand the opportunities for women to grow in the industry. I also realize it is hard being in the industry and being a woman over 30, so I started a ‘Female Filmmakers Over 30’ support group. We meet once a month where we help each other and connect. It has really been an interesting couple of years where I realized that I had that ability to make a difference and could do what I can to help women in the industry.”
As immersed in her LC Films career as Cooper is, there is still the importance of unwinding and spending time with her husband of 13 years, Binyamin, and their three children, daughter, Kayla, and sons Ethan and Isaac.
She said, “For me, the most important thing is being a good mom, being a present mom, and being a good wife, friend, daughter, and sister. It is so easy to get wrapped up in work because I love it so much, but I love my family and my friends as well, so it is important for me to put the phone down and play.”
Lauren Cooper on-set (credit: Qinza Malik Khan)
Lauren Cooper (credit: Brittany Breen)
hen you are craving something sweet, sometimes you just can’t get it off your mind until you have just one bite. You need something small, delicious and something that will ease your cravings. This recipe for Chocolate Coated Strawberry Treats is not only fun to make, but will give you that perfect little snack you have been longing for.
The recipe begins with fresh strawberries and ends with a drizzle of mouthwatering peanut butter sauce. This is a great recipe for little ones looking to help out in the kitchen. These strawberries are fun to dip and even more enjoyable to devour.
This snack can also be perfect for date night, a romantic date or just a picnic in the park with friends. They are easy to transport from place to place and don’t leave a huge mess behind to clean up afterwards.
It’s also simple to just melt, whisk, dip and repeat. The red, ripe berries are bursting with color and the chocolate is glazed right across the top for the perfect bite.
The best part is you can be creative and dip these strawberries into a number of
A Show-Stopping Strawberry Snack
your favorite ingredients you already have in your pantry at home. This includes, sprinkles, small candies, white chocolate drizzle and different kinds of nuts. The possibilities are endless.
Next time you can’t get chocolate off your mind, enjoy something delightful, rich and a show-stopping snack.
Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net.
If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.
Chocolate Coated Strawberry Treats Servings: 5
1 1/4 baking chocolate chips
1/2 baking peanut butter chips
3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided 1 pound fresh strawberries shredded coconut
crushed almonds
In saucepan, add baking chocolate chips and two tablespoons of coconut oil. Melt on low to medium heat and whisk until smooth.
In a small bowl, add baking peanut butter chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
Microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Whisk together until smooth.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dip all strawberries into melted chocolate. Then, dip 1/3 in coconut, 1/3 in almonds and 1/3 just chocolate and lay on
tray. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the plain chocolate strawberries. Put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until strawberry treats are chilled. (Culinary.net)
Adding salmon to your weekly menu can take dinnertime from drab to delicious. Combining it with bright, fresh veggies heightens the savory experience even more for a burst of seafood flavor.
Loaded with salmon and shrimp, this Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry is a perfect option for putting together a quick yet delicious meal.
Fast becoming a leading source of seafood worldwide, aquaculture is similar to typical agriculture but with fish, shellfish and seaweeds. Farmed seafood can be raised and harvested in either fresh or seawater, where natural conditions are recreated.
However, not all seafood you find in the grocery aisles is the same. Despite industry advances, aquaculture still faces challenges with fraud, mislabeling and questionable conditions. That’s why it’s important to look for responsible seafood products that are labeled by a trusted certification process.
Savor a New Way to Seafood
For example, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is a non-profit certification program that has created and enforced the world’s strictest and highest standards for seafood farming since 2010. Today, it is transforming the seafood industry with a new level of certification for farmed seafood. This “new way to seafood” includes:
Seafood that can be traced all the way from the farm to the store, ensuring the seafood you buy is what it claims to be
The strictest combination of requirements to protect the environment, workers and communities on the farms where seafood is raised
Improving farmed seafood quality and safety
Visit NewWaytoSeafood.com to find more information about the certification process.
Salmon and Shrimp Coconut Curry
Recipe courtesy of MOWI on behalf of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council
Servings: 2
2 pieces of MOWI Pure portions salmon
1 cup wild rice
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 clove garlic, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1 cup pumpkin or butternut squash, diced
1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons red curry paste
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1/4 cup tomatoes
4 shrimp
1 lime, quartered
2-3 cilantro leaves, for garnish
Cut salmon into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook rice according to package instructions.
In large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion and pumpkin or squash; saute 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Mix in lemongrass and curry paste. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add coconut milk, fish sauce and tomatoes; mix thoroughly. Add shrimp and salmon; cook until done.
Serve with rice and lime quarters. Sprinkle with cilantro. (Family Features)
Tangy cheese gives this salad a kick
Summer party season requires having plenty of refreshing, and easy-to-prepare offerings for family, friends and other guests. Salads come in all shapes and sizes, and can feature a versatile mix of ingredients to help customize their flavor. They’re also refreshing and easy to prepare and serve on hot days or nights.
“Chickpea, Feta and Orzo Salad” puts a Mediterranean-style twist on the summer salad. Feta cheese gives it richness and tang, while chickpeas pack a protein- and fiber-laden punch. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Cooking Light® Fresh Food Superfast” (Oxmoor House) by the Cooking Light® kitchens.
Chickpea, Feta and Orzo Salad Serves 4
1 cup uncooked orzo Cucumber-Thyme Relish (see below)
1 cup refrigerated prechopped tomatoes
1 16-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄3 cup (1.3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese with basil and sun-dried tomatoes
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well. While pasta cooks, prepare Cucumber-Thyme Relish.
2. Combine tomato and chickpeas in a large bowl, tossing gently; stir in pasta, salt, and Cucumber-Thyme Relish. Add feta cheese; toss gently.
Cucumber-Thyme Relish Yields 2⁄3 cup
11⁄2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1⁄2 cup chopped English cucumber
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine lemon juice and olive oil in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Stir in cucumber and remaining ingredients.
