Livingston Author Releases New Hardbound Edition of Children’s Story
By Evan Wechman
Livingston ‘s Barry Farber has always loved nature. When he was a child, he spent his summers at camp in the mountains of Pennsylvania exploring the landscape.
This love of the outdoors has helped motivate Farber in the writing and completion of the new hardcover edition of his great children’s book, “The Adventures of Little Billy” ‘In Search of the Magic Tree.’
Though the paperback version of the story came out several years ago, Farber believes the message of the book can have a better impact with this new edition, published by St. Petersburg Press.
“When you see this thing, it is such a beautiful color on the cover, and the cartoons pop and everything and it’s just the most beautiful thing in the world,” Farber said.“So, I feel so much better that kids not only will experience it for such a long time and cherish it, but it’s such a beautiful gift to give a family because I feel this message is so strong and powerful.”
For Farber, who originally self-published the paperback, the message of the story has kept him going.He initially received numerous rejection letters from different publishers. However, his vision of living a healthy and productive life through empathy, courage, service to others, attitude, and determination have helped him endure the tough times.
“When you have a passion for something that you know adds tremendous value to people you should never, ever stop moving forward with that,” Farber said.“No matter how much rejection, setbacks, ridicule, and people who tell you that’s not the way to go, if you feel there’s value in it
and that it’s something that can help the masses make a difference, then that’s what motivates me.”
The Livingston resident who has also had great success in writing sales and motivational books, has a special love for his latest project which has sustained over three decades of research.
“I’ve taken all the messaging, all the things I’ve done in my whole life, and figured out, okay, 14 books, 1000s and 1000s of interviews with brain surgeons, with sports legends, with entertainers, business leaders, with finance specialists, with artists, with people who have achieved the greatest success and happiness for achieving what they loved.The key traits, keep coming back to those five,” (service to others, attitude, courage, empathy and determination) Farber said.
For Farber, the publication of this new edition which just occurred in late September, is only the beginning. He has plans of taking the book and its message further.
Currently, he is speaking with several high schools in the local area about adopting the story into a play and then having it performed at various elementary schools throughout the state. He also envisions having an offBroadway musical and using proceeds to help an animal sanctuary in New Jersey.
He is collaborating with several prominent cable networks to deliver an animated adaptation of the book to different channels along the east coast, and hopefully nationally to convey the substance of the story.
Farber wants those who are on the fence about purchasing his new hardcover book to understand he has
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Livingston Author... Advent Lessons and Carols
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Essex Fells will celebrate its annual Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 4 p.m. The choir will present works in a variety of languages and styles, including traditional carols, spirituals, and more.
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put in an extraordinary amount of time discovering the ingredients that lead to a successful life.
“I want parents and grandparents to know that they’re sharing a message that’s been validated over 35 years to bring their child the best ways to live a healthy and rewarding life. And I can’t think of any better way to embrace those messages,” Farber said.
It is this hunger for his work that has fueled the author’s drive to get his story
into as many children’s hands as possible.
“I believe that there’s nothing that should stop you once you realize that okay, if I can get the proceeds to help this animal sanctuary, if I can get kids to see the five key attributes of what it is to have an enriched, successful, happy life at an early age, get them exposed to these messages in an entertaining way then I feel when I get up in the morning, that I have that excitement to help.”
The book can be ordered online at https://barryfarber.com/.
Advent is four-week preparation for Christmas; the term means “coming” or “arrival.” The Service of Lessons and Carols was developed by Dean Eric Milner-White for King’s College, Cambridge, England at the end of the First World War. As Dean Milner-White has written, “The main theme of the service is the development of the loving purposes of God as seen through the windows and the words of the Bible.”
St. Peter’s is located at 271 Roseland Avenue in Essex Fells. The program is free, and everyone is welcome. For more information, call 973-226-6500 or visit us at www. stpetersef.org.
By Megan Roche
EEssex County Woman Debuts Film at Virginia’s Richmond International Film Festival
mily Draper, a former Essex County resident who now calls New York City home, debuted her first film at the Richmond International Film Festival this past September.
Draper’s film, Sorority Court, follows the story of Katie, Gamma Gamma Delta’s disgraced former president, as she defends herself before her sisters when she’s accused of stealing from the chapter house. As Katie struggles to get her alibi straight, her legacy in the chapter, her relationship with her best friend Aminah, and her ability to graduate are all in jeopardy.
