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Vol. 1 â€¢ No. 5 September 2018

Back to School Spirit Begins with a Glass of Lemonade

Page 2 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

Mt. Olive Real Estate Update Hi Friends & Neighbors, I wanted to update you with information on our local real estate market. So far this year, our town has had 244 sales with Homeowners selling in an average time of 54 days on the market. The Average Sales Price in town is $366,517. I am proud to say that our fellow Mt. Olive Homeowners who partnered with me sold in an average of 32 Days on the market with in an Average Sale Price For Our Clients of $489,360!! Whether you are buying your 1st Home, moving up to a larger home, downsizing or relocating anywhere in the world YOU DESERVE POSITIVE RESULTS AND THE MOST LUCRATIVE MOVE POSSIBLE! Reach out to me so we can help you!

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Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 3

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Page 4 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

MT. OLIVE EDITORIAL

Mt. Olive Life Mt.Olive Life has become huge hit with the residents of Mt. Olive. We love bringing you articles on our residents and businesses. There is so much going on in Mt. Olive for our residents. Turkey Brook Park is the center of our town. This is where residents go for sporting events, town sponsored events like the Food Truck Festival that as usual was a great hit; the Chili Brew Fest coming on September 22; Mt. Olive Carnival; National Night Out where the police do such a great job; all the events throughout the year, including the Monster Mash on October 27. It is a great community with many options for our residents to enjoy. There are so many people throughout the township that do so much and give their time to help others and we want to know who they are and showcase all they do. Please let us know. Send us an email of people who you feel do over and above to joe@ mylifepublications.com. Check out all the great articles in this issue. If you like what you see just send me a comment about what you like about the magazine to joe@mylifepublications.com. It is free to have a copy emailed to you each month. Just visitwww.mtolivelife.com and sign up today. Mt. Olive has so many great people and organizations. We need your help to let us know who those people and organiza-

tions are. You are the eyes and ears of the town. Email me, joe@ mylifepublications.com, with any suggestions that you have to feature residents that have achievements that we might not ever know about. Do you know someone who is turning 100? Celebrating a big anniversary? How about the unsung hero who is always there to help people and do good for the community. We want to know. WE NEED YOUR HELP: Consider us the facebook of print (without all the politics) and send us photos from your family vacations, information on your life events, parties, birthdays, weddings, engagements or any other milestones. You can send them to joe@ mylifepublications.com. We welcome your feedback as well to the same email. You can also visit our website www.mtolivelife.com or on Facebook under “Mt Olive Life.” Please support our advertisers in our publications as they make this magazine and our newspapers available free to all with their advertising support. We want to help the local businesses and your support of them is appreciated. Thank you for choosing “Mt. Olive Life” to read and enjoy. Joe Nicastro & Mary Lalama, Publishers

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Page 6 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

Back To School Spirit Begins With A Glass Of Lemonade The idea for the stand, Collins explains, came from the her son, Kai and his friend, Max Koller, who had been playing basketball and dreaming about the new basketball jerseys they wanted last summer. By: J.L. Shively

hile July was winding down and many families were making the best of the last stretch of summer sun before getting ready for the new school year a group of Country Oaks children decided to use their time to give back to the community.

The classic lemonade stand is always a memorable fixture of the hot summer months, surrounded by children selling ice-cold, homemade lemonade to passing neighbors. In a sense the lemonade stand helps to bring the community together, especially when the proceeds of the stand are going towards a good cause. The idea for the Country Oaks lemonade stand came from local mother, Shelly Collins, who had reached out to other parents in the community suggesting a big lemonade stand, explains Lisa Magrini, a teacher in the Mt. Olive School District for 15 years and parent of two children involved in the stand. “Lemonade stands and playing outside together are things that the kids in this neighborhood, and their parents truly look forward to each summer,” she says. “You will often find all of the kids riding bikes, shooting hoops or drawing with chalk together, and maybe, if you’re lucky, showing off their latest dance moves.” The idea for the stand, Collins explains, came from the her son, Kai and his friend, Max Koller, who had been playing basketball and dreaming about the new basketball jerseys they wanted last summer. “I remember sitting and thinking, both of these boys have so many jerseys already,” Collins states and then goes on to explain how she told the boys it would be a good idea if they earned the money to buy their own jerseys.

They landed on the idea of a lemonade stand and all the kids made their own stands and it turned into fun filled summer evening. After the fun and success of this prior lemonade endeavor, Kai and Max approached Collins this summer about rebooting the lemonade stand. “I asked what they were trying to earn money for,” she explains. “They both replied that there really wasn’t anything they wanted or most importantly, needed.” While everyone involved was completely on board with the idea of hosting the stand, they pooled their ideas together on the day of the sale and decided that donating the proceeds from their sale would be the best and most rewarding thing to do. “They all agreed [to donate the money] with zero hesitation,” states Collins.

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 7

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“We decided together that a local charity, primarily something that would help children in the area would be a great idea,” says Magrini. “All the kids felt a sense of pride and kindness knowing they were helping others.” With the new school year just around the corner, it was decided that the proceeds from the sale would go towards purchasing school supplies for local children in need. “I had seen Mayor Greenbaum post that there would be a collection of supplies at the Municipal Building and another parent recommended the Mt. Olive Food Pantry,” states Magrini, so it was agreed that whatever funds were raised would go towards donations to both causes. In total, 16 children took part in the lemonade stand efforts including Brielle and Ava Magrini, Kylie, Kelsey, Jordyn, and Jake Burke, Arianne and Nathan Rosebaum, Kai Collins, Madison and John Galdieri, Max, Olivia, and Charlotte Koller and Kylie and Zoey Farrell. The children range in ages from two to 12 and have known each other for years. Most are students at Chester M. Stephens Elementary School with the exception of a few attending Sandshore and Mt. Olive Middle School. “This group of children are all so different but in the end, they all have huge hearts that are filled with kindness and love,” states Collins. Marini’s feedback about the children was similar stating, “They really are a sweet and awesome bunch and all of us parents are so thankful for such a great community to raise our children in, and always look forward to watching the kids play outside together like we did in our neighborhoods as kids.” A few weeks prior, Kylie and Zoey, both CMS students, had held their own lemonade stand at home, raising $20. Deciding to combine their efforts, the children began to raise more funds together at their large sale held on Sunday, July 29. The sale, although only for one day, was very successful. The sale was held at a field located in the center of the neighborhood where they might catch the eye of anyone passing through. The Country Oak neighborhood is located in Budd Lake. Everyone involved in the sale, children and parents alike, helped to erect the stand, make signs and make lots of lemonade! They were able to offer both pink and yellow lemonade, offering samples of each also. Throughout the sale parents were back and forth from their homes to make more lemonade. “We all chipped in,” states Magrini of the efforts of the children

and their parents. Magrini and Jackie Rosenbaum made lemonade, Collins brought the table and table cloth and Kylie and Kai created the signs used for the sale. Overall the group sold approximately four pitchers of lemonade raising $102, giving their fundraising efforts a total of $122 when combined with the Farrell’s sale. “The community response was fantastic and heartwarming!” says Magrini. “People pulled over in their cars when driving past, people walking dogs went home to get money, and many were very generous.” The kindness of the community did not end at the closure of the sale. “Jim DiRienzo, a member on the board of Country Oaks saw a photo of the lemonade stand in the days following and left a donation of $20 in my mailbox with a very kind note thanking the children for their kindness,” Magrini explains. In order to turn their funds into their donation, Magrini went with her daughter, Brielle to the local Walmart to purchase school supplies. “Brielle was super excited to choose backpacks and shop for supplies,” states Magrini. With the funds they were able to purchase two boy backpacks and two girl backpacks as well as supplies to stuff inside such as pencil boxes, folders, composition books, highlighters, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, expo markers, scissors, erasers and pencil sharpers. Basically everything a kid could need to get a good start at a new school year. After dividing up the supplies into each backpack, the Magrinis dropped off two of the backpacks at the municipal building where there was a bin set up for donation drop-off. A Mt. Olive municipal spokesperson stated that this was the first year the town has run a school supply collection. Supplies they were gathering included backpacks and any other basic school supplies. The bin was located in the lobby of the town hall and the collection was set to run right up until the start of

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 9

the school year. Supplies collected by the town were intended to be divided up and put inside the donated backpacks. The backpacks, stuffed with the supplies, would then be given to the four elementary schools and middle school where school employees would then distribute the supplies to students in need. The other two backpacks donated from the lemonade stand were dropped off at the Mt. Olive Food Panty to be distributed from there. “Running a lemonade stand for any pantry should be recognized,” stated Susan Morse, an administrator for the Mt. Olive Overall the group sold approximately four Food Pantry. pitchers of lemonade raising $102, Though the Country giving their fundraising efforts a total of $122 Oak kids do not have any when combined with the Farrell’s sale. concrete plans for future fundraising they would likely jump at the chance to hold their lemonade stand again next year after the success they experienced this year. “The children were very proud and happy with the whole experience. They were excited about the money they raised, and happy to be together,” states Magrini. In closing Magrini states, “I’ve always been proud of all that Mt. Olive has to offer to families, as well as its sense of community and pride. There are so many wonderful families and students who understand the importance of supporting one another. I, as well as the other parents involved, are thankful to be a part of this community and to be able to raise our children here together as we all agree, it takes a village! Hopefully this simple little lemonade stand inspires others to help in any way they can because no act of kindness is too small.” For more information about the Mt. Olive Food Pantry and their current needs, visit ww.mountolivepantry.org.

