M t . O l i v e’s H o m e t o w n N e w s p a p e r
MOUNT OLIVE LIFE Vo l . 1 8 • I s s u e 6
Ju n e 2 0 2 3
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Iceland Hikers Get Ready for Six Day Adventure
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - Imagine unplugging from cell phones, social media and the ordinary daily routine to hike with other women through Iceland and visit the Blue Lagoon, one of the earth’s most awesome places. Two local women plan to hike this adventure next month when they join Viking Women on the Women’s Laugavegur Hiking Tour with 57 Hours. Denise Washington of Hackettstown and her good friend JoAnn Spilman of Long Valley will join up to 16 other women for the six-day hike. The ladies will fly to Iceland on July 8 and their hike starts Monday, July 10, returning to Reykjavik on Saturday, July 15. “That morning we go to the Blue Lagoon, then two days in Reykjavik,” says Spilman, retired as a former Information and Cyber Security manager. The hike is “Professionally
mapped out by 57-hours,” explains Washington, a medical coder/auditor, spin instructor, personal trainer and health and wellness coach. “It is a beautiful route and will take in some of the more memorable parts of Iceland going through diverse terrains.” Spilman and Washington have been friends since 2010 when they met while working out at Peak Performance gym in Chester. “We joined a contest together and have been fast friends ever since,” says Washington. Exercising for years — as a marathon runner, winner of the Mt. Olive Biggest Loser Contest through Mt. Olive Recreation Exercise program, and spin instructor — Washington began hiking more than a year ago. The 26 year former Mt. Olive resident went on her first hike in February 2022.
“I took a solo trip to Sedona and hiked for four days and I was hooked,” says Washington, 68. “I hike with various hiking groups on Meetup. Hikeolution, NJ Single 50+, NJ Forty Plus Hiking.” Her most challenging hike was BearFort Ridge, West Ridge Loop in West Milford. “A steep elevation (1,400 feet) with many areas which required that I had to use my hands to scramble up rock formations,” says Washington. “There were many scenic overlooks and the feeling of accomplishment I felt once I completed this hike was amazing.” When she returned from her Sedona trip, she explored other hiking ideas and discovered the Iceland adventure. “The thought of hiking with a group of women of various ages was intriguing,” says Washington. “Unfortunately, the trip for
July 2022 was sold out. I sent a 20-minute video about the trip to three of my friends; JoAnn responded, “yes” 10 minutes after I sent the email!” It was in April 2022 when Spilman learned of Washington’s idea. “Denise had wanted to do this hike last year, but it was filled. She sent a few of us an email, seeing if there was any interest. I said, ‘I’m in!’ “The Laugavegur Trail is one of the most spectacular thru-hikes in the world,” she says. We will start at Landmannalaugar ending in Thorsmork.” Spilman has not done any official hiking trips, she says, but has “been out hiking or walking locally and in Vermont for years.” Her favorite was “An evening/night hike with Denise this past February on Pyramid Mountain. It was minus 10 degrees F. Challenging, cold, dark,
AVM Honors Centenary’s First Lady with Wreath & Tree of Life
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - Retired U.S. Army Col. Jeanne Murphy of Hackettstown was remembered and honored on Monday morning, May 29, following the 2023 Memorial Remembrance Day Ceremony at the All-Veterans Memorial in Budd Lake. The late wife of Centenary University President Dr. Bruce Murphy, Jeanne Murphy was an advocate for Centenary University and veterans. The AVM organized an Honorable Service Ceremony to recognize her years of service. AVM Founder Charlie Wood Uhrmann gave the opening remarks at the Honorable Service Ceremony, which in the military is held when a warrior is Killed In Action. Its purpose is to acknowledge a person’s military service and to demonstrate gratitude to the fallen’s surviving family members so that they know their loved one’s service and sacrifice was not in vain. “The intent is to help the grieving families and friends with the healing process,” says Uhrmann. “We have selected U.S. Army Sergeant Luis Mattacastro of Hackettstown to deliver Col. Murphy’s accolades,” she
adds. “We plan to lay a Memorial Wreath at the Prayer Garden bench that she and her husband Dr. Bruce Murphy sponsored and dedicate a Tree of Life in her memory and support.” Dr. Murphy laid the memorial wreath to honor his late wife who died on Sunday, Jan. 8, of injuries suffered as the victim of a hit-and-run accident a day earlier while on her morning walk near her home. She was 70. Murphy was laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery on Wednesday, April 12. The Murphys had been involved at the AVM in more recent years through sponsorship and as speakers. When Jeanne Murphy took her first tour of the AVM, her “reaction was one of great respect and admiration,” says Uhrmann. “Jeanne was a bit surprised that Centenary was not more involved but vowed to change that. From that moment on, Jeanne and Bruce participated in our Memorial Remembrance Day and our POW/ MIA 24 Vigil. Last year Jeanne and Bruce sponsored a bench at the Reflection Sanctum; laid memorial wreaths and installed their own Honorable Service
Pavers. “Jeanne was our first combat female Keynote Speaker at the 2022 Memorial Remembrance Day Ceremony,” adds Uhrmann. “Col. Murphy delivered a compelling speech regarding the historical role women played on the battle field. From that point forward, Col. Murphy offered to play an active role in the volunteerism and planning stages of the memorial and POW/MIA events; attended the AVM Awards Ceremony; and began assisting in the planning stages of the 2023 Memorial Remembrance Day Ceremony. “One of Jeanne’s goals was to cultivate a strong relationship between the AVM and Centenary and to reinstitute the Veterans SVO organization at the university,” she adds. How fitting that the Centenary University Alumni dedicated the Tree of Life. Since 100% of the All-Veterans Memorial is being funded by private donations – Centenary University Alumni offered to sponsor a tree in Jeanne’s memory. “Similar to all sponsorships, a beautiful denotation (plaque) with Col. Jeanne Murphy and
MOUNT OLIVE - The winners from May’s’s “Find Moe Life Mascot” are Debbie Jimenez; Budd Lake, Cristina
DiMaggio; Flanders, Wynne A Webste; Hackettstown, Dorothy Lovis; Flanders.Mr. Moe was hiding in the follow-
ing ads: Retro Fitness, Camp Johnsonburg, Centenery Stage, Brandas Italian Grill, 200 club and Beaumont Landscaping.