The film stars Sarah Coffey, Kuhoo Verma, Mia Rose Kavensky, Carolyn Kang and Lori Laing. It is Draper’s directional debut.
Parts of her film stem from her own sorority experiences while she was a student at The College of William & Mary.
““I have never seen my sorority experience depicted accurately in media. The truth is, I met a lot of really, really cool women during my sorority time. There are absolutely conflicts, there are absolutely conflicts like the one in this film, but I also met women who are so dynamic and interesting and funny, and I’ve never seen that in media, and I knew that this was a gap in the sorority flick market that I wanted to fill,” Draper said.
The film was completely crowdfunded by friends, family, and acquaintances of Draper.
“I’m a self-taught filmmaker, so this project was really a raw will kind of thing. I had hundreds of old friends, colleagues, and students who gave to the crowdfunding cam-
paign. I am just so humbled and grateful that so many people made it possible for me to produce this,” Draper said.
While William & Mary is based in Williamsburg, Richmond is only an hour drive north. Getting the opportunity to bring the film back to the area that started it all, Draper embraced the experience.
“It’s a real special privilege. Going to college at William & Mary, I always thought Richmond was the coolest town and I honestly still think that. It means a lot to me to be able to bring it to a group of people who made the film possible,” Draper said.
Draper also had the opportunity to participate in a talk back with the audience after the screening, sharing how proud she was to take the stage with other talented Virginia-based filmmakers.
“I’m so pleased and honored that they make this special section of the festival for Virginia stories. It’s such an honor to have had this Virginia story to return to Virginia and I’d been really excited to see the other Virginia stories. It was so exciting to see how other Virginia experiences were brought to life,” Draper said.
Draper also shared some insight for those who may want to enter the filmmaking industry.
“You don’t have to do this alone, and actually, you probably can’t do it alone. You will be more successful with a village behind you. There were so many unknowns when I began this project and I learned so much from other people. Sometimes people perceive networking to be about connecting with people who are above you in hierarchy, but I find that peers and lateral connections and my most valuable
connections,” Draper said.
For more information on Draper, visit www.emilydraper. net
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH •
New Jersey and the Medal of Honor –Moments of Valor
By Peter Nicolas
The Historical Society of Florham Park hosted a presentation “New Jersey and the Medal of Honor – Moments of Valor” on October 14 at the Florham Park Library.
This was another excellent presentation by Peter Zablocki - local author, Caldwell University professor, and podcaster. Indeed it was his fourth program with us, noted George Gregor, president of the Historical Society.
The Medal of Honor commemorates those who have shaped our nation’s history and continue to inspire its future with their acts of valor, humanity, patriotism and sacrifice. Zablocki shared several harrowing stories of New Jersey’s most valorous moments in the defense of our nation and freedom around the world. New Jersey has been credited with 93 honors in the state’s history, including Robert Augustus Sweeney who is a two-time recipient.
Zablocki is a resident of Denville, the president of the Denville Historical Society, Museum, and Research Center and is one of the town’s historians. He also hosts the “History Shorts” podcast.
The stories of valor ranged from the Civil War, to the “Great War”, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Zablocki painted vivid pictures
in everyone’s mind with the audience ducking for cover as the bullets flew. He described in great detail how several New Jersey heroes survived, but, sadly, many others made the ultimate sacrifice for America.
Readers can follow Peter Zablocki via https://www.peterzablocki.com/ , on Facebook or on X and may purchase this and his other books on Amazon.
Once again attendees and the Historical Society appreciated the refreshments provided by Delaney-at-the-Green. The presentation was free to the public thanks to Historical Society of Florham Park membership dues, Delaney-at-theGreen, and now major support by OneCare Harmony Home Health Care, the boutique home care company dedicated to serving the needs of our local community: https://www. onecareharmony.com/. Kristen Jankowski, co-owner, spoke with the audience about the personal service patients can expect and remained after the presentation to answer questions.
To learn more about joining the Historical Society, or the next presentation, November 11, Veterans Day, “HISTORY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF AMERICA”, contact Peter Nicolas, vice president of The Historical Society of Florham Park, at pnicolas@optimum.net or at (973) 520-8654.
North Jersey Native, College Football Player, Earns Semifinalist
Notch for 2025 Campbell Trophy
fter
& Mary senior tight end and New Jersey native Trey McDonald was selected as a semifinalist for the 2025 Campbell Trophy.
The award, which is announced by the National
Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame, honors an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
McDonald is one of 177 distinguished semifinalists vying for the national honor.