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Page 10 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

From One Coach To Another, There Is No Stepping Back, Just Giving Back by Melissa Begley ne hears a lot about how things used to be. “We had to walk to school; uphill; both ways.” But all of a sudden, I am the old person doing the telling. “We couldn’t just Google everything. I didn’t have a cell phone until I was 25. Summers were a time to be bored.” There was a woman in my parish who ran the summer basketball clinic at Holy Child in Staten Island, N.Y., for who knows how long or why she did it. I remember attending it first in elementary school , and then being so super pumped and also felt totally cool that I was old enough to be a coach. The girls in the parish who were on the varsity team were invited to coach these younger girls. The concept was simple: Get the older girls working with the younger ones and see what happens. It’s genius really. The little ones are getting some basketball experience and the older ones are putting their knowledge into practice and reminding themselves of what they need to focus on as well as learning to speak to a group. In May, I was having a conversation with a dad on the soccer field talking about when and how I started to coach. My daughter overheard me and our conversation continued in the car and by the time we arrived home, we realized it was time for us to try and create a similar situation for some

in Mt. Olive. She was nervous, of course, but I reminded her that the high school Varsity Basketball team had put together a similar clinic over the winter that she and her friends had attended and had a great time. Coach John Helder had done something similar with his Grade 5/6 lacrosse squad. I explained that the age gap was the same, and she was willing to give it a try. One of the girls Helder pulled in was Shannon Meisel, an incoming junior who cheers and plays lacrosse. Meisel was coached by her sister Amanda and knew immediately that was something she wanted to pursue. As soon as she was of age, she was a camp counselor, then a cheer coach, and once she was in high school, a lacrosse coach as well. When asked if she would recommend coaching, Meisel says, “I would without a doubt recommend coaching to any one of my peers. It counts for great volunteer hours to begin with, but it is also a fun experience. My friends and I look forward to coaching every year and this is because we have so much fun with the girls. All the girls I have coached (both lacrosse and cheer) have been so excited and eager to learn and improve that it made the experience so much better.” When asked if she has a preference, Meisel says, “Overall I love coaching both cheer and lacrosse. Sometimes it does get hard to complete school work, cheering

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 11

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Page 12 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

for high school, and playing lacrosse. When it comes to coaching their clinic went. They spent June making fliers, designing a logo, cheer, I had many high schoolers coach me over the course of and researching drills. They named the clinic, Basketball Universe: my Rec days, and I wanted to be able to do that for others. I love Summer Edition and are sad to see their season come to an end. coaching lacrosse because I am so passionate about the sport and The girls speak with the ease that only two twelve year olds on a I like being able to see the younger girls have the same passion for summer in July can have. They sit in their basketball clothes with the game. They get so happy after they make a good play, or they their long limbs, makeup free faces and the color of summer on win a close game, and it’s exciting to watch.” their skin and I want to tell them to enjoy every second of it all, Meisel actually had to cut our conof sports, of life, of the challenges of versation short because she had to go middle school. To realize it’s all in Smitreski says, “We really wanted to give girls coach cheer. the blink of an eye and none if it rean opportunity to practice basketball in a safe As the coach of the varsity basketally matters. But before I launch into and nonjudgmental environment.” ball team at St. Jude, I had access to yet another lecture, my daughter Watkins elaborates, “We enjoy playing a bunch of players who could possibasketball ourselves and we wanted to encourage starts answering my questions about bly be interested in coaching. I had why they wanted to run this clinic. younger girls to find a fun sport that they enjoy.” already lined up my squad of 16 who Smitreski says, “We really wanted were interested in playing another to give girls an opportunity to pracsummer session of PLB (Parking Lot Basketball) and asked if they tice basketball in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.” wanted to coach. I had six who were interested and whose schedWatkins elaborates, “We enjoy playing basketball ourselves ule permitted them to coach and took it from there. Jenna Ales- and we wanted to encourage younger girls to find a fun sport that sandrini, Vaibhavi Borra, Gabby Helder, Ava Shawl, Holly Smitres- they enjoy.” ki, and Rachel Watkins were up for the challenge. After checking The girls tell me about the six pillars upon which Basketball with Father Antonio, pastor of St. Jude Thaddeus in Budd Lake, Universe was centered. They are Skills, Fun, Learning, Working we were given the green light and the girls were up and running. Hard, Practicing, and Team Work. The junior coaches spent some There were a bunch of things I wanted them to learn from time explaining these pillars to their players. They also explain this experience. As the end of the summer draws a little closer, that at Basketball Universe, SPF stands for Strong Powerful FeI sit down with my daughter Holly Smitreski and her friend Ra- male. This has become the huddle chant last season bechel Watkins and ask them a few questions about how they think fore our games. We were not having a lot of wins and

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during one of our team talks and we decided that no matter how overmatched we may be, we wanted to remember that we were Strong Powerful Females. We wanted to improve our skill level and play every game. Watkins says that part of SPF is to “keep your heads up high and be strong and confident in yourself… no matter what.” To set up each session, Watkins says “We break into stations: dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense and end each practice ends with relays which would be a fun way to recap what we learned during the practice.” I ask how they know what to do each session. Smitreski adds that they incorporate “stuff that we’ve done in past years and we look some of the stuff up online. We research drills for younger girls and we watch videos and see how we can change them for our group of girls. We also change drills that we’ve done in other sports.” When asked about obstacles, she is reluctant to admit that “Some of them don’t listen,” and immediately she wants to take it back. Before I can explain that kids getting distracted or frustrated is part of coaching, Watkins interjects. “You have to engage them so they pay attention and they do behave,” she says. “I’m glad that the girls got to witness this first hand because it is a part of working with others.” From the classroom up through the work force, there is always a person who doesn’t want to do the work, and someone else who wants to fool around. The girls had to quickly deescalate situations where players were losing focus while still keeping the girls happy enough to come back the next week.

I ask about other lessons they can take from this experience and put towards real life. Anyone who has had me as a coach can recollect one of my catchphrases: “Sports is a metaphor for life.” Watkins says, “Even if you have a perfect plan, it’s never going to go exactly as you planned, so you have to adapt and change it as you go.” I ask Smitreski for specifics about what hurdles they had to jump. “Numbers, certain drills don’t work without a specific number of players,” she says. “You also have to change it if they don’t understand it, if it’s too easy, too hard, or if it rains!” They also spoke about TeamSnap, an app used to track player availability for each session. This could help the junior

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coaches decide how many stations would be created for each evening and which drills would be taught at each. Because it’s the summer, we expected erratic attendance. Add in the rainiest Mondays in the history of summer, and it was tough for the junior coaches to plan. Players would forget to update the app, so Junior Coaches had to create practice plans, but be capable of changing it if fewer or more players showed up. The girls grew frustrated time and time again, but I explained that this was futile. Some people are unwilling to use the app. However, junior coaches now see how important it is for a coach to know who is coming to practice, and I bet the five of them never forget to update again for their teams. They have now witnessed first-hand how important it is to update your coach with availability in a timely fashion. Some of the less chatty coaches describe their experience. Gabby Helder, a freshman, says “Coaching them was heart-warming because seeing them smile is amazing.” Jenna Alessandrini, an incoming seventh grader, says “I love being a Junior Coach for the little girls. Some of the girls there had never once picked up a basketball before our first practice. So, it’s really cool to see them learning so much and having fun at the same time.” The girls do recommend coaching as a good experience. Smitreski says “You have to be willing to put in the effort, but it is a lot of fun. It teaches you how to speak to people, be able to adapt, and deal with people who don’t always listen to you.” Watkins continues, “When you help these girls, it’s really rewarding. You feel really good after giving back. You learn a

lot from coaching because when you are telling other people things, sometimes it brings up stuff that you haven’t thought about for a while and it’s fresh in your head.” I could not be prouder of my junior coaches. I watched them start in June ask 1,000 questions about each thing they would do. I watched them speak mousily to their players while looking to me constantly for reassurance as the sessions commenced in July. Now, they demand the girls’ attention and speak confidently. They argue with me and push me because they thought their play“Numbers, certain drills don’t work without ers could a specific number of players,” she says. handle “You also have to change it if they don’t understand more chalit, if it’s too easy, too hard, or if it rains!” lenging drills. They were correct. They are excited about how they can continue and want to coach a basketball team in the winter and start a similar soccer program in the fall. As parents, we want what’s best for our kids. We want them to be happy, we want them to learn to exist in the world independent of ourselves, we want them to thrive, we want a little better than what we had for ourselves. With youth sports being so different than what we grew up with, it’s hard to not take a step back every once in a while and say, “Am I nuts? What am I doing here?” Maybe pause, and step back further and ask, “What is the end game here?” There was no stepping back this summer. I call it a win.

