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 . 2 1 • I s s u e 7
Ju l y 2 0 2 5
Member of Mid-Atlantic Community Papers • Association of Community Publishers • Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL (CVC), ST. LOUIS, MO.
Budd Lake Mom Turns Art into Path for Healing & Wellness
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - By using her creativity and artistic talent, a local mom aims at coaching others to lead healthier lives. Perri O’Flynn, 50, of Budd Lake, is creating portraits of individuals and families on canvas and other materials. A stay-at-home mom/nanny and retired elementary school teacher, O’Flynn’s boys are now 20 and 18 which means she has more time on her hands to create and follow her passion. While she is still deciding on a title of her initiative, which she began in May, she is thinking maybe going with “Inside Out.” She says, “My initiative of sharing my art with others is to help me raise money for a Liv Well Health Coach certification,” through a Christian organization.
“A Liv Well Health Coach will help others toward transformation, which can be Christ centered,” she explains. “A coach leads others to a life of health and wholeness by giving them tools and confidence they need. It is a program that is grounded on biblical principles. As a coach, I will teach them how to live in alignment with God’s design for their bodies while offering practical strategies for lasting change for themselves. I am open to creating whatever my client is looking for.” She explains the motivation behind her passion. “I am doing this to help people in the community learn how to use physical, spiritual and mental health practices to lead themselves into pursuing a life of wholeness,” says O’Flynn. “I feel that people are missing
a big piece in their health care. Most programs focus on one specific outcome. This program will focus on a person’s whole entire body, including their minds!” Art Background O’Flynn has enjoyed art most of her life, and although she did not get her degree in art, her natural ability flows through her. “I’ve loved art and creating since I was a child,” says O’Flynn. “I have taken many different art classes my whole life. I’ve taken many structured classes in studios and online that range from watercolor, acrylics, mixed media to photography. In college I took classes that focused on teaching art and bringing art into the classroom.” O’Flynn got her degree in elementary/early childhood ed-
ucation and minored in art for a short time at Kutztown University and Marygrove College. “Art and creativity were integrated into many classes I took,” she adds. For her current initiative, O’Flynn uses photographs to create on canvas. “I create art using mixed media and any mementos the family may like to add,” she explains. “I work closely with the client to ensure that every little detail is added to their piece. Their piece can be of an individual or family.” O’Flynn explains how she uses various mediums. “I don’t really have a specialized area, but I find that I add a different twist on art by using different materials in my paintings,” she says. “I can add PLEASE SEE PATH FOR HEALING, PAGE 4
Community, Commitment, and Faith Bring Historic Church Back to Life
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
MOUNT OLIVE - Volunteers and officials who helped pave the way to transform the former Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Flanders gathered on Saturday, June 7, at the historic site to dedicate and celebrate their achievement. A week prior, Mt. Olive Twp. Mayor Joe Nicastro issued a proclamation at the May 27 Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting recognizing the historic church and Mt. Olive Township. HE presented the proclamation to Historical Society President Thea Dunkle for her time and commitment toward the project. The group effort that involved numerous grants and matching funds spanned more than two decades. The event was attended by community leaders, dignitaries and residents who came together to honor the church’s remarkable legacy spanning
BY CHERYL CONWAY STAFF WRITER
Mt. Olive Historian Thea Dunkle, Mt. Olive Township Administrator Andrew Tatarenko, Mt. Olive Councilman John Mania, Mt. Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro, Assemblyman Mike Inganamort and Morris County Commissioner John Krickus.
over 270 years, celebrate the church’s historical significance and ongoing role in enriching community life. Remarks were shared by invited guests including Mt. Olive Twp. Business Administrator Andrew Tatarenko; Assemblyman Mike Inganamort; Commissioner John Krickus;
Winner from June’s “Find Mr. MO Mascot” Contest
AREA - The winners from June’s “Find Mr. MO the Mascot” are Andrea Zielinski; Hackettstown, Arav luthra; Flanders, Susan Marie Leone; Flanders and Deborah Shepherd; Budd Lake. The ads that “Mr. Moe”
were in: Nicastro, Minuteman, V&V Construction, Mountain Top Church, ETGI and Functional Chiropractic. Thanks to everyone who enter and congratulations to our winners!