garlic knots coated with vodka sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese APPETIZERS
16.99
calamari tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with blue cheese crumbles
Drunken Cheesy Knots 9.99
WINGS
Wings On the Bone
6 - 8.99 | 12 - 17.99
Boneless
7 - 8.99 | 14 - 17.99
Sauces: BBQ, Hot, Mild, Teriyaki, Mango Habanero, Honey Mustard, Creamy Garlic Ranch, Garlic Parm, Boom Boom Sweet Chili
SOUP 6.99
Made fresh daily, served with a side of homemade bread
Pasta Fagioli
Cheese Tortellini
Spinach
Egg Drop
QUESADILLAS
Comes with cheddar jack cheese salsa and sour cream
Cheese Quesadilla 11.99
Cheesesteak Quesadilla 13.99
Cheddar jack, cheesesteak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms
BBQ Burger 11.99
Chicken Quesadilla 13.99
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla 14.99
BBQ chicken, bacon, and cheddar jack
BURGERS
Add fries 4.00 | Add bacon 3.00
BBQ sauce, grilled onions, jalapeño, bacon and Swiss cheese Cheeseburger 10.99
American cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion
Black and Blue 11.99
grilled onions, black pepper, crumbled blue cheese, and bacon
Mushroom and Cheddar 11.99
PANINI 12.99
Comes on our home-made ciabatta bread | Add avocado 3.00
#14 Grilled Chicken
Homemade Ciabatta bread, grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette #15 Eggplant
Homemade Ciabatta bread, eggplant, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette #16 Grilled Chicken Pesto
Homemade Ciabatta bread, grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, pesto, red onion, and tomato #17 Cheesesteak
Homemade Ciabatta bread, cheesesteak, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and homemade cheese sauce #18 Turkey
Homemade Ciabatta bread, turkey, tomato, honey mustard, cheddar jack cheese and bacon
#26 Boom Boom Chicken
Breaded or grilled boom boom chicken, lettuce, tomato, mozzarella, and ranch #20 Chicken Caesar
Homemade Ciabatta bread, grilled or breaded chicken, shaved parmesan, grated cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing #21 Hot Honey 13.99
Chicken Homemade Ciabatta bread, breaded chicken, vodka sauce, mozzarella, and hot honey
COLD
#1 Italian 11.99
ham, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil & vinegar
#2 Grilled Chicken 13.99
grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette
#3 Eggplant 13.99
eggplant, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette
#5 Turkey and Cheese 12.99
turkey, your choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo
#6 Chicken Cutlet 11.99
breaded or grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo
#23 Turkey Club 13.99
homemade bread, turkey, lettuce. tomato, red onion, pesto, mayo, cheddar jack and bacon
#28 Kickin’ Chicken 13.99
kickin’ chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, red onion, banana peppers, and provolone
WRAPS
11.99
White | Whole Wheat | Gluten Free 1.50 | Order by number Add Avocado 3.00
#7 Chicken Caesar
grilled or breaded chicken, shaved parmesan, grated cheese, croutons & Caesar dressing
#8 Grilled Chicken
grilled chicken, arugula, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and a side of balsamic vinaigrette #9 Eggplant
eggplant, arugula, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and a side of balsamic vinaigrette #10 Buffalo Chicken
breaded buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheddar jack, and blue cheese or ranch
CHEESE 8.99
VEGGIE 14.99
CHEESE 8.99
VEGGIE 14.99
HAM 9.99
#11 Chicken Vodka
vodka sauce, breaded chicken, shredded mozzarella, pressed on the grill
#12 Chicken Bacon Ranch
breaded chicken, lettuce, tomato, provolone, bacon, red onion & ranch dressing
#25 Spicy Chicken Vodka 12.99
spicy vodka sauce, breaded chicken, shredded mozzarella, pressed on grill #27 Sweet Chili Chicken 12.99
sweet chili chicken, lettuce. tomato, red onion, ranch, cheddar jack, and cherry peppers
CALZONES
Served with marinara sauce
HAM 9.99
CHICKEN 13.99
STROMBOLI
MEATLOVERS 14.99
BUFFALO CHICKEN 14.99
Served with marinara sauce
CHICKEN 13.99
MEATLOVERS 14.99
TOPPINGS
CHEESESTEAK 13.99
PESTO CHICKEN 14.99
Bacon, Ham, Pepperoni, Salami, Meatballs, Sausage, White Onions, Fresh Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Pineapple, Jalapeños, Spinach, Broccoli, Basil, Garlic Grilled or Breaded Chicken 5.00 Eggplant 4.00
ENTRESS
Served over pasta or a side salad
Chicken Francese 19.99
Chicken Marsala 19.99
Eggplaht Rollantini 19.99
Shrimp Scampi 24.99
Chicken Scampi 19.99
PARMIGIANA
substitute vodka sauce $3 Chicken 19.99 Eggplant 19.99 Shrimp 24.99 Chicken Parm with Vodka 22.99
PASTA
Add Chicken 5.00 | Add Meatballs 2.50 each
Pasta Types: Penne, Spaghetti, Angel Hair, Rigatoni, Fettucine
Cheese Tortellini, Cavatelli, Gluten-Free Penne add 3.00 Cavatell
SAUCES
Vodka Sauce 17.99
Spicy Vodka Sauce 18.99
Pesto Sauce 17.99
Alfredo Sauce 17.99
Butter 13.99
Meat Sauce 17.99
SPECIALTY PIZZA
Small 12” Large 16”
Veggie 18.99 23.99
Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, olives, onions, & green peppers
Meatlovers 18.99 23.99
Sausage, pepperoni, meatball, ham, and bacon
Hot Honey Pepperoni 17.99 22.99
Vodka sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, and hot honey
Buffalo Chicken 20.99 25.99
Hot sauce, mozzarella, cheddar jack, breaded buffalo chicken, bleu cheese or ranch, and celery
Chicken Pesto 20.99 25.99
Pesto, grilled chicken, red onion, mozzarella, & chopped tomato
BBQ Chicken 20.99 25.99
BBQ chicken, red onion, mozzarella, cheddar jack, and ranch
Grandma N/A 25.99
Thin crust Sicilian with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, fresh garlic, basil, and fresh mozzarella
Drunken Grandma N/A 26.99
Thin crust - Sicilian with crushed tomatoes, vodka sauce, olive oil, fresh garlic, basil, and fresh mozzarella
Chicken Parm 19.99 24.99
Breaded chicken, mozzarella, and pizza sauce
White 15.99 20.99
Mozzarella and ricotta cheese
Margherita 15.99 20.99
Pizza sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil
Burrata & Crushed Tomato N/A 26.99
Thin crust Sicilian, Sicilian cheese base, crushed tomato, burrata, olive oil, basil, & Pecorino Romano
Spicy White 18.99 23.99
Ricotta cheese base, mozzarella cheese, crushed Calabrian chili peppers, oregano, and basil
BBQ Hawaiian 19.99 24.99
BBQ sauce base, ham, pineapple, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and bacon
Beesting Pizza N/A 26.99
Spicy vodka sauce base, Sicilian thin crust, mozzarella cheese, grande burrata, fresh jalapeno, and Mike’s hot honey
White Clam 23.99 28.99
Mozzarella cheese base, garlic, oil, chopped clams and extra pecorino Romano
Let Us Cater you next party, graduation, communion or family gathering
CATERING
APPETIZERS
HALF TRAY FULL TRAY
$50.00-$100.00
Mac And Cheese Bites
Mozzarella Sticks
Chicken Fingers
Fried Calamari
$60-$120
Cheesy Bread
$45-$90
Wings Bone In Or Boneless
(50)
$60.00-(100) $120.00
French Fries
$40.00-$80.00
Caprese Tray
$45.00-$90.00
fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, olive oil
PASTA
Half tray: 10 servings full tray: 20 servings
$50.00 $100.00
Penne Vodka
Fettuccine Alfredo
Cheese Ravioli
Cavatelli and Broccoli
Baked Ziti
Baked Meat Lasagna
Pasta with marinara
MEATBALLS & SAUSAGE
Garlic & Oil 17.99
Marinara 13.99
Primavera 18.99
Baked Ziti (oven-baked pasta) 16.99
Add ricotta 3.00
Cavatelli & Broccoli 17.99
PIZZA
Small 12” Large 16”
Cheese Pizza 12.99 17.99 Sicilian Pizza N/A 20.99
Spaghetti & Meatballs 19.99
Cheese Tortellini with Vodka or Alfredo Sauce 20.99
Homemade Lasagna 15.99
Made with ground beef, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese
Gluten Free 14.99 N/A Bar Pies N/A 19.99 Extra thin, well done, sauce, and cheese all the way to edges
TOPPINGS