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Chuck McGroarty

Mary Strain

Mt. Olive Planning Department Small But Mighty “The planning department consists of just two people: myself and Mary Strain who serves as both the department secretary and secretary to the planning board,” says Chuck McGroarty, the director of planning. By Steve Sears planning department sounds like a pretty important unit, and one might think that involvement of quite a few people may be necessary for the department to properly function. Think again Mt. Olive residents. “The planning department consists of just two people: myself and Mary Strain who serves as both the department secretary and secretary to the planning board,” says Chuck McGroarty, the director of planning. This being said, McGroarty also states that he and Strain collaborate closely with many township departments. “Although we are only a two-person department, we collaborate closely with all the departments within the township and with Eugene Buczynski, the township engineer who is an outside consultant and has served Mt. Olive for more than 30 years,” he said. “We also work closely with the township attorney and the attorney for the planning board. I believe strongly in this team approach which brings a wide range of expertise to any particular problem or issue thus maximizing our efficiency and service.” McGroarty has quite a resume. He has worked for the Township of Mt. Olive for 29 years, first for 13 years (Nov. 1989 – June 2002) as director of planning, then as an outside planning consultant to the township the following 15 years from June 2002 – Oct. 2017. In Oct. 2017, he returned to his current helm, that title including township planner and zoning officer. A master’s degree recipient from Rutgers University in City and Regional Planning, McGroarty is licensed in New Jersey as a professional planner, and is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. As the township planner, McGroarty’s responsibilities are many, including preparing updates and amendments to the township’s Master Plan, the township’s affordable housing plan- known as the Housing Element & Fair Share

Plan- and updates and changes to the township’s Land Use Ordinance or zoning ordinance. “I also review and approve or deny all zoning permits which are required for improvements to homes and businesses within the township,” he adds. In addition, McGroarty reviews all development applications, including variance requests, which are requests to depart from the strict requirements of the Land User Ordinance, and prepares reports on the same for the Mt. Olive Planning Board, and attends all planning board public hearings in his position as the township planner. “The planning board,” he asserts, “is separate from the planning department. It is comprised of township residents appointed by the mayor, along with a representative from the township council and acts in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law, a NJ state statute that sets forth the scope and

Page 18 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

authority for the board.” Finally, he adds, “As the zoning officer I enforce the township’s zoning and property maintenance regulations.” McGroarty is quick to point out that Strain is an essential part of the planning department, helping the public with questions, concerns and complaints about zoning permits and zoning and property maintenance issues, and processing all development applications, including keeping track of applications and funds associated with same. “Mary also is responsible for assembling the information to respond to the many Open Public Records Act (OPRA) we receive from the public,” he says. He says that 2018 was a banner year for Department of Planning. “We achieved a major accomplishment this year in

putting together the township’s affordable housing plan which was approved by Superior Court and will guide the township’s efforts in this area through the year 2025. I was also successful in securing a substantial grant from the New Jersey Highlands Council to conceive and prepare a Redevelopment Plan for a portion of the Rt. 46 corridor in Budd Lake with a particular emphasis on revitalizing business opportunities together with a focus on protecting and preserving the natural habitat of the lake which serves as the headwaters of the South Branch Raritan River.” McGroarty and the Mt. Olive Twp. Planning Department are located at the Mt. Olive Municipal Building, 204 Flanders-Drakestown Road. Call (973) 691-0900, ext. #7310, or visit www.mtolivetwp.org for more information.

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Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 19

Hiking More Than 500 Miles Of Appalachian Brings New Inspiration To Local Grad Student

n May 3, Florham Park resident Eric Wagner arrived at Springer Mountain, Ga., to cross off a very important item on his bucket list: Hike along the Appalachian Trail. “Hiking has been a passion of Eric’s since he was young,” shared his wife, Annie Wagner. “He has always loved the outdoors and fresh air.” It was an idea that came to Wagner during the summer between his junior and senior year in high school. Growing up in Mt. Olive, the 28 year old aspiring history teacher recalled his English teacher assigning the class a reading list to choose from. At random, he had chosen “A Walk In the Woods,” by Bill Bryson. “I just remember seeing the title and it jumped out at me,” Wagner explained. “It reminded me of something that one of my favorite authors Jack London or Gary Paulsen would write. I’ve always been a big fan of outdoor ad-

venture stories.” What started out as homework quickly grew into an idle pastime obsession filling the spaces between school semesters. After graduating college, the obsession only grew stronger. “Since I’ve known Eric, hiking on the Appalachian Trail was always on his mind,” commented Andy Hill, a family friend. “Sometimes it was all he could talk about. He used to try and convince me to take the

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Page 20 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

Eric Wagner celebrates his 28th birthday at Clingman’s Dome Ranger Station in the pouring rain - one of 14 consecutive days.

time off work. But who has six months to commit to something like that?” Running more than 2,200 miles along the Eastern seaboard and crossing through 14 different states, including Wagner’s home state of New Jersey, the Appalachian Trail inspires thousands of hikers from all over the world to test their adventurous spirit each year through the ultimate hiking challenge. Known as “thru-hikers” within the hiking community, these brave individuals make the attempt to hike the entire trail from start to finish. Of those thousands of eager hikers starting out, only a fraction actually make it from Spring Mt., Ga., to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. “They say that over 1/3 of the hikers that start quit by the third day,” Wagner shared. Despite failing to reach his intended destination, in N.J., more than 1,300 miles from his starting point at Springer Mt., Ga. Wagner claims that he harbors no regrets about how the experience went. “I was able to make it out in the woods for 45 days and hiked over 500 miles, so that’s not too bad,” Wagner exclaimed. “I got to see things and experience things a lot of other people will never get the chance too. And for that I will always be grateful.” The experience wouldn’t have been possible without a strong network of support in his hometown of Mt. Olive. “We are so proud of what Eric has done,” shared his mother, Lisa Wagner. “It was such a challenge and I’m just glad he is home safe and sound.” Despite the close proximity and his desire to hike on the

trail, Wagner admitted to being a novice to the hiking lifestyle. “I’ve gone camping before, but nothing quite like this,” Wagner exclaimed. “When you camp, you typically bring a car to load everything in. On this hike, everything you need has be carried on your back! You really can’t prepare for it until you’ve experienced what it’s like.” For 45 days, Wagner successfully hiked more than 500 miles along the Appalachian Trail from Springer Mountain, Ga. to Damascus, Va. “I was able to make it out in the woods for 45 “At first, days and hiked over 500 miles, so that’s not too bad,” I was only Wagner exclaimed. “I got to see things and experience able to hike about 5 or 6 things a lot of other people will never get the chance miles a day,” too. And for that I will always be grateful.” remembered Wagner, “but eventually my pack grew lighter and my legs got stronger. On my longest day, I was able to hike over 26 miles from one campsite to the next.” In spite of the challenges, Wagner remained upbeat and optimistic. He was even able to spend his 28th birthday in the Smoky Mountain National Park at Clingman’s Dome, one of the trails most famous landmarks. “It was pouring rain, but I had made some friends along the way and they surprised me by buying me a cupcake with the candle already sticking out,” laughed Wagner. “They sang me happy birthday and even though we had trouble getting the candle lit it was the best cupcake I had ever eaten.”

Another spectacular view on the trail in Georgia.

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 21

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The original four, solid group for a month. - From left, trail names (Warrior (Chris Baker), Unhurry (he actually never told us his real name haha), Compass (Eric Wagner) and Gucci (Vinny Gasso).

Although starting out alone, by the end of Wagner’s hike, he had made close friendships with several thru-hikers, including Vincent Gasso. Dubbed the trail name, “Gucci,” Gasso shared that his motivation for completing the entire hike was to honor his recently deceased grandfather. “My whole life, I have tried to maintain my childlike

sense of won“It’s mostly mental, you just need to put one foot in der,” shared front of the other,” Wagner advised. Gucci. “Life’s “The best way to prepare is to just go out and do it.” too short not to try and go out and accomplish your dreams.” When asked if he had any advice for novice hikers thinking of attempting an extended hike into the

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woods, Wagner simply shrugged and smiled. “It’s mostly mental, you just need to put one foot in front of the other,” Wagner advised. “The best way to prepare is to just go out and do it.” “It was a once and a lifetime experience, A f t e r one that I wouldn’t ever want to change,” more than he concluded. nine and a half decades since it’s official recognition by the United States Government, the Appalachian Trail receives thousands of hikers each and every year. Yet despite its growing popularity, it is maintained on a purely volunteer based system. Thousands of hikers across hundreds of local chapters dedicate time and effort to keeping the hundreds of miles of trail clear of debris, sometimes hauling equipment straight up mountains in order to remove fallen trees after storms. “Anyone who enjoys nature and being outdoors should be willing to put in some time and effort so that the rest of us can enjoy it,” shared Gasso. “It’s an amazing thing to see all these committed individuals helping keep something so precious intact after this many years.” As far as future plans, Wagner claimed that he is currently working on his second novel, “Leaving It On the Trail,” while attending graduate school at Montclair University. He plans on revisiting the trail next summer and continue hiking for the rest of his years. “It was a once and a lifetime experience, one that I wouldn’t ever want to change,” he concluded. Sunrise at the Smokey Mountain National Park entrance.