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Mt. Olive Councilman John Mania; Pastor Neil Lines; Margaret Hickey and Thea Dunkle. “The Mt. Olive Baptist Church’s history is a testament to the resilience, faith, and dedication of our community,” said Nicastro. “The township’s recognition affirms the church’s vital role as a beacon of faith, education, and community service for over two centuries,” as stated in a press release. “The celebration underscores the importance of preserving our local history and honoring the longstanding contributions of our community institutions.” Shares Tatarenko, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to preserve Mt. Olive’s past. What you see today is the culmination of decades of vision, meticulous planning and tireless dedication from countless volunteers and professionals.” When Tatarenko became the business administrator almost eight years ago, he says “continuing the progress of this restoration became a professional goal. Walking in the building for the first time, I was admittedly a bit overwhelmed by the scope of work ahead. But thanks to the remarkable partnership we forged with the Mt. Olive Historical Society, the insightful architects at Connelly and Hickey, the support from the Morris County Historical Trust and the commitment of the Mt. Olive Governing Body,
we were able to navigate the challenges and bring this project to its completion. To each and every one of you who contributed your time, talent, and passion, I offer my deepest gratitude.” Tatarenko invited members of the Mt. Olive Historical Society—Thea Dunkle and Kathleen Murphy—to say a few words; as well as architects from Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects, Tom Connelly and Margert Hickey, “who provided tremendous professional oversight and guidance throughout the entire length of this project. “Mt. Olive couldn’t have done this alone,” says Tatarenko. “Along with spending approximately $500K from the Townships Open Space Fund, we relied heavily on our partnership with Morris County and the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust who graciously granted the township over $1.1 million toward this project since 2003.” Krikus presented the Historic Preservation Plaque which will be attached to the building. “I am honored to present this plaque on behalf of Morris County for a project more than 20 years in the making,” says Krikus. “The structure’s restoration reflects the value we place on heritage and community, and we’re proud to have supported every major phase of
AREA - Check out our mascot...Mr. Moe. Look for him in the ads in this issue and enter (no purchase necessary) to win a $25.00 gift card to different establishments (4 winners).
It is easy to enter. Look through the paper and read the ads and look for “Mr. Moe” in the ads. He will be located throughout the paper in 6 random ads. Then go to https://www.my-
PLEASE SEE HISTORIC CHURCH, PAGE 6
MOUNT OLIVE - Fun-NFriends—Its name alone describes its philosophy and premise, from its early beginnings to its 40th anniversary! Officially licensed by the State of New Jersey on March 24, 1985, Fun-N-Friends Nursery School in Flanders is celebrating its milestone four-decade anniversary this year. Ran by three different directors over the years, each made it a priority to maintain the school’s foundation of promoting kindness, caring and safety. Shaping young minds and developing their skills has been paramount. Making friends and supporting the community has been its backbone. “For four decades, Fun-NFriends Nursery School has been shaping young minds with care, creativity and community spirit,” writes Fun-N-Friends Director Shirley Keegan of Flanders. “The school-wide motto, ‘kind, caring, and safe,’ is embraced by both students and staff, fostering a warm atmosphere.” The preschool began in 1980 as a small playgroup designed to serve the needs of the United Presbyterian Church, Keegan explains its history. “With just 12 children enrolled, it quickly became a cherished part of the community,” she says. Five years later, under the leadership of its founding Director Kathy Coogen, the preschool was officially licensed by the state in March 1985. Coogen also served as president
Your Chance to Win a $25 Gift Card with the “Find Mr. Moe Mascot” Contest
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of the Board of Directors before passing the torch to Kolleen Adams, who guided the school as director for more than 30 years until her retirement in 2019. That was when Keegan took the ropes, climbing her way up from when she began there in 2004 as classroom teacher, then head teacher before becoming the director. “I have always been most comfortable working with children,” says Keegan. “My husband and I started our family early and have three children and now three grandchildren of our own!” After earning a bachelor’s in business administration, Keegan obtained a N.J. State Certification in Early Childhood for head teacher and director. “The idea was to make use of my business degree and merge it with early childhood education,” shares Keegan. “I love the balance of business and education! I have been in the field for over 34 years.” Being at Fun-N-Friends for the past 22 years, Keegan has seen its growth and accomplishments. “Today, Fun-N-Friends has grown to serve over 100 children, offering half-day programs for ages 2½ to 6,” writes Keegan. “The preschool helps children develop the skills needed for a smooth and confident transition into kindergarten. There is a well- balanced combination of academic learning with the benefits of play-based PLEASE SEE FUN-N-FRIENDS, PAGE 4