WHOLE PIE 3.50 | HALF PIE 1.75 Bacon, Ham, Pepperoni, Salami, Meatballs, Sausage, White Onions, Fresh Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Black Olives, Pineapple, Jalapeños, Spinach, Broccoli, Basil, Sliced Tomatoes, Garlic, Red Onions, Cherry Peppers
Eggplant Whole Pie 6.00 | Half Pie 3.00
Roasted Peppers Whole Pie 5.00 | Half Pie 2.50
Breaded Chicken Whole Pie 7.00 | Half Pie 3.50
Grilled Chicken Whole Pie 7.00 | Half Pie 3.50
SALADS
Burrata Caprese
Caesar Salad
Apple Salad
Desa’s Salad
House Salad
Mixed Berry
Antipasta Salad
$60.00-$120.00
$40.00-$80.00
$50.00-$100.00
$50.00-$100.00
$40.00-$80.00
$50.00-$100.00
$50.00-$100.00
ENTREES
Half tray: 15 pieces full tray: 30 pieces
$60.00 $120.00
Chicken Francese
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Scampi
Chicken Parmigiana
Shrimp Scampi
$70.00-$140.00
Over your choice of pasta
Mussels $55.00-$110.00
Sweet, medium, hot
Eggplant Rollatini
$60.00-$120.00
Eggplant filled with mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese
Eggplant Parmigiana
$55.00-$110.00
Half tray: 10 servings full tray: 20 serving
Meatballs $50.00-$100.00
Topped with marinara
By Henry M. Holden
New Jersey, often referred to as the Garden State, has been a fertile ground for cultivating a remarkable collection of talent across various fields. From groundbreaking inventors and powerful politicians to iconic performers and sports legends, these lists not only made significant contributions to their respective provinces but has also left an indelible mark on the international stage. Here is a sample list of famous people from New Jersey showcasing their extraordinary accomplishments and influence in different areas of life.
Every day we use dozens of inventions, rarely thinking about who invented them. Inventors create solutions to problems to
New Jersey’s Extraordinary Inventors and their Legacies
share with the world making life a little bit easier. Did you know that New Jersey ranks 5th in the number of patents granted in the United States? Here are just a few inventors most from the ingenious Garden State.
Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes Bubble wrap was invented in 1957 by engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Fielding and Chavannes sealed two shower curtains together, creating a smattering of air bubbles, which they originally tried to sell as wallpaper. When the product turned out to be unsuccessful as wallpaper, the team sold it as greenhouse insulation. Although Bubble Wrap was branded by Sealed
Air Corporation in 1960, it was not until a year later (1961) that its usefulness in protective usage was discovered. As a packaging material, Bubble Wrap’s first client was IBM, which used the product to protect the IBM 1401 computer during shipment. Fielding and Chavannes were inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame in 1993. Sealed Air celebrated Bubble Wrap›s 50th birthday in January 2010.
George Franklin Grant (September 15, 1846 – August 21, 1910) was the first African American professor at Harvard. He was also a Boston dentist, and an inventor of an early composite golf tee made from wood and natural rubber (specifically, gutta-percha) tubing.
Norman Joseph Woodland - and Bernard Silver Born in Atlantic City, Woodland (and Silver) invented the barcode by figuring out a way to encode information using simple lines. They patented it in the US in 1952. The invention was based on Morse code that was extended to thin and thick bars. However, it took over twenty years before this invention became commercially successful.
Alexander Cartwright While Abner Doubleday is often mistakenly credited with inventing baseball, the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) states that the real inventor is Alexander Cartwright. Cartwright is credited with developing the modern rules of baseball in 1845, forming the basis for the game we know today.
Thomas Edison – Is America’s greatest and most influential inventor. While Edison was born in Ohio and grew up in Michigan, he began his career in Newark, New Jersey. Some of his most famous inventions include the phonograph, the light bulb, motion picture, electrographic vote recorder and the magnetic iron ore separator. In total, Edison had 1,093 inventions.
The candlestick phone was popular from thre late 1880 to about the 1930s although it remained. In until the end of WWII Photo author’s collection
and the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame.
Irwin Gerszberg aka “Mr. DSL” - As you may expect by his nickname, Gerszberg was a leader in Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology. In other words, he gave us the ability to obtain vast amounts of digital data from the Internet at high speeds. He lived in Kendall Park, New Jersey.
early 1950s. Prednisone is a synthetic drug for autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, kidney diseases, and to prevent and treat rejection in organ transplantation. Nobile was inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007.
Les Paul - Inventor of the harmonica holder, electric guitar and multi-track tape recorders. He moved to Mahwah in 1951, the same year he and his future wife Mary Ford topped the charts with “How High the Moon.” The song stood at #1 on the Billboard Magazine chart for nine weeks. Les Paul is the only person ever inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Anthony E. Winston The man from East Brunswick who has surely helped you smile bigger and brighter. Winston received thirteen patents for using baking soda to create toothpaste, gels and tartar-control agents. A deodorizer, an earwax removal aid and laundry detergents are also among his inventions. In addition to assisting with your personal hygiene, Winston also created products to help farmers kill harmful fungi on plants.
Arthur Nobile – (May 6, 1920 -Jan. 6, 2004) invented Prednisone in the
Forrest E. Mars, Sr(March 21 - 1904 -July -211999) is the son of the candy giant, Frank C. Mars, the creator of the Milky Way and 3 Musketeers candy bars. After a riff in their father and son relationship, Forrest left his father’s company to start his own. After traveling overseas to Europe and working under another food giant Nestle, he learned more about the candy and food business to aid in his quest to start his own. It›s said that during his travels, he came across soldiers during the Spanish Civil War eating small pellets of candy-covered chocolate and that›s what gave cont. on page 25
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cont. from page 22
him the idea to start his own candy business featuring M&Ms candies.
Sidney Pestka - Dr. Pestka was born in Poland on May 26,1936 and died on December 22, 2016. He moved to Trenton at age eight. Called “The Father of Interferon,” Pestka’s work has led to cures for cancers and viral diseases. He has paved the way for the possibilities of prevention, diagnosis and cures for many fatal diseases. Dr. Pestka, a resident of North Caldwell, died in December 2016. Hoffmann-La Roche, where Dr. Pestka worked, was one of the first companies to receive an FDA license in 1986 for the use of a drug to treat a rare form of leukemia.
Alfred Lewis Vail Alfred Vail was born on January 9, 1807, in Morristown, to Betsey Youngs and Stephen Vail. He passed on January 18, 1859. His father was a notable businessperson who founded the Speedwell Ironworks, where Alfred and Samuel Morse would later demonstrate their first electric telegraph. Vail attended public school and later worked as an iron molder in his father›s ironworks. In 1832, he enrolled at New York University, where he studied theology and became an active member of the Euclidian Society.