An All-CAA selection in 2024, McDonald earned preseason All-America honors by Stats Perform this summer.
Chosen as a team captain, McDonald is a three-year starter who has excelled as a blocker and also contributed in the passing game with 21
receptions for 254 yards and a touchdown.
An outstanding student, McDonald earned his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and health sciences last summer and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business analytics. The Kinnelon native garnered CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll distinction five times and was recognized on W&M’s Dean’s List.
McDonald is also active in the community and is a team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Additionally, he has volunteered with Williamsburg House of Mercy and served as a Preparing for Life as a University Student (PLUS) Counselor. He is also a member of Black Student Athlete Alliance (BSAA) and
served on the Leadership Council.
Finalists for the award were announced in late October and each of them received an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class presented by Fidelity Investments.
The overall award winner will be announced during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9 and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
By Henry M. Holden
WSoldiers of the Winter the Revolution
hen Americans visit grocery stores, they can purchase foods from around the world any time of the year. Meats, fruits, and vegetables can be grown in distant locations and shipped to grocery stores in the United States, thanks to refrigeration and preservation technologies, and modern transportation networks.
But in the 1770s, there was no refrigeration, and the fastest methods of travel were horse-drawn wagons and sailing ships.
While the Continental Army’s encampment at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778 is one of the most well-remembered events in American history, Washington’s winter encampment in Morristown, New Jersey in the winter of 1779-1780 marked another major milestone of the Revolutionary War.
According to Cornelius Ludlum, one of Washington’s engineers, (1717-1799) January 1780 rated as the most persistently cold calendar month in the history of the eastern United States, and “The severity of the 1780 season reached all parts of the colonies. Reports from Maine southward along the seaboard to Georgia, and from Detroit down through the interior waterways to New Orleans, all chronicled tales of deep snow, and widespread suffering.”
Ludlum believed that his research showed that the season of 1779-80 in the eastern United States was well deserved of the name given to it by the people that experienced its effects the “Hard Winter of 1780.”
Inadequate administrative procedures, a scarcity of money the failure of credit, a weak transportation system, and a lack of manufacturing all combined with the natu-
ral obstacles of geography and weather to create frequent shortages of food, clothing, tents, and other military supplies throughout the war.
Food shortages were a major problem during the American Revolution, affecting both Continental Army soldiers and civilian populations due to a collapsed logistical system, British blockades, poor harvests, and food hoarding. Soldiers frequently went days without proper rations, resorting to foraging for food or eating things like tree bark and shoe leather, while civilians faced rising food prices and food riots as merchants hoarded essential goods like flour and sugar.
Revolutionary War food was heavily reliant on preserved items, with soldiers receiving daily rations of meat (often salt pork or beef), flour (or hardtack), and sometimes rum or cider, though shortages were common. Civilians also consumed preserved foods like salted meat and pickled vegetables, alongside seasonal produce like apples and root vegetables, with dishes varying by season and region.
The year 1778 fell within the generally cooler “Little Ice Age” (c. 1300-1850), with the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge being relatively mild but still challenging due to weather conditions and a lack of supplies for the Continental Army. To put the Little Ice Age in, context, the climate during the American Revolutionary, was part of the Little Ice Age, a period of widespread cooling that affected Europe and North America.
The Continental Army camped at Morristown for sixmonth from December 1, 1779, to June 8, 1780, During three years of the American Revolution the army, under General George Washington, spent winter in New
Jersey. When an army goes into winter quarters, it does so because weather prevents field operations. manifest as we know from the Battle of Trenton on Christmas Day and subsequently the Battle of Princeton shortly thereafter.
A winter in New Jersey was a good opportunity to rest the troops through still most periods of extended inactivity were during the coldest months.
Historians give us full accounts of the important battles but what did Washington and his army do during these restful periods?
There were no rest periods as we come to know them. Winter just happened. There has been only one winter in recorded American history during which the waters surrounding New York City had frozen over and remained closed to all navigation for weeks at a time. Winter life in continued on page 10
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New Jersey, appears to have been interesting, and in many ways a worried life.
The life of a fighting army in the long, cold months was almost impossible. It is something we are not well acquainted to describe since we do not understand what our troops were obliged to suffer, the responsibilities and anxieties that the men endured, were also conscientiously borne by Washington and his officers.
Into a quiet country neighborhood came an entirely novel element; an army which had not come t to fight, but to live. Washington’s first winter in New Jersey was spent in Morristown. It was 1777.