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Page 24 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

Berk’s Expands Inventory To Include Amish Custom Wood, Outdoor, Rugs And Online Orders

By Cheryl Conway o need to trek to the country for Amish Furniture now that Berk’s Furniture & Mattress in Hackettstown offers an expanded showroom featuring custom-handmade sets for dining and bedroom. This past February, the owners of Berk’s Furniture renovated the back portion of its showroom, by 14,000 feet and brought in some new lines of furniture made by the Amish. Located at 320 Mountain Ave., next to the Paintpourri and AutoZone, Berk’s is known for its all brand name furniture, mattresses, recliners and area rugs at discount pricing. Owned by siblings Amy Berkowitz of Green Twp. and Justin Berkowitz of Sparta, Berk’s has added onto its inventory offering even greater selections to its customers. Choose from this new line of Amish Furniture, a huge area rug display, an expanded mattress and bedding department, a new line of American upholstery, top of the bed essentials, a greater selection of outdoor furniture and an online website to purchase online. “We are committed to growing the business,” says Amy Berkowitz. In business with her brother since 2012, Berk’s just celebrated its sixth anniversary in May. Just four months ago, “We put up new walls, molding and painting; made it a whole new showroom,” she says. “We put in a Dining Gallery,” with an “entire wall with sample blocks of the woods.” Berkowitz says, “We want to make it easy for the customer to physically see and touch the furniture, the quality is so impressive there is no way you could ever see if from a computer screen.” After shopping for two years and checking out 20 different companies, they decided to go with Trailway’s solid wood custom dining furniture by Amish craftsmen in Ohio, where the largest Amish settlement in the country exists, notes Berkowitz. “Better furniture comes out of there,” she adds. “It’s gorgeous,” she says referring to the “all custom handmade furniture. The best quality and most options at the most affordable pricing.” It’s so beautiful that Justin and I both replaced our kitchen sets with the new Amish Furniture as soon as it came in! In its expanded showroom, “We have an entire wall dedicated to the species of wood,” she says. There are “five different species available in 20 different finishes each; 20 different nobs to choose from; they’ll even make their own

size.” This makes it very easy for the customer to take the sample down, look at the finish and see the quality of the wood. Berk’s is currently focusing on dining room furniture made by the Amish but plans to bring in bedroom furniture as well, says Berkowitz. Currently customers can choose from seven different dining sets with different sets of chairs. Custom made to order, customers can pick size, shape and wood choosing between maple, cherry, hickory, wormy maple, regular oak and elm. They can choose from the template or catalog when making their selections. “You can customize whatever you want,” says Berkowitz, whether they want a table wider or longer. “You can change the edge,” get chairs upholstered or non-upholstered. The best part, says Berkowitz, is the Amish furniture is “American made and we discount on top of it; it’s an amazing product. They specialize in just wood.” Berk’s is also a great place to shop for rugs and with its new area rug display, with “about 90 rugs hanging right now all well priced,” customers can find what they are looking for. When ordering rugs online, a customer may not see the exact colors. What looks like a burgundy may actually be red upon delivery, she explains, when ordering online. “Here you can see them and we can drop ship

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 25

In its expanded showroom, “We have an entire wall dedicated to the species of wood,” she says. There are “five different species available in 20 different finishes each; 20 different nobs to choose from; they’ll even make their own size.” them,” says Berkowitz, “and they are available in all different sizes. All at discount prices! We won’t be beat by any pricing on line, and if someone does find it, we will always match or beat it!” For mattresses, customers can now choose from an expanded mattress and bedding department at Berk’s. Electrical adjustable bases are now being offered with different options for head, foot, massage with lumbar support or zero gravity, she says. “We deliver and set them all up,” says Berkowitz, “Adjustable bases provide the ultimate comfort for anyone who likes to read, watch TV or just play on their Ipad in bed.” With outdoor furniture at Berk’s “just last year was the first summer; this year expanded upon it,” says Berkowitz. Berk’s selection of outdoor furniture has also expanded with greater choices in sectionals, living room, dining room, swings and fire pits. “We committed ourselves to carrying better outdoor furniture, all cast aluminum, powder coated furniture that will last for years,” she says. “Before we were in the business I bought a set that I thought looked great. After one season I had to throw the entire set away because it completely rusted. We committed our-

selves to purchasing quality outdoor furniture so our customers never have to experience that.” For living rooms, Berk’s recently added another “American made upholstery line. “We stock everything the way we show it,” says Berkowitz, “but can custom order with very little upcharge for special order. We can also have custom made furniture in the customer’s home within four weeks which is the fastest custom available anywhere!” The furniture is made with an “all wood frame” with “high density cushion foam.” There is a “big difference in quality with American made compared to others made in China.” Also new is top of the bed essentials says Berkowitz including bedding, pillows, shams and comforters. Berk’s is offering its Fourth of July special: Now through July 9 “We are paying sales tax,” says Berkowitz, and customers can get 24 months interest free on purchases. Plus free white glove delivery. For more information, call 908-269-8725. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To order online, visit www.berksfurnituremattress.com.

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Page 26 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

Enzo’s Pizzeria, An Italian and Seafood Restaurant That’s All About Family The restaurant has seen quite a few changes over the years. What started out as a small pizzeria has been expanded to include a dining area and a banquet room, and in total can seat about 120 customers. The neighborhood has changed as well. By Bonnie Cavanaugh

nzo’s Pizzeria on Route 46 has been a Budd Lake landmark for 42 years, opening its doors with an entirely homemade menu in 1976. The restaurant is run by Ernesto “Ernie” Buonincontri, who makes the pizza, and his wife, Vincy, the main chef. They serve foods reminiscent of their native Naples.

All the recipes have been handed down from Ernie Buonincontri’s parents, Emilio and Assunta, the original owners, who emigrated to the United States with their children, Ernie and his sister Anna, from Pouzzuoli, Italy—a suburb of Naples—in 1969. In a sense, they were returning to their homeland, as Buonincontri notes that his grandfather was born in Bridgeport, Conn., to an Italian immigrant family, and had returned to Naples to raise his own family. Buonincontri’s father came to the U.S. alone, settling into Brooklyn, N.Y., before bringing his family over. A construction worker by trade, he quit the business after a serious fall from a three-story building. Not to be deterred, he purchased Enzo’s from “a friend of a friend” who’d built the store, but never opened it. The family kept the name Enzo’s in honor of a late son of the same name, who had passed in childhood. The restaurant has seen quite a few changes over the years. What started out as a small pizzeria has been expanded to include a dining area and a banquet room, and in total can seat about 120 customers. The neighborhood has changed as well. “The area has grown a lot, in a good way,” Buonincontri says. He notes improvements to Turkey Brook Park, the township school system, and growth in the International Trade Zone, which, he adds, has brought Enzo’s additional business in the way of corporate luncheons. The pizzeria’s menu has expanded as well. A listing of specialty pizza choices

includes more diverse options, such as the Neapolitan, which is made with buffalo burrata (a fresh buffalo milk cheese, made with mozzarella and cream), basil, and marinara sauce, topped with arugula. Another, the Toscana, features prosciutto, spicy sausage, soppressata (a type of dry salami), capicola, marinara, and is topped with shaved auricchio cheese, a type of aged provolone. The Abruzzo includes prosciutto, arugula, sliced tomato and a drizzled balsamic glaze. For seafood fans, the Amalfi is topped with shrimp and calamari in a fresh scampi sauce, with bruschetta tomato. All specialty pizzas are priced at $18 for a small pizza, $25 for large, and $31 for the “family” size. A listing of authentic pizza selections are priced slightly lower, at $16 for small, $22 for large and $27 for ”family” size, and are more often sold as slices along with the standard pepperoni, sausage, or

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 27

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Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 29

plain pies. These include self-described toppings such as Buffalo Chicken and Baked Ziti Pizza, as well as the more exotic, like the Bruschetta Balsamic, which features a balsamic crust topped with bruschetta, fresh mozzarella and basil. There’s also the Vodka Pizza, which uses a homemade vodka sauce and shredded fresh mozzarella (pasta can be added for $3 on a small or $4 on a large size); and the Four Cheese, a sauce-less white pizza made with mozzarella, ricotta, cheddar and parmesan. Additional toppings for all pizzas on the menu can be had for $1 apiece: garlic, extra cheese, broccoli rabe, prosciutto, anchovies, meatballs, the works. “If we have it, we’ll put it on a pizza,” Buonincontri says. The restaurant’s most popular entrees are its chicken and seafood dishes, he says. Chicken specialties include Pollo Piccata, chicken sautéed with lemon, capers and butter in a white wine sauce, at $18; Pollo Saltimbocca, chicken topped with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and spinach, in a brown mushroom Madeira wine sauce, at $20; and Pollo Balsamico, chicken sautéed with shallots in a reduced balsamic vinegar and topped with pecorino Romano, at $19. There’s also Pollo Vesuvio, chicken rolled up with spinach, cranberries, and gorgonzola cheese, in a madeira wine brown sauce and a touch of cream, at $22; Pollo Principessa, chicken served in a brandy brown mushroom sauce and topped with eggplant, prosciutto, sliced tomato and fresh mozzarella, at $23; and Pollo Valentino, chicken layered with eggplant and provolone served in a marina sauce, at $20. Seafood dishes feature Mussels Marinara, sautéed mussels in a garlic seasoned plum tomato sauce, at $17; Broiled Scallops, served in a white wine, lemon and butter sauce, at $21; Marechiaro, jumbo shrimp and scallops served in a pink sauce, at $24; Zuppa di Pesce, a bowl of clams, shrimp, calamari, scungilli, scallops and mussels in a marinara and basil sauce, served over pasta, at $28; and Grilled Salmon, served in a caper white wine sauce, with a choice of garnished zucchini, asparagus or carrots (or pas-