Vail’s encounter with Samuel Morse’s telegraph experiments in 1837 sparked his interest in the technology. He proposed to Morse to refine the device at his father’s factory in exchange for a 25-percent share of any future commercial profits. However, Morse later brought in Francis Smith as a partner, reducing Vail’s share to one-eighth.
Along with Samuel Morse, Vail was central in developing and commercializing American electrical telegraphy between 1837 and 1844.
Vail and Morse were the first two telegraph operators on Morse’s first experimental line between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and Vail took charge of building and managing several early telegraph lines between 1845 and 1848.
Nikola Tesla (July 10, 1856 – January 7, 1943) was a Serbian-American engineer, futurist, and inventor. He is known for his knowledge and contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.
Alexander Graham Bell In the 1870s, Elisha Gray and Alexander Graham Bell independently designed devices that could transmit speech electrically. Both men rushed their respective designs for these prototype telephones to the patent office within hours of each other. Bell patented his telephone first and later emerged the victor in a legal dispute with Gray.
Today, Bell’s name is synonymous with the history of the telephone, while Gray is largely forgotten.
Bill Gates and his Windows software opened home computers to the world. The usability of his software provided an intuitive interface that proved a catalyst for the adoption of PCs and the worlds digital transformation. When Charles Babbage debuted his “mechanical calculating machine” in 1833 (that he continued to refine until his death in 1871), it’s unlikely he realized how important his concept would become over the next 177 years. Interestingly, Babbage also invented the printer (that was likely more reliable than the average modern one!), as his “mechanical calculator” printed its answers on paper. Presumably because he hadn’t gotten around to inventing the monitor yet!
Richard M. Hollingshead the world’s first drive-in movie was built on a 10-acre plot in Camden County in 1933. It opened on June 6, 1933, on Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Pennsauken Township, NJ, near Central Airport. The theater was the inspiration of Richard M. Hollingshead, a Camden businessman living in Riverton, NJ, who received a patent for the idea. With a few investors, Park-In Theatres, Inc. was formed, and construction of the theatre began on May 16, 1933. The first drive-in operated for only a few seasons before the difficulty of obtaining current, quality films to show led Hollingshead to focus his efforts on licensing the drive-in theatre concept to other operators. Today, parking lots and Zinman Furs occupy most of the location of the original drive-in.
eather can be unpredictable, even during the warmest months of the year. Summer days may feature strong thunderstorms and downpours, followed by stretches of extremely hot and dry conditions. Weather extremes can take a toll on lawns, especially when drought is part of the equation. The results can be anything from dry patches to a scorched landscape, leaving homeowners wondering what they can do to repair the damage.
According to The Spruce, dry grass can happen in as little as a week without adequate care and water. Sometimes dry grass can be the result of disease, pets, or pests. A healthy lawn will be lush and green; a dry lawn quite the opposite. It’s crunchy, uncomfortable and muted in color. Here’s how to address a dry lawn to restore it to it’s natural beauty.
Pet urine
Get to the Root of a Dry Lawn
Animal urine often is the culprit behind dry patches in a lawn. Lawns need nitrogen to grow, which is why it is included in many fertilizers. But the nitrogen in dog urine is concentrated and directed in one area, so much so that it chemically burns the lawn. This concentrated nitrogen causes the grass to dry out, turn yellow and eventually go brown and die.
Rinsing areas where dogs urinate on the lawn or creating a separate potty area in the yard can help alleviate brown spots.
Lawn height
Sometimes a lawn mower might be to blame for a brown lawn. According to Scotts®, the higher a person mows, the deeper the lawn’s roots will grow. That can help the lawn thrive under restricted water conditions and insulate the lawn from some of the effects of hot, dry weather. Never remove more than one-third of the total height in a single mowing, as that can stress the lawn.
Diseases
Leaf blight, brown patches and powdery mildew are just some of the diseases that can affect a lawn. Fungal bacteria can spread on a lawn and contribute to these conditions, which makes it important to aerate and dethatch the lawn in cooler seasons to help prevent disease.
Improper pH
A lawn requires a certain pH to grow well. According to Weed Man Lawn Care Services, the ideal pH range for lawn soil is between 6.0 and 7.0. Anything outside of this range may result in poor, brown grass. A soil pH test will indicate if the soil is acidic, alkaline or optimal. Amend an acidic soil with lime and an alkaline soil with sulphur in small amounts until a balance is reached.
Pest infestation
People are not the only creatures that like a lawn. Many pests feed on blades of grass or the roots. The result can be patchy, dry grass. Figuring out what is causing any damage is essential. Homeowners can then take steps to remove the pests and return the lawn to its former glory.
Dehydration
Deep watering can help restore a lawn that has widespread wilting and browning. Popular Mechanics advises homeowners begin watering more in spring. Water infrequently but for longer periods of time to encourage roots to deepen. The ideal time to water is between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. to limit evaporation.
Trial and error may be necessary to figure out why a lawn is brown and what’s needed to revive it.
Games can enhance any outdoor function. Whether at the beach or in one’s backyard, activities can keep guests entertained in between the food and other refreshments. And the good news is that most games designed for these types of functions are appropriate for players across a wide range of ages.
The following are eight games that can add to the excitement of any outdoor gathering.
1. Ladder toss: Also known as ladder golf, this game requires players to toss string-attached balls onto a ladder-shaped target. Points are awarded depending on which rung the ball lands on.
8 Games to Try at the Next Backyard Bash
2. Kubb: Pronounced “KOOB,” this Swedish lawn game believed to have originated during the era of the Vikings and is best described as a blend of bowling and horseshoes. Two teams compete to knock over their opponents’ wooden blocks by throwing batons.
3. Cornhole: Many people have played cornhole, which involves tossing bean bags at the cornhole board, The objective is to get the bag into the hole or on the board to score points. The game can be played as singles or doubles. The first team to reach 21 points wins.
4. Spikeball™: Also called Roundnet, this two-on-two sport is played by hitting a ball off a net with the goal of preventing the opposing team from returning the ball within three touches.
5. Ring toss: This is another game that tests hand-eye coordination. Players take turns tossing the rings onto the target pegs. Each peg is worth a different number of points. The first player to reach the agreed-upon amount of points wins.
6. Connect four in a row: Giant versions of familiar tabletop games also are available for yard use. With this game, players need to get four chips in a row, either up and down or diagonal.
7. Kan Jam®: Similar to cornhole or horseshoes, Kan Jam® features two teams of two that alternate between throwing a frisbee and trying to deflect it. The goal is to get the frisbee into the can.
8. Rollers: Goals are placed 25 feet apart and then players roll wooden discs to try to get closest to the goal. Each side of the disc has a different number to determine the point value.
Backyard events can be enhanced with some game play. There are plenty of fun options for your next gathering.
5 Fun Facts about the Month of June
June marks the official start of summer in the northern hemisphere, and it’s the month when summer vacation begins for millions of schoolchildren. Those two things make the month of June especially popular in many households. But June is about more than summer and the end of the school year. The following are five fun facts about the beloved month of June that anyone can use as a great ice breaker at backyard barbecues this summer.