While less well-known than Valley Forge, the encampment in Morristown significantly contributed to American victory.
But it was not with the military operations that we are concerned, but instead with the winter life of the Continental Army in the camp.
Located between New York and Philadelphia, Morristown, provided a strategic location for Washington’s army to make camp. Laced with a network of roads, Morristown was the center for local farming to provide available foodstuffs and timber, which would later provide Washington’s army with necessary resources for a winter encampment. The Watchung Mountains also provided cover between the Americans and the British in New York City.
Morristown for the Continental Army’s camp in the winter of 1776-1777, following the victories at Trenton and Princeton. During that winter, Washington went to work inoculating the army and many of the civilians living in and around the town in order to combat the threat of a smallpox epidemic.
On December 14, 1779, the army reached a wilderness, about six miles from Morristown, where they build log huts for winter quarters on ground marked out by Ludlum. “The soldiers have started cutting down the timber of oak and walnut, of which we have a great abundance.”
During Washington’s stay, this was the home of widow Theodosia Ford and her four children, who stayed in separate parts of the house from Washington’s “military family.”
Washington lived in the Ford Mansion from Dec. 1779 to June 1780 — the home provided living quarters and workspace for the Commander in Chief and his five aidesde-camp.
The house as headquarters became very crowded, with Washington, his wife, five staff and eighteen servants added to Mrs. Ford, her four children and their servants. (The number of servants working for Mrs. Ford is unknown.)
Across the road from the Ford Mansion was the Commander in Chief’s Life Guard, the regiment (200-250 men) with the primary job of protecting Washington, his papers, and his headquarters.
“You will by date perceive that we are in camp, tho’ expect, if good weather, to have the men’s Hutts so far completed that they may go into them on Sunday or Monday,” said Lt. Colonel Ebenezer Huntington December 24, 1779.
ing half leg deep in snow. Poor fellows, my heart bleeds for them as I damn my country as devoid of gratitude.”
The first thing that must be done when an army arrives is to settle in and make itself at home in and about the countryside. It must provide a good house for the commander-in-chief and officers, and a suitable camping place for the men.
Washington settled into Ford’s mansion but not particularly attractive huts to warm in cold weather. But then, as we will see the accommodations were superior to the enlisted men.
The army stripped hundreds of acres of virgin forests to provide logs for building huts for the army and tried to keep themselves warm.
“There was poverty, in the ranks, and, it was hard to keep plenty to eat and drink in the surrounding country,” said Ludlum. “But there was very little money to buy anything, and Morristown was surrounded by people night and day with a guard of twenty-six soldiers. It was hard to have their streets made lively by soldiers on foot, while Washington, with the officers of his staff, galloped here and there, dressed in the regular Continental uniforms of blue and buff.
As Washington wrote to Congress, a camp near Morristown provided a location, “Compatible with our security which could also supply water and wood for covering and fuel.” This was not the first time Washington, and his men camped in the Morristown area. Washington had selected
“ The severity of the weather hath been such that the men suffered much without shoes and stockings, and work-
By 1781, provisions were difficult and the issuing of money that was rapidly losing value was a major issue; the Continental money, was depreciating so rapidly that thirty or forty dollars was barely equal to a dollar. There was a feeling in many circles that it would not be long before the war would end.
At this time, General Washington lived in the handsome house which is now known as Mrs. Washington’s Head-
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Now Serving GLUTEN FREE PIZZA &
Precious Be The Loving Hearts Of Family Elders
By Richard Mabey Jr.
My paternal grandfather, Watson Mabey, was one of the wisest men I have ever known. He was all so well versed on the subjects of botany, the ways of wildlife and applied physics, from his days of working as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East.
From the time I was seven years old, Grandpa and I would walk the wooded path, behind the old Mabey Homestead. On a Summer’s morning, we would finish breakfast, then leave the warmth and comfort of the kitchen of the old family homestead, walk to Mabey Lane, walk down the country road, then begin out journey to traverse the maple, elm and oak to the banks of the old Morris Canal.
I remember that Grandpa had a leather sack that hung over his shoulder. Inside Grandpa’s shoulder bag would be two sandwiches, two apples and some oatmeal cookies that Grandma made and packed for us. Also, inside the leather sack would be a thermos of apple juice. I remember just how much Grandpa loved apple juice.
As we would walk the forest path to the tow path of the old canal, Grandpa would point out to me which wild plants were edible and which ones were poisonous. We would take a moment
Dear, kind Grandpa, Watson Mabey, when he was a younger man. to watch the deer drink from the flowing waters of the babbling brook that ran through the forest to the old Morris Canal.