our organization’s name will be permanently set at the tree denoting your contribution,” Uhrmann advises the alumni group. “I know this would mean a lot to Jeanne to see Centenary University represented at the AVM. The $500 sponsorship would cover the cost of the tree and plaque. “Within only a couple of years, the tree will cascade over Jeanne and Bruce’s memorial bench,” adds Uhrmann. “The tree, I believe, is an excellent symbol of Jeanne’s strength, resilience and contribution to society. Like the many memories we all hold dear of Jeanne, the tree will continue Jeanne’s gift of life and giving heart.” Uhrmann says “I am planning to plant a tree in Jeanne’s honor near the bench she and Bruce sponsored at the prayer PLEASE SEE AMV HONORS, PAGE 2
Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!
Your Chance to Win a $25 Gift Card with the “Find Moe Life Mascot” Contest
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Denise Washington
but so much fun!” To prepare for the trip, Washington says “I have been hiking at least once every week since May 2022. Additionally, I am increasing my sessions of weight training, walking, spin classes and yoga sessions to assist with endurance and flexibility.” Her other forms of exercise come into play to ensure her
body is in tip-top shape. “I teach spin and am a personal trainer,” she says. “I also walk, work out with a heavy bag, battle ropes and weight train.” Same story for Spilman: “I am always cross-training including alpine skiing, golfing, hiking, spinning, gym and yoga,” she says. “I will hike PLEASE SEE ICELAND HIKERS PAGE 2
Baseball is in the Blood for Mt. Olive Hurler
BY EVAN WECHMAN STAFF WRITER
Winners From May’s “Find Moe Life Mascot” Contest
MOUNT OLIVE - Check out our new mascot. Mr. Moe Life. Look for him in the ads in this issue and enter (no purchase necessary) to win a $25.00 gift card.
JoAnn Spilman
the paper in 6 random ads. Then go to www.mtolivelife.com scroll down and fill out the form to be entered. Winners will be notified and printed in the next issue.
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Jackson Patterson throwing his fastball for his Mount Olive travel team
MOUNT OLIVE - EightYear-old Jackson Patterson loves throwing his fastball for his Mount Olive travel team. Though he plays for the Mount Olive Marauders in the eight and under league, his success has caught the eye of many coaches and older players as well. This season he has pitched about ten innings and has struck out 26 batters while not allowing a hit. According to Patterson, he credits both his love for baseball and pitching success to his father. “My Dad pitched in high school and college, so he knows a lot about baseball. He’s very good at explaining things and so I am able to follow his advice.” Recently, on a Saturday morning at a game in West Milford, a crowd of older baseball players in the Mount Olive travel league saw firsthand what Patterson was able to do and came away very impressed. Jackson’s father, Chris, said many of them were amazed at the speed he was throwing. “His coaches have told me having a catch with him is like throwing with an adult. And I agree. His arm is almost as strong as mine now,” said the elder Patterson. While his fastball has not been clocked with any professional radar equipment, many of the players and coaches feel he may be hitting as high as 60 miles per hour on many pitches.
Though Jackson’s father is proud of his son’s success on the field, he takes even greater pride in his ability to stay humble. “His (Jackson) dedication is unmatched and he is always cheering his teammates on.” It also has created a special relationship between the two. Not only do they attend many Mets (their favorite team) games at Citi Field, but Jackson studies the game almost as closely as many experts. According to Mr. Patterson, “Jackson is a student of the game.” He adds his son is learning more about the game every day and is probably more aware of the different facets of the sport than his peers. Jackson has even learned from his father how to correctly score games, calculating hits and errors just like it’s done in the big leagues. This is high praise since Jackson’s father shined as a pitcher at West Morris Central High School before trying out for many major league organizations in the 1990’s. He even played a year of semi-pro ball with both former and future professionals but suffered many tendinitis injuries while playing at the collegiate level. Baseball seems to be in the family’s blood as Mr. Patterson admits both his father and grandfather played competitive baseball both in New Jersey and nationally. His father PLEASE SEE MT. OLIVE HURLER, PAGE 2