1. June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of childbirth and fertility.
2. The day with the potentially longest hours of sunlight of any day all year is in June. When the sun is out on the summer solstice, which marks the official start of summer and in 2023 is celebrated on Wednesday, June 21, people in the northern hemisphere can anticipate more hours of sunlight than any other day during the calendar year.
3. According to the American Gem Society, June is one of only two months that is associated with three birthstones: alexandrite, moonstone and pearl. Pearls are especially unique among gemstones, as they are the only ones made by living creatures.
4. In both common and leap years, no other month begins on the same day of the week as June.
5. New York Yankee Lou Gehrig began his streak of playing in 2,130 consecutive games on June 1, 1925. The streak ended on April 20, 1939. Gehrig held the record for consecutive games played until Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken, Jr., surpassed the man known as “The Iron Horse” on September 6, 1995.
Gifts for Dad He’s Certain to Enjoy
Father’s Day celebrations began on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that a day honoring fathers became a national holiday. Since then, children have been trying to figure out how they can show their dads and other father figures in their lives just how much they are appreciated. Plenty of hugs and high fives are customary on Father’s Day, but gifts also get the spotlight on this holiday, which is held on the third Sunday in June each year.
Each year families ponder what to get the man who seemingly has everything. These Father’s Day gifts are certain to please Dad this year.
Gaming gifts
The joy of gaming may not wane as Dad gets older. Once a gamer, always a gamer, and gifts that cater to Dad’s love of play can be winners. Pay attention to the release dates of games that Dad wants to play, and then make sure to grab them before they sell out. Peripherals that can enhance gaming also can be ideal gifts. These include Bluetooth headphones with microphone, controller charging stations, light-up keyboards, or a comfortable gaming chair.
Sports tickets
Experiential gifts continue to win rave reviews, as people increasingly are finding that adding more “stuff” to their lives does not equate to happiness. Rather, gifts that focus on experiences instead of material things can produce lasting memories. Father’s Day is a good time to grab tickets to an upcoming sports game, whether it’s a high-profile Major League Baseball game at the stadium, a local event or overseas affair. June and July feature Formula 1 racing, the Worldwide International Cricket Matches, the MLB All Star Game, the Tour de France, Wimbledon, and more.
Cookout supplies
If Dad is the resident outdoor chef, adding to his assortment of cooking gear can be the perfect way to show love and affection on Father’s Day. While grills and smokers may get
much of the attention, a tabletop pizza oven or outdoor griddle might be welcome additions as well.
Fishing gear
The warm weather of the summer presents plenty of opportunities for anglers to reel in trophy catches. Fathers who love to fish can always use some additions to their tackle boxes, new reels and rods. Choose the correct items for the type of fish he typically goes for, as fishing for striped bass requires different gear that fishing for fluke.
Father’s Day gifting is made easier with some shopping inspiration.
By Richard Mabey Jr.
As I write this article, it is night time, Thursday, the first of May. On Saturday, the tenth of May, I will say farewell to my Florida home in The Villages. My sister and I are moving to Northern Ocala. It’s a long story, but it’s just time to move. Having purchased this home in June of 2008, I’ve lived in this home for nearly 17 years now. That’s a bit of a long time.
My desk, in my bedroom, looks out to my front yard. I conservatively estimate that I have written well over 3,00 articles and true-life stories at this desk. I’ve seen all so many people walk by house. No doubt, a few hundred people, over the years walked by my front yard. Some I became good friends with, some I barely knew and some I knew not at all. It’s just the way it is in The Villages.
It’s all bittersweet. In some ways, I’m looking forward to moving on. In some ways, I’m very sad. From 2009 till 2016, I wrote and published a little monthly neighborhood newsletter. Then from 2010 till 2025, I had the honor to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of a twice weekly newsletter that was published by The Villages Diabetic Support Group. I wrote stories and articles for my church newsletter. And wrote some public relations articles for my church, that were published in local newspapers. And, for a few years, I wrote a regular column for a weekly newspaper in Belleview, Florida. Plus writing many articles and true-life stories for several New Jersey based newspapers. And, I wrote
Goodbye Dear Old 438
two books from this desk and self-published both of them. I love to write. It is a gift that the dear Lord has given to me. It truly is just that, a gift from God. I give all the credit to God. I’m very serious about that.
Life is all so strange at times. My life has been filled with all so many twists and turns. Although I never married, I was blessed to know the love of a few very fine women. I never met any of them at the alter. Sometimes their Daddy didn’t like me and put a wedge between myself and my beloved. Other times, religious differences brought a degree of strife.
At one point in my life, I dated a very wonderful woman who was a devout Catholic. At the time, I was earnestly serving as an Elder, School School Teacher and Youth Minister at the First Reformed Church of Lincoln Park. I just felt all so strongly that God wanted me to stay at FRC. My beloved, at the time, became more and more upset with me for not wanting to convert to be Catholic. I look back now, with a tinge of sorrow.
Now at 71, tonight I wonder what view awaits me when I sit at my new home, looking out the window and writing my heart out, a symphony of true-life stories. There are many stories alive within my heart that I long to write. I hope and pray that the dear Lord gives me the time to write them all down.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has had two books published. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Rich-
ard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabey
jr@gmail.com.
The old 438 marker in my front yard. To the left hand side is the very window that I look out from, as I once wrote all so many stories and articles.
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By Evan Wechman
MLivingston Television Host discusses how Athletes Endure Pain with Renowned Neurosurgeon
any competitive athletes, when feeling pain, seek the help of various physicians. Sometimes all they need is a touch of traditional medicine and they feel much better, and ready to compete the next day. However, as witnessed on national television almost every weekend, some athletes feel the pain and rise above it without seeking any medical support.
Livingston Entrepreneur and television host Barry Farber has always been fascinated with how top athletes endure pain to attain their desired goal. Farber is also an avid martial arts fan and has learned the art of Jiu Jitsu.
It was while practicing this form of martial arts with his sensei where he realized sometimes pain can be beneficial in athletic competition.
“But he(sensei) literally showed the rolling technique and taught me that when you’re thrown down, and you fall, if you do it, well, it becomes a strike, like you come back up and strike. But I started getting fascinated with falling,” Farber said.
“So, what I found was, at first, I’d have certain shoulder pain, and it would be red because I rolled on concrete a certain way, and really, made damage. But then after a while, I didn’t feel anything. So that’s when I became fascinated with embracing the pain at first, because later it became something that was a benefit,” Farber added.
Farber’s quest to find out more about enduring pain in competition led him to interview Dr. Mark McLaughlin on his television show “Diamond Minds.”
Dr. Mark McLaughlin, a renowned neurosurgeon and founder of Princeton Brain and Spine Care is also an expert on maintaining superior performance under stress for al-
most all professions, from neurosurgeons to top athletes.
Dr. McLaughlin who is used to working under stressful conditions in his own practice, is also not a stranger to competitive athletics.
A former NCAA Division I wrestler, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. He remains active in the wrestling world and is in his seventeenth-year coaching with the Princeton Wrestling Club and in his fifth year of the Trenton Youth Wrestling organization.