When we reached the bank of the canal, we would perch up upon the stones of the remaining foundation of the old Mabey Ice House. The very ice house that Grandpa’s father, William Mabey, owned and operated during the hey day of the Morris Canal.
As we would eat our lunch, Grandpa would explain to the me the intricate and complex process of the workings of Incline Plane Ten East. Grandpa would sip his apple juice and chomp on his sandwich, made with homemade bread. A twinkle would spark in Grandpa’s eye as he told me golden tales of life along the old Morris Canal.
As I approach 72, fighting Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I find myself becoming
more and more appreciative of the times I spend with my dear, kind, beloved grandfather. I loved him very much. I miss him dearly. I’d give up my entire comic book collection and my collection of first edition novels, to have just five minutes to once again walk the forest path with dear old Grandpa. If they are still with you, in this physical life, love the elders of your family. Cherish your time with them. For there will come a time when they will pass from this earth. Life is short. Painfully short. Truly, the three key elements of the loving heart are forgive, forgive and forgive.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.
Soldiers...
continued from page 10
quarters,” (aka Ford Mansion) and has been preserved in the same condition as it was in those Revolutionary days.
Communications were poor. There were only guards at the headquarters, two the front of the house, and two at the back, but care would show it was well maintained.
On one occasion a shot could be heard from of the most distant outpost. Then a sentinel near the town would fire, and so on until the gunshot would be heard by the sentinels at the headquarters. A detachment of Life Guards with their guns; were sent out to the camp, and very soon they would in hurry into the town at a quick step. But before they reached the place, the life guards the encamped near house, enter headquarters and would barricade rand ush to the doors; and five men at each window, with muskets loaded and ready to fire, would await the approach of the enemy. But the enemy never came.
Although no British entered Morristown, there were soldiers with good reason who made frequent attempts which were the cautions made by large bodies of the Redcoats to penetrate to region occupied by Washington’s army. There were these men, small expeditions, even consisted of the possibility a of more dangerous attempts.
One of a party of handpicked British who started from their camp New York City, by way of Elizabethtown, for the express purpose of capturing Washington. They advanced in the direction Morristown about six miles distant, and there they were in one of several snow storms and finding so many difficulties they gave up their project.
“We had the severest of the plainest of food.,” said Ludlum. “We have had the virtue and patience of the army put to the trial. Not just once but have been five or six days
together. Sometimes we got just bread; at other times as many days without meat; and twice, two or three days without either. Nor I hardly thought possible, at one period, that we should be able to keep it together. It could not it have been done, but for the actions of the magistrates in the several counties on whom I was obliged to call and expose our situation. We were reduced to them, and in plain terms thought of the alternative ourselves, of disbanding which would afford us their aid.
When Washington heard of the distress in the ranks heI allotted each county a certain proportion of flour or grain, and a certain number of cattle, to be delivered on certain days; and for the honor of the magistrates, and the good disposition of the people.
“I must add that my requisitions were punctually complied with, and in many counties exceeded,” said Washington. “Nothing but this great exertion has saved the army from dissolution or starving, as we were bereft of every hope from the commissaries.
“At one time the soldiers ate every kind of horse food but hay. Buckwheat, common wheat, rye, and Indian corn composed the meal which made their bread. As an army, they bore it with the most heroic patience; but sufferings like these, accompanied by the need of clothes, blankets, etc., will produce frequent desertions in all armies; and so, it happened with us, though it did not excite a single mutiny.”
At this time, various circulars sent to the American and printed money from the British, urging the men to fly from all their hardships and miseries, and join the English force, where they would be received, and furnished with every comfort. In this of things it was very important to keep the
American soldiers, cold, hungry, and idle, from thinking too much of their troubles. Washington could not invite them to dine; but he wisely considered that the best thing he could give them was content. Occupation.
His engineers planned a large fortification made up of earthworks; and on this the men were put to work, as if it had been expected that the enemy would arrive and take the place.
The desire to put their camp in a defensive position condition required steady labor, and the advantage of uplifted spirits of the soldiers as bread and meat would be to their bodies. Their campfires and huts provided the heat to work on the entrenchments, ramparts, and redoubts with cheerfulness and energy.
Weather played a significant role in 18th-century warfare, with even minor conditions like fog, rain, and snow affecting military operations.