ta), at $23. Other seafood entrees include Shrimp Franchese, shrimp dipped in egg batter and served in a white wine lemon sauce (also available with chicken), at $18; Pasta with Clams, steamed littleneck clams in a light marinara sauce (white sauce also available), at $18; and Seafood Alla Vodka, sautéed shrimp, crab meat, shiitake mushrooms, and asparagus in a vodka sauce, at $23. “People like everything we make,” Buonincontri says, adding that all menu items are homemade. “We make all our sauces from old recipes from my mom and dad.” That includes the daily specials, which can range from beef to seafood to lamb on any given day. On a recent weekday, the appetizer specials, or Antipasti, included four items: Shrimp Toast, made with crispy Italian bread and a layer of fresh avocado spread, topped with diced shrimp and bruschetta tomato, at $13; Shrimp Cocktail, shrimp served chilled with cocktail sauce and lemon, at $15; Ricotta di Honey, a platter of ricotta cheese with honey, sharp provolone, grana padana (a hard, semi-fat cheese made from cow’s milk produced only in the Po River Valley in Northern Italy), and with prosciutto, at $13; and Tropical Insalata, shrimp over spring mix salad with mango and papaya, topped with walnuts and goat cheese in a balsamic dressing, at $17. Specialty entrees featured Porkchop Murphy, a 16 oz. Frenchcut pork chop sautéed with mushrooms, onion, bell peppers and banana peppers, with a side of roasted potato, at $27; Tilapia Franchese, egg-battered tilapia in a lemon sauce served over spinach, at $24; Tour of Italy, a combination plate of stuffed shells, meatball parmesan and fettucine alfredo, at $25; homemade Seafood Ravioli, served in a russo sauce (a specialty sauce made with plum tomatoes from Italy), with asparagus, at $26; homemade Beef Braised Ravioli, served in a mushroom beef reduction sauce, at $22; Lobster Risotto, fresh lobster meat sautéed with shallots and peas in a light cream sauce with a touch of marinara, at $27; and Lamb Alla Vincenza, rack of lamb served over roasted vegetables, drizzled with a balsamic glaze, at $28. Buonincontri sources the ingredients for all of Enzo’s

Page 30 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

items from Ferraro Foods, a nationwide distributor of Italian foods based in Piscataway. The restaurant has a liquor license, and diners may choose from a selection of beer and wine to have with their meals, or to buy as packaged goods to go. It’s all priced to please, Buonincontri says: “A little more than a liquor store, but better than restaurant pricing.” Everything at Enzo’s is priced to be “family friendly,” he says. He has come to know many of his longtime customers by name and has served their children, as well as their children’s children, over the years. “They’re not customers anymore; they’re family.” Enzo’s also serves an entire menu of gluten-free appetizers, entrees, kids’ meals, hot and cold sandwiches, and even pizza, featuring many of the restaurant’s popular dishes. The only issue Enzo’s faces is in hiring and maintaining wait

staff, which is common throughout the nationwide restaurant industry today. Other industries are struggling to hire younger workers as well: “There’s low unemployment and people pick and choose their jobs,” Buonincontri says. “It’s like everywhere else, not just in the restaurant industry.” His three daughters have all worked as wait staff in the restaurant at one time or another before moving on to college and professional careers in the wealth management, real estate and pharmaceutical industries. His son currently works at Enzo’s. The restaurant also provides a catering delivery service, and a special “Family Dinners To Go” menu that offers dinners that feed six people, priced at $45 each, for those nights when no one wants to cook. Enzo’s is open seven days a week and can be found on both Facebook and Instagram.

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Page 32 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

Cars And Politics Drives Council Vice President To Make Improvements In Mt. Olive

By Stefanie Sears lex Roman never envisioned an automotive career for himself, but he claims that he was “always a nerd” and good at math and science. He studied Mechanical Engineering and Economics at Rutgers University and worked at a local repair shop in Elizabeth to help pay for school. “I soon discovered that I really liked fixing cars and didn’t want to spend my life behind a desk,” he says. Since July 2002, Roman has owned DTA Automotive in Budd Lake, a location chosen due to its close proximity to his Flanders home. Prior to this, he worked at another shop and afterwards diagnosed problem cars for other shops, one of them being the now DTA Automotive. “When the previous owner showed interest in selling, I jumped at the chance,” says Roman. Before technology advanced in his field to diagnose automotive issues, Roman had to make extra efforts to determine them. For example, he explains that the first step is simply talking to the customer about when the problem occurred in order to assess it. Then he would do road testing, which he says is “key” to solving these problems. “First off, it allows you to duplicate the problem at hand and it also helps you narrow down the possibilities,” he says. “Road testing also reveals other issues that a driver may have not noticed or can’t articulate. As an example, today a customer dropped off a car for an oil change. I road tested it first and noticed that the steering wheel was intermittently tight. I called the customer to tell him what I observed. To which he replied that he had started feeling that a few weeks ago and thought that was just the car getting older. That problem would have just gotten worse.” Of course, different seasons and weather circumstances are often the causes. “In the winter weak batteries show up,” he says. “Heat complaints obviously show their face. In the summer overheating complaints are more prevalent and A/C problems abound.” However, now that computers are involved, Roman has discovered that technology and information, particularly the latest diagnostics scanners, is often very beneficial to fix cars correctly. It seems that with the progression of diagnostic technology, cars have gotten more intricate themselves. “Needless to say cars are way more complicated today than when I first started,” he says. “Your car today has over a dozen computers integrated in a network sharing information which makes for interesting problems. I’m an ASE

certified master technician and continue to get training in the latest automotive technology; mainly in BMW, VW and Audi. I decided eight years ago to concentrate training and tools for servicing those vehicles.” However, there are also ways that customers can maintain their own car care, for which Roman gives some advice. “Follow your manufacturer’s maintenance interval,” he says. “If your car has a maintenance reminder, follow that. At least once a year you should have your car properly inspected. We do digital inspections and give customers a link to see them. I also recommend that consumers get a cheap Bluetooth OBDII code reader, that way they will know why their check engine light is on. You can now get a decent one for less than $100. It won’t give you all the information that a professional diagnostic scanner will but some information is better than nothing.” Of course, Roman also provides a tip about what not to do. “Avoid cheap parts when possible,” he says.

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 33

“I like to think our personal service and training sets us apart from most of my competition,” he says. “I like to position myself as the alternative to the dealer because of our ability to repair and service late model cars. And since our overhead is significantly less, we can charge less.”

“You’ll save money now but it will cost you more later.” There have also been instances when Roman could actually not diagnose a problem, particularly because the customer did not want to dedicate time to it. It sometimes depends on the vehicle, and Roman understands these reasons. “Common problems are dependent on your year, make and model,” he says, “Sometimes, your 15-year-old car is not worth spending $1,000+ plus on.” Roman says he believes that although his shop’s small size is his business’s greatest weakness, its greatest strengths are the ability to fix cars the first time around guaranteed and the personal service he provides his customers. “I like to think our personal service and training sets us apart from most of my competition,” he says. “I like to position myself as the alternative to the dealer because of our ability to repair and service late model cars. And since our overhead is significantly less, we can charge less.” His customer service is also especially evident due to the shop’s primary weakness. “Our waiting area is extremely small,” Roman adds. “That’s

why I provide rides back home so you can wait comfortably at home.” His top-notch customer service makes an appearance in one of his most memorable moments of his career, a story that displays his understanding and overall loyalty to the community. “During the first year in business, a woman came in with her Honda overheating,” he describes. “She unfortunately had a blown head gasket and couldn’t afford to fix it. She was devastated and beside herself because she had no one. Recognizing her struggle as one that I had been in not too long ago, we agreed on a payment plan. She paid $20/week for over a year. She went on to go back to school, became a nurse, got married and to this day brings all her cars to us. She reminds me how we should always help out folks whenever we can.” Roman’s desire to help his community more translated over to his political life. In addition to owning DTA Automotives, Roman has been a member of the Mt. Olive Twp. Council since 2007 and currently serves as its vice president. Previously, he was a recreational football and softball coach for seven and nine years, re-

Page 34 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

In addition to owning DTA Automotives, Roman has been a member of the Mt. Olive Twp. Council since 2007 and currently serves as its vice president. Previously, he was a recreational football and softball coach for seven and nine years, respectively, and joined the council to get more involved with town committees. spectively, and joined the council to get more involved with town committees. As a councilperson, Roman’s job is to oversee the operations of the administration by approving budgets, passing ordinances, and serving as a check and balance to Mayor Robert Greenbaum. “Politics is always something that has interested me. And I’ve always had a desire to be involved in deciding the course of whatever group I was a part of,” he says. “It all started in college when I was on the Latino Student Council. That was my first exposure to politics. Being a councilman is very rewarding. I love being able to solve resident’s problem and seeing the fruits of your ideas. I raised my four kids, three daughters and one son, here and thankful for the great environment here.” He also adds, “I’m proud of holding spending down during my 10 years on council and pushing the administration to be more tech savvy. One of the things I’m also proud of is the numerous town rec sport sponsorships, school PTAs, and various school activities.”

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Page 38 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

Meet Marty The Ice-Cream ManHere’s The Scoop “I worked for restaurants in cooking and baking before that,” he says. When he saw an ad in the paper to drive an ice-cream truck, he says, he decided to “change it up a bit” and that change became his profession.