According to McLaughlin, there are alternatives for both athletes and everyday people in how they can deal with pain. Not every situation requires a shot or a needle.
“So, number one, we know that exercise is a more effective antidepressant and a more effective pain reliever than any medicine, any pharmacological substance that you have in any drugstore. Exercise clearly, when compared to antidepressants, is more protective than antidepressants to combat depression and exercise we know causes the release of endorphins, which are powerful pain relievers. So, it is one of the best prescriptions I give to my patients, particularly ones with chronic pain,” Dr. McLaughlin said.
He also added that “Number two, you have to understand that pain is the resistance to sensation. The moment you allow the sensation, it’s no longer pain, it’s just a strong sensation. You can train your mind with that mantra, and you cannot be afraid to feel what you’re going to feel. If you’re not afraid of feeling what you can feel, it’s no longer pain.”
As far as how this is practical on the football field or wrestling arena, McLaughlin believes many high-caliber athletes have adopted the mindset he has prescribed that allows them to not fear these sensations.
I think their mind is telling their telling their, body. Hey,
look, you can say whatever you want, but I›m just not going to pay attention to you. You can fire those impulses, but you›re not going to stop me from doing what I need to do today,” he said.
However, like any practical and well-educated doctor, McLaughlin knows sometimes people need to seek out treatment when they are experiencing pain.
Not everyone in our society can push through discomfort like professional athletes.
“I don’t want people who are having chest pain, to say, oh, you’re just being a wimp, and it’s not serious, and don’t get attention to it.,” Dr. McLaughlin said.
“There’s, a certain balance that we need to have if you’re experiencing pain in a non-extreme situation., it needs to get checked out. You could have cancer; you could have coronary artery disease. You could be experiencing the early signs and symptoms of something very serious. But if you’re testing yourself in a physical activity, understand, number one, that your body is so much more capable than what you think it is. You know the mind limits our physical abilities in so many ways. And then secondly, I would say that the more you cannot be afraid of feeling what you’re going to feel, to the extent that you’re going to feel it, the less fear you’ll have, and the more love you’ll have of what you’re doing.”
Dr. Mark McLaughlin
By Henry M. Holden
New Jersey played a significant role in the American fight for independence. There were several New Jersey locations where battles were fought and where the outcomes created the atmosphere that contributed to the states’ ultimate united victory.
Boston Tea Party, (December 16, 1773), was a nonviolent protest which preceded the actual shooting war. Three hundred-forty-two chests of tea belonging to the British East India Company were thrown from ships into Boston Harbor by American patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians. The Americans were protesting both taxation without representation and the perceived monopoly of the East India Company.
With 165 principal engagements from 1775-1783, the Revolutionary War was the catalyst for American independence.
The Shot Heard Round the World
The American Revolution was an insurrection carried out by 13 American colonies that began in 1775 and ended with a peace treaty in 1783.
The first clash began on April 19, 1775, when more about 700 British soldiers were given what they thought were secret orders to destroy colonial military supplies in Concord, Massachusetts. Fortunately, and thanks to a sophisticated colonial intelligence network, led by the Sons of Liberty, the Patriots were aware that their supplies were at risk, and were able to move them before the British arrived. Also, thanks to the daring rides of the Sons of Liberty, the colonial militia knew that an engagement with the British
Army was imminent.
There were five riders who collectively enabled the Colonists to make ready for an attack. But poets, historians, educators, and history buffs have retold the story of the legendary ride, of Paul Revere for more than two centuries. The most popular retelling is the poem entitled "Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It begins:
Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year.
Paul Revere was born in Boston in 1734, to a French Huguenot father and a Bostonian mother. He started his young life training to be a silversmith. After the death of his father in 1754, Revere enlisted in the provincial army to fight in the French and Indian War because was it was the best paying job available at the time.
When the war was over, he returned to Boston to take over his father's silversmith business, only to fall into financial challenges during the Stamp Act of 1765.
This Act was the first internal tax levied directly on American colonists by the British Parliament. The act, which imposed a tax on all paper documents in the colonies, came at a time when the British Empire was deep in debt from the Seven Years Wars (1756-63) and was looking to its North American colonies as a revenue source. The angry mobs
cont. on page 33
This lithograph depicting the signing of the Declaration was drawn around 1850. (Credit National Archives)
This lithograph depicting Paul Revere’s dangerous ride was drawn around 1850. (Credit National Archives)
resulted in its repeal in 1766.
Frustrated by this gave Revere a reason to join the Sons of Liberty, a group of men initially responsible for organizing early revolutionary efforts and develop a close association with them.
On April 18, 1775, Joseph Warren, one of the Sons of Liberty, sent Revere to send the signal to Charlestown that the British troops were on the move. Revere rode through northern Boston, through what is now Medford, Somerville, and Arlington warning the American patriots about the enemy's movement.
Contrary to popular beliefs, Paul Revere never shouted the phrase "the British are coming," and instead rode swiftly and in secrecy northward. His journey ended in Lexington where he met other Sons of Liberty, such as John Hancock and other like-minded patriots.
In the 250+ years since its independence, the United States of America has developed into a thriving nation, based on the articulated freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet not every aspect of the Revolutionary Period is full of bright morals and good behavior.
When Britain imposed the Intolerable Acts throughout the 1750s and 60s, a great number of men became extremely angry, and began to act violently against British Loyalists in the colonies.
In response to colonial resistance to British during the winter of 1773–74, they were determined to reassert their authority in America and passed four acts that were known as the Coercive Acts in Britain but were labeled the Intolerable Acts by the colonists.
The Coercive Acts, were passed by Parliament in 1774, in response to colonial resistance to the British rule. The four acts were (1) the Boston Port Bill, which closed Boston Harbor; (2) the Massachusetts Government Act, which replaced the elective local government with an appointive one and increased the powers of the military governor; (3) the Administration of Justice Act, which allowed British officials charged with capital offenses to be tried in another colony or in England; and (4) the Quartering Act, which permitted the requisition of unoccupied buildings to house British troops, and more mobs sprang up all over the colonies, reigning terror on those who remained faithful to the crown.
The displays of American patriotism, as exhibited by the great war in 1776, one may to think of the great names which are prominently recorded in history. Such names as Washington, Jefferson, Lafayette, Kosciusko, are likely to draw all the attention, while others, equally meritorious in self-denial and endurance receive no mention. One of these groups would be a secret Boston association of elite gentlemen, mainly law men and artisans, who met discretely to organize ways to begin to effectively oppose the actions of the crown.
The Loyal Nine were responsible for putting boundaries on the cont. on page 35
The Shot Heard... cont. from page 33
rampant violence of Boston and set limits on how far the demonstrations should progress. They actively stood against British policies they found to be immoral and unlawful and had their hands in projects such as the Boston Tea Party.