The winter of 1777-1778 it was where, 11,000 of Washington’s Continental Army faced one of its most trying episodes. While rain, snow, and cold temperatures afflicted the army, the situation was made far worse by the lack of supplies. An almost constant issue was the lack of adequate provisioning of food.
Like Valley Forge, the winter encampment at Morristown, became an important symbol of patriotism and persistence in the American Revolution. In the most severe winter encampment of the war, weather-wise at least, Patriot forces held together, despite all the conditions that threatened to tear an army apart. The Continental Army’s perseverance and determination to overcome the challenges they faced prepared them for the campaigns that would eventually secure American Independence.
by Elsie Walker
It is all about that one child. That child may be in an orphanage or other bleak situation somewhere in the world, has little, and has never felt what it is to be loved. They don’t know that Christmas is the story of the birth of Jesus or who Jesus even is. But with the arrival of a shoebox of items and the sharing of the gospel stories, that changes. That is how Kimberly Blewitt of Succasunna sees Operation Christmas Child. Blewitt is a church relations member at Ledgewood Baptist Church, a part of the northwestern New Jersey area for Operation Christmas Child. Through Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse International, love is spread to children around the world. A child’s life can be changed through items put in a shoebox, the love given in packing it, and learning the story of Jesus. The collection week for boxes is Nov. 17–24th. There are various drop-off locations. Blewitt has been involved in Operation Christmas Child for 26 years and recently shared about the project.
It all starts with a regular size shoebox. Boxes are given to boys and girls ages 2 - 14. A box is made up of items by the gender and age. Blewitt noted that the box should include one item that, if you were a kid, you’d say “wow” when you saw it. That could be
Operation Christmas Child
a stuffed animal, a toy car, a doll, etc. Other items could be clothing, school supplies, or hygiene items. It may be thought that hygiene items like a toothbrush or washcloth aren’t much of a gift to give, but for a child who has to share a toothbrush or washcloth with 10 other people, to have their own is a wonderful thing.
There are certain things that can’t be put into a box such as items with expiration dates, perishable items, breakables, soap, and others listed on the Operation Christmas Child webpages of Samaritan’s Purse’s site.
Blewitt noted that people might consider putting a letter or photo in the box, too. She shared another thing to do is pray for the child getting the box. Also, to help the boxes reach their destination, Samaritan’s Purse asks for a $10 donation towards postage for each box.
Blewett shared that last year, the Ledgewood drop-off site got 4,025 boxes. Throughout Northwest New Jersey (Morris and Sussex counties), 13,722 boxes were collected. More are always needed.
The boxes go to over 140 countries. Some might wonder what to get since the person sending the box doesn’t know where it is going. Blewitt noted that “God knows what the child needs.” She shared about a child in Africa getting heavy mittens. People would
not think the child would have use for those in his climate. However, the child’s mother supported the family by making pottery and the child’s job was to take the pieces from the fire pit. The mittens provided the protection the child’s hands needed.
The boxes have a long journey. They start at drop-off centers; locally, there are ones in Mt. Arlington, Ledgewood, Livingston, Oak Ridge, Parsippany, Basking Ridge, Chatham, Wayne and Washington. From there, they are put into cartons and taken to collection centers. The collection centers load the cartons onto tractor trailers. From there, the boxes go to processing centers. There the boxes are checked to make sure the boxes have no items that would hurt a child or
are on the list of things not to be included. After this, they are put in shipping containers and sent on to the different countries. Once there, local area teams prepare local churches to get the boxes to the children. Local travel, in some cases, could even be by elephant, donkey, etc. Once at a destination, the children hear the gospel story of Jesus and receive the boxes. A copy of the gospel stories in the child’s native language is given with each box. Children are invited to come back if they want to learn more about Jesus, but that is not required to get a box. Boxes go on a long journey and don’t get to the children for Christmas the year they are given. Some are given out the next Christcontinued on page 18
By Richard Mabey Jr.
II Remember Dad: Remembering The Unkind Letter
n early September of 1971, I turned 18 and began my college studies at County College of Morris. At that point in time, my father was a bit short handed for scout leaders, in his role as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. Mr. Jack Floyd Sr. was only one Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 170. At the time, the troop only had about three or four Committeeman. Dad had asked me to help me lead the scout troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster. I gladly accepted my father’s vote of confidence in my role as a scout leader.
It was in mid September that the fateful letter was written by one of the scout fathers in the troop. The letter was written to the Chief Scout Executive of the Morris-Sussex Area Council. The letter basically stated that this father felt my
father should be removed as the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 170. This scout father’s entire reason, for writing this terrible letter, is that my father used improper English when talking to the scouts.