By Cheryl Conway t has been 20 years since Martin Osborn of Budd Lake has been riding around town in his ice-cream truck selling his frozen treats. For anyone who lives or has visited, whether at the parks or in the neighborhoods, Marty’s Ice-cream has been a staple in Mt Olive and nearby towns for two decades now. Living in town since he was 7 years old and even a 1983 graduate of Mt. Olive High School, Osborn has made quite a business for himself and looks forward to it every day. “I like how people are always happy when they come to the ice-cream truck,” says Osborn, 54. “You never get mad people. You always get happy people; everybody is happy. I look forward to doing it every day. “I tell my kids it’s always good to find what you like and enjoy,” he says. “It doesn’t matter what it is, if like it and enjoy it, it doesn’t matter what it is.” Osborn started his own business Marty’s Ice-Cream in 1998 after working for Pied Piper ice-cream truck company in Byram for four years. That company operated 20 trucks at the time before going out of business, he says. Right after graduating high school he entered the Army stationed in Louisiana from 1985 to 1988. “I was a baker in the army,” says Osborn. “I baked for a 1,000 soldiers, cakes, pies, pastries, donuts, anything they wanted. You had to learn how to be a soldier and cook at the same time. I cooked out in deserts; I cooked in the woods.” Osborn’s baking days began when he was a child, he says. “When I was 8 years old I’d bake cookies and give them out. I grew a fondness for it.” He

worked as a volunteer at a bakery in Netcong for free on weekends and then for a baker in Hackettstown. “I worked for restaurants in cooking and baking before that,” he says. When he saw an ad in the paper to drive an ice-cream truck, he says, he decided to “change it up a bit” and that change became his profession. “You drive around and have no boss, it seemed a bit fun,” says Osborn. “You work by yourself and you have to work really hard. It’s for you…you’re not working for somebody.” Watching the kids in the community grow into adults has been interesting as has the changes in society. “When I first started doing it, I enjoyed it,” he says. “It’s fun watching all the kids; 10 to 12 years it

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 39

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Page 40 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

changes; 10 years later they’ll graduate college or have kids of and Wards ice-cream companies. their own; it’s fun to watch.” Besides purchasing the goods to sell, other costs include gas Through his business, Osborn provides pre-packed ice-cream, and truck maintenance. He averages about 10,000 to 12,000 drinks and candy from cones to sandmiles a year on his truck. “So you don’t start the streets until 4 p.m. when wiches to funny face bars to ice pops. He stops about twice weekly to “I have like 65 things,” in prices that parents are home,” he explains. “Kids do play outside fill up his truck with gas, which is not but not as much as when I first started.” range from $1 to $4. that bad, he says, with mostly local His work hours depend on the day driving, especially since the “new he says, with some days busier than truck is better on gas than the old others. He can work up to 11 hours a truck.” day in the summer but come fall, his Four years ago Osborn replaced hours may be just five or six a day, his truck for the first time since starthe says. ing his business. He does not recall “Sometimes I stop and get me an the mileage he had on his “old truck” ice coffee,” he laughs. which was 40 years old, he says, addOsborn drives around Mt. Olive, ing “that things [odometer] never stopping at most populated venues worked. It was too old; you break such as Turkey Brook Park, Flanders down, can’t find parts.” Park as well as area towns includOsborn’s new truck- a 2014 Dodge ing Byram, Netcong and Stanhope. Ram Promaster- can’t be missed as it He makes sure to stop at apartment is bright yellow, unlike his old truck, a complexes including Hensyn Village 1971 white Chevy. in Netcong as well as Budd Lake’s “I figured yellow would look much Kings Village and Eagle Rock Village. better,” he says. “It stands out; peoHe will typically hit Budd Lake on ple see it.” Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Just like his old truck, competing Sundays, and then Flanders on Tueswith other ice-cream trucks is also a days and Saturdays, so each area will thing in the past. each get coverage two sessions per Times Have Changed week. “I used to have competition but “People don’t have the money no more,” says Osborn, adding that every day so you kind of split it up,” he used to have three or four comsays Osborn. petitors. “It’s not an easy business; Tracking his stops, Osborn says he you have to build it up over the makes an average of 50 to 75 stops per day. years. I’ve had a pretty good fan base.” “I drive around and have people come to the truck,” he deAlso a factor has been the change in kids’ past-times. Kids used scribes. “You are kind of like a bartender; you talk to people; you to be outside more playing ball with their friends, riding bikes, have time to conversate. You drive around the streets and talk to running through sprinklers, selling lemonade on street corners. people. Driving around the streets is my favorite thing.” Video games and social media have taken over with less kids There is nothing quite like happy customers, such as kids, run- on the streets, more parents working, leaving kids to stay inside ning up to the truck with big happy faces wanting to buy an ice- more than in years’ past. cream. “A lot of people do camps, so I do a lot of camps and daycare For four years now, the McBrides of Budd Lake have been one where kids are out when parents aren’t home,” he says. of his regular customers. When he first started his business he says more kids were out“My older son chases him down everywhere,” says Erica Mc- side. Now no one is home; they are at camps or day care. Bride after treating her two boys, Jack, 7, and Shane, 4, with some “So you don’t start the streets until 4 p.m. when parents are ice-cream from Marty while at Turkey Brook Park in August. home,” he explains. “Kids do play outside but not as much as “He’s so funny to the kids,” says McBride. “My son’s a talker; when I first started.” he’ll have a nice conversation with him. He’s very friendly,” she To get their attention, Osborn used to have a bell, which was says about Osborn. easy to hear when kids were outside. He now plays music “to get On a typical day Osborn says he will head out around 11 a.m., their attention,” he says. hit the park first, then beaches in Byram, park again, “Then at 4 I Looking at his customer base, Osborn says he will serve about start doing my streets. I do a lot of camps, morning parties at 10 75 to 100 customers daily. His biggest clientele are kids with paror 11. His regular route is from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., he says, then ents. He does get all ages, older people “they like old fashioned he puts away his ice-cream and heads home around 10 p.m. Screwball or Bomb Pop.” He has a freezer inside his truck, where he stores his ice-cream; Osborn says, “You get everybody really; you get anywhere and receives deliveries from local wholesalers such as Jack & Jill from 2 years old to 80 years old, they’ll buy.”

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 41

Most popular items are the Bomb Pop, cookie sandwich, ice cream sandwich and face bars, he says, and “Italian ices have gotten popular over the years.” His newer items, Mexico Paletas or rice pudding bars, pecan bars, cookie-n-cream and coconut are 100 percent natural flavored ice-cream. His favorite is the rice pudding ice-cream pop, he says. With September already here, Osborn usually ends his season at the end of October. He runs his ice-cream truck business beginning of April, sometimes as early as March, through October’s end. In the winter, he delivers Dominoes’ Pizza in Budd Lake, a job he has had for the past four or five years, he says. “They put me on the schedule whenever I want,” Osborn appreciates. Since getting his new truck, Osborn says “business has improved. I was doing ok but now I can breathe a little bit.” He could not trust the old truck, he says, so he had to limit some of his stops “but now people call me for parties and I can go.” For parties, Osborn says he shows up with his truck and kids buy ice-cream. He travels within a 30 mile radius for parties. Old fashion still, Osborn says he does not have a website but can be reached “by word of mouth” or simply chasing him down when he is seen in the neighborhood or local park. “I got really busy through the years,” says Osborn, who is a one-man show with his business. “I turn down a lot of parties; swamped through June until the third week of August,” but by the time school rolls around, his business slows down. Twenty years is a long time in running a business and with that comes a lot of favorite memories and little funny stories to share. Osborn recalls one of his favorite moments with two brothers, ages six and eight from Hopatcong, when he first started out. These kids came running down the street out of the bathtub with no clothes on; their mom looking down the street, Osborn laughing. “They say ‘what could I pick?’” “I say ‘I don’t know, you don’t have any money,’” recalls Osborn. “They’re just standing there with suds,” while their mom is screaming down the street. While he admits that “you don’t make a terrible lot,” as an ice-cream man, the experience is worth every penny. Greatest challenge is the lack of health insurance, especially when he has a family to support with his wife of 20 years, Thummee, and their son Jack, a fifth grader at Chester M. Stephens Elementary School in Budd Lake. “Some people have jobs they don’t like but their health insurance is good,” he admits. “I have to cross my fingers that I don’t get sick.”

When he first started out he says Thummee used to go on the truck with him and help out. Her role as a mom took over. “He’s a big ice-cream fan,” he says about his son Jack. “I’m a big ice-cream fan. Every-time I come out, he gets two or three ice-creams,” he says about his son. “Wherever he goes, he has to have ice-cream.” When looking at this life and the business he created for himself, Osborn is happy he stayed in Mt. Olive all these years. “I grew For parties, Osborn says he shows up with up here,” his truck and kids buy ice-cream. He travels says Osborn. within a 30 mile radius for parties. “When I got the job and started I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I knew everybody from school; you felt comfortable where you grew up. “Mt. Olive has done a lot of improvement,” notices Osborn. “It’s a really nice place to live. They didn’t have a park [20 years ago]; they didn’t have soccer fields. The kids are lucky now.” Turkey Brook Park, “It’s a go-to-spot to get their kids out of the house. It’s a family oriented place. The perfect place for walking, biking, Splash Pad, park, sports. They got everything here.” As far as retiring, Osborn has no desire. “I’m not going to retire,” he says. “If I can do it in my 70’s I’ll do it in my 70’s. This is my retirement, my truck.” To book a party, Osborn can be reached at 973-347-8057.