As time progressed, and frustration with the British crown began to heat up in the colonies, the Loyal Nine merged into the more famous organization known as the Sons of Liberty. The prominent members of this group were Samuel Adams, Joseph Warren, Paul Revere, and Benedict Arnold. John Hancock is most remembered for his singular classic name scrawled on the Declaration of Independence
The second cousin of John Adams, Samuel Adams was a Massachusetts statesman, founding father, and firm voice of the American Revolution. He was one of the main forces behind the American movement for Independence and was infamous for his role in the turmoil in Boston in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. Where John Adams was strong spirited, Samuel was practically virulent, a master of propaganda and an instigator of mob violence. He had few qualms about acting in opposition to the British authorities, especially on issues he deemed to be "unfair" to the American colonists. His strong leadership inspired the New England colonies to take up arms against the crowns oppressors, and he continued to be a central figure throughout the latter part of the eighteenth century.
A notorious traitor to the revolutionary cause, Benedict Arnold started his political career as a Son of Liberty. As a pharmacist and bookseller in New England, Arnold fell into financial struggles after the introduction of the Intolerable Acts. He did not engage in any popular demonstrations but became a smuggler and continued to trade as if no "Act" had ever been passed on the colonial form of the black market.
Despite his early activity to oppose the British crown, and his relative success as a Revolutionary War General, Arnold eventually came to lose faith in the American cause, would change sides and join the British against the American colonies halfway through the war.
In 1780, Arnold was given command of West Point, an American fort on the Hudson
River in New York (and future home of the U.S. military academy, established in 1802). Arnold contacted Sir Henry Clinton, head of the British forces, and proposed handing over West Point and his men. On September 21, Arnold met with Major John Andre and made his traitorous pact. However, the conspiracy was uncovered, and Andre was captured and executed. Arnold, the former American patriot, fled to the enemy side and went on to lead British troops in Virginia and Connecticut. He later moved to England, though he never received all of what he’d been promised by the British. He died in London on June 14, 1801.
Battle of Trenton
On the night of December 25–26, 1776, General George Washington, , led 2,400 men across the Delaware River. After a nine-mile march, they seized the town of Trenton on the morning of December 26, killing or wounding over 100 (Hessians were German soldiers who served as mercenaries in several major wars in the 18th century, most notably the American Revolutionary War) and capturing 900 more. Soon after capturing the town, Washington led the army back across the Delaware into Pennsylvania. On December 29, Washington once again led the army across the river and established a defensive position at Trenton.
On December 31, Washington appealed to his men, whose enlistments expired at the end of the year, "Stay for just six more weeks for an extra bounty of ten dollars." His appeal worked, and most of the men agreed to stay. Also, that day, Washington learned that Congress had voted to give him wide-ranging powers for six months that are often described as dictatorial.
On the night of December 25–26, 1776, General George Washington, , led 2,400 men across the Delaware River. After a nine-mile march, they seized the town of Trenton on the morning of December 26, killing or wounding over 100 (Hessians were German soldiers who served as mercenaries in several major wars in the 18th century, most notably the American Revolutionary War) and capturing 900 more. Soon after capturing the town, Washington led the army back across the Delaware into Pennsylvania. On December 29, Washington once again led the army across the river and established a defensive position at Trenton.
On December 31, Washington appealed to his men, whose enlistments expired at
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The Shot Heard... cont. from page 35
the end of the year, "Stay for just six more weeks for an extra bounty of ten dollars." His appeal worked, and most of the men agreed to stay. Also, that day, Washington learned that Congress had voted to give him wide-ranging powers for six months that are often described as dictatorial.
Battle of Princeton
The Battle of Princeton was fought on January 3, 1777, and ended in a victory for the Colonists. General Lord Cornwallis had left 1,400British troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood, in Princeton. Following a surprise attack at Trenton early in the morning of December 26, 1776, General Washington decided to attack the British in New Jersey before entering the winter quarters. On December 30, he crossed back into New Jersey. His troops followed on January 3, 1777.
Washington advanced to Princeton by way of a back road, where he pushed back a smaller British force but had to retreat before Cornwallis arrived with reinforcements. The battles of Trenton and Princeton boosted the morale of the patriot cause, leading many recruits to join the Continental Army in the spring.
After defeating the Hessians at the Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776, Washington withdrew back to Pennsylvania. He subsequently decided to attack the British forces before going into winter quarters. On December 29, he led his army back into Trenton. On the night of January 2, 1777, Washington repelled a British attack at the Battle of the Assunpink Creek. That night, he emptied his position, circled General Cornwallis' army, and attacked the British garrison at Princeton.
On January 3, Brigadier General Hugh Mercer of the Continental Army clashed with two regiments under the command of Mawhood. Mercer and his troops were overrun, and Mercer was mortally wounded. Washington sent a brigade of militia under Brigadier General John Cadwalader to help them. On seeing the flight of Mercer's men, the militia began to flee. Washington rode up with reinforcements and rallied the fleeing militia. He then led the attack on Mawhood's troops, driving them back. Mawhood gave the order to retreat, and most of the troops tried to flee to Cornwallis in Trenton.
In Princeton, Brigadier General John Sullivan encouraged some British troops who had taken refuge in Nassau Hall to surrender, ending the battle. After the battle, Washington moved his army to Morristown, and with their third defeat in 10 days, the British left Central Jersey. The battle (was the last major action of Washington's winter New Jersey campaign.
Following the loss at Trenton, General Cornwallis departed New York City and gathered a British force of over 9,000 at Princeton to counter Washington. Leaving 1,200 men under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mawhood at Princeton, Cornwallis left Princeton on January 2, commanding 8,000 men to confront Washington's army of 6,000 troops.
Washington dispatched troops to engage with the advancing British to delay their progress. By the time the British arrived at Trenton, it was almost nightfall. After three unsuccessful attempts to cross the bridge over the Assunpink Creek, where the primary American defenses were located, Cornwallis postponed the attack until the following day.
Mawhood ordered his troops to delay Mercer, while he brought up the other detachments. Mercer was walking through William Clark's orchard when the British troops appeared. The British troops' volley went high, which gave time for Mercer to wheel his troops around into battle line. Mercer's troops advanced, pushing back the British light troops. The Americans took up a position behind a fence at the upper end of the orchard. However, Mawhood had brought up his troops and his artillery. The American gunners opened fire first, and for about ten minutes, the outnumbered American infantry exchanged fire with the British. However, many of the Americans had rifles which took longer to load than muskets. Mawhood ordered a bayonet charge, and because many of the Americans had rifles, which could not be equipped with bayonets, they were overrun. Both Americans’ cannon were captured, and the British turned them on the fleeing troops. Mercer was surrounded by British soldiers, and they shouted at him "Surrender, you damn rebel!" Declining to ask for quarter, Mercer chose to resist instead. The British, thinking they had caught Washington, bayoneted him and then left him for dead. Mercer's second in command, was shot through the head and killed.
After entering Princeton, the Americans began to loot the abandoned British supply wagons and the town. With news that Cornwallis was approaching, Washington knew he had to leave Princeton. Washington wanted to push on to New Brunswick and capture a British pay chest of 70,000 pounds, 90 but Major Generals Henry Knox and Nathanael Greene talked him out of it. Instead, Washington moved his
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army to on the night of January 3, then marched to Pluckemin by January 5, and arrived at Morristown by sunset the next day for winter encampment.[ After the battle, Cornwallis abandoned many of his posts in New Jersey and ordered his army to retreat to New Brunswick. The next several months of the war consisted of a series of small-scale skirmishes known as the Forage War
The Battle of Monmouth
On June 28, 1778, in what is now Monmouth Battlefield State Park, was one of the longest battles of the American Revolutionary War took place on a scorching hot day. It was a pivotal moment for Washington, marking a crucial turning point in the War. This success dispelled doubts about his leadership, solidified his command over the army, and protected him from serious public criticism for the rest of the war.