This scout father was not accusing my father of using curse words. In all my life, I had never heard my dad ever use a curse word. Rather, this scout father had kept track of the number of times that he heard my father said the word “ain’t” and used double negatives in a sentence.
This scout father was very bold in writing the Chief Scout Executive, because he mailed a carbon copy to Dad. I will never forget this moment. It was a Saturday afternoon. I climbed the stairs down to the basement of the old Mabey Homestead. There was Dad sitting at his work-
A very rare photograph of my beloved father, from when he was a young man.
bench. He wasn’t tinkering, fixing a toaster, he wasn’t building a birdhouse, he wasn’t organizing his hand tools. Dad was sitting on his work bench crying.
At 18, the only other time I had seen my dear father cry was the fateful day in mid May of 1968, when he got the telephone call that his father had passed away. I felt Dad’s pain as he showed me the horrible letter that the scout father had
Religious School
mailed to the Chief Scout Executive.
My father had spoken words of comfort to me dozens of times. From the time I got cut from my high school baseball team, till the time Penny Lancaster wrote me from Rutgers University that she had begun dating another boy. Now, it was my time to speak words of comfort to my beloved
father.
Fast forward two weeks later, in late September of 1971. Dad, Mr. Floyd and I were attending the District Round Table Meeting. The Chief Scout Executive was there. When we walked into the room, the Scout Executive asked Dad if he could talk to him outside, alone.
Mr. Floyd and I were very concerned about what the
Chief Scout Executive could be telling Dad. I remember looking outside the meeting room window and seeing Dad and the Scout Executive walking around the green grass. When the two men came back into the meeting room, they both looked very happy. After the District Round Table Meeting, Dad told Mr. continued on page 16
From Ridgewood to Radio City: The Sullivan Twins Make Rockettes History
By Megan Roche
Identical twin sisters Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan have always shared big dreams — and now, both have achieved one of the most iconic: dancing as members of the beloved precision-dance troupe the Radio City Rockettes. Their story is a fascinating blend of small-town roots, rigorous training, unbreakable twin bond, setbacks and ultimate triumph.
Courtney and Caitlin began dancing as toddlers and quickly discovered their love for the art form. The two spent both their high school years dancing together before they ultimately ended up attending Rutgers University. As members of the Scarlet Knights Dance Team, the two spent time on the sidelines performing at football and basketball games. After graduating from Rutgers, the two honed their focus onto becoming Rockettes.
The two set out to become Rockettes together and step one was the audition.
“Being a Rockette is a really coveted position to earn. They take the audition very seriously. It was very athletic, long hours but at the same time it’s amazing. It was so cool for us to be inside Radio City with actual Rockettes in the front of the room. It was inspiring and the cherry on top, was that we got to do it together,” Courtney said.
The twins kept earning callbacks after each audition round and then came the dreaded waiting period. Sitting with baited breath, the two prayed that they would get a call that gave them a spot at their dream job.
“Whenever we would talk about getting that call, we always pictured ourselves getting that call together. It really did happen. When Courtney got a call that she received the job as a Rockette, they first asked if I was there. They were
able to deliver the news at the same time that we were indeed going to be dancing together as Rockettes. We just burst into tears and it couldn’t have been more of what I’ve always dreamed of,” Caitlin said.
Step two: rehearsals.
“Going through those first six weeks of rehearsal to begin with, it was like every new thing we did was so unbelievable, special, and cool. The first day of rehearsal, the first day where we put the entire show together, the first day when we’re performing it on the stage at Radio City outside of the rehearsal space, everything was just a magical moment. Doing it with my sister and sharing that dream, you feel it even more,” Courtney said.
As the two prepared for opening night, the pinch me moments were still there.
“All those dreams of being on the stage, looking at your family in the audience, seeing them afterwards, standing underneath the marquee taking photos together, we really had to stop and take it in because you will never forget it,” Caitlin said.
The Rockettes, who have been around since 1925, are known for their high kicks, high energy dance numbers, sparkly costumes, and talent. Many flock to Radio City at this time of year to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Courtney and Caitlin are getting ready for year three on the line.
As opening night of the Christmas Spectacular nears, the two are anxious to get the show underway.