Page 42 • September 2018 • Mt. Olive Life

Chabad Jewish Center Offers Outlet For All Jews To Embrace Sense Of Community And Heritage By Cheryl Conway eptember is a time for change like with the leaves turning colors getting ready to fall and kids starting their new school year. With Judaism, it is the “season that is the engine that propels and guides the journey that is the coming year,” says Rabbi Yaacov Shusterman, director of the Chabad Jewish Center in Flanders. The High Holidays typically fall in September/October time frame with Rosh Hashana known as the Jewish New Year, Sept. 10-11 this year; followed by Yom Kippur: The Holiest Day of the Year, Sept. 18-19. It is a busy time for the Shustermans, 42, and his wife Fraida, 41, with the services they provide at Flanders Crossing Recreation club house open to all wanting to observe the holiday in prayer and song, as well as the start of their Hebrew School program and building their Sukka or outdoor hut in their backyard in preparation of the week long holiday of Sukkot held eight days after Yom Kippur; this year Sept. 24-Sept. 30; that commemorates God’s protection of ancestors after their exodus from Egypt. During the High Holiday services, no membership fees or tickets are required, nor affiliation necessary, but they do accept sponsors and donations. Traditional and inspirational services in a warm and friendly atmosphere are provided along with Hebrew and English prayer books, sounding of the Shofar, singing from a cantor as well as a children’s program and service. When asked about the number of active members, the Shustermans do not provide an official number as the rabbi says “All Jews are members!” He says, “Active has so many different meanings because we visit Jewish residents and businessmen in the area, and although they might not come to services, they are active members on our part. Our “membership” consists of Jews from Warren County, Long Valley, and Chester. Many are from Mt. Olive. “We have gotten to know many more people over the years!” says the rabbi. “It has definitely grown!” The other closest chabad centers are the Chabad of Randolph, Chabad of Sparta and Chabad of Rockaway, says the rabbi. Since 2004, the Shustermans have been living in Flanders and running the chabad. During the past 14 years they have been reaching out to more and more Jewish people encouraging them to embrace their Judaism. “We had been in touch with our Regional Director, Rabbi Asher Herson from the Chabad in Rockaway, about opening up a center in the area,” explains Shusterman. “He suggest-

ed we come here because there hadn’t yet been a Chabad Center established in Western Morris County.” Before coming to Flanders they lived in Brooklyn and both worked as teachers, says Fraida Shusterman. The chabad has definitely made an impact over the years in the local area. “Many Jews in Mt. Olive and surrounding areas have been impacted since we moved here,” says the rabbi. “Women and girls have started to light the Shabbat candles on Friday night, men are putting on Tefillin, we’ve checked and put up dozens of Mezuzahs on Jewish homes, many are attending Torah classes, more Jewish kids are coming to our Hebrew school and youth programs, and we have instilled Jewish pride in Jewish families. People are prouder than ever to be part of a Jewish holiday celebration. There is a stronger Jewish presence in the area.” Through the chabad, the Shustermans are on a mission to get Jewish people connected and involved in their culture and religion. “Being a Chassid of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 43

Menachem Shneerson, we are charged with a mission: to educate and inspire our Jewish brethren in whichever capacity we can,” says Shusterman, a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, who went to Jewish Day School, continued his studies in Israel and the U.S. before receiving his Rabbinic Ordination in 1998. “We couldn’t be any happier and satisfied with this profession,” adds Fraida Shusterman, who grew up in Montreal, Canada, attended a private Jewish school there and graduated from Teacher’s College in Montreal. “We provide everything a Jew might need throughout life,” says Shusterman. “Programs for young ones, Hebrew school, Bar and Bat Mitzva preparations, synagogue services, Torah classes, holiday programs, counseling, senior home visits, funeral services. Since the chabad has no synagogue building, it utilizes the Flanders Crossing Recreation for its holiday services, Community Shabbat meal and other programs; and has used the Flanders Country Day School in Flanders and their own home for Hebrew School classes and smaller programs. “We definitely have plans moving forward!” says Shusterman, about a permanent facility. “We’ve been looking for a permanent space for a while, and thank God plans are in the making. Stay tuned!” The chabad does offer Hebrew School classes on Sunday mornings. “Our Hebrew School is a contemporary learning center that successfully caters to Jewish families from all walks of life,” says

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the holiday, less fortunate or unable to prepare. It also organizes with the township recreation department a community-wide Hannuka celebration and menora lighting in December at the Mt. Olive Twp. Municipal Building with a holiday gathering inside the Mt. Olive Senior Center. “The township supports our activities,” says Shusterman. “They’re great to work with!” While challenges are a part of life, Shusterman maintains a positive outlook. “Our challenges are the challenges of Judaism today: How to ignite the Jewish flame, and how to keep that Jewish flame alive,” says Shusterman. “There’s nothing more joyful and rewarding than being there for someone else and catering to their needs,” he says. For more information on the Chabad Jewish Center, visit mychabadcenter.com; call 973-927-3531, or like its Facebook page facebook.com/JewishMtOlive. Background About Chabad Organization According to the website, The Chabad Jewish Center is part of the largest network of Jewish social and educational organizations worldwide, known as Chabad Lubavitch. From his appointment in 1952, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, motivated by his profound love for every Jew, sent out large numbers of rabbinic emissaries, a husband and wife duo, to settle in places across the world to set up a Chabad House for the purpose of teaching and inspiring their Jewish brethren. The Chabad Jewish Center is dedicated to serving all Jews in Mt. Olive and its surrounding neighborhoods with an unconditional love and concern for every Jew, regardless of background or affiliation. It is founded on a principle that, while Jews embrace many levels of observance in their personal lives, there should be a place for all Jews to develop a sense of community and enhance the Jewish experience. Its many programs cater to all ages, educate and provide Jewish knowledge, awareness, and practice leading to a deeper sense of pride and appreciation of the Jewish heritage ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people.

All are welcome to take a Torah class, try a mitzva or good deed, explore one’s roots and take one step further on the path of Judaism. “Our vision is to have a fully functioning and self-sustaining Jewish Community Center in the area which services the Jewish needs of residents of Mt. Olive and nearby villages,” the Shustermans state on their website. “By 2020, we hope to be an established community of some 400+ families who would benefit from a rich array of programs.”

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 45

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Local Dentist Removes Broken Dentures And Fee For Navy Veteran, Replaces Implants, Menu And Smile “He came to us from an ad we ran about dental implants,” explains Goldberg. “He started by saying he didn’t think he could afford them, but he wanted to look into them because he had to do something.

By Cheryl Conway eonard Krauss of Randolph has a lot to smile about, and food to enjoy, thanks to services provided by Dr. Ira Goldberg of Morris County Dental Associates in Succasunna. About a year ago, the 90-year old navy veteran sought a free consultation from Goldberg for much needed dental work and in March 2018 Krauss’s treatment was complete. From the time he set foot into the dental office, a connection was established between a patient and a doctor, and empathy for a man deserving of a better quality of life and a healthier mouth. “He came to us from an ad we ran about dental implants,” explains Goldberg. “He started by saying he didn’t think he could afford them, but he wanted to look into them because he had to do something. As he was telling us this, his upper denture was literally falling down and his lower denture was sliding all over.” Without any dental coverage, according the work that needed to be done, Goldberg offered to provide all services at no cost to Krauss. “I’m not a clinic, I’m not the VA,” Goldberg maintains, but this case was one where he knew he had do something to help this man. “He desperately needed the care, deserved it, but simply couldn’t afford it,”

says Goldberg, who has helped out other patients before when it came to finances but “on a much smaller scale, and not on a regular basis. The VA couldn’t help him, he couldn’t eat properly, and he was very close to having nerves exposed that could cause him a great deal of pain. He has given his service to our country and he’s a kind and thoughtful person. He touched each and every person in our office, too.” With his own practice in Roxbury for the past seven years and 16 years at his previous practice, Goldberg says “what separates us from other offices is what our mantra states: “Experience, compassion and

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 47

“It’s a long time ago,” he says, “this particular medicine was not top notch. When I got back to school my hair started to fall out and I started to get cavities that I never had before.” quality.” We take our time with patients, listen to their concerns and treat them with respect. We are well known for comprehensive and thorough treatment, too.” Compassion was clearly in the picture when helping Krauss. “We gave him a new lease on life,” says Goldberg. “He will be healthier. He is now able to eat better, talk better, and smile better. His teeth don’t slide around his mouth, or fall out. He has a goal to see his granddaughter graduate from West Point, and hopefully we put him closer to reaching that goal.” Meet Leonard Krauss Born on June 26, 1928, in Kearney, Krauss grew up in Bergen County’s North Arlington where he played football for his high school team. During one of the games he played in the freezing rain and wound up in the hospital for two weeks after coming down with a 104 degree fever, he recalls. He played end, which it was called back then, and was required to play entire games, and with the equipment at that time, there was no staying dry. “The equipment that we had back then did not have rubber padding,” he says, but instead “had cotton padding. When you play football in inclement weather those paddings got wet.” Unlike football today, in which one team plays offense and another set of players play defense, “When we played we had one team. You played offense and defense and you played the whole game in freezing rain and your padding got wet. You got a chill, ended up in the hospital.” To treat his infection, Krauss was given one of the first anti-infection medications made which dates back to the 1940’s. “It’s a long time ago,” he says, “this particular medicine was not top notch. When I got back to school my hair started to fall out and I started to get cavities that I never had before.” While his parents no longer allowed him to play football, he was allowed to make his own decisions once he became an adult, like join the Navy. “In the beginning I had to try hard to convince them to play football,” he says. “When you are young you don’t look at experiences but your parents do, so they said ‘no more football.’” They would not let him enlist in the service at the onset of WWII. “When WWII broke out I was in the eighth grade, junior high,” he explains. “The years passed, all of a sudden I was 17 and war was still on. Some of my classmates went into the service. I went to my dad and said ‘you need to sign permission.’ I said ‘I need your permission to go into the service.’ He said ‘no I’m not signing for you to go into the service.’” While his father, Ike, served in the army during WWI, “he didn’t want me to sign up for anything; ‘when you are 18 that’s up to you,’ which is what I did. I was 19 or 20 years old, I was out on my own so he didn’t give me a hard time. He said I was very proud of you.” From 1948 to 1952 Krauss served in the Navy as an air traffic controller. “The Korean War hadn’t started yet,” he says, so there was no