In a day-long battle across hills, fields, and meadows, the retrained Continental Army repelled attacks by the British Army. By the end of the battle, over 600 men were dead or wounded, and the Continental Army held the field.
The battles, spanning December 26, 1776, to January 3, 1777, marked General George Washington's first victories.
The Battle of Monmouth was crucial as it marked the debut of the American Army after training at Valley Forge. The Continental Army, now a cohesive unit with new confidence, proved their training had paid off. Holding the field the next day convinced the British to withdraw and continue to New York City.
Jockey Hollow
During the Revolutionary War, Henry Wick an American Colonist dominated the largest portion of this area—his farm comprised 1400 acres of timber and open field. The Wick farm and his neighbors' property were considered the ideal location for a winter camp due to the distance from British forces in New York and the amount of timber needed for shelter and firewood for a large army, and the availability of houses for officers, mainly generals and their staff, to quarter.
During the winter of 1779–1780, approximately 600 acres of timber in Wick’s land and about 2,000 acres total in Jockey Hollow were cut down by the soldiers to be used for the construction of huts and as firewood.
Molly Pitcher
During battles, there were colonial women who carried water to thirsty American soldiers on the battlefield. They were given the nickname “Molly Pitcher.” At the Battle of Monmouth, legend has it that a woman from Philadelphia named Mary Ludwig Hays carried water to the men. When her husband, who was with the artillery, was injured, she supposedly took his place on the battlefield and helped fire on the British.
Morristown
The Green has been at the center of Morristown for over two and a half centuries. When General Washington took his headquarters at the Jacob Arnold tavern during the 1777 winter encampment, the Green became a hub of military activities. Various buildings around it were used as officers' headquarters, army hospitals, and a military store house. Opposite the Arnold Tavern site on the North Park Place side of the park, is a monument to mark the site of the courthouse and jail that stood here at the time of the Revolutionary War.
There were shortages of food and other provisions which posed a serious challenge for the army at Morristown. Fresh meat was usually unavailable, and shortages of flour often made bread scarce. Washington noted that the soldiers sometimes went “five or six days together without bread, at other times as many days without meat, and once or twice two or three days without either, a situation made worse by the fact that Morristown was located amidst numerous local farms. Despite their proximity to the farmland, however, drought had created shortages in the harvest seasons before, and farmers were often unwilling to give up their crops to feed soldiers. Many farmers had cut back on the number of acres they were cultivating as the war progressed. This was due to the poor prices the Continentals offered for goods. The inclement weather added to the difficulty in transporting available supplies to the army. Community members’ restraint to offer their support to the Continental Army provided a constant source of frustration for the Commander-In-Chief. Though Washington was scorned to anger locals by allowing his troops to pillage their farms and fields, he eventually permitted the confiscation of grain and cattle from nearby properties to keep his troops from starving
Attention Morris Area Runners!
Whether or not you are affiliated with a running club come check out the Rose City Runners! We meet every Saturday morning at the Kitchell Rd. parking area of nearby Loantaka Park in Morris Township. (Use 116 Kitchell Rd, Morristown NJ in your mapping software.) Meet time is at 8:30 A.M. April-October and 9 AM November-March. We leave promptly so if it’s your first time come a little early so you can be introduced.
A small group meets at Couger Field in Chatham on Tuesdays at 6 AM.
We share post Saturday run breakfast on a park picnic bench. We even have a fire in the shelter fireplace on cold winter days to keep us warm when we share breakfast. We do have other activities including member hosted house parties. Some members also race and when there is enough interest we form a team. Racing is an option and not a requirement for membership.
Just come some Saturday! Members run varying paces (including a few walkers) and typically cover 3-8 miles, much on quiet wooded park trails. We often have turnouts of over 20 runners even on cold days. We have a diversity of ages from 20’s to 70’s! When park trails are icy or snow covered, we use alternate routes. We are a friendly welcoming group.
Contact BarbaraRushman@yahoo.com, check us out on Facebook or visit our website www.RoseCityRunners.com to join or to learn more. If interested in early morning Chatham runs contact kavishshukla@outlook.com.
The Shot Heard... cont. from page 36
By Megan Roche
TRutgers Gymnastics ‘Team 50’ Celebrates 50 Years of Scarlet Knight Gymnastics
he Rutgers University Gymnastics Team had one of its best seasons in 2025 which helped celebrate 50 years since the creation of the program.
“One of our biggest assets was the freshman class that came in,” head coach Anastasia Candia said. “We had a really strong group of women and they were ready to go. They really pushed our upperclassmen. It really gave us that nice, fresh group to join us. Once the season started, the entire team was just ready.”
During the 2025 regular season, on Jan. 11, Rutgers clinched a narrow victory at the Rutgers January Quad Meet, edging out UPenn with a final floor routine by Gabrielle Dildy. On Feb. 15, In a tri-meet celebrating the program’s 50th anniversary, Rutgers posted a season-high score of 195.350, defeating Kent State but falling to Michigan. On March 16, The Scarlet Knights achieved their highest team score of the season, 196.550, in a victory over the University of New Hampshire.
Heading into the BIG10 Championships, Candia knew that the team needed a certain score to potentially earn a berth to the NCAA tournament.
“I was really hoping that the girls weren’t putting that pressure on themselves to earn that score. Up to that point, they had been really doing a good job of just staying within our bubble. Once we started the meet, I could tell that they were locked in. Going into our last event, I wasn’t really looking at placement or the scores, but it was really a storybook ending as we all waited for that last score to come in,” Candia said.
With a final score of 196.225, the team earned its first berth to the NCAA tournament since 2014.
Rutgers qualified for the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional but was eliminated in the first round after a close contest against Clemson. Leading by 0.325 points after three rotations, the Scarlet Knights were overtaken in the final floor exercise, concluding with a score of 193.875 to Clemson’s 195.400.
“The girls really just enjoyed every moment. The pressure got to us a little bit at the end which is just one of those things. This really was the first scenario for us where we had to beat the other team to advance so it added a little bit of extra pressure. They got a taste of it and they really want more of that going forward,” Candia said.
Following the conclusion of the season,
Candia was appointed as the full-time head coach after serving as the interim head coach during the year. Candia, who competed for Rutgers University as a gymnast, is looking forward to her first full year as the official head coach of the program.
“It’s just an honor to be in this position, to have that full trust and belief not just from the team but also the athletics department and the university. It’s been somewhere I’ve
called home for 11 years now as an athlete and as a coach so I’m very proud to represent this program and to continue to show how special it really is,” Candia said. With the 2025 season in the books, Candia has already begun recruiting the next generation of Scarlet Knight gymnasts. To learn more about the team, visit www.scarletknights.com.
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