“With each season, you get more and more settled in the job. You just feel stronger and more confident. It’s a huge undertaking during your first season. You are learning a
whole new show, it’s just all so stimulating all at once. You are on the greatest stage in the world, learning a new show, and with each year that comes, you feel that all settle into your bones. I feel like my sister and I get stronger together each year because we are in this together,” Caitlin said.
While the two mainly dance in the Christmas Spectacular, being a Rockette also gives them other performance opportunities. In 2024, the twins both performed with the continued on page 18
Photo Credit: MSG Entertainment
I Remember Dad...
continued from page 14
Floyd and myself what the Scout Executive told him. Dad was so happy to tell us that the Scout Executive told Dad that he was one of the best Scoutmasters in the entire Morris-Sussex Area Council. Then, Dad showed Mr. Floyd and I a copy of the letter the Scout Executive had written to the disgruntled scout father.
The letter praised my father to the end of the earth. The Scout Executive’s letter made it clear as day, that he strongly felt that my dad was one of the best Scoutmasters in the entire council. In a subtle way, the Scout Executive kind of scolded the scout father for not seeing the forest for the trees. And, for not seeing how fortunate his son was to have such a wonderful Scoutmaster like Richard Mabey Sr. The long and short of it all, it was a most beautiful letter that the Chief Scout Executive had written, praising my father’s dedication as a Scoutmaster.
My father served as dedicated Scoutmaster, of Boy Scout Troop 170, for 30
years. I loved my father with all my heart. He was one of the wisest men I have ever known. It’s been almost 20 years since Dad went Home to be with the Lord. I still miss him, all so very much.
Now at 72, and battling this horrible heart disease known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I am fully aware that my time on earth may soon be ending. If there are some words I can share with my readers, it is these words. Be kind to one another. Do not be too quick to find the fault in other people. Forgive, forgive and forgive those who have done you wrong. None of us have a guarantee that we will see the sun rise tomorrow. Cherish each and every moment of life. Love one another. Simply put, love one another.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@ gmail.com.
What’s happening in your school or organization? Have a human interest story or something you would like to share?
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Rockettes History...
continued from page 15
Rockettes in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“That parade was our main exposure to the Rockettes growing up. The Thanksgiving Day parade was our time as kids to get up close and personal with the Rockettes from our own living room. Now, to be away from our family during the holidays, but having a piece of your Rockette family right next to you dancing on Thanksgiving, was so special for us. It felt like we were in the moment and creating a new holiday tradition for
ourselves,” Courtney said.
The twins also shared some advice to those dancers who come see the show that would love to end up as a Rockette one day.
“We are very big on the phrase ‘the work is never done’. Even now that we have this dream job, we are continuing to train. We really are so big on staying in classes, stay in all types of dance classes, be a wellrounded dancer because that makes you a stronger performer. Just keep believing and dreaming, you have to tell yourself that you
Operation Christmas...
continued from page 13
mas or some children experience Christmas in July. The gifts still mean the world to the children. “We hear a lot from these kids who have received these boxes and are now adults telling their story that they felt loved with this box,” said Blewitt. She shared that the children learn they are a gift to God. Blewitt shared that she gets ”goosbumps’ upon hearing stories which reflect the miracle of the boxes. In one instance, although all the boxes are checked, a boy got a doll in his. However, he was so happy. His sister had been unable to come to get a box and now he had something to give her. Another child opened his box to find a couple of
pencils among the items. He was thrilled because now he could go to school. In some countries, if you don’t have the supplies, you can’t attend school. A young man, who had received a box as a child, shared that in his box was a scarf, but he lived in a warm climate. However, he kept the scarf. It ended up that when he grew up, he came to the United States: to Buffalo, New York. He still had the scarf, and it came in handy.
For more information on Operation Christmas Child, filling a box, and the local drop-off locations, visit its webpage at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/whatwe-do/operation-christmas-child/
can do this. We are here now because we remained positive and knew we could do this,” Caitlin said.
Once the Christmas Spectacular season wraps for the year, the twins will remain in dance classes, visit various conventions to teach, but through it all, they will do it together.
“Every single step for us has always been side by side. I have no other vision but doing everything with Caitlin. New York City is full of dreams. Arts and entertainment are so big, with so many opportunities in this city.
If we continue on the track that we’re at, we could reach the stars as long as we’re doing it together,” Courtney said.
Tickets for the 2025 production start at $55 when purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets) and at $63 (including $8 in service charges) when purchased online at www.rockettes.com/christmas.
For more information on the Sullivan Twins, visit their Instagram at www. instagram.com/sullivantwins.
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