involvement in military services at the time “but they were sending military assistance to the Korean Army. I wanted to make sure I served in the navy; l enlisted. During the Korean War Krauss served on a ship assigned to the seventh fleet and operated in the Mediterranean area, he explains. “It was a show of force,” he says. “The higher reps and military wanted to make sure we were recognized all over the world, Mediterranean included.” While all was going according to plan, Krauss’ teeth were not holding up while on the ship, a condition he blames on the infection he got while in high school. When he enlisted in the navy he says his “teeth were acceptable,” but once in the Navy his teeth were not. “The dentist said ‘what we could do is give you a denture.’ The dentist said ‘it’s a matter of time, the teeth are not going to last much longer.’ I would put a Band-Aid on them,” says Krauss who questions the care he received back then. “The Navy dentists are not the greatest in the world,” says Krauss. “They were looking for the easiest way to take care of the situation.” Dentures were put in but they did not last. “It lasted some time before I had to have it replaced,” says Krauss. “If you would’ve gone today, he probably would’ve given you a partial den-

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ture. At the time in the Navy, easiest way out and cheapest way, you are at their mercy because you belong to them.” After four years, Krauss was honorably discharged in 1952. “There were things I wanted to do like get married and start school,” says Krauss. “I’m no hero, I’m a vet,” says Krauss. “I did my job, I’m very proud of what I did. I served on a warship but I’m not a hero. I’m just like any other vet. I never proposed to be other than a sailor doing my job.” He married Mildred Donahue in July 1953, started school at Seton Hall University and had two twin boys Keith and Kevin. “We were busy,” he says. They went onto have three more kids, a daughter Maribeth, and two more sons William ‘Liam’ and Eric. He worked in industrial sales for 30 years and just retired six years ago from his part-time job as a distributor of school busses. “I was one of the drivers,” he says. Mildred died 18 years ago and Krauss lived in Plainfield for ten years before moving into his son Eric’s house, in Randolph two years ago. His seven grandkids have kept him going. His granddaughter, Kelsea in Randolph, is currently in her final year at West Point with plans to serve as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army. Goldberg Gives Krauss A Renewed Reason To Smile “Who would have thought a piece of mail would establish a friendship between a Korean War Vet and a dentist?” Goldberg’s office describes in a write up about Krauss. As a Veteran, Krauss received health care through the Veteran’s Administration in East Orange and Basking Ridge, but when he turned to them for dental care he was denied coverage. “I needed some dental work,” explain Krauss, who soon came to learn that “If you don’t have 100 percent disability, you don’t get coverage. I had 75 percent disability.” While he appreciates all of the services the VA provides to veterans- like paying for his medication, his knee replace-

ment and heart valve replacement- Krauss questions why it does not provide dental care especially since “proper food and nutrition” is important to a person’s overall health. “If you can’t consume properly, you can’t keep your health,” says Krauss. “I can’t understand for the life of me that they can’t replace dental work. Before I went to Dr. Goldberg, I went to the VA dentist department and they said you have to be 100 percent disabled. I just wanted them to check my mouth to see what I can get done. They said ‘no, you have to be 100 percent disabled.’” He says “I had some dentures, been quite a while since they were replaced. They did not fit properly so it restricted my foods. My menu had to be on the soft side; difficulties in chewing because of the loose dentures. “Unfortunately the older you get, the more receding you get in the structure of “I knew I needed something done,” stated Krauss, your mouth,” “because the Veteran’s Administration was at a limit he says. as to what they could do for me. I’ve had full denW h e n tures for the upper and lower jaws for years, and they Krauss re- just didn’t fit right. My digestive tract was affected, I ceived an ad- couldn’t eat many foods, and I was simply unhappy.” ve r t i s e m e nt offering a free consultation for dental implants at Goldberg’s office, he decided to make an appointment. “I knew I needed something done,” stated Krauss, “because the Veteran’s Administration was at a limit as to what they could do for me. I’ve had full dentures for the upper and lower jaws for years, and they just didn’t fit right. My digestive tract was affected, I couldn’t eat many foods, and I was simply unhappy.” “Unhappy” is not what Dr. Goldberg and his staff ever saw from this gentleman,” Goldberg’s office tells. “Mr. Krauss has never been caught once by me or my staff in an unhappy state or mood,” Goldberg states. “He’s always smiling, cracking jokes, telling us military stories in the most positive manner, and living life to its fullest.”

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Extensive Care Needed “Mr. Krauss had a very serious dental problem,” explains Goldberg. “He presented to me with advanced bone loss in both the upper and lower jaws. We see this all the time, so we know how to handle it. The Veteran’s Administration, as well as most dentists, are not equipped to deal with this kind of crippling situation. We are.” A 3-D scan taken in Dr. Goldberg’s office showed nerves that were just about to be exposed, he explains. “When this occurs, a patient has constant pain,” states Goldberg. “We were dead-set in avoiding Mr. Krauss from living with this problem. In our experience, dental implants are the most predictable method to restore his oral health, which in turn would also improve his systemic health.” Surprised that the x-rays and “extensive” consultation was free of charge, Krauss wanted to review what the financial burden would be on him if any work were to be done. “He went over possibilities of what we can do,” explains Krauss, “to see if I was in agreement with that.” He says prior to that he discussed few things like how he was a Veteran and the ship he was on and came to realize how Goldberg was on the same ship when he was in San Diego. “I said ‘that ship was our sister ship,’” says Krauss. Goldberg’s office explains, “We can always ballpark a fee for a patient, but its difficult to get a real accurate number until we go through some preliminary, diagnostic steps. I told Mr. Krauss to let us do this over five appointments, and there wouldn’t be any fee to him until we finished them and he accepted treatment. This sounded reasonable to him, so we proceeded.” It was during these appointments that the relationship bloomed and Goldberg and his staff looked forward to spending time with Krauss, even extending appointments to enjoy each other’s company, they say. When they learned how Krauss “had very little financial backing for the dental care” and “what he has done for our country,” they made their decision. “What this man has done for our country is outstanding, and should be applauded,” states Goldberg. “He is also a kind and tremendous human being,” while his staff fully agreed. “We decided to take care of his dental needs pro-bono.” Krauss’ reaction: “I looked at him and said ‘You can’t do that doc; you can do it for a reduced rate.’” Krauss says Goldberg told him how he wanted “to give something back to my profession” and that ‘I was honored to do some work for you to get your mouth squared away.’ He said ‘it’s going to be a privilege.’” With this offer, Goldberg had asked Krauss to participate in a TV promotion to feature his story, so he agreed. The plan was to place four implants into the lower jaw and attach non-removable teeth to those implants, Goldberg explains. For the upper jaw, a brand new denture was fabricated. The procedure was done in a manner called, “guided surgery,” a guide is fabricated from 3-D technology using specialized software in order to place implants into precise locations with minimal surgery.

“I decided to use a guided technique for Mr. Krauss due to some of his medical conditions and medications,” Goldberg explains. “He suffers from atrial fibrillation, and therefore he is on blood thinners. I wanted to minimize the amount of bleeding, and avoiding certain types of Novocain that could aggravate the A-fib. People oftentimes think age is a factor, but it really isn’t. It’s the health of the patient.” The entire experience is one that Krauss will always cherish. “The staff in his office are really terrific people,” says Krauss. “I really appreciate Dr. Goldberg and the staff and what they helped me with. I still owe a lot to Dr. Goldberg. He’s really very nice, “What this man has done for our country is great peroutstanding, and should be applauded,” states s o n a l i t y, very helpful. Goldberg. “He is also a kind and tremendous human being,” while his staff fully agreed. “We decided to Fortunately take care of his dental needs pro-bono.” I got a hold of a dentist who is something else. He did a nice job for me.” Since his treatment was completed in March, “his world has been turned around by the procedure,” says Goldberg. “He’s now able to eat any foods he wants, and his smile is second-to-none.” Adds Krauss, “I don’t have to restrict my food to hamburger, meatballs or chicken basically. I can eat a steak now and lamb chops. He changed my menu and he also changed my smile. ” Although work is completed, continued maintenance and monitoring is required, he says. Krauss was looking forward to his Sept.19 appointment “to make sure everything is good…and then we are going to lunch.” For and inside view of the care and compassion Krauss received, check out the video on Goldberg’s website MorrisCountyDentist.com, YouTube and Facebook.

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Birthdays & Celebrations

September 2018 Send names, dates and photos...production@mylifepublications.com

Jon Pignataro September 13

Nevin Petzinger September 23 11 years old

Thank you for allowing me to serve you for another 4 years!

Joe

Proudly Serving the residents of Mt. Olive

NICASTRO

COUNCIL PRESIDENT Questions or concerns? Contact me at 973-809-4784 Cell jnicastro@mtolivetwp.org

Mt. Olive Life • September 2018 • Page